MY MUM'S STORY (continued)

We left mum musing about the way the two chiefs of the Sugar Commission used to enjoy scoring of each other and where she also told of becoming friendly with Harry Ruston.

Excerpt from 'CLOCK OF TIME' by Gertrude Ruston.  (pp 33-39) (pictures inserted by yours truly just to highlight different segments of the story).

ENGAGEMENT AND MARRIAGE IN WARTIME

In July 1917 Harry Ruston and I became engaged.  He was twelve and a half years older than I and many people did not approve.  When Harry asked me to marry him he told me that his wife died before we  met,  having been ill for a long time with dropsy.  Her two sisters had looked after their son during his mother's illness, and Harry had boarded with the eldest sister and brother-in-law, the Adlers, after his wife's death.  (Note:  Mum told me she had a very beautiful emerald engagement ring but I never saw the ring.  I am thinking it was possibly lost when their farmhouse was completely destroyed by fire before I was born).

Harry and I had similar tastes and were both very fond of good music and opera so, when possible, we went from the office to the West End shows which carried on through all the years of the turmoil.  There were times when were almost too tired to keep awake and, on one occasion, Harry slept through the whole of an opera after having spent an enormous amount to get good seats for it.  I did not wake him as I felt he needed the sleep more than the music.

One very busy Saturday morning at the office a young woman came up and asked to see Harry.  She made a great fuss because she had just heard of our engagement.  Apparently she had been very much in love with him for some time and was under the impression that he might marry her when he was free.  She made quite a scene, way obviously very upset, and embarrassed Harry considerably, so that he felt obliged to give me some explanation, as my office was near enough to hear part of the disturbance.  He told me that she was the sister of his best friend and he had never thought of marrying her.  I offered him his ring back but he refused to take it and she eventually left.

We enjoyed the period of our engagement despite the fact that we were very busy.  We visited the shows whenever possibly and I think we managed to see most of the operas and Gilbert and Sullivan light operas at that time. so that we became very critical.  I had to close my eyes when the leading soprano, despite her glorious voice, and obviously about 14 stone, when playing the part of a girl of sixteen.

We mostly took the two small boys out on a Sunday and as Len, Harry's boy, often wore a sailor suit and Eddie my nephew, was in a kilt, they attracted quite an amount of attention; there was only five months difference in their ages.  (Note:  I wish I had a photo of Len in his sailor suit but this picture will have to suffice).

We arranged to be married on 22nd December, 1917 so that we could have a few days honeymoon during the Christmas holidays.  We went house hunting and bought a charming three storey residence in Greyhound Lane, Streatham Common, S.W. London.  Unfortunately it was a long way from my people and from Harry's family and in-laws. but it was within our pockets and, before the wedding, we spent much time in getting it in order.  Harry's furniture was taken out of store and we purchased items needed to complete the home which had five bedrooms. dining room, drawing room, kitchen and scullery.  (Note: This is a house in Greyhound Lane which I imagine would have been something like that in which mum and dad lived.  It is described by the agent as a 'period' house so quite old.  It seems many of these houses are now converted into flats).

There were many problems connected with my marriage in wartime.  It was impossible to buy an iced cake, nor could we buy the ingredients.  After much searching and 'phoning I managed to buy the last uniced cake - a single deck - from a very well known firm of wedding cake specialists.  It cost me £5 (my week's wages) and mother iced it.  A home-made job but it looked quite nice stood up on a box, which was covered with a beautiful linen cloth, and it served the purpose very well.  (Note: I imagine the cake would have probably looked something like this)

My wedding dress was calf length cream lace, and it had a long narrow train falling from the shoulders.  I made it myself and was very proud of it.  My wedding veil was of real lace, full length, lent by a friend, as also was the orange blossom, which I wore round the back of my head.

My going away frock was of crimson velvet bought at Bourne and Hollingsworths in Oxford Street, and I had a full length fur coat.  I was not really keen on the crimson colour, but was persuaded into buying it by my sister, and it certainly looked very well indeed with my honey blonde hair.

We were not allowed to have cars for the wedding owing to the petrol situation, but Harry knew somebody with a car who agreed to take us to and from the church and, later, to the station for our our honeymoon, so long as I did not look like a bride in the car.  I can remember having to be disguised with my head covered to hide my bridal array.

The best man, my husband's friend, sent a telegram at the last moment saying he could not get there and my brother-in-law, who was home on leave, acted as best man, leaving my sister to give me away.  We were put down a short distance from the church, and Harry and I were picked up there after the wedding to avoid being seen as a bridal couple.  (Note:  I have often wondered if Harry's friend happened to be the brother of the young woman that had thought she would one day marry Harry and so he decided not to be best man to avoid upsetting his sister).

My mother did not go to the church.  She did not attend Amy's wedding nor mine.  Perhaps it was on these occasions that she felt my father's absence.  He was not invited, not did he send either of us a wedding present but, rather grudgingly, he gave permission for my marriage as I was underage.

The church was full of my old friends and everyone seemed to be very impressed by Harry in his hired top hat and morning suit.  I had a little flower girl and my sister's small son was a page boy in his kilt.  I was married at Woodberry Down Baptist Church, where I had been baptised.  (Note: This was Woodberry Down baptist church in 1883).

The wedding breakfast went off well although, due to rationing. we only had a small reception in our home attended by some of my mother's relatives and our personal friends.  None of Harry's people came along although they had been invited.  Unfortunately no photographs were possible but a friend took a few snaps indoors which were very indistinct.

We left in the early afternoon for our honeymoon as being winter time, it got dark at about 4p.m.  We were going to Eastbourne but had not told anybody of our destination.  The cab turned up to take us to the train and Ted, my brother-in-law, saw to it that our bags were duly loaded.  They had been carefully locked to prevent them being disturbed.

Then it was time for goodbyes and we were smothered in confetti and rice.  Again we had to be careful to protect the driver, but his luck and ours was out because the wretched car broke down about a hundred yards from the house.  The driver helped to carry our bags and we had to catch a bus or tram, I cannot remember which, to the nearest station.  With a fur coat on you can imagine how the confetti had stuck to it, an w were a walking advertisement for newly weds, and very embarrassed.  We eventually caught the Eastbourne train, found an empty carriage and disposed of the evidence.   (Note: This is Eastbourne about the time mum dad were there on their honeymoon).

It was an icy cold day and snowing when we reached Eastbourne.  Harry found a cab and we were driven to our boarding house to the music of bells on the horse's harness.  They sounded wonderful over the crisp roads - the clip clop of the horse's hooves and the bells.

The first things we were asked for on arrival were our ration card and found, to our horror, they had been left behind.  We had to send a telegram for them to be forwarded so the family soon knew where we had gone.  (Note: Not sure if this is from WW1 or WW2 but they would be very similar).

As soon as we opened our bags we realised that somebody had found keys to fit them as they were full of rice an confetti.  It took simply ages to do our best to clear it up, but I am sure we must have missed some of it.

While Harry was out of the room the landlady brought up her visitor's book to show me and pointed out that Harry had written in it some time previously that he and his wife had spent a pleasant time there.  Imagine my confusion and embarrassment!  The landlady may have thought I was Harry's light of love or even that he had married me bigamously.  Harry was extremely annoyed and refused to explain to the woman or allow me to do so.  (Note:  What an old busybody that landlady was and what a dreadful thing to do to a young woman who was obviously on her honeymoon.  It is quite likely that dad had been to that same boarding house with his first wife and, even if he hadn't, I still think that woman should have kept quiet).

I was in love with my husband and, despite the difference in our ages and the fact that both my parents, although giving permission for the marriage, strongly disapproved of me marrying a widower, we were very happy, although he could be extremely jealous.

The weather was kind to us on our short honeymoon, crisp, find and cold.  We both enjoyed walking and wandered around the historic district with its ancient castles and buildings.  We were warned that in one of these there was a ghost which appeared from time to time and people had been known to collapse there.  We lingered around hopefully, but the ghost must have known we were sceptics and we neither heard nor saw anything strange.

I will leave the happy couple enjoying their honeymoon and in the next 'episode' we will find them moving into their home and resuming their busy jobs at the Sugar Commission.

YOU STING ME IN MY HOME, THEN YOU'LL PAY FOR IT

Was up much earlier than usual this morning as Phil was taking our car to the RAC for it's six monthly service.  If he gets there by 8 a.m. a very kind gentleman brings him home (and he is picked up again when the service is complete) so he leaves home about 7.40 a.m.  Sometimes I am fortunate enough to go back to sleep but it had been a very hot night, the bedroom was rather warm and Candy seemed to think I should be up and about so up I got.

I pottered around in the kitchen for a while and then I thought I'd wander out to my workroom and see what I may find of interest if I logged on to Facebook.  I'd hardly sat myself down when I felt something on my back (I was wearing a sunfrock you see).  I shrugged my shoulders as I couldn't reach what it was and I felt a slight sting.  I immediately got up (I don't leap up these days) and there sitting on the back of my chair was a paper wasp.  It flew away and I couldn't find it anywhere.   My back began an annoying itch so I knew for sure it had 'got me'.  I am more allergic to bees than paper wasps which is fortunate as I was on my own so, apart from a mild shock at having been stung, I was OK.

When Phil was delivered home at about 9 a.m. I told him what had happened and he began hunting the wasp as well but still no sign of it.   After breakfast, armed with out trusty fly swat, Phil again began a search for the wasp and sure enough there it was on the window.  The luckless wasp was then no more.  Now, if it had stung me outdoors he'd have escaped and it would be his territory anyway but when they invade my house and sting me then they are doomed.

We have actually had two paper wasps inside in the past couple of days and I am wondering where they are coming from.  Candy brings in all types of small lizards and actually brought in a cricket yesterday but I doubt she would be able to pick up a wasp without herself being stung.

We couldn't get to the chemist without the car but Phil was picked up at 3 p.m.  to collect the car and, on his way home, he popped into our chemist and bought some antiseptic cream which was suitable for stings.  He covered the area well and it has taken about 2 hours to feel much relief but I can thankfully say that the itch has decreased a lot and I think another application after my shower will make me feel even more comfortable.

IT'S BEEN A TAD WARM IN PERTH TODAY

So far this summer (since 1st December) we've had a few hot day but some reasonably cool ones as well, probably ranging from the high 20s to the mid-30s.  We were expecting a hot one today when they forecast 41ºC (105ºF) but I doubt anyone expected the mercury to reach 44.4ºC (about 112ºF).

Needless to say very little has been done in the Elvis household today.  Phil popped outside long enough to water the pot plants and I did do the dishes and prepare an egg salad for lunch.  The rest of the time has been spent stretched out in the living room with the ceiling fan going along with the airconditioning.  We are not tempting the aircon so it is set on 24ºC which is bearable for me but a tad cool for Phil.  We daren't set it any lower just in case it should give up the ghost.

We let Candy out for a short while this morning and then she spent the rest of the day (till 5pm) asleep on a chair in the living room.  That cat knows how to look after herself.   She asked to go outside a short while ago but was back inside within 10 minutes so back door soundly shut again now.

We do have one nasty fire up in the hills which I hope they will be able to bring under control before nightfall.   An earlier one is under control and I imagine people in the area are breathing a big sigh of relief.

After the current horrific fires in South Australia (26 homes and countless sheds destroyed with 29 people injured) , and to a lesser extent in Victoria, we can only keep our fingers crossed that we don't suffer the same problems in our metropolitan area. It is now approaching 6pm and the temp in the city is 34.8ºC although at Swanbourne on the coast it has gone down to 29.8ºC as there is a light sea breeze blowing.   Tonight the minimum temperature is forecast to be 24ºC (75ºF) so it's going to be a pretty warm night to be in bed.

P.S.  I have been industrious in that I've actually been sewing 36 crochet squares together to make another rug so don't feel I've entirely wasted the day.

MY 83RD BIRTHDAY

Another year!   "Am I really THAT old?" I ask myself.  Sitting in my armchair enjoying watching a DVD and doing a spot of crochet I don't feel all that old but when I get up...well that is another story.

I had a great day today.   My daughter (thank you kakka) shouted us to afternoon tea at STEEL TREE in Baldivis which is only a hop, skip and a jump from our eldest granddaughter's home.  Sharing this wonderful couple of hours with me were of course my daughter and Phil along with our eldest granddaughter, her two little girls and our eldest great-grandaughter too.  This is Steel Tree in Baldivis who, very conveniently, have 3 ACROD parking bays right outside. 

They have delicious offerings for afternoon tea there but Phil and I decided to indulge, but not too much, so both chose apple and rhubarb crumble with vanilla icecream and me, being a lover of custard also had a small jug of hot custard.   They were really delicious and K gave me a taste of the hot chocolate pudding she'd had and that too was really scrumptious.

Afterwards we wandered over to an adjacent park so the girls could have a run around and then left for the journey home.   As usual on the way down to Baldivis 10 of the 13 traffic lights were red but on the return journey about 9 of the 13 were green.  Do you find that as well?  When you are going somewhere the lights will be against you but on the homeward run when it doesn't matter, they will be mostly green!

To make the day even more special I had an email from my granddaughter and her family in Alaska, some lovely e-cards arrived in my mail box and a lot of birthday wishes from Facebook friends as well.   I had a 'phone call from my son-in-law, from a friend I once worked with, and also from Richard (my late friend Judy's son with whom we have remained friendly).  Richard is currently travelling around Australia and today was in Victor Harbour in South Australia where he told me the temperature was due to top 41ºC.

To really top it off Mother Nature did the right thing for me by keeping our temperature in Perth at a low 27ºC which made it a really pleasant day.  (not looking so good Sunday and Monday though with forecast temps of 37ºC and 41º respectively and then continuing in the 30s for the rest of the week).

I give thanks for such a wonderful family and so many great friends, many of whom of course I've never met and yet have got to know so well.

MOTHER'S LIFE STORY (continued)

We left mum working at the Sugar Commission and telling of her sister Amy's nervous breakdown and of Amy being recommended for the MBE.  World War One continues.

Excerpt from 'THE CLOCK OF TIME" by Gertrude Ruston (pp. 29-33).  (Pictures provided by me to add a bit of something extra to the story).

The officer in charge of the Registry, an enormous task who was also called upon to undertake numerous confidential jobs, was later also decorated.  His name was Henry Thomas Ruston, and he was inclined to be a ladies' man.  He and I became friendly and he posed as single man, but I hesitated to go out with him.  Eventually he admitted that he was a widower and had a small boy about the same age of Amy's son and, when time permitted, Harry and I took the two boys out with us on a Sunday to Hampstead Heath.  I remember clearly that, at one of the restaurants, there was a funny little waiter in an oversize dress suit who recommended us to have "'am and heggs", which proved to be quite tasty and much enjoyed by us all as an addition to rations.  It became a favourite port of call when we were in the neighbourhood.

Great rejoicing when my brother-in-law Ted arrived home on leave for Christmas quite unexpectedly.  The first thing he asked for was a bath and clean clothes.  He pulled up his sleeve and showed us body lice inside his shirt.  He was hastily sent to the bathroom and told to throw his clothes out of the window so they could be fumigated.  He revelled in the hot water, disinfectant and clean clothes so that he could get rid of his unwelcome guests.  Officers and men alike were alive with these lice.

Ted was fond of music and decided to buy a gramophone and records to cheers us all up.  There was one advertised for sale close by and he brought it home.  It was a nice piece of furniture in walnut with space below for the records.  On Christmas Eve Ted thoroughly enjoyed himself playing some well loved music and the home came to life once more.

While Ted was playing one of the well-known lively tunes from Rigoletto I went into the kitchen to speak to mother, and found her with a saucepan in one hand and a wooden spoon in the other dancing around t the music.  She looked quite embarrassed until I joined her and then we both went mad for a few minutes - most unusual for my very quiet and reserved mother.

 It was a very happy Christmas and we all tried to put the worries of the war in the background.  Leave was of short duration but the respite of men and families was so very much appreciated, although farewells were desperately sad.  We all said "au revoir".

With the growth of our work at the Commission more space was necessary, and we had been moved to part of New Scotland Yard, headquarters of the police, and were very close to the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, 10 Downing Street, Buckingham Palace, the Admirality and all the most import government offices.  My office was larger and more comfortable and I had a view of the river, Westminster Bridge and the Houses of Parliament, but it was undoubtedly in a dangerous area.

AIR RAIDS
In the early days of the war we experienced raids by Zeppelins, and we could see them quite clearly.  When they came after we had gone to bed at night, we all got up an went out into the street in various stages of dress or undress to watch the airships, which were clearly visible in the sky and looked like large silver cigars.  When they started to come our way we all took cover.  Then came the weapon that put paid to the Zepps.  I was told it was invented by an Australian.  (Note:  I have seen documentaries about this invention and have not heard reference to it being an Australian idea but mum certainly was told it was, so perhaps it was).  It was an inflammable bullet to be fired into an airship from above to ignite the gas and set it on fire.  Where was some delay in using it because of the danger to a 'plane which would have to fly above the airship, fire the bullet, and endeavour to escape before being caught in the explosion.

Eventually a Royal Air Force pilot named Robinson volunteered to fly a 'plane and use the new bullet.  Many of us saw it happen.  The Zeppelin came over intending to drop its bombs and then we saw the little 'plane high above.  The next minute there was a terrific explosion and the airship was enveloped in flames.  Although they were the enemy, most of us felt sorry for the crew of this mighty Zeppelin as they all died in the conflagration.  The wreckage dropped not too far from us in Cuffley, North London. and people tried to get near to the place where it landed, however the heat was too intense and nobody could have escaped.

Needless to say, the pilot of the little 'plane was decorated for his bravery and became a hero overnight.  His photograph was everywhere and that bullet put paid to the Zepps.

Next we had to stand up to the latest in aeroplanes from Germany.  They came over and dropped bombs, frequently indiscriminately, resulting in much damage, one of the favourite targets being the East End of London, the docks, and homes of the poorer people.  It was necessary to evacuate many children to the country, and some were even sent to Canada and America.

 Many thousands of troops arrived from the colonies, and we became quite accustomed to mixing with Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders and Indians and, on the whole, we enjoyed their company and learnt to discount many of their stories.  Nearly all the Australians claimed to own sheep stations and acted as though money was no object.  Colonial troops certainly had more money and were far better paid than the British Tommies.

Being in New Scotland Yard we were advised as soon as enemy 'planes had been seen to cross the coast and were headed our way.  All the staff had to go into the basement when danger threatened and, if caught in the office when a raid was expected, we were forbidden to leave the building because of falling shrapnel from the anti-aircraft guns.  I well remember the French 75 placed not far from us, which shook the lifts every time it fired.

It was my responsibility to see that all female staff went down to the basement when an alarm was received as, in our building, we were very vulnerable.  At times there was some reluctance on the part of staff members who did not wish to go into the basement for fear of being buried.  Occasionally one of the women, considerably older than I went into hysterics and I was obliged to slap her face quickly to stop panic spreading.   No pleasant, of course, but V.A.D. training had prepared me for such emergencies.

There was no eight hour day, nor did we receive any overtime and we often had alarms late at night when we were preparing to leave to catch the last train home.  We tried to catch a meal at a nearby restaurant before it closed down, as we were usually very hungry.  Police and air raid wardens were all around ordering people off the street when there was an alarm but, when it came to the need for food before a long trip home, some of us took the risk of shrapnel, dodged in and out of doorways, and eventually managed to reach a restaurant in time, just before the door shut.

The underground stations were used by thousands of people as bomb shelters at night and, if wanting to catch a train, it was difficult to get past and avoid stepping on children and adults lying down ready to sleep.

It was frequently midnight or after when I reached home.  My sister could mostly leave the office much earlier than I, and she was able to tell mother when I was likely to be late.  Telephones in private homes were not common in those days, and many people spent long hours wondering and worrying about their dear ones.   After a raid, when all the enemy 'planes had been accounted for bugles sounded the 'ALL CLEAR", and it was a case of business as usual.  There were times when I could not get home by public transport, and I as obliged to go by growler, a horse drawn cab, the only thing available and it took ages.

Saturdays were not free and I remember one Saturday morning, when working at the office with my boss on a special assignment, we heard about 40 'planes approaching.  Mr Runge and I watched them from our balcony, and he said "don't they look find - the Germans ought to  come over now!"  Suddenly the guns started to fire and the warning went.  They were German bombers and had crossed the coast without being spotted.  There was a terrific row about that.  It appeared there was a wedding on and those who should have been on duty were A.W.L.  Needless to say, the boss and I quickly took cover and the bombers passed overhead and found easy targets in the city.

The two chiefs, Runge and Rewcaste, were good friends but loved to score off each other  We could never obtain a replacement of any of our equipment without producing the old one to prove that it was worn out.  Mr Runge had the remains of an india-rubber, so small one could hardly see it, so he sent it in for a replacement.  Somebody showed it to Mr Rewcastle and he sent a note back with an almost new one attached and a message "mine for a similar period - try to be more accurate!"

Another time Mr Runge accidentally dropped a lighted cigarette into his wastepaper basket and it scorched some papers before he extinguished it.  Mr Rewcastle walked into the room and said "I can smell something".  Immediately Mr Runge retaliated "I didn't notice it until you walked in."  Thank God, a sense of humour often helped us to keep going.

I apologise that this is a rather long post but felt it all belonged together and I feel that is a good place to leave mum for the time being, having a laugh at her two bosses of whom she was obviously very fond.   Next time we continue on in 1917 with even more excitement in mum's life.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.   Albert Einstein

"Before the calendar turns a new leaf over, before the social networking sites get flooded with messages, before the mobile networks get congested, let me take a quiet moment out to wish you a wonderful, happy healthy and prosperous NEW YEAR".

My prowess with words is not sufficiently good to have come up with the above which I found on the internet but nevertheless they say all I would say if I were clever enough.  Phil and I wish you one and all, and your loved ones (human and furry alike), a wonderfully happy 2015.  Stay safe wherever you are.

Many thanks for your kindness throughout 2014, for putting up with my tardiness at times and for your very kind comments.  I may not have many followers but those I do have I appreciate very much.  Thank you.

MY MOTHER'S STORY (continued)

In our last episode we had mum working at the British Oxygen Company and in a typing office.  It was wartime and she continues her story as follows: (this would have been ca 1916)

Excerpt from 'THE CLOCK OF TIME' by Gertrude Ruston (pp26-29) (pictures provided by me to add to the story)

"Unexpectedly I was offered a job as confidential secretary to the Manager of the newly formed Royal Commission on the Sugar Supply, and, as this was a government service, I decided to sever my connection with the typewriting office and V.A.D. and throw everything into what was undoubtedly of great importance to the community and war effort.

My chief's name was Mr Julius Joseph Runge.  The family was of German origin, but they were all British born and had carried on an important business as sugar brokers in Mincing Lane for generations.

The Commission was formed to safeguard the supply of sugar to industry, the community and the armed forces, and was vital to the war effort.  Practically all staff members of the Commission were recruited from the sugar trade, many from Mr Runge's office.   Some of them had joined Kitchener's army, but, if they were not A1 healthwise, or considered to be more valuable at home than in the fighting forces, they were released from the army and put to work where they could be of vital importance to the war effort.  It was from these men that the Commission drew its staff, all of them having spent many years in the trade.

The members of the Commission were outstanding people like Sir Robert Park Lyle, Bart., (Lyle's Golden  Syrup); Sir Joseph White Todd; Sir Henry Primrose; Captain Charles Bathurst (who later became Sir Charles Bathurst; then Lord Bledisloe and, finally, after the war, Viscount Bledisloe of Lydney, Gloucester and Government of New Zealand).  (Note:  Sadly Sir Henry Primrose took his own life in 1923 at the age of 76.  He was a chronic insomniac and in later life had suffered from depression.  As mum at that time was in Australia she may never have known of this tragedy.)

Direct telephone lines were put through to my office from Sir Robert Park Lyle and the Admirality, necessary to keep us informed hourly of the sinkings of sugar boats or their safe arrival.  By this time it had become necessary for our cargo ships to be made up into convoys escorted by naval vessels but, despite this, many were torpedoed by U-boats.

 Food was rationed, and wholesalers and manufacturers were only given a proportion of the sugar bought by them during a former fixed twelve month period.  They had to produce their accounts for the year in question or were refused supplies.

Many small business people who had destroyed their receipts were desperate as it meant the end of their businesses.  I was put in charge of these difficult cases and had men and women break down when telling me of their difficulties.  Sugar brokers dealt only in sugar so, by recourse to cheque books and consultation with brokers to whom the cheques had been sent, I managed to solve a large number quite legally, and the people concerned were truly grateful.  One of these, a Jewish woman cool drink manufacturer, brought me in a beautiful umbrella as a gift of appreciation, but I was unable to accept it as it might have been considered bribery and corruption.  However, she was determined to show her appreciation and had it delivered later to my home anonymously as a Xmas gift.

 Supplies of damaged sugar also passed through my hands as well as golden syrup and molasses.  In dealing with the I was amazed to learn the many uses to which it was put, including the manufacture of boot blacking and the silvering of mirrors.  At 19 it was a heavy responsiblity to take on, although at the time I thought nothing of it.  I have since marvelled at the amount of confidential knowledge and trust imposed in me.

Supplies of sugar were a constant worry and, at one time, there was only sufficient in England to last two weeks, but people were quite unaware of the situation.  Just in time the navy managed to bring supplies safely to port to the great relief of us all at the Commission,

Neutral countries were used by both sides to obtain food supplies, and I remember hearing that we purchased supplied of beet sugar from Germany through a neutral country, and supplied butter for our enemy through the same middle source.  In this way neutral countries frequently make huge profits out of war.

By this time Amy's husband had been recruited into the services, trained at Cambridge University as an officer and had been sent to France.  News from France was terrible and the poor old "Contemptibles" (the Kaiser's name for our little army) were being slaughtered.  Day after day the names of people we knew appeared in the casualty lists, and to be an officer seemed almost a sentence of death.  (This is a group of the Old Contemptibles)

 As the war continued my duties became extremely heavy, and as I was still confidential secretary to the Manager, and often called upon to undertake confidential work for members of the Commission, I as frequently working until midnight and at weekends.

It was then decided to bring a man in to handle part of my work, and he was given that dealing with golden syrup and molasses.  I was most annoyed to learn that he was to receive £800 a year (a large salary then) to do only part of my work, while I had been receiving £250 a year for coping with the lot.

Special applications were made to Treasury on my behalf, but I was refused an increase as I was being paid the maximum possible for a woman without a university degree.  My assistant, who also did not have a university degree, was eligible for the larger salary as he was a male.  There were so many anomalies in government service, but pressure for equal pay has now resulted in better conditions for women.

My service with the Commission was really the crowning point of my career in England as, by having achieved such a position at the age of 19, which covered confidential services to the government, a department of my own, control of a pool of about 40 typists, as well as the opportunity to work directly with the members of the Commission and my close association with my immediate chief, there was little more to which I could aspire.

At about that time the Secretary of the Commission, Mr C. S. Rewcastle, who was a barrister, needed a secretary, and I advised my sister of the vacancy and suggested she apply if she wished.  My brother-in-law was overseas in France, my mother was able and willing to care for their young son. so Amy applied for the job and obtained it by her own efforts.  I did not attempt to introduce her or put her name forward, and it was a long time before anybody learnt that we were sisters as she was, of course, engaged under her married name.  In addition, were were not physically alike as I was very fair and rather like my mother in features, while Amy had dark hair and a bright colour rescembling our father.  In temperament also we were very different.

Some time after this the British Empire Medal was introduced to be presented to people giving outstanding service either at home or in the field.  A number of men in the Commission were given the M.B.E., possibly because they had been withdrawn from the army and were giving essential service.  (This is the MBE as awarded in 1918)

At this time my sister collapsed with a nervous breakdown due, no doubt, to worry over her husband in France, where things were going badly, and pressure of work at the Commission.  She was sent away on leave and her boss recommended her for the M.B.E.  (Note:  I have often wondered why mum was not also recommended for an M.B.E. considering the type of work she did at the Commission.  She received one many years later in Australia for the social welfare work she did in the community.)

Here I will leave mum's story and continue next time with another quite important change in her life.