No. 46 -- 13 September 1932

Hearing from Noel twice in two weeks seems to have relaxed George a little more, as the tone of this letter feels much more conversational. It's fun to hear the note of sarcasm that comes through when he comments about the "fairly short" miles the women must have walked on their stay in Tremont. But, as ever, he wishes he could help his children more during these financially depressed times.

Mr. N.A. Hughes,
C/o Y.M.C.A. College,
5315 Drexel Avenue,
CHICAGO. Ill. U.S.A.

My dear Noel,

Your letter of August 12th arrived this week. We were very delighted to hear of the the splendid trip you had away with the members of Dean Ames' family.

Noel had spent the summer helping out
the dean of the Chicago Y College
at his home in Wisconsin, presumably
his farm near Brooklyn, Wisc.,
which is south of Madison.

"Dean Ames" was
Dr. John Q. Ames (1877-1959).
I found an obituary for him
from the Monroe Evening Times
dated 5 March 1959. It said in part:

"A native of the Brooklyn area.
Dr. Ames lived on the family farm
until he was 21 years old when he
joined the federal civil service
in the Philippines. He served as
a stenographer for President
William Howard Taft who was
commissioner for the islands at that time.
Later he became ill and was transferred
to a hospital at Shanghai, China, where he
became interested in YMCA work,
and following his recovery he became
secretary of the YMCA in Shanghai,
Moscow, New Haven, Conn.,
and South Bend, Ind.
Dr. Ames traveled tens of thousands
of miles during his lifetime. He became
dean of George Williams in 1919
and served until 1932 when he retired
and returned to Brooklyn. ...
Despite his many years as an educator,
college administrator and attorney,
Dr. Ames said he considered
one of his greatest accomplishments
was in producing 132 bushels
of corn per acre on his farm
following retirement."

It must have been a wonderful trip and I can understand how thoroughly you would enjoy it. The opportunity of seeing so much of the State of Wisconsin was also a wonderful thing for you. The probability is you would never have had a similar opportunity under ordinary circumstances. We followed you trip on the map you were thoughtful enough to send and in that way entered into it as far as we possibly could. We can quite understand that words would fail to describe the beauty of the Lake district and of the wonderful number of Lakes it seems to contain. Frankly, when I looked over the map and saw the patches of blue which indicated Lakes, I was amazed that the number. Now it helps one to understand the way in which the American Associations are able to have such splendid camping sites with such a multitude of Lakes to select from.

Another thing which amazes us a great deal is the comparative smallness of the cost of such a trip. Here in Australia a trip of that kind would have run into many pounds. I am sure all the members of the family envy you the wonderful trip you had.

Mother and the girls were away for a week at Tremont and had a thoroughly happy time. They report that in the days that they were there they walked somewhere in the neighborhood of 56 miles. I imagine that some of those miles must have been fairly short ones for them to have covered such a distance in such a comparatively short period. In addition to that the weather was anything but good, and they must have had some wild days in the hills if the weather in the City is an indication of what might have happened in the hills. However, they have all greatly benefited by the change and Ruth in particular seems to have put on weight again and is looking much like her old self again.

"They report that in the days
that they were there they walked
somewhere in the neighborhood
of 56 miles. I imagine that
some of those miles must have been
fairly short ones for them to
have covered such a distance
in such a comparatively short period."

I am happy to say that I have managed to stave off any further cold and have had no further evidence of the trouble I had for a few days in the earlier part of the winter.

Keith and Ruth are still out of work. Keith has had a few days' work with the Texaco Company, but apart from that nothing at all.

I was glad to notice in your letter a reference to Mr. Norman Weston's offer. I sincerely hope that will eventuate for you, as it will help to largely solve your own difficulties of self support.

Thanks you for sending the pamphlet which describes the new arrangements for students at the College. It looks as if it will make the position considerably easier for the men who are working their way through school.

In my last letter I told you that we had started work for unemployed boys. The last fortnight has shown great possibilities in the service we have initiated. Last week we had over 200 different boys in to a programme of pictures, gymnasium work, and a swim in the pool. This week we varied it by having a short lecture period and we also took a census of the fellows who would like to engage in some branch of educational work. This indicates to us distinct possibilities in the way of groups of an educational character, and I think we shall not have much difficulty in finding useful instructors who will help the boys to profitably fill up their leisure time in preparation for a job ahead.

You will be interested to learn that Mr. Crosby has made a conditional offer of a gift of £500 towards our deficit, providing the Association gets behind a big united movement to raise the balance required to clear the Association of debt on this year's current account. In addition to that  Mr. McKean has come to light with a further promise of £100. Roy Nevile and I have been out collecting from a number of business firms and we were successful in securing £50 a year from a number of them for three years.

Rod Macdonald who used to be in the National Office, has been engaged to organise a big effort with the object of bringing all sections of the Association into a combined scheme. In this way we hope to raise the money to accept the challenge submitted in Mr. Crosby's offer.

We had a letter from Charlie Jutsum describing his impressions of his job at Broken Hill. He seems to think there is very definite possibilities for excellent work at Broken Hill, although at the present moment the programme is practically a minus quantity.

George Briggs lost his mother a week or two ago by death. This will probably make some little change in George's plans as far as his home relationships are concerned, but I do not think it will in any way interfere with his plan to go to America next year.

I had a letter from Sid Peck of the Men's Hotel at San Francisco, in which  he said that he would be only too happy to help you at any time you required advice concerning American conditions. I do not think that Sid can do anything in the way of offering you work, in fact that would be a very expensive business for you and for him, but I think that you might find him a useful man if there are any knotty problems that arise on which you would like advice from someone who is in the States.

"I wish, my boy, that we could
 send you money, but frankly
we are finding conditions to be
just as much as we can handle,
and in view of this while
we are anxious to help you
in every way we possibly can,
we do not see daylight ahead
to any great extent.
In view of this we hope that you
will take the will for the deed,
much as we would love to send you
all the help we possibly could."

By next mail I will be sending to you a copy of the new book on "Australian Animals" similar to the one on "Australian Birds" which I sent you some time ago. I am hoping that this may be of some use to you in the talks you may give on Australian conditions.

This letter should reach you just about the time you are settling into your new year's work at school. You know, Noel old fellow, that we are very interested in all your doings, and that it is our desire that you should make good in every way. We know that you will settle into your job despite the difficulties you are facing, and that you will give to it your very best interest, and with a determination to win success in the work that you have set out to do. We sincerely hope that while we are not in the position to give you much in the way of real assistance ourselves, that it will be possible for you to find a way though your financial difficulties. I wish, my boy, that we could send you money, but frankly we are finding conditions to be just as much as we can handle, and in view of this while we are anxious to help you in every way we possibly can, we do not see daylight ahead to any great extent. In view of this we hope that you will take the will for the deed, much as we would love to send you all the help we possibly could.

Mother is keeping very well, and so are the other members of the family. Joyce and Edith are splendid, Keith is looking exceedingly well despite the long worrying time he has had without work, and as for myself, am feeling in excellent condition.

We all unite in sending you our warmest love,
Yours as ever,
Dad

No. 43 -- 15 August 1932

Finally, George has heard from Noel and it seems to have brought him a lot of relief. The tone of the letter has lifted compared to the previous few letters in which George fretted so much about finances. We learn more about Noel's summer work with Dean Ames on his farm, and the juicy information that the Dean is no longer with the college. We get a little information about what is going on in Chicago, plus updates about the Melbourne YMCA's programs. And most interesting to me, we see the first reference to my grandmother, Marion Smith. Noel seems to be pretty serious about her, although the reference is very cryptic.

Mr. N.A. Hughes,
C/o Y.M.C.A. College,
5315 Drexel Avenue,
CHICAGO. Ill. U.S.A.

My dear Noel,

Your letter of July 3rd reached me this week. I notice, though, that it bore the postmark of July 10th, which indicates that after you had written it you held if or approximately a week.

You may be surprised to learn that it is a month since you wrote to us. We were naturally anxious to know how you were getting along and thought that possibly you were either short of cash and could not provide the postage, or else that you were so busy with the Dean in his job that you had very few opportunities of doing so.

We were very glad to get the news concerning your work with Dean Ames, although we can see that you are having a heavy time with the work that you have to do.

"We are exceedingly sorry to learn
that Dean Ames has severed his
connection with the College.
... he mentions that Dean Ames 
had had a bit of a row with the
Faculty and I judge from that,
that there may have been some
reason behind it which the Dean
has not referred to in his
conversation with you.
You will, therefore, be
particularly careful that you
do not take sides in the matter."

We are exceedingly sorry to learn that Dean Ames has severed his connection with the College. He will be a distinct loss to the Movement. It is also a great regret that there is no place for him to fill in the Movement at the present moment. With all the fine experience he has had and the splendid teaching ability he has it seems a pity that he should now be without a job. According to the retirement plan he will receive the whole of the amount that he has paid in plus 4%, so that he will not be at a real loss over the matter, although of course, the loss will come in four years’ time when he would have had the retirement allowance.

Presumably your work with the Dean will make you quite an expert gardener!!

I had a letter from Laurie Bowen in which he mentions that Dean Ames had had a bit of a row with the Faculty and I judge from that, that there may have been some reason behind it which the Dean has not referred to in his conversation with you. You will, therefore, be particularly careful that you do not take sides in the matter.

When you return to the college there will surely be a number of enquiries concerning any conversations the Dean has had with you.

According to his obituary from the Monroe 
Evening Times on 5 March 1959, Dean Ames
did quite well as a farmer after leaving
the college. His obituary says:
"Despite his many years as an educator, 
college administrator and attorney,
Dr. Ames said he considered one of  his
greatest accomplishments was  in producing
132 bushels of corn  per acre on his farm
following retirement."

He is a fortunate man to have his flower farm, as this will no doubt help to keep the pot boiling until a job turns up.

Naturally we are getting a little concerned regarding your return to College as you will have hardly any resources on which to commence your new school year. I am making desparate attempts to dispose of that wretched amplifier in the hope that I may be able to send something to you in time to be of service in connection with your school work.

Johnny Walsh I understand is leaving Veall’s and is likely to take a job with the Vocaltone people, the same firm as that with which Rex Baker is connected. Rex has not returned from Sydney. We are expecting word from him any day.

USA Presidency
Complex Forces in Election.
(1932, August 6). 

The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848-1957), p. 9. 

Retrieved March 24, 2014, from

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4466982

Continue reading on the TROVE website.

Your reference to the condition of the Association in Chicago and the inability of the Association to pay its Secretaries indicates a very serious state of affairs. We have not yet reached that position I am happy to say, but we are still in very serious difficulties and it will be a considerable time before we will be able to see a way out.

We had quite a number of lengthy cables concerning the convention held in Chicago in connection with the political situation. Evidently, the affairs were of the brass band type and quite a lot of “bally hoo” went on.

The folk at home are keeping well on the whole. Ruth is picking up and we will soon have her ready to return to her job. I think I told you before that she will not be returning to the Homeopathic Hospital. We, therefore, must find another place for her where she can continue her training.

Edith and Joyce are going along quietly, that is, as quietly as Edith can go! You know quite well how full of life and vim she is. Joy has taken a turn in the same direction during recent weeks and we are surprised to notice she is coming right out of her shell and becoming quite voluble and excitable.

"Edith and Joyce are going along
quietly, that is, as quietly
as Edith can go! You know
quite well how full of life
and vim she is. Joy has taken
a turn in the same direction
during recent weeks and we are
surprised to notice she is coming
right out of her shell and
becoming quite voluble and excitable."

Keith has had a few days’ work with the Texaco Company but there is nothing permanent in sight for him. Mother is much better from her heavy cold and looks more like her old self again.

Alec Moodie has tried several jobs since he left the Renaldi people; he at present is running a bakery business in the Preston or Northerly area.

At the Association, things are moving along in much the same way as before. We had about 100 young people who went up to Warburton for the Viking Snow Trip on last weekend. They had a thoroughly happy time and I understand there was a great fall of snow, and on the top of Mt. Donna Buang there was four feet of snow altogether.

We are making certain adjustments in connection with the Boys’ and Physical Departments. We are asking Ivor [Burge] to hand a good deal of his detail to Alan Tassell, so that he might, in turn be able to spend more time outside in personal interviews especially with business men with the object of boosting up that section of our gym work. The classes that Alan has been running for the Boys’ Department will in future be conducted by honorary leaders of course, under the immediate direction of Ivor himself.

You will be delighted to learn that Charlie Jutsum has been appointed General Secretary of the Y.M.C.A. at Broken Hill. He will take over his new duties at the beginning of September. We shall miss Charlie greatly from our work here as you can well imagine, but it will be far better for Charlie to have a job of that kind than to have to leave Association service at this juncture.

The second bunk house at “Manyung” is practically completed and by next weekend, I think it will be ready for occupancy. There have been quite a number of work parties at “Manyung” during recent weeks, especially with the idea of getting the bunk house completed before the winter season is over, so as to have everything in readiness for the coming summer.

You will be pleased to learn that we are setting out upon a new job in connection with the Association. For some time past we have been wondering what action we can take in connection with the unemployed boys. As you know there are thousand of them without jobs in the Metropolitan area and we feel that we should take some special action in trying to fill up their leisure time in some profitable manner. We have, therefore, decided to co-operate with the Boys’ Employment Movement, a special committee that has been formed in the City for the last eighteen months, and we will be charged with the responsibility of seeing that these lads are adequately cared for at the Association building, especially during the mornings and on certain afternoons during the week.

We shall provide a programme of picture shows, lecture, talks, gym, swimming, etc. etc. and in this way help to keep many of them off the streets where they might become a menace to Society.

I have the job of organising this section of the work and it will take me quite a lot of time to have the thing working along the lines that I have in mind. We plan quite a big job in this direction and I am confident that with the backing of the committee concerned we shall be able to put over something worth while.

The Girl’s Guild at the Church held its Birthday Party (its 7th) last Thursday, and there was a splendid turnout of the young people and of course a big gathering of the church folk who came by invitation.

Under separate cover I have sent to you some newspapers which I though you would be interested in looking over.

Before the Public
(1932, June 17). 

News (Adelaide, S.A. : 1923-1954), p. 8. 

Retrieved March 25, 2014, from

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article129052678

While searching through the online newspaper archive
I found this reference to a few familiar names:
Clive Glover, Noel Hughes and Ern Saunders.
This article ties George to Glover and Saunders
from his years at the Adelaide YMCA.

I haven’t heard anything in recent weeks from Clive Glover, although I understand that they are to live-in at the college during the next year.

I had to drop you a line by hand during last week, as Dorrie Yates was away and I did not have anybody available to dictate to. I am afraid George Briggs and Alan Tassell, will have to think seriously about leaving next year. It looks to me as if it would be inadvisable for them to go to the States especially while conditions are as bad as they seem to be judging from all the reports that we receive. I should certainly advise them to remain here at any rate for another year.

You haven’t, so far, given us any information concerning how conditions are shaping up, and I shall be glad if you will drop me a line so that I may have a better conception of the arrangements you think will be possible as far as your future is concerned.

This is the first reference in the letters
to Marion Smith, whom Noel would marry
a few years later, and was
my grandmother. The reference is cryptic
because the woman taking dictation on
the letter was a good friend of Noel's
former girlfriend.

See: The girlfriend at home and other tidbits 

I would advise you to take your time as regards to Marion Smith, especially during these difficult times.

I must close off now. You know we all unite in our warmest love to you, and assure you that we look forward with eager anticipation to the receipt of other letters. There should be another mail in this week. So far you have not advised us whether you received the remittance I forwarded in early June.

With warm love, my boy,
Yours as ever,
Dad.

No. 41 -- 29 July 1932

The Great Depression, finances and the welfare of his loved ones continue to weigh heavily on George in this letter. The grim news concerning the Melbourne YMCA's finances continues, along with news about the Bendigo YMCA's troubles. While his three oldest children struggle to make ends meet and build careers, and news from his foster son, Rex Baker is scarce, the bright spots in George's life are so clearly his two youngest daughters -- Joyce and Edith.

Mr. N.A. Hughes,
C/o Y.M.C.A. College,
5315 Drexel Avenue,
CHICAGO. Ill. U.S.A.

My dear Noel,

One or two American mails have come in recently, but we have not had any letters from yourself. The next mail to arrive here is due on Monday, and as this mail closes today, I am afraid we shall not be able to await the arrival of your letter.

All the folk at home are reasonably well. Mother has had a very heavy influenza cold, but she is on the mend again. It left her particularly weak. Ruth is also picking up quickly now that she is on holiday. We expect her to be ready to return to work in about a fortnight’s time. Keith has not yet found anything to do, though he is trying hard in interviews with business houses and by replies to advertisements.

"The two kiddies are growing
 splendidly, and it is wonderful
to see the change in them.
You would hardly know Edith —
she is growing almost
while you look at her."

The two kiddies are growing splendidly, and it is wonderful to see the change in them. You would hardly know Edith — she is growing almost while you look at her. She was very tickled the other day when she got her certificate for passing her musical examination. This, of course, will have to be framed and ready for exhibition to her friends!

The Harrisons have moved in again to their house and Phil and Edith are tearing around like a pair of lunatics. They are as happy as they can be now that they are united. George Harrison is travelling in the country and only gets home once every few weeks. However, he is happy that he has got a job. His mother and sister are also living next door, so that it is quite a family affair.

We have not heard anything fresh from Rex Baker.

You will be surprised to hear that June Carr is married. Keith came home with the story the other day. You will be more surprised to learn that she married young Russell, who was for a time a friend of Keiths. I do not know much about the marriage, but I think it occurred just within the last week or two.

I suppose you had the opportunity of seeing the Australians play cricket at Chicago. According to the cables they were there for a match or two during the past week. You may have been some distance from the City and may not have been able to make the trip. I thought that if it were possible you would strain every effort to do so.

"Conditions in America, according
to the cables in our papers,
are not improving at all.
They seem to be more
bewildering than ever. I think
 there is a better spirit abroad
in business circles in Melbourne,
but we are still a long way
from solving our difficulties.
... the time back to prosperity
will be a very long, drawnout struggle,
and changes for the better
cannot come quickly." 

Conditions in America, according to the cables in our papers, are not improving at all. They seem to be more bewildering than ever. I think there is a better spirit abroad in business circles in Melbourne, but we are still a long way from solving our difficulties. Very earnest attempts are being made to deal with the problem of unemployment and all kinds of committees of citizens, backed by the Government Departments, are doing their best to find work for folk.

The distress is very serious, especially in the Industrial suburbs. The amount of fraud in connection with sustenance orders must be tremendous, judging from the large number of folk who are being proceeded against for fraudulent dealing with sustenance orders, etc. However, the time back to prosperity will be a very long, drawnout struggle, and changes for the better cannot come quickly.

"Here in the Association we are
right up against our bank position,
and were it not for the fact
that some of our Directors
have stood by us, we would
not be able to pay current
accounts this month."

Here in the Association we are right up against our bank position, and were it not for the fact that some of our Directors have stood by us, we would not be able to pay current accounts this month. It looks as if we shall have to face the position of very drastic economies in staff and expenditure, and I imagine that within the next week or two, the Board will have to take very decided action in these respects.

The Industrial work has been kept going in a very fine way by the firms concerned, but a week or two ago we received advice from Messrs. Lloyd Bros & Maginnis that they were making changes in their relationships with the Association, and from the end of this month their Hut will drop out from the Y.M.C.A. Industrial Scheme. Fortunately they are retaining Joe Norman, the Secretary, and making him a kind of Superintendent of Works, although he will still have the responsibility of conducting the Welfare Work, Diningroom, etc. We are glad that the change will not affect him, and can understand that the firm must economise in every way open to them.

Frank Wilkinson is doing a good job with the Billiard Room. It is splendid to notice the revival of interest among the men and the way in which they are supporting Frank’s plans. He has taken hold of the job in an excellent way and has shown definite ability in promoting tournaments and increasing trade. He has a plan for monthly exhibition games by leading amateurs. We have had two of these demonstration evenings, and they have brought together a fine crowd of men, and the games have been of a high order.

"The members of the National
Committee will be visiting Bendigo
over the weekend, to see
 if they can find a way out of
Bendigo’s troubles, specially
in connection with the disposal
of the Association building."

I have not much news to pass on to you concerning the other Associations. All of them are having a rather hard run, with perhaps the exception of Ballerat, where they have been able to raise money sufficient to meet their immediate needs. The members of the National Committee will be visiting Bendigo over the weekend, to see if they can find a way out of Bendigo’s troubles, specially in connection with the disposal of the Association building. As you know, the Bendigo Association owes the National Committee about £2,000, an advance made to them years ago, and the National Committee holds a mortgage for that amount over the Bendigo building. The solvency of the National Committee is bound up in the Bendigo building, and some plan must be evolved to solve the problem both for Bendigo and the National work.

For more about Camp Manyung see the post: 

Camps Manyung and Buxton (Shoreham)

You will be pleased to hear that Miss Edith Shaw, sister of Mrs. Thomas Baker, recently sent Ivor Burge a cheque for £20 towards the completion of the second bunk house at Manyung Camp. The fellows are going down over the week end and on subsequent occasions, and hope to complete the structure within the next few weeks. This will be a great help, specially during the week end camps which Ivor is organising each month.

I had a letter the other day from Harry White. He mentioned that he had been in conversation with Dean Ames concerning yourself. Harry is going to Indianapolis as General Secretary, so that you will not have him available to visit at Chicago. Also another letter from John Cook, who is now at Bailey Island for the summer holidays.

May Glover also mentioned in a letter to the girls, that there would be a re-arrangement for married students employed at the College, in that they would be expected to live in at the College in future. This may save expense to the College and for the students.

You will receive this letter towards the end of August. By that time you will have spent about six weeks with Dean Ames. I can only express the hope that you have had a very happy time and have found the contacts you have made of very definite value to you. I know you will regard the arrangements you have made as an opportunity to demonstrate your appreciation, and I am sure you will show the Dean every gratitude for his kindly interest in you. No doubt you will also be working at your highschool subjects so as to enter school with all arrears made up, and in regular standing as a student.

"I sincerely hope you will
 be able to carry on despite
 your present difficulties. The tide
will turn a little later on,
 but one needs to be sure
of one’s ability to hang on
until that occurs. We are praying
 for you, and we believe our
Heavenly Father will help us
 to see daylight through
 the present problems."

I must close now. We all unite, my boy, in affectionate regards. I sincerely hope you will be able to carry on despite your present difficulties. The tide will turn a little later on, but one needs to be sure of one’s ability to hang on until that occurs. We are praying for you, and we believe our Heavenly Father will help us to see daylight through the present problems.

With warm love,
Yours affectionately,
Dad.

No. 40 -- 18 July 1932

This letter contains another example of how frustrating it is to have only one side of the conversation, as we hear second-hand about Noel almost being involved in an apparent auto hold up, and other motor-car incidents. The Great Depression is ever-present in this letter. George is still worried about Noel's ability to get a job and make money during his summer break from college. And he continues to worry about the YMCA's finances, saying they are "hard up against it". George's young daughters Joyce and Edith seem to be the bright spots, surrounded by his concern for his older children and his own health.

Mr. N.A. Hughes,
C/o Y.M.C.A. College,
5315 Drexel Avenue,
CHICAGO. Ill. U.S.A.

My dear Noel,

"It looks as if there was some
attempt possible in the
direction of a “hold up”.
In any case you were
wise to consider “Discretion
the better part of valor”. "

Your letter of June 5th came to hand on Saturday, written just prior to the closing of your school year, and did not give us any information concerning your examination results. We were rather interested in the events you described, especially that relating to the college dance and your experience on the road. I think you were wise in turning your car and going in the opposite direction. It looks as if there was some attempt possible in the direction of a “hold up”. In any case you were wise to consider “Discretion the better part of valor”. Evidently it doesn't pay to hand over a motor-car to your care, as you seem to be everlastingly in difficulties. The three incidents referred to in your letter all had to do with a car. If I were you I would be careful whose car I borrowed in the future.

I am continuing your old address as you suggest, and until I hear to the contrary, letters will be sent care of the College as heretofore.

I am glad that you were able to meet all your obligations at the college and that you are not in any debt in that direction. Before this you will have received the small amount I sent on to you, and I hope that also helped to liquidate some of your indebtedness.

Dean Ames was Dr. John Q. Ames, who was
dean of the Chicago YMCA College,
aka George Williams College, from 1919-32.
According to his obituary, he retired to a farm in
Brooklyn, Wisc., near the city of Madison.
This may have been where Noel would have
helped Dean Ames.

I sincerely hope it will be possible for you to get some odd jobs during the time you are with Dean Ames, and thus help to meet your immediate needs. We were hoping that your letter would have been a little fuller that it was, but perhaps another will reach us shortly giving us additional information.

At the Association, things are going on much the same as before. We have had several board meetings to consider any changes in our programme and policy that the times may demand. Suggestions that were made at a conference we held with representatives of the various committees have been under discussion, and certain changes are likely to be made possibly in the direction of an inclusive tariff for residents, but that has not yet been definitely decided.

We have a membership campaign on at present, but it doesn't seem to have much “kick” in it, and I am wondering what the result is likely to be. We are trying to raise the membership by 300 by the 27th July. It will be hard going and the indications at present are not too hopeful. The Y’s Men’s Club is doing quite well and so are the Vikings.

Hubert Opperman was a famous Australia
bicyclist, competing in the Tour de France
in 1928 and 1931.
See Wikipedia: Hubert Opperman

His home trainer may have looked like the
one featured in this photo.

The Boys’ Department held a “Get Together” social for the Suburban Clubs on Saturday night and we had about 400 present. Hubert Opperman, the racing cyclist, gave an excellent talk and a demonstration on “A home trainer” for cyclists. It was a good show and went off with fine enthusiasm.

Frank Wilkinson is doing very well in the Billiard Room. He has trebled the takings inside a month. We have the Victorian Amateur Billiard Championships taking place in the Social Hall just now. This is bringing a considerable number of the prominent billiardists into the building.

The Viking Discussion on Wednesdays and also on Sundays are going quite well, and so are the meetings of the Fellowship Club. Most of the activities in the building are shaping up quite well, and our educational groups on the whole are in a very healthy condition.

We are still having serious difficulties with finance and I cannot see much change for the better for some time to come. Frankly, we are really getting to the position where we are hard up against it. It looks as if we shall have to get further accommodation from our Bank to enable us to carry on.

"Both the kiddies are well and
as full of beans as ever. Joyce has
been particularly elated because she
has been leading the line in some
of the work of the senior girls
at the Guild. Edith also has
been quite pleased with herself
because, as Prefect of her class,
she has the chance of
“bossing the kids” occasionally!
This suits her down to the ground."

Conditions at home are, on the whole, O.K. Mother has had a very bad cold and I also have been feeling out of sorts. This intensely cold weather does not suit me after my illness of two years ago. Both the kiddies are well and as full of beans as ever. Joyce has been particularly elated because she has been leading the line in some of the work of the senior girls at the Guild. Edith also has been quite pleased with herself because, as Prefect of her class, she has the chance of “bossing the kids” occasionally! This suits her down to the ground.

We are expecting Ruth home this week for a spell. She has now completed a year of her hospital work. No doubt she will be writing you herself before long.

Keith has not found anything in the direction of steady work though he is answering quite a lot of advertisements and interviewing firms in the hope of getting something to do. The occasional jobs with the Texas company help to keep the pot boiling but they do little more than give him sufficient money to meet his incidental needs and pay for his land. His school Accountancy fees, insurances and so on all come out of the balance of his small savings account which is now down to a pretty low ebb.

You mention in your letter that you expected to be with Dean Ames about the 15th June. You will have been with him for over a month if that plan carried out. I suppose by this time you will have a clearer perception of the possibilities of work before your school year commences. All our overtures in connection with the sale of the amplifier have, so far, come to naught. I wish to goodness we could find some means of disposing of it. We seem to draw a blank every time.

We have not heard from Rex. Baker for the past two or three weeks. When last he wrote he suggested the possibility of returning to Melbourne at a comparatively early date.

Most of the old brigade on the Board are still going strong, although some of them are beginning to show signs of age. Mr. Hooke is not quite as mentally alert as he was a year or two ago.

We get many enquiries concerning yourself. Gus Froelich and a number of others have made enquiry just recently. They all seem anxious to hear how you are getting on.

"In your letters, we hope you will not
think any piece of information too
trivial, or that it has no news value to it.
We naturally want to know how
things are going in every way."

In your letters, we hope you will not think any piece of information too trivial, or that it has no news value to it. We naturally want to know how things are going in every way. It will do us a good deal to help us appreciate your position. Tell us something about the closing up of the school year. What took place at the various functions?

Your last letter was written just before commencement — perhaps your next letter will tell us something about that event. The quarterly examinations were to be held on June 9 and 10 according to the calendar. If it is possible to send me another copy of the handbook for next year, I shall be delighted, as it gives me details concerning the school which I find exceedingly interesting and help met to know when the various quarters ended, and something about the school life generally.

I must close now. We shall look forward with keen pleasure to your subsequent letters. You know we all unite in warm love.

Yours affectionately,
Dad

No. 38 -- 21 June 1932

Mr. N.A. Hughes,
C/o Y.M.C.A. College,
5315 Drexel Avenue,
CHICAGO. Ill. U.S.A.

My dear Noel,

"We remarked at home over
the weekend, it is just a year
since you left home. How
the time slips by!"

Your letter of May 20th reached us yesterday. Just a month on the way. Yes, we remarked at home over the weekend, it is just a year since you left home. How the time slips by!

You will have received my last letter with the enclosed few pounds, which I hope reached you safely, and was sufficient for your immediate needs. We have tried to speed up the sale of the amplifier, but so far without any definite result. I thought I had a buyer when last I wrote, but he evidently cooled off. We afterwards got a message that he had made other arrangements. Harold Thompson is prosecuting further enquiries and seems hopeful that he will be able to effect a sale. Keith also heard of a man in Glenferrie who is thinking of purchasing an amplifier for use in a skating rink, and he is following that lead up in the hope that it may bring business.

Your letter suggests that there is not much likelihood of you leaving Chicago during the summer vacation. However, it assures us that you will be able to carry on, though it would be much more satisfactory if you could earn money during the period. Perhaps Dean Ames may treat you generously after all.

"I am sorry that the outlook
for work is so bad, and
sincerely hope that your
prophesies will not be fulfilled.
It is a safe policy to think in
terms of the most difficult
situation likely to arise
and I commend you
for doing that."

A couple of letters back I gave you the information we had secured concerning the Chicago Exhibition. Mr. Nichol has not been able to get any line on it to date, but if he can dig up information at this end you can be sure I will let you have it.

I am sorry that the outlook for work is so bad, and sincerely hope that your prophesies will not be fulfilled. It is a safe policy to think in terms of the most difficult situation likely to arise and I commend you for doing that. If conditions are so bad, it is probably that there will not be a large entering class in September, therefore, there may be more work available for the present students.

Bankrupt Chicago. (1932, June 20). 

The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848-1957), p. 7. 

Retrieved February 13, 2014, from

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4458559

I am not sure if this is the exact article that

George sent to Noel, but it fits

the description and is probably 

the same subject matter.

I enclose a cutting from yesterday’s paper which helps us to realise how desperate conditions in Chicago must be. In addition we have had letters from Laurie Bowen which paint a doleful picture of the frightful straits to which the unemployed in Chicago are reduced. Your letter indicates that the Chicago Y is also having a desperately difficult time. We are hoping that some remedial measures will be taken by the American Government during the present summer in provision of relief works, etc. Our own Government is making great efforts in this direction and it looks as if many of those who are at present unemployed will be absorbed in the next few months. Let’s hope the same thing applies to America.

I am sorry to hear that the College is having such a bad time. Of course that is to be expected when outside conditions are so bad. Perhaps in your next letter we shall hear all about your Spring quarter examinations.

I was wondering what had happened to the parcel of books referred to in one of your letters. I quite understand that you have not been able to send them on because of the expense involved.

The Australian Eleven refers to the Australian
cricket team. Holmesdale Nitschke is Noel's
second cousin. He played two international
tests in 1931. See Wikipedia: Jack Nitschke.

I do not know anything about the itinerary of the Australian Eleven now touring America. Holmesdale Nitschke is not a member of the team. It is cheering to hear that you are keeping in good health despite the problems you are facing.

Your message to Alf. Hines and Matron will be passed on to them, and you may expect a letter from them in due season.

Now just a little home news. Mother is continuing in excellent health and so are all the others. Ruth is now temporarily employed at a small hospital in one of the Eastern suburbs. The work there is not as heavy as at the Homeopathic Hospital. I do not know how long this job will last, but probably not beyond the month of July. In any case it has been useful experience and it will keep her in touch with her work.

I'm not sure exactly which cousin the girls
would have been so eager to visit. Both the
Herbert family (first cousins) and the Willis
family (second cousins) lived in Sydney.
My guess is that it was cousin Irven Herbert,
since she gets the most mention in
previous letters.

Edith and Joyce are making plans to visit Sydney at Christmas. We tell them that lots of things are likely to happen before then, which may prevent them visiting their cousin. But that doesn't stop them from making their own plans.

I have not heard a great deal from Rex during the past few weeks. He is still in Sydney.

There was a weekend Camp over Saturday and Sunday, at “Manyung”, but the weather was so desperately cold, that I decided not to go. We are right now having some of the coldest weather we have yet experienced this year. It is certainly not weather for camping.

We are planning a membership campaign for the period July 13 to 27, and just now various meetings are being held in preparation for the event.

Wardrop House was a YMCA Hostel located
in Northcote, north of Melbourne.
See Darebin Heritage, YMCA Hostel, Northcote

Wardrop House is very low with only 22 in residence. On the five months’ work we are down about £100 in the Wardrop accounts. This is adding to our burden at the Central building.

We initiated a diningroom service for residents and others in the middle of May. This has taken on quite well among the residents but is a losing proposition financially. We may have to make a number of adjustments in the next month.

Under separate cover I have sent to you a copy of the book “Australian Birds and Blossoms”, which I thought would be useful to you; also newspapers reporting the elections in New Sough Wales. Mr. Lang was soundly thrashed in the elections.

I have also sent to you a set of reports as presented at the Board meeting last week and from these you will gather quite a lot concerning the various departments of work.

We are having a quiet drive for funds among the number of our well-to-do friends and are hoping to secure a few hundred pounds to tide us over the lean period. Last week Mr. Crosby got a contribution of £100 from one good friend. We have others whom we are approaching this week. Raising money these days is a very difficult job.

You will be interested to hear that we have brought Frank Wilkinson back on the staff to take charge of the Billiard Room. Our friend J.B. Bowman had not made a success of the supervision of the room under a part time basis, under which he was employed. It was doomed to failure from the start — in the first place because the arrangement was not good, and in the second place because the man was not suitable. Wilkinson has been on the job for a fortnight and has doubled the takings and has brought into the room a much better spirit and greatly increased patronage.

Our Educational Classes are going fairly well. We are likely to initiate correspondence courses in Accountancy, Costing, Secretarial principles, etc. etc. Another new move is the formation of a Society made up of past students in Accountancy. We will endeavour to organise a series of monthly lectures so as to retain the interest of these men and keep them in closer touch with the Association,.

I must close off now. We are hoping that your next letter will bear much better news, and that some job may have materialised which will help you in preparation for your next year’s work.

"Conditions are bad for us all,
but they must be specially
acute for you. I wish it were
possible to more adequately
help you. I can assure you
that as it is possible you will
get all the help we can give."

Conditions are bad for us all, but they must be specially acute for you. I wish it were possible to more adequately help you. I can assure you that as it is possible you will get all the help we can give.

It is quite easy for us to say that you must keep a still upper lip despite the troubles you are facing. We know you will do that. We have thought much about you during the lat few weeks as we knew what you were facing. We are confident a way out will be found for you which will show the guiding hand of our Heavenly Father. Many times we have been in difficulties but the way out has always been shown, and it will show itself in this case I feel certain.

We all unite in warmest love,
Yours affectionately,
Dad

No. 37 -- 7 June 1932

Mr. N.A. Hughes,
C/o Y.M.C.A. College,
5315 Drexel Avenue,
CHICAGO. Ill. U.S.A.

My dear Noel,

Your two letters of May 5th and May 9th reached me safely. The earlier one came to the home and the one with the later date came direct to the office.

I am glad it was not necessary for you to have the gold inlay in your teeth. No doubt the cost would have been very heavy.

We are sorry to learn that you are having such a difficult time in your last quarter. We can readily understand unless work is available you will have great difficulty in financing yourself, especially in the smaller amounts which one must have available in his pocket.

"Today I sent you 25 dollars in
American money as requested
in your letter. The unfortunate part
of it is that to send what would
be normally equal to £5,
cost £8:16:5. There is the difference in
the English sterling plus the difference
in exchange between Australia
and America. These two things
combined, make sending money
a ruinous matter."

Your letter of the 9th helped us to understand these problems much better than any other letter you had hitherto sent. Today I sent you 25 dollars in American money as requested in your letter. The unfortunate part of it is that to send what would be normally equal to £5, cost £8:16:5. There is the difference in the English sterling plus the difference in exchange between Australia and America. These two things combined, make sending money a ruinous matter. Just think of it, to send £5:0:0, one must spend £3:16:5 additional. However, we are very glad to be able to send this to you, and wish it could have been more. This will enable you to pay your dentist and the other small amounts you refer to, and will give you a few shillings in your pocket.

I have been trying hard to get rid of the amplifier and today I called in to see Johnny Walsh. Johnny assures me that there is very little call for machines of the kind, but his advice is that we again advertise it and if unsuccessful in disposing of it, we may have to dismantle it and sell the parts. Of course, this is a pretty difficult matter and will take some time to effect. It would be great if we could sell it just as it is for a reasonable figure.

We note that you have nothing further to add concerning work over the summer period. Evidently you seem inclined to remain at the College and undertake work for Dean Ames. Personally I think this is the wisest plan. While there may be more interest in going with your friends to St. Louis, I really believe it would advance your personal interests more if you accept Dean Ames offer and remain with him. He may also be able to get you additional work in some of the Associations. Could you not exploit that to the limit? Could Larry Bowen help you in any way or Norman Weston? Do not feel at all reticent in approaching any of them for this purpose.