Received 30-11-92
Answered
Kohlhöhn Sr. 29
Gel.
9th/92
My darling Brothers,
It’s a long time since I wrote to you but the truth of the matter is there’s never any news to tell you as what goes on here in Bremen won’t interest you much. So that’s why my letters are few and far between. You mustn’t think I forget you.
I proposed to Mama in my last letter if I couldn’t find Mary a place here as well, and then I would at least have some one from home with me. But unluckily it seems a bad time to get one as I’ve just put a advertisement in the paper but have got no answer. I am disappointed but I suppose everything is done for the best. Who knows if she would be happy if she did come.
as my thoughts are more with you than you can think. I’m so glad business is getting on so well out there and only wish one of us could persuade Archie to join you too. I’ve just this minute written to him and asked him why he doesn’t do it. But of course he must know best and now that he’s got a place as captain, it’ll be doubly hard to get him away from the sea.
In your last letter Chris you no doubt thought I was at home as you sent the letter there. No, I’m still in slow old Bremen longing for a change but daren’t go away as places are so hard to get in Europe now. More than half of the girls out here have to work three times as hard and get less salary than I. I daresay some day there’ll be a change for the better.
Thanks dear old Chris for telling me to get money if I want it but I wouldn’t think of doing so unless I was awfully hard up. At present I can get on nicely with my salary and am trying hard to put by some although it’s not so easy as clothing is so expensive and in my position here I must dress well. But what I spend in some things I spare in others by making them myself. My friends always tease me so much and say I’m cut out for a German Hausfrau. The only thing now what I’d like to learn thoroughly is cooking, but as long as I stay here it’s impossible as I’ve so little time to go into the kitchen in the morning. But I learn a lot here and there, the only thing wanting is practice. Do you always cook for yourselves still? When are you going to begin the house in Brisbane? I suppose you’ll find a wife first Chris and Alex will follow soon after as two rich young men like you won’t be left long single.
It’s all rubbish saying that you won’t get on with my sex. The truth of the matter is that all girls are not stupid and most of them know when they meet a man whether he’s good or not. I only trust Chris that if I marry that — I’ll get one as good as my brothers. Can’t you find one out there for me? – you’ve got my photo and I haven’t changed!! I hate the whole batch here.
Well let me know old boy when you think of moving. Why wait so long? I don’t want to come out to act as Madam with several at my necks. If I come at all it’s with a promise from you that I won’t be a burden, but a help – and if I am then I can get a place out there. Don’t trouble about it old boy though and send your letter to Bremen next time. I shall be sure to be here and if not then it’ll be sent on.
Alex, when am I going to get your pearls??
Many kisses to both from your loving Sister
May Elmslie