Part 10: Letters from the Goldfields - 26th July 1897
SS “Bunningyong”
Freemantle
Western Australia
26 July ‘97
My dear Chum,
I daresay you are beginning to think that I had forgotten you, old
chap, but don’t think that. We are on the go in the coasting
steamers day and bally night and its very little chance we get to
write or anything else. I daresay when I get back to Melbourne I
shall get a letter from you as I had one from Bern last time and
was jolly glad to get same. He told me you were up to town together
and I am waiting anxiously to hear the result of the adventures
there. I trust you spent an enjoyable time there. Bern does not get
about half enough but wait a bit Billy and when I get back we three
will go on a voyage round the moon or somewhere. I am hoping to be
in England again by next Christmas, that is if there is a chance of
getting a job on one of the “Homers”. Shan’t I chuck up my hat when
I shake the dust of this forsaken bally country off my feet. I have
really no news to tell you only that things in the west are as bad
as ever and I have given up al hope of anything coming in from that
quarter now so must make a fresh start. It’s a bit hard but no use
crying over spilt milk tho’ it makes a bloke feel inclined to kick
himself when he thinks of it. Shall forget all my troubles when I
reach the Old Country again, you can’t wipe it out, old man, take
my tip. Think I must dry up as we leave here in two hours for
Melbourne direct thence to Sydney. I wish it was Tilbury Dock we
were bound for.
Am writing Fred, Nell and Bernard from here also and I trust all
are well. Kindly remember me to your Mother and Father and any
inquiring friends. Give them my kind regards and with same to
yourself and hearty best wishes and good luck from your ever
sincere chum (and shipmate on the Springfield pond on our
“man-o-war”).
Arthur J. Baker
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