No. 28 -- 17 Feb 1932

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

My dear Noel,

Your letter dated January 9th which you sent by Air Mail to the Coast, reached us the other day. We were very delighted to get a letter so soon after the last.

I know you will find physiology a difficult subject at the first, but it is surprising how simple the subject can become if you have it constantly in mind and revise it by thinking of your own body, its various organs and their functions. I used to repeat to myself the substance of what I had studied in the text book and apply it to my own body, and in this way got an idea of the relationship of the various organs which I found comparatively easy to memorise.

I am glad that you have such an excellent instructor in English. That is a subject that demands most careful handling on the part of the instructor, for it to become really interesting. Very frequently it can become dry and unattractive -- everything depends on its treatment.

We are all glad to know that you have satisfactorily completed the first quarter's work.

I think in my last letter I asked you to give me some idea of the grading you had received in each of the subjects.

Friar's Balsam medicine bottle,
from the collection of the
Powerhouse Museum in
Sydney, Australia.
Accessed 24 November 2012.

You will need to watch that cold. I know what Chicago is like in the winter and you would be wise to take every precaution to get rid of it as quickly as you can. There is nothing better than to steam your chest and throat by inhaling Friar's Balsam or Eucalyptus, or a similar medicant, in boiling water.

I have not had a chance to see George Briggs, but will ask him to let me see the letter regarding financial needs.

I was interested in your account of the Fraternities. May I express the hope that you will not give Clive Glover cause to feel that you are becoming independent of his help. You know quite well that a great deal of your present work has been brought to you through Clive's kindly offices, and I sincerely trust you will give him cause to feel that you are  grateful to him for what he has done. However, the matter of the Fraternity you join is your own affair, but I hope it will not mean that the Fraternity will occupy too much of your time and keep you away from your college work. It is quite easy to become so thoroughly interested in the social side of college life, that you neglect the very necessary revision and preparation for class work.

I noticed in the handbook that a modified type of warning is given to new students that they should not become too closely related to the Fraternities or feel that they were "out of the swim" if they had not been invited to one or other of them. You must also watch the question of costs on the social side of college life.

What a lot of fool stunts are put over in the American Colleges. Surely to goodness there is much more in life than to gather up a matchbox full to toe-nails!

The summer vacation will need careful thought on your part. Frankly I was hoping that you would take in some time at Lake Geneva, not only because of the credits you can obtain, but also because of the opportunity it gives you to have a very close relationship with many of the leaders of the Movement, and my own judgment is that if it is possible for you to get a job at Lake Geneva, you should take it. Presumably you will get your board and residence and tuition while you are at the summer school. That is all to the good and can be looked upon as savings in that you may not be called upon to expend any sums of money for self-support. The balance of your time I think you should spend, if possible, in work that will enable you to save money in preparation for your next year's college work. You know how necessary it is to have a certain amount of money at the beginning of each term, and in view of this I would urge you to give up the idea of a trip to Los Angeles, and devote your-self to preparation for your next year's work. Not that we would desire you to slave from morning till night, but we think it is important that you should earn all the money you possibly can, especially in view of the depressed conditions in America, which seemingly are likely to get worse instead of better. You must think in terms of "preparing for the rainy day."

At any rate this summer I feel you should give to earning money, and then perhaps after you have become better established in your school work, it might be possible in the succeeding summer to spend time sight-seeing and travelling.

Thank you for the message from Andrew Garrod. I also had a letter from him this mail, in which he stated that he had received a Christmas card from you from Chicago, but that you had not given any address. I imagine he must have located the address or else he could not have written to you as you reported. The kiddies have written to Dorothy Garrod, on several occasions, and will be doing so again shortly.

I was interested in the cutting you forwarded concerning the protest on the part of the hotel proprietors in Chicago, about the Y.M.C.A. having departed from its character building work to enter the hotel business. You know quite well that the Association's explanation is quite valid. If it is true that we make money on our residential sections, it is only that we might be in a position to render more effective service in our programme or in non-remunerative departments. As far as we are concerned it would be impossible for us to carry on our work in the Boys' Department for instance, if we did not make a substantial profit on our residential section. Of course there is a difference between the Melbourne situation in comparison with that of Chicago, but speaking generally I think the argument I have advanced is unassailably sound.

I have not anything further to report concerning home conditions. Everything is going quite well. Ruth spent last week at home as she had a very heavy cold, and the hospital granted her extension of leave so that she might get rid of it. I think in my last letter I told you that she was "peeved" because she could not attend Millie Harris's 21st birthday. This has all been put right, as Millie held her birthday party on Monday evening which was Ruth's night off, so she and Keith went along and had a good time.

Keith's job is still holding, but we do not know for how long. Joyce and Edith, of course, send their love, and when your letters arrive you can be sure they are full of questions regarding Chicago and your doings.

We are expecting Mr. Crosby back from Tasmania this week. We will be glad to have him on the job again. We are to have the annual meeting on the 25th and I am pleased to report that we have been successful in securing one or two new Directors who should be a decided acquisition to our work.

Mother's cold is practically better again, although she is feeling a little depressed that it is hanging around for so long.

I have not heard a word from Clive for months past. Tell him I would welcome a line when he has a few minutes to spare.

This might be one of the "snaps" enclosed with this letter.
It was taken over the previous holidays at Camp Manyung.
Joyce and Edith and Mother are in the front row,
George (Dad) and Kath Lilford are in the back.

I heard yesterday that there is a possibility that Archie Moses, who went to India for us about three years ago, is likely to be sent to America for training by the Indian National Council. In a letter to Trainor, he asked whether any arrangement could be made for him to get part time work at the Chicago Y. I am sure it would be a nice thing for you to drop him a line. His address is A. Henderson Moses, C/o Y.M.C.A., Bombay, India. It would make him feel that there were one or two Australians who would be glad to welcome him should he go to Chicago Y College. Of course, you had better be careful what you say about this in the meantime, as presumably the whole matter is only in its early stages and may not come off.

I must close now as I must run off to attend a meeting of the Rotary Club Boys' Work Committee.

All unite, my boy, in sending you our warmest love and hope that you will be able to throw off your cold, and give undivided attention to your work.

Yours affectionately,
Dad.

Enclosed -- Snaps 2
Material in Aboriginal Customs & Wit.

By the way -- Kath mentioned she has not had any letters since before Xmas!!!

This is the first indication that all is not well in Noel's relationship with
Kath Lilford. George will usually write about Kath from now on in
a hand-written post-script, since Kath is so closely affiliated with the
YMCA and George's typist, Dorrie Yates, is friends with Kath.

No. 18 -- 26 Oct 1931

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

My dear Noel,

Your good letter of 13th September came to hand a week or so ago. We were very delighted to hear that you had secured a number of small jobs which had helped to "keep the wolf from the door".  Mother was rather interested in hearing that you had been doing some house cleaning at 50 cents an hour. Evidently the training at home has not come amiss after all.

Naturally, we are anxious to hear exactly what has turned up in the way of a job that will keep you going during your college work. The uncertainty leaves us a little perturbed at present, but no doubt something will eventuate for you.

It is certainly remarkably good of the Lincoln Belmont Y to look after you as they have done. Will you please express my appreciation to all concerned. I must drop Larry Bowen a note expressive of my thanks.

We were also interested to hear that you had been out to Harry White's home, and also that Alex. Moodie had been with you in Chicago. We have had several letters from Pontius, Peck, and others, telling us of Moodie's movements. And so you also had a time with Norman Weston. All of these good friends will make you feel that there are at any rate a few homes where you can go for an odd hour or two if you feel so disposed.

Your experience with the dentist will surely act as a warning that you must make such visits as seldom as possible. With your limited means we have been wondering how on earth you have managed to pay all the necessary amounts which entrance on college work demands. What about your room rent, athletic and other outfits? Then, the question of text books. Surely you have found it difficult to meet all that is required.

We were very please to hear that you had secured so many credits towards your entrance status, and I sincerely hope it will be possible for you to clean up some of the arrears of credits so that you will not lose any actual time in your college course.

The Argus (Melbourne),
Monday 26 Oct 1931, page 7

I will see that some newspapers are sent on to you from time to time so that you may be able to keep in touch with conditions in Australia. The only news we get of Chicago is when Al. Capone appears before the courts on some charge or else there is a shooting up incident which is attributed to the gang element in Chicago. If we get only that type of news about Chicago, it is certain you will get very little news concerning Australia in the Chicago papers.

All the folk at home are well. The kiddies are growing very rapidly. Last evening they had the competitions in connection with their gym. work at the Girls' Guild, but neither of them this year was successful in securing a place. Ruth was in to see me yesterday and we expect here home for the weekend. She was very "peeved" because some one had stolen her fur at the hospital. She kicked up the dickens of a row about it but so far the fur has not turned up. I suppose it will not be returned at all. Keith has had a week's work with the Texaco Company and I think has still a day or two next week. Mother is keeping very well and so am I.

Rex has gone away on another job into the country in connection with the installation of some talkie apparatus. He expects to be away for about four or five days.

The Argus (Melbourne),
Saturday 26 Sept 1931, page 21

I have intended in several letters to ask you to give us some idea of the number of gramophone records you purchased from that English boy, and also a list of any others that you bought subsequent to that time. As I look over the records,  I am certain that we have quite a number missing. I wonder if you could give a rough estimate of the actual number there should be, and also if you can remember the names of any particular ones so that we may check up the list, and find out whether any are missing or not.

Margaret Park was over at the home last weekend, and so was Milly Harris. Both of them wish to be remembered to you.

There is great excitement at home just now as we have had a very large addition to the family. Several hundreds of silk worms have come out of the eggs that Joy had from last year and every night there is excitement in changing the silk worms from the old mulberry leaves to the fresh. I don't know whether the kiddies will maintain their interest in the silk worms if they demand too much time and care.

You will be interested to learn that on Sunday morning, November 1st, I am to be inducted into the Eldership at the South Hawthorn Presbyterian Church. Three of us will be added to the Session of the Church and this, of course, will mean additional responsibility for me, but I think I shall be able to carry out what is expected of me in the new job.

I have not got a great deal of Association news to give you apart from the fact that we have been having some splendid initiation ceremonies in connection with the Boys' Department. Another one is to be  held tonight. These ceremonies are exceedingly well attended and have created quite a large amount of interest not only among the Boys' Department members, but also with our Board of Directors.

I have commenced a series of Bible studies with the residents on Tuesday evenings. We meet in the Memorial Hall at 8 o'clock and there has been quite a good group of fellows present on each occasion. I am taking a series of seven studies in the life of Peter.

Our staff group on Monday morning has been studying McCandless's book "Association Administration". We expect to complete the studies at the end of November. It has been a splendid thing to review the chapters of this book as they have given us a lot of valuable material to consider in relation to our own problems of administration.

We are holding the final meetings in connection with the number of our winter activities, and by the end of next month or early December, the wind up dinners and other functions will be held.

Matron and Miss Ray are both keeping well. Wally Muston, Reg. Gray are likewise, although Muston has been away ill with influenza. Charlie Jutsum and Audrey Catterall are both away with flu' and have been for the past week. We have had quite a lot of illness among the residents and old Mr. Whittam was sent away to the Homeopathic Hospital with appendicitis.

Ruth mentioned that you wished to have the birthdays of the members of the family. They are as follows: --

Edith on May 7th, 1920; Joyce on August 31st, 1917; Ruth on Feb. 18th, 1912; your own, December 11th, 1909; Keith, Nov. 5th, 1905; Mother's, May 27th, 1881, my own, Sept. 15th 1878.

Ruth said she would be writing you by this mail, so that I expect you will hear from her as well. She is still enjoying her work at the hospital. She thinks it is quite possible she will be sent down to the children's ward before very long. She has practically completed her work as a "pup" which is the abbreviated form of pupil.

Last night we said farewell to Ragnar Lundqvist, our best all-around athlete in the Athletic Club. He is returning to Sweden. We shall miss him a great deal as this year our fellows go up to "A" grade. Ru. Dorr has also injured his leg very seriously at Rugby. It is doubtful whether he will be of much use to the club for some time ahead. Tom Place had an accident with his leg some little time back, but it seems to be mending again and I think he will be alright. Jim Ralston is just the same as ever, and as keen as mustard on his club and I think the prospects of the Athletic Club are quite good.

The Hockey Club won the premiership of their grade; ditto the Lacrosse Club and the Baseball fellows were runners up in their grade so that we have had quite good results from our winter's sports.

There should be an American mail in next week, and we are expecting a further letter from you.

We all unite in sending our warmest love. We are confident you will work hard and that you will achieve success in your studies.

Please remember me to Clive and May.

With warm love from us all,

Yours affectionately,

Dad

No. 9 -- 21 July 1931

Mr. N.A. Hughes,
C/o Young Men's Christian Association College,
5315 Drexel Avenue,
CHICAGO. Ill. U.S.A.

My dear Noel,

By yesterday's mail we received your letter posted at Suva, in which you describe the happenings at Auckland. We were very glad that Mrs. Kirk established contact with you and showed you some courtesy.

When your letter came, Keith was very wrath that you did not give any particulars concerning Stan. Kirk. He was naturally anxious to know where Stan is and what he is doing.

I also had a letter from Mr. Drew telling me that you had gone through the building and had met a number of the staff men. I, too, am sorry that you did not meet George Adair. George is one of the finest fellows in our Movement in the Dominion and is doing a remarkably fine piece of Boys' Work, perhaps the best in the Dominion.

We had a letter from Cli. Willis and also from Irven Herbert. They gave additional particulars concerning your time in Sydney.

You will be surprised to hear that the Herald published your photograph on Wednesday of last week, together with a paragraph informing folk that you expected to land in Canada on Friday or Saturday last. We have had quite a number of comments from various folk who saw the paragraph.

Mr. Barker of Suva was good enough to send me a letter also, in which he mentioned that you had visited the Guild Meeting at the Mission and also that you met Mr. McMillan. I am glad you had this opportunity of meeting these good friends as they are splendid folk. McMillan is an exceptional man, and I am very sorry that he left our Movement, to go into Government service.

It is hard luck that you did not arrive at Suva until dark. I had a similar experience on my first visit there, but tried to make up for it by seeing all we could in the few hours at our disposal.

The kiddies, of course, are just full of questions regarding your trip and eagerly await the arrival of your letters. I think they will be writing you by this mail, so that you may have quite a budget from the members of the family.

Ruth started at the Hospital on Wednesday, the 15th. She is enjoying the work, although the hours are long and the work exacting. A rather strange incident occurred on her first day in the hospital. Someone went through her purse and stole her money, and a string of beads, so that I was surprised to find her at the office the next morning asking me for money as she was stony broke. I suppose it is a good thing, as it will make her careful with regard to the disposal of her goods. She will perhaps put things away in future and not expect everybody to be absolutely honest.

Rex has been down Gippsland installing some talkie apparatus, but this week is unemployed again. He is, however, expecting to start on Monday of next week.

I had several letters in reply to those I had sent to America. Stanley Brent of Vancouver, regretted he could not see you, as he would be out of Vancouver, but he was making arrangements for someone else to show you courtesies.

R.L. Ewing, of New York, forwarded letters from Mr. Brentley, Activities and Personnel Secretary for New York. Bentley said that he would do all that he could to help you find an opening and he thought it wise for you to keep in touch with Chicago, as that would be the logical place for you to locate. Mr. Ewing evidently wrote to Mr. Glen. O. Pierrel, Assistant Secretary, Y.M.C.A. 19 South LaSalle Street, Chicago. Pierrel said that he would do his best to help you, although he was not very hopeful of locating anything, because of the fact that the Chicago Association is already over-manned in relation to the funds they have to spend. He would make enquiry especially among the Camp Directors, to see whether they might use you, and at least provide room and board.

Naturally I am hoping that Laurie Bowen and Clive Glover have been able to do something in this direction for you. I think it is quite probable, Noel, that you will have some difficulty in securing remunerative part-time work, if I judge correctly the tenor of the letters I have received. I do think, though, that you should concentrate upon the Chicago situation, because of its possibilities for the future during your college work. With a few good friends such as those to whom I gave you cards, I think you should be able to locate a useful job.

Ralph Cooke, a the Chicago Men's Hotel, will I know, do his best to assist you.

Now, just one or two things concerning the work here. We had a wonderful night on Saturday, when the Suburban Clubs had their "Get Together" social. There were about 475 present and it was a great show. I am enclosing a copy of the programme.

The Suburban Club Leaders' Training Corps is doing splendidly and we have over 40 fellows enrolled in it in preparation for service in their own Church Clubs. I think you will find this to be something quite out of the ordinary and not many of the American Associations are doing similarly.

The Suburban Scheme for raising finance, instituted by Mr. Crosby, is steadily gathering momentum, and I hope it will be useful to the Association in providing additional revenue.

I would suggest that any copies of printed matter we may send to you might be useful to the College Library. They always seem anxious to get samples of this kind and I would suggest that perhaps it would be helpful if you passed it on to the Librarian after you have finished with it. The July issue of "Manhood" was sent direct to the College. The careful perusal each month, will give you material for talks, especially as you speak at groups in the Associations. It is by this means that you may be able to pass on to other Associations some of the matters which may be of interest to them, seeing that the work describes conditions in Australia.

Mr. and Mrs. Harrison left us on Sunday, after some 6 1/2 weeks with us. He has secured an agency for Gippsland, and will be travelling in that area. It is possible that they may return to us again a little later on.

Keith tried yesterday for a job with O.Gilpin who advertised for a Customs Official. There were about 100 after the job, including in the number some who were licensed agents, so that Keith does not imagine he has much chance of securing the job.

I hope you have not forgotten to send your address to the College authorities, so that mail matter can be forwarded to you, and time saved in that way.

We have not yet been able to dispose of the Amplifier, although we have had one or two nibbles, but nothing that we could finalise upon. By the time this reaches you, you will be well on the way towards entry to College.

I hope it has been possible for you to continue some degree of study in preparation for the entrance examination the College authorities will require.

Many new experiences have fallen to you in the past few weeks and you may now be feeling the strain of continuous travel and the high pressure of the Conferences. A week or two in a Boys' Camp will be splendid preparation for your entry to College. I hope it has been possible for some of our friends to make an opening for you in this direction. Please be good enough to secure a complete set of the reports of the three Conferences and post them to me without delay. I will see that you are reimbursed for the cost of postage, etc. Maybe you have thought of this, while you were at Conference, but if not, be good enough to secure copies and send them on to me. See that they are securely packed, otherwise they will reach here in a very dilapidated condition.

And now, my boy, we all send our loving regards. We are not forgetting you before the Throne of Grace. We sincerely hope that you will capitalise every opportunity presented to you and make it count in the preparation for your future life work. So much depends upon your ability to do this if success is to be achieved. You know I have constantly spread the gospel of "hard work" as the main condition in achieving success. I am confident it still holds good. You are not likely to have too much time on your hands at College, seeing you have got to earn your way through.

If you are stuck at any time, of course you must let me know and I will do my best to help you, but in view of the further reductions we have just had here in salaries, I do not want you to make any claims unless you are really in need, but if you are in need, please cable immediately and I will do my best to help you.

With warm love from us all,
Yours affectionately,
Dad