2-5-44

My dear Freda:

Much to our surprise 5 Italians were brought in yesterday, they apparently came in from Hankow, supposed to have been 4 days from Hankow to Wanking. They didn’t or couldn’t tell us much, except that Hankow had been bombed by Chunking planes and a Kuikiang retaken by the Chinese. A million dollars is the fee to keep out of this concentration camp.Viola is supposed to have handed over such a sum and that is why he isn’t here. Gerli apparently is advisor to the Japanese and helps them select their victims. Carlo Mina apparently, when war broke out rode in a Japanese lorry and indicated to them the location of studebaker cars. He must have laughed first as he is in here now.

The rumour prevailing is that we will have something unpleasant to cope with on the 6th or 7th. Probably just a camp rumour.

Marinellis last night was spotted black marketing by a guard who chased him. He ran into No 24 and instead of dashing downstairs into his own dormitory, dashed upstairs into one of the ladies dorms, or a secret hiding place. However the guard saw him entering No24 and searched all the ladies’ dormitories except one.

Marinellis was not caught.

The continuous work is harming my equanimity as my throat is extremely painful and I suffer acute agony. Robbie went into his shorts yesterday for the first time, how his legs are white.

Poor Mrs Mihailoff has had a nasty time. On Wednesday night a tooth started aching by Thursday morning infection had set in, so Dr Prentice made arrangements to pull it out. Dr Chan for some reason, best known to himself, was the anaesthetist. Mrs M. was put under, when it was discovered that they had forgotten the steel clamp generally used to keep her jaws open, they fetched it from the operating theatre and got that in when they discovered that something else had been forgotten, so that was fetched. And eventually when the tooth was being extracted she came to. By shaking her head the crown of the tooth was broken off, her gum cut and bleeding profusely so the operation had to be stopped and will be resumed when all bleeding has ceased, today Tuesday, she is much better, but how unnecessary. Still no mail as Iso, Tsukigawn and Kojo were away at Tsingtao. There is much speculating as to the result of the Conference held by Iso, J.Allan & J.Stewart. He returned fromTsingtao in the morning, instead of in the afternoon. We hope it was regarding money. Honey was purchaseable at the Canteen at $20.00 per lb but nary a pound did we get as we haven’t any money.

Egger is in today. He is supposed to have brought sugar & rice for the Hospital which the Authorities have refused permission for their entry into the Camp. I hope E. has brought in more red x letters. I am longing to hear from my sister & family.

Love Ida

May 4, 1944 ...

4-5-44

My dear Freda:

Another letter from you, reply to mine of Feb.28th, yours was dated 29th March. Many, many thanks. I feel truly very sorry for you it must be like slow torture- but, only, it is your fight for existence. Poor, poor Freda. I wish you were here with us, ours would have troubles but not so hard to bear.

Were innoculated and vaccinated - the first against typhoid, even Christine. My arm is aching somewhat. My throat has been hurting for days, which will only abate if the wind stops. The days have been dreadfully windy & dusty. Although we had a little rain, which will do our seeds some good. We dash into the garden every morning to see what it has brought us in way of seedlings.

Heard yesterday that, a landing was made on Medang, 200 miles opposite Penang. The Audamans evacuated by Japanese. The American & British fleets converge on to the Philippines. Several days ago when we heard spasmodic machine gun firing its actually the real mackoy, as the Chinese bandits, guerrillas & Communists joined forces. But they were driven away. The Authorities were very anxious for our safety??

Mrs. Jamieson has come on in her painting. Peter T. Smith has certainly drawn her artistic sense to the fore and they are both pleased with the result.

Have started fixing frocks for Gay & self. I have discovered 2 of mine which, with little work, have transformed into natty frocks for her…am so glad. I want her to be nicely clad. She has reached the age where good taste & discrimination should be instilled into the ripening woman.

Had had, too an unfortunate scene with M. I wish I hadn’t. As usual M. awoke with a liver and the dining room, that morning producing coffee instead of tea, was the last straw, I, thinking I was doing the right thing, said ma-yo-fa-ze, coffee it’ll have to be. M.got more & more worked up. Till eventually she burst with, “you can be extravagant with the things you like, like bacon”.

I was hurt to the core. It was so unjustified, but I let that hurt make me loose sense of perfection. I responded with something or other, and was unable to finish my breakfast there so retired within to my room. M. came in to apologise and we both wept copiously. I wish it hadn’t happened and I must forget.

Poor Marie has Hongkong foot on both her hands. I do feel sorry for her. It is fightfully unpleasant. I hope she’ll get rid of it soon.

Love Ida.

May 7, 1944 ...

7-5-44

My dear Freda:

As anticipated we only received 4 copies of the Peking Chronicle and no news. Although we have rumours that I) a revolt in Germany, II) that the German Military ousted Hitler and are suing for peace, III) that this hectic rush in putting in the sewage system, is due to the inspection by the Red Cross Man from Geneva, who is now visiting the Japan prison camps...

George Wallis is in hospital with some low form of meningitis. He is not seriously ill, but has a permanent headache. I bet Voyce $10 that Germany will be out of the war within 2 months. I somehow feel that I’m not going to lose.

Frank Turner helped us put up our p’eng today. It was extremely hot, I00’ out of doors and 87’ indoors. During the greatest heat last year it was only 95 indoor I fear we will have a much hotter summer.

The Robinsons received a fine parcel from the Batailles. Puffed rice, 2 tins meat & bag sweets.

Cheerioh, my dear, Ida

May 8, 1944 ...

8-5-44

My dear Freda

It has again been a hot day, but ended with a most refreshing shower. It will be a good thing for the plants. I have most optimistically sowed a variety of vegetable & flower seeds.

Met Carl Morton today who informed us that we’ll be home in 3 months’ time. Hope he'll be right.

Today our first camp baby, Abe Moseson, son of Russo Palestinian Jews is a year old! Whilst awaiting Christine to join us at the South Field Kindergarten, 4 explosions were heard - the time would be about 11.45. At 12.10 our city air raid siren was heard and about 12.20 our camp tocsin was sounded. We are dying to know what it all means.

Today too is the anniversary of the 1st Russian lesson given in Camp. Mary Wright who started at zero is absolutely tops.

Father Rutherford came to tea and Robbie give it as his opinion against the Church enfocing acts of faith such biblical occurrences as Jonah and the whale and Noah and the Ark, when they in no way, contribute or subtracted from the Faith. After supper Father Rutherford brought his Bible & references as to how these were closely entwined with the New Testament. Constant reference is made to them.

The light has gone out.

So cheerioh. Ida.

May 10, 1944 ...

10-5-44

My dear Freda:

It is again coolish this evening: funny how the temperature drops in the evenings hope this keeps up it will make the summer somewhat more tolerable. The amateur dramatic society of Weihsien are putting on “Snow White” the kids have gone off to see the dress rehearsal tonight. Peter is thrilled to bits as he has had his first shower alone. To enable him to dress himself, I took his trousers off and put on bathing trunks.

I am so glad.

He will now be able to have a shower daily.

The latest rumour is that Admiral Kojo has committed hara kiri off Sumatra. Besides this we had no roll call this a.m. Went to art class. Am frightfully fed up with my paintings, there is something lacking. Mrs Pile, showed me a letter from the States, 5 months old in which each of her 2 daughters had turned down 2 proposals. She wishes they would marry.

Well cheerioh my dear, love Ida.

May 13, 1944 ...

I3-5-44

My dear Freda:

Have just met your uncle. He is a big strapping fellow. His camp duties are to serve tea during mealtimes. He has to be on for an hour during each meal.

The Amateur Dramatics are giving “Snow White”. The kids are wild about. Apparently when the Prince spots Snow White and says “are you the Princess for whom I have seeked all over the world” - a young voice in the audience shouted “yes” He couldn’t bear the suspense I suppose.

Heard that Ralph Engstrom has got Typhus, which he caught on the way back to Tientsin Papers in, but no especial news.

I have made arrangements to sell Sid’s ‘Election’ watch, as we are practically down & out. Robbie is making arrangements to sell his overcoat.

So you see, we are in a poor way.

Love, Ida.

May 17, 1944 ...

17/5/44

My dear Freda:

I sincerely hope that we will not be in here to celebrate another Norwegian National Day. Various Norwegians are frying pancakes, as a “special treat”. Many people haven’t the where with all to celebrate anything with. This pay day we draw $180, and the Robbies $5, so we have made demarshes to see Sid's Election watch, Marie’s wrist watch & Wendy’s are awaiting daily for the ‘dough’.

The camp is now awaiting Camp Election Day. We are voting for Bill in Internal Affairs, Calvert for Quarters, MacLaren for Discipline. John Stewart has had the crust to nominate himself for Discipline after resigning from General Affairs; He may be a clever fellow, but to aspire to Discipline Seat is proof that he is a little weak in the head.

Marie’s birthday on Friday, and we have started making preparations from today. Her birthday cake ingredients were given to her by Elsie Henning.

It is the camp’s conviction that the war will not be over this year. I am not of that opinion. I feel it will be over suddenly this year, so will Japan.

We had a police inspection today, The inspectors objected to scraps of paper on the stove, remains from Sid’s lighter. To wood pile covered with matting.They were advised to be burnt. In some houses, they made the tenant clean the window panes, turn out every trunk under the bed and the floor cleaned. The lamp bowl dusted. In one room, everything was turned out of the room (there were 10 pigeons in the room.) What a mess they must have made and cleaned.

Arthur Rose’s & Bickerton’s (aged 80 odd) rooms have to be re-inspected. They were not passed.

We are looking forward to the tea on Marie’s birthday, it will be good! Saw your uncle today & again spoke about you.

Bless you, love Ida.

May 24, 1944 ...

24-5-44

My dear Freda:

A second Empire Day here.

Who would have thought of it! We had sports which were held for children from 10 and under. Christine came second in her 30yds dash. Simply because, the winner dashed crying loudly to his Granny and Christine walk off leisurely to his pa.

The other contestants remained glued. I ran in mothers & sons relay - Peter ran too slow so that I could not catch up the rest. It was fun.

Today’s grand rumour is that the INVASION has started and France is in with us. We wonder what the latter means. Is it a new French Government - or What!

David Heyman’s parcel to the Robinsons is absolutely smashed. I suspect ours is too. In fact all Tongshan parcels are in bits. It is a severe disappointment.'

Love Ida.

May 26, 1944 ...

26-5-44

My dear Freda:

Yesterday we received a broken parcel from David consisting of 6 mouldy honey cakes, instead of 8. We were surprised as these had only been on the way since 1st May.

Yesterday Kogo informed Schmidt, General Affairs that the Italians would no longer work for us. We will miss their carting away of bakery ashes, but they will miss not having the excuse to come into our camp and mingle with us. But on Empire Day, Kogo saw some Italians at the Sports he asked one why he was there, he said that his commandant had given permission. Kogo was furious. And retaliation Kogo did this. Also Kogo had given permission to the Italians to buy eggs from the Canteen, without consulting Iso. Iso has said that there were no more eggs in the Canteen.

We had to stand at the top of our alley for roll call. It was just perfunctory. The New Chief of Police & the second walked around after the man roll called.

It is rumoured that Tojo has committed suicide & Laval having disappeared. France up in arms against Germany. De Cosme confined to his residency.

Father Fleche came in yesterday and when he comes, although he never breathes a word about political news of the day, many rumours are attributed to him. Showing that if rumours are factual mouth to mouth records, there must be some unknown source of information.

We sold Sid’s ‘Election’ watch for $150 Marie’s & Wendy’s wrist watches for $250. So our finances are looking up again. We do not want to go on the Parish if we can help it. We will have no more money to draw next month, although it is rumoured that Joey & Iso are in Shai discussing Comfort Money.

We bought honey, for $20 a lb and sugar coated soya beans for $7.50 per lb. Things are fantastically high.

Marie swapped her new white satin dressing gown for 3 tins sardines & 3 tins (large) salmon. The latter were valued at $12 per.

Hope to hear from you soon. Ida