Dear Fran, Love Dulcie

by Victoria Twead

  As water is scarce everywhere, it’s easy to find them at my water hole or trough. Now there is no grass for them so I’m feeding them molasses. Most of the neighbours are selling their stock to the meat works as they round them up. But I’ll be hanged if I’ll sell the ones I’ve selected and bred for eight years. They are stud stock and no meat works will get them.

  We are more fortunate than others, as Len is still away working, so we are not without some money to keep going. Two other neighbours are doing the same. The rest have to sell because their wives and families can’t handle the work alone.

  Len came home to see how we were doing last weekend. I haven’t seen him since July. He looks quite well considering he has to cook his own meals. Ugh! What a cook!

  Well, Fran, I’ve been writing this letter sitting on top of the water truck waiting for it to fill. It’s now 1:30 in the morning, the town is quiet and there’s a lovely sea breeze. However, I’ll have to leave it now and head for home.

  Terry is asleep at home. Len’s mother is staying with us for a while which is really good as she sees that we have meals.

  Looking at the calendar in the truck, I just realised Brendan would have been 10 years old today.

  Fran, do take care of yourself and remember even when I don’t write to you, that I still think of you every day.

  Lots of love from,

  Dulcie

  18th December 1972

  Dear Fran,

  Sorry, I didn’t realise that Christmas was so near. The days and nights just pass and only for Len’s mum reminding me to do this and that on certain days, none of the office work would get done or any mail sent.

  It’s much cooler tonight or perhaps I should say today since it is 2:10 am according to the truck’s clock. Only 70 degrees [21℃] now. Was 105 [41℃] in the truck today and it boiled the radiator dry all day. I’m pumping out the load of water for the cattle.

  Wish you could see the kangaroos, emus and wallabies and other things all drinking with the cattle, Fran. They are so hungry and thirsty. They eat molasses with the stock too and are so quiet. They don’t eat or drink all that much so I don’t kill them.

  My favourites are the little kanga-rats. They are so friendly and will eat from my hand and hop into the car when Terry comes with lucerne.

  Sorry about the spelling, Fran, I’m too tired to think straight and anyway the torch light is poor.

  Anyhow, I just wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Hope the New Year brings inches of rain too.

  Mum packed a parcel for you and I mailed it - can’t remember just when but a few weeks ago, I think.

  I hope it reaches you in time for Christmas, Fran.

  Have a nice time and best wishes.

  Love,

  Dulcie

  15th February 1973

  Dear Fran,

  What a lovely start to the day, we got your parcel! All the goodies to eat and the Eve cigarettes are so beautiful. I’ve never seen cigarettes with flowers before. Terry loved his car-kit and begged the candy jar for his bottle collection. We had a lovely time unpacking and admiring everything. Thank you so much, Fran.

  Can’t see too good tonight, Fran, so please excuse the writing. While using the electric welder today I caught a flash in the eyes. The right eye in particular is nearly driving me mad.

  This afternoon just wasn’t my day. All the vehicles and machinery decided to break down. Even my car. Cursed Valiant, never did like the thing. Backed out of the shed today to go to Yeppoon and blew the left front brake hose. Plugged it off and drove in anyway. Fixed that after lunch, then the turning lights [indicators] wouldn’t work. After that the starter motor packed in and to cap it off the clutch plate busted. Pushed it in the shed and left it. Hope the thing dissolves into thin air overnight.

  We had 16 inches [41 cm] of rain since 14th of January. The grass is so beautiful. Never thought I’d see green grass again. Still it hurts to think of all the animals who are not alive to enjoy it.

  It’s amazing and wonderful to know that people do care though. After the fire and the press coverage that followed, Old Henrietta (the goat) who lost her baby kid in the fire, attracted the attention of so many wonderful townsfolk. They would come to meet me, even during the night while filling the water truck, with left over bread and bundles of grass and even vegetables to give her. With the few teeth she has left, she devoured it all and kept in good condition. Now I have many new friends who often call to see Henrietta. And the old dear enjoys all of her visitors. I’ll mate her again soon and hope she enjoys life long enough to see her baby grow up.

  The world’s money problems are in quite a state at the moment. What with the Australian dollar rising 7 per cent and the US dollar falling 10 per cent it is difficult to say what will eventuate. It means we will get less for the beef we sell to the USA but I guess you won’t be able to buy it any cheaper in the meat shops there. Always hits the consumers’ pockets hard.

  Well, Fran, guess it’s not much use worrying about these things. Anyway, my eye is enough to worry about for now. My weakest part must be my eyes. Can stand most things but this is TOO MUCH. Will go through the medicine cabinet and try everything, one after another. Might help.

  Thank you for your letter and the parcel, Fran.

  Love,

  Dulcie

  10th April 1973

  Dear Fran,

  Your letter mentioning food prices was most interesting. We, too, have the problem of making the money go around. I’ve enclosed some cuttings for you.

  Considering our national wage is $57 - $85 per week, you can see the troubles wage earners have. Primary producers, such as we, can buy petrol and diesel in bulk. But not less than 44 gallons [166 litres] a time at wholesale rates which is 10 cents per gallon [4 litres] cheaper than wage-earning average citizens. Our meat is perhaps not quite as expensive as over there but still out of range for those on low income.

  Pensioners (old age) here receive a fortnightly cheque for $37.50 for a married couple. This gives them only $18.50 per week to live on. Those paying rent on a room consisting of 1 bedroom, small kitchen, bath and toilet facilities (mostly $8 to $10) are entitled to another $4 per week. No wonder half of them starve to death. Terry’s school text books this year totalled $103. School fees $53-$75 and the first term is not over yet with 2 more to go. His school uniform shirts are $5.75 each, shorts $6.50, shoes $13.95, plus socks, hat, etc. MY! How are we going to survive this way?

  Well, Fran, I must away as I have killed a pig and it should be ready to cut up for the freezer now.

  Love,

  Dulcie

  29th August 1973

  Dear Fran,

  I did send you a card for your birthday but at that time there were no spare minutes to write. So if this reached you in time, again, let me wish you a happy birthday and many more.

  I just received your letter and I’m so sorry that thieves robbed you. I’ve always said that I could forgive most of the sinners against society, sometimes even a murderer, but never a thief. To me a person who steals is the lowest type. When one spends a lifetime working hard to accumulate possessions and then some loafing drop-out comes along and takes them, believe me I’d shoot to kill anyone who tried to steal our things.

  Yes, Fran, cars and all machinery are expensive to run and repair. The only reason I’ve learned to repair machinery is because it saves money. Len has never been a good mechanic. He doesn’t have the patience to repair anything and breaks more than he sets out to fix. But Dad was good and he taught my two brothers and myself, when we were children, that to repair breakages at home was cheaper and more convenient than going to a garage or service station.

  The boys were taught to cook, sew, knit, embroider, etc. just as I was taught to do boy’s work. How we have blessed our parents for this! Terry too, has been taught to shoot, drive, service and repair machinery and all the other things a boy should do as well as cook a 3-course meal, sew, wash and iron clothes and all
the other household chores.

  In later years he may be grateful, although at present he hates what he calls “Women’s Work”.

  Yes, Fran, Terry is growing up fast. He is far taller and heavier than I, more like his father’s build. He is 5 feet 10 inches [180 cm] tall and weighs 10 stone (or 140 pounds) [63.5 kg] against Len’s 6 feet 1 inch [185 cm], 196 pounds [89 kg] and my 5 feet 6 inches [168 cm], 119 pounds [54 kg]. He is a good help to me, doing well at school with his Technical A course, but so far has no set plans for the future.

  He often has one or two boys from town (school mates) out to stay for the weekend. One can’t help but notice the difference though. The lads from town have never had the chance to learn to shoot, drive, fish, ride horses, etc. and Terry has had to make them take turns for weekend visits, as all of the boys would like to come at once.

  Terry spent 2 weekends in town on return visits but won’t go again, as he said he was hungry all weekend. I guess we country folk are lucky that we produce most of our food and we have plenty of it.

  Still the townsfolk have more luxuries than us. New furniture for the home every so often and holidays each year. We haven’t had a holiday since we went fruit picking when Brendan died in March 1963. With petrol (or I think you call it gas) at 61 cents a gallon, oil at $2.76 a gallon and tyres at $30 each we spend that money growing things to eat instead of holidaying.

  Food prices are alarming here as apparently they are over there. Funny thing though, Fran, the farmer isn’t getting any more than he did 10 years ago. It’s the middle man who is getting the profit.

  When we sell cattle, we still get the same price as we always did, but the butcher sells it to the housewives for double what he paid for it. The government cries “inflation” all the time yet no one inquires into it, to see who is getting the benefit.

  Makes me wonder whether all the politicians own shops!

  Well, Fran, enough raving about the government. One party is as bad as the other anyway.

  Hope you are all well and again many happy returns.

  Love,

  Dulcie

  28th September 1973

  Dear Fran,

  It is 9:30 pm and here I sit, in the car, in front of the Yeppoon Town Hall, waiting for Terry. The High School students have a social evening every so often and Terry loves to come in for the dancing, etc. Makes a long day but the young ones must have some fun.

  Strangely enough I seem to be the only one waiting here. Since adults are not invited to the social, all the parents have gone to the hotel to fill in time. Since I have to drive, I’ll wait till I get home for a cold beer.

  Electricity seems to have gone mad everywhere this week. Our own light system isn’t going too good due to water in the diesel line. The alternator on the car is playing up so I hesitate to use the interior light to write and now the town power seems to have a weakness. The street light is so dull I can hardly see and then next thing it comes on real brilliant!

  We didn’t have much in the way of winter - thank heavens - but summer is sure coming on strong. With only the first month of spring gone the temp has been mostly in the late 80’s [27ºC] and the last week every day over 90 degrees [32ºC]. Still we have had good rain and very little frost so grass is plentiful.

  I wish you could see all the little white Brahman calves, Fran, they are so beautiful with their big ears hanging down and they are so friendly and trusting. They love to be petted. One born today makes a total of 120 calves so far this spring. I’m glad I kept their mothers during the drought even though it was hard work. The little goats too are growing like mushrooms and are so beautiful.

  I almost forgot again, Fran, last time I wrote, Terry asked me to ask if Ricky, Mark, or Dick could assist him with his bullet collection. He collects all calibre bullets and shells, fired or not, from pistols, rifles or machine guns and cannon and if Dick and the boys want to exchange he has some spares. One of the hardest bullets to get here is a .44 rifle bullet which we are told is commonly used in USA.

  Well, Fran, the children are starting to come out now, so I guess I’d better close and drop this into the post office on the way home.

  Lots of love,

  Dulcie

  Part IV

  1974 - 1981

  25th April 1974

  Dear Fran

  Thank you so much for the birthday wishes. I’m so sorry you did not receive my letter posted during the February floods. Guess it was just one of the many things that disappeared at that time. We enjoyed everything in your parcel, including the note paper, some of which I am returning to you.

  Today is Anzac Day in Australia - a public holiday. Services are held at all churches and servicemen and women and school children march through the towns and cities to the cenotaphs where wreaths are laid and the last-post is played to honour the dead from New Zealand and Australia in all wars.

  It is good to know your children are growing up too! Makes me feel that I am not alone in the world facing this problem. Terry is in 3rd year of High School and does reasonably well in his studies. He takes English, Advanced Maths, Technical Drawing, Science A and Science B, Citizenship Education and Metal Work. He is captain of the softball team and the cricket team and plays number 2 (right winger) in rugby league football.

  He is not difficult - apart from playing his cassette and radio too loud. As a matter of fact I really don’t know how all the work would be done if it wasn’t for Terry. Being an only child he is so precious. I guess they are no matter if one has a dozen and it’s hard to realise he is grown up and wants freedom.

  Last Christmas he bought himself a new rifle and wanted to go shooting alone. It took me some time to allow it and even now I find myself listening for sounds of his car (which has no exhaust system) and if he is a minute overdue, I worry like mad. Still, he is a reliable and careful boy but accidents do happen.

  Strangely enough, he has a soft spot for all the baby things and when he shoots anything (pests only), no matter how big a pest or a thing is, he always brings the babies home. After we have reared them we have a waiting list of zoos which will take them, thank heavens! Still, we become attached to them and I have kept some. All told, 10 animals - bandicoots, wallabies and kangaroos are running around our garden, steadily destroying the lawn. Guess I’ll have to do something about locking them up in a paddock of their own.

  One kangaroo we have had since he was a tiny thing with no hair and will insist on hopping inside the house, dragging his dirty muddy tail! When I scold him, he puts out his paws and hugs me. Spoilt thing!

  Well, Fran, I must go to bed and many thanks again for remembering my birthday and for the Christmas parcel.

  Take care and love from,

  Dulcie

  19th July 1974

  Dear Fran,

  So nice to hear from you again. Guess I’ve been a bit down in the dumps this last week. We all had influenza. It took about 2 weeks to pass off and then I had to get a relapse and ended up in hospital with pneumonia for 13 days. Wasn’t alone there anyway. My brother, Tom, landed in with the same thing two days after me. Unbelievable! The toughest two in the family.

  For a few days I didn’t care very much but afterwards I wondered how my animals were getting along. They are not used to being fed by anyone else, not even Terry. Len did his best with everything. The only real trouble he had was with two little kangaroos that are still being bottle fed. Len said the little devils hated him and wouldn’t eat until Terry got home from school.

  He somehow didn’t get around to searching for my puppy, Augy, every day and one morning found him paralyzed in the back and legs from tick bites. He took him to the only vet available in Yeppoon at the moment, Dr. Cordell. He recently came from Texas (USA). He gave Augy anti-tick toxin injections and kept him for 3 days then phoned Len and said he thought it best to destroy him.

  Len thought the little fellow had a chance and brought him home. He said as soon as Augy saw his mates (a kangaroo and Sugarplum) he brightened up
and began to eat, although it took days before his legs would work again. The American Vet admitted he had not had experience with ticks before. Anyway Augy is well now. Funny little ugly cross-breed, he is good for nothing really, but we all love him.

  The Iwasaki Tourist Scheme has been blocked by the Federal Government pending a full inquiry into what useful purpose it would serve. Yes, Fran we are with our neighbour, John Dalton, in the Yeppoon Protection Council and we wholeheartedly object to this development of the Japanese.

  The State Government seems to have been bought over by the Japanese and are willing to sell every acre of Queensland land to overseas interests. This I can’t agree with, whether they be Japanese, British, American or any other overseas interest. Should the individual foreigner wish to purchase land to reside on then okay. But for a large area to be held by foreigners while living in their own countries, then I object.

  We have many people from all nations living in and about Yeppoon. For instance the vet is American, so are 3 farmers, 4 neighbours are German and friends further on are Italian, Czechs, Poles but these people live and work on the land they bought and good luck to them.

  We believe the Japanese do not intend to use all this land for a tourist resort (16,000 acres [6475 hectares] how could they!) but just to hold the land for future use. After all, in 50 years time, land will be valuable.

  Up to this time the Federal Government blocked the scheme. The Japanese were still offering ridiculous prices for land. One and a ¼ million dollars for John Dalton’s and 1 and ½ million for ours. I could just see my grandchildren down on their knees begging for a piece of land to build on and no way would we sell to an overseas interest.