4/7/43

My dear Freda:

Today is Independence Day not much is happening. Sid, Wendy & many other children were confirmed by Bishop Lebouille of Jungpingfu. Father Rutherford certainly has done much to bring the Catholics up to date in their religious duties. When first I broached the subject of confirmation, I was apprehensive as to the reception from Sid, but the proof of it all is that he was confirmed. Father Kenneth looked extremely handsome in his Franciscan brown garb, and much surprised us by his fine sermon. He spent 2 years alone in a mission, foreigners and so now he certainly appreciates being amongst foreigners and speaking English and most of all attending to the needs of the foreigners' soul.

In the morning Father Leo, Superior of the Franciscans, gave a fine sermon on "Confession". I am getting it and will save it for you. It will remove all your peculiar ideas about it.

Then at 4,30, there was a meeting of the Catholic Women's Association, at which the officers were elected. By vote, Mrs J.B.Robinson was nominated President, Mrs J. Finlay, Vice President and myself Secretary. We will have a series of lectures, at which a very able speaker will deliver and the subjects will be chosen.

We had hardly returned front supper when the rain started pouring, Sid was holding the baby who was crying very badly, Peter & Gay were creating a terrific din when thunder & lightning flashed & drummed and a tremendous crash was heard. Gay looked out and said that Carters sunshade had collapsed. Then Sid looked out of our little back window and shouted, “There was no wall.” For several minutes it did not seem to penetrate into anyone's head that it was the wall which was keeping us in. I jumped up on the box under the window to see; I did and immediately painted it. Sid was chafing with Christine's howling. However when I had finished and he saw the result he was proud. No one in the row thought to look out of their back window until Sid convinced them. However the zinc roof of the water tower situated between one row of buildings in front was blown into our courtyard by rain spout. Stan A. was witness to this phenomenon, he said a sheet of water came down followed by another and before it had time to reach the ground the previous sheet of water lifted it right into air taking the roof of the water tower with its and when its strength was spent dropped it in our courtyard.

I have never seen such activity on our highway, people just keep on massing to see the broken wall and to look out onto freedom. Then people sang, “God bless America.” It is very touching time, and how we longed with all our hearts that this was all over.

The Japanese were last to know, and after a couple of hours they came with a bale of barbed wire.

The American Fathers then had a sing-song of old favourites. They sat on the stage wearing blue shirts, white pants & red ties. Some wore the latter “V shaped”. At God bless America, the Stars & Stripes was unfurled. It was impressive.

What a day! I bet you couldn't beat this one.

Much love Ida

July 10, 1943 ...

It was decided suddenly last night that Peter should be re circumcised as he had done very badly so this morning I had to interest and amuse him until 9 a.m. to keep him from wanting breakfast. He was allowed one piece of dry toast and some fruit juice, as I didn't have any of the latter I made him some citric acid water. Then I took him into hospital, he was at first in the general ward beside Mrs Cameron. He fussed about his first enema very badly. I blamed the ginger-haired clumsy nurse very much, she was too tough with him. He was later removed into a single room where he was given an injection, the effect was startling, as he was talking to me his speech became heavier & heavier until it was eventually just a croaking sound. Dr Corky who was to be anaesthetist to Robbie carried him away. I waited a little while to see him back, but upon enquiring I was told it would be little longer and that I would have time to do a few chores, etc. and returned as he was brought in in a deep sleep. In the afternoon I went to see him, he had a frame over his abdomen which looked as though he had a bed table under the bedspread. It was to protect his penus(sic) & dressing from rubbing. He fretted against my departure. He made a good deal of fuss & wept copiously the nurse did not follow the doctor's instructions calling, for a bromide every 4 hrs.

The wall behind the Church has now collapsed with the rain. As soon as the news spread people made for the sight despite the heavy rain, just to cast their eyes on the landscape.

We hear the Hope Gills, Capt. Costain and everyone are arriving tomorrow. Poor travellers, they will have heat and flies to contend with, although everything here is ready for them.

Regards, Ida

July 13, 1943 ...

13-7-43

My dear Freda:

Your 2nd letter dated 10 - 6 - 43 and one from Suzanne Simon as well as a parcel chit from Costain arrived. What a nice surprise. Peter is still in hospital, his bed is now beside Judy's, and he in very happy. His English has already improved tremendously. I wish he could always play with her. She is a good influence over him. He also is good tonic for the sick. I could see he is extremely popular.

Ida

July 17, 1943 ...

17-7-43

My dear Freda:

The Hope Gills, old man Cooke, and altogether 14 people from Tientsin arrived early on 15th. Quite a good deal of the camp were out to welcome them. The Calverts, Jo Kernball came armed with trays of tea, etc., it was a pleasant end to a long unpleasant journey. Donald was extremely wan and thin, though Gracie looked plump and well.

We expected plenty of pleasant news but there wasn't much, merely confirmation of the rumours which have been circulating.

Rumour is persistent that Benito Mussolini has flown. Many parcels are reaching folks here. Apparently, large K.M.A. subscription parcels, some only for K.M.A. and some only for the whole community. The latter being Nathan Pryor’s headache. Although, I do think that the best scheme would be to distribute the foodstuff through the kitchen, to ensure that everyone will receive a share.

I decided on Saturday morning to go and paint the outside entrance of the camp, so finishing my work early, I took my paint boxes, stool & book and went to the guardhouse, accompanied by Peter. The guard officer gave me permission, and upon leaving he asked me to tell the man on point duty that permission had been granted. The guard tried to be pleasant and occasionally he’d come over to me and exchange a few words, when to my dismay, I saw the changing guard, for this, practically all the men have to turn out. Suddenly I heard a bellow, I didn’t look up as I didn't know I was being addressed. The shouting continued so I looked up and saw the nasty "Gestapo” man. He was shouting at me. He asked me what I was doing, replied that I was painting. He asked me whether I had had permission. I answered that were it not so I wouldn't be out thus. This seemed to enrage him, so he kicked at my stool and told me to go in. I looked appealingly, at the man on point duty. But he just looked blankly, so I picked up my stool and marched in. The captain of the guard asked me whether I had finished. I said no. And I passed on. I think the wretch was very cross at the stool which had obviously been made from a packing case.

Love Ida.

I have been short pressed for time so have been unable to keep up this correspondence. I was elated to receive your letter of July 1st on Friday. More so because it was such a recent one, usually letters take from 6 weeks to 2 months. You seem to think that time lies heavily on our hands, it is not so. Our days are so full of chores that night comes round too quickly. I was delighted when I read your remark about shoes. The streets are not paved, and our shoes are not lasting.

Robbie went to Peking with 2 priest patients on Wednesday 2 a.m. and was back Friday 6 a.m. it had been a very tiring journey but worth it.

We still have our bi-weekly showers, which aren't sufficient these days, we have canary baths in between.

3 big cases were received from the K.M.A. and destined for people who are not receiving any comfort parcels. Haven' t heard who and what the folks were getting. We ourselves, being considered as three adults, 3 tins Blue Cross condensed milk, 2 tins pineapple, 1 tin Delmonte Heinz sardines, 3 Tim Lithy’s cornbeef, 2 jars malt, 2 tins fruit salad, 1 tin liver paste, about 12lbs dried fruit, 8 yds mosquito netting, 2 boxes matches; it was indeed a grand parcel.

The Robinsons have been receiving parcels whenever parcels have come in and so we have done quite well – on their tins.

There is an aeroplane buzzzing overhead – How long will it be before an American fly overhead.

The canteen now is functioning extremely well and they are receiving a continual flow of goods, and are eating on an average of either fresh fruit to tomatoes twice weekly, so are doing well. We are very well, I am afraid we are inclined to feel sorry for your life being so expensive and so lonely.

Yesterday was Christine's name day, as we didn’t know until we went to the dining room for breakfast, it was too late for us to go in for a minor celebration for her.

July 24, 1943 ...

Went to the Amateur Dramatic’s show “Elizabeth refuses”, taken from Pride & Prejudice. Ruby Pearson made quite a good Elizabeth. Ruby has certainly come into her own. She has quite a sweet singing voice and took the chief part in Elijah. Charles Park was No 1 male voice.

Life isn’t dull as ditch water here now! Blessings, Ida