vmm SETTLEMENT

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Edited by Rev Selwyn Reynolds

&«r ■ s - c BROTHERHOOD OF ST LAURENCE VILLAGE SETTLEMENT FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE "View looking towards G.K. TUCKER PARK Church Hill on Settlement51 CAPRUM DO WNS VIC, ?2Q1 PH: (03) 782 1203

4 "IQfrlffinA££P..2ffir'PF" (From Manager, Mick Champ)

TO BEGIN WITH, TWO APOLOGIES, FIRSTLY, IT WAS PLANNED TO DISTRIBUTE THE '•NEWS'' IN TIME FOR EASTER, AS IT IS, I'M ONLY JUST TYPING MY CONTRIBUTION ON, I MIGHT ADD, A BEAUTIFUL EASTER MONDAY AFTERNOON. SECONDLY, HAVING TALKED OUR EDITOR INTO USING A QUICK SKETCH OF THE CROSS ON TOP OF CHURCH HILL, I»D OVERLOOKED PROBLEMS IN USING DUPLICATING PAPER WITH A PHOTO-COPYING MACHINE - HENCE, A RATHER SMUDGY AND FEINT COVER SHEET.

"LIFE BE IN IT - SOMETHING FOR EVERYBODY" I GUESS SOME OF YOU HAVE SEE THIS COLOURFUL POSTER OUTSIDE THE TUCKER-BOX OR IN COX AND COLLINS COURTS. DESIGNED TO STIMULATE INTEREST AND ENQUIRY PROM MEN AND WOMEN IN THEIR MATURE YEARS, IT SHOWS REAL LIFE, ORDINARY PEOPLE IN THEIR LATER YEARS TAKING PART IN PASSIVE CONVENTIONAL LEISURE ACTIVITIES (GARDENING, CRAFTWORK AND CHESS) AS WELL AS OTHER MORE ACTIVE PURSUITS (BOWLING, DANCING AND WALKING). IT ALSO DEPICTS INNOVATIVE ACTIVITIES WHICH EXTEND THE RANGE OF OPPORTUNITIES WHICH MANY OF YOU COULD REALISTICALLY PURSUE AS, FOR EXAMPLE, SWIMMING WHICH SOME OF YOU NOW ENJOY WITH THE FORMATION OF OUR "PENGUIN" CLUB. I'M NOT TOO CERTAIN HOW ATHLETICS, YOGA OR ARCHERY WOULD COME ACROSS ALTHOUGH WE ARE THINKING ABOUT "KEEP FIT" CLASSES AND CYCLING. (IMAGINE DELIVERING MEALS-ON-WHEELS TO SOME HOUSEBOUND COTTAGE RESIDENT USING A 3-WHEELER »TRIKEj) PERHAPS YOU'VE SOME IDEAS OF YOUR OWN - IP SO, COME ALONG TO THE HALL ON MON 19 APR AT 10.30 FOR A DISCUSSION AND TO HEAR JOHN WEBB (RECREATION OFFICER FOR OLDER ADULTS, AT THE DEPT. OF YOUTH, SPORT AND RECREATION IN ) SPEAK ON THE SUBJECT AS WELL AS WAYS IN WHICH FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE MAY BE FORTHCOMING TO ESTABLISH NEW INNOVATIVE ACTIVITIES. THIS ISN'T TO SUGGEST HOWEVER, THAT NOTHING HAPPENS AT THE PARK. INDEED AND WITH RESPECT TO FATHER TUCKER'S PHILOSOPHIES OUR MOTTO COULD WELL BE « SOMETHING FOR EVERYBODY AT G.K. TUCKER PARK". VERY LITTLE STIMULATION OR MOTIVATION WAS REQUIRED IN ELECTING RESIDENTS ONTO THIS YEAR'S MANY COMMITTEES AND CLUBS WHICH ALREADY EXIST FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL. THIS . _ WAS GOOD AND ESPECIALLY WELCOME WERE MANY NEW COMERS TO " THE SETTLEMENT.

PERHAPS I SHOULD ADD A THIRD APOLOGY FOR ALTHOUGH I PROMISED TO CALL ON EACH AND EVERY COTTAGE FOR THE PURPOSE OF DRAWING UP A LONGER-TERM MAINTENANCE/RENOVATION STRATEGY PROGRAM, IT - IS TAKING LONGER TO GET AROUND THAN ANTICIPATED. AS YOU PROBABLY KNOW, APPLICATIONS AND GENERAL ENQUIRIES REGARDING ACCOMMODATION HAVE BEEN DECENTRALISED FROM OUR HEAD OFFICE IN FITZROY. THIS MEANS I AM NOW ATTENDING DIRECTLY WITH AS MANY AS A DOZEN OR MORE ENQUIRIES AND FOLLOW-UP ACTION EVERY WEEK FROM A LARGE BUT LOCAL GEOGRAPHIC AREA* THEREFORE, UNTIL SUCH TIME AS A PART-TIME ADMISSIONS/WELFARE OFFICER IS APPOINTED TO ASSIST, I'M AFRAID SOME OF MY TIME IS UNFORTUNATELY DIVIDED BETWEEN THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE HERE, AND THOSEWHO WOULD LIKE TO BE HERE.

AS FAR AS MAINTENANCE/REPAIRS GOES, ALL ROUTINE AND EMERGENCY REQUESTS ARE BEING ATTENDED TO BUT PLEASE CONTINUE TO USE THE WRITTEN FORM OF REQUEST, WHERE POSSIBLE. IT'S EASY TO FORGET A VERBAL OR CASUAL MESSAGE. A PROGRAM TO RENOVATE COLLINS COURT HOSTEL AND KIMPTON COURT COTTAGES IS NO LONGER A QUESTION OF "IF" BUT RATHER "HOW" AND TO SOME EXTENT, "WHEN". ANSWERS TO BOTH QUESTIONS ARE ACTIVELY BEING PURSUED WITH A VIEW TO STARTING WORK JUST AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE. BETTER STREET LIGHTING IN SOME AREAS HAVE BEEN AGREED TO BY CRANBOURNE COUNCIL. SEALING OF WILLIAMS ROAD IS SCHEDULED IN THE SHIRE'S 1982/83 ROAD-WORKS PROGRAM. A SECOND DAILY BUS (INCLUDING ONE ON SATURDAYS) WILl A$&8&NCE OPERATIONS - SUPPORT NEEDED FOR SUCH A SERVICE TO CONTINUE. FINALLY, THIS SUN (18 APR) "WALK AGAINST WANT". HOPE YOU'LL JOIN WITH ME AND OTHER RESIDENTS, INCLUDING MRS ANNIE PENNY WHO, AT 9 5 YEARS OF AGE, IS DETERMINED TO "BE IN IT" IN A SHORT' WALK AROUND THE SETTLEMENT. SEE YOU 2.15PM COX CRT. HEPLA HTED OUR "GUARDI AN TREE"

S I R EDMUND HERRING, K.C.M.G.. K.B.E., D.S.O., M.C., E.D., K.ST.J, died in Melbourne in January, after a long illness. His wife, Dame , predeceased him only 10 weeks earlier. Throughout his long and fruitful life Sir Edmund had been regarded as an outstanding Judge and Legal Practitioner, Soldier, Scholar and Sportsman. Born in the Central Victorian town of Maryborough in 1892, Sir Edmund became Rhodes Scholar for in 1912. He studied at Melbourne University, and was continuing his studies at Oxford University when the First World War broke out. He served with the Royal Horse Artillery with distinction. Upon returning to Melbourne in 1921, he quickly established a sound legal reputation, becoming a King's Counsel in 1936. At the outbreak of the Second World War he returned to Military Service in 1939 and commanded the Sixth Division Artillery in the Western Desert and Greek Campaigns. He was Major General in charge of First Australian Corps and New Guinea Force during the decisive battles against the Japanese during 1942/43* In 1944 he became Victoria's Chief Justice, a position he held for 20 years. During that time a number of significant changes were introduced into the Victorian legal system. Sir Edmund main­ tained an active interest in the throughout his life. He served as President of of Australia and was Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the , - two positions he held for many years. He was holder of numerous official and honorary positions and was a Patron of the R.A.C.V. from 1944 on. from "Royal Auto"(Feb.) ARCHBISHOP SIR FRANK WOODS, in the address at the Great Victorian's State Funeral in St. Paul's Cathedral on January 11th, said - "Sir Edmund Herring walked in faith, but he did not wear his faith on his sleeve, nor did he hide it under his coat. He didn't drive at people nor confront them. (cont.) 1 HE PLANTED OUR GUARDIAN TREE

Sir Edmund never thrust belief on anyone, but he never hid his own. And he walked humbly without ambition, without one-upmanship, without self-assertion. He was genuinely surprised when honors were heaped upon him. He walked humbly with his humble Lord, who never asserted his equality with God, but accepted the servant role. He knew that he had been gifted by God as an athlete, scholar, soldier, general, chief justice and deputy governor, and took no personal credit for his achievements. As a general he had remark- ability to get on with colleagues and superiors ( particularly with Generals Blarney and Mac Arthur) and it was held that his generalship was a prime factor in saving Australia from invasion during World War 2. Edmund Herring had a deep concern for children and had put his strength behind the Scout and Guide Movements. He was also very active in helping ex-servicemen, their wives and children. His Christian Faith had given him "untold riches of mind and spirit" and he was deeply concerned that mary Australian boys and girls were being deprived of those riches because of the secularity of State education. So he became one of the founding members of the Council for Christian Education in Schools, and gave a great deal of his time, means and wisdom to that organization. It pleased Edmund Herring all the more that the venture was made possible by the ecumenical co-operation of the Churches. he had also been concerned that many people in industry were also deprived of the spiritual riches to which they had a right. So he became the first President of the Council of the Inter-Church Trade and Industry Mission. He rejoiced that this Council, which is also ecumenical, sends Chaplains into industry. After the Service the cortage left for the , and thence to the Necropolis, Springvale.

P7 M -U M 'i'UM ..•HA.t*i4A i N

This edition of the NEWSLETTER accompanies the celebration of Easter and it is to that Festival that 1 want to bring some thoughts. The crucifixion especially demands some thought. For those who own Christianity, there needs to be some answer to the question,"Why was it that the Saviour died in this way?" For the Christian, the , Crucifixion cannot be an accident. It cannot be an inevitable necessity. The question, "Why the Crucifixion?" is an important one. J. can see no .difficulty for the non-believer. What he is mainly concerned with is Jesus* life. Something about the truth about Jesus appeals to non-believers. The Golden Rule (even if it is mis-translated "Try to live so that you don't hurt anybody",)appeals to most. The kindness of this man Jesus appeals to most. The generosity of his teaching appeals to most. Those without any faith at all can quote Jesus with satisfaction They can understand to a point, the life of Jesus. They can never understand his death. For the non-believer, the death of Jesus is evidence of man's evil. For them it is inevitable that one so good should die. Or for the non-believer, the death of Jesus is a pity. The executing authorities made a mistake. Basically the non-believer can explain the death of Jesus but only as a freak event. By that I mean that the non-believer does not really see the world as evil. As he gets older he does not really believe that "only the good die young." The non-believer will not really accept a world where government authorities are permitted to make mistakes about whom they execute. For the Christian on the other hand, the crucifixion needs to be understood. Somehow, the death of Jesus was part of God's plan, the plan of a loving God, giving to the world something that it needed. Each of the New Testament writers answers the question raised by the Crucifixion differently. -i St. Matthew sees the crucifixion in terms of obedience. Jesus goes to his death of his own freewill, in obedience to God. It is this singular obedience, even to death , which is the way to Jesus* enthronment as Lord of the universe. A voluntary death in obedience to God is the necessary step before God's final plan of resurrection for Jesus. For St. Mark,the crucifixion of Jesus is the only way that mankind will know, really know, who it is that has been in its midst. For St. Mark, to look for God as an all-powerful ruler, one who as impervious to opposition, one who with his little finger can crush all opposition, is to look for God in the wrong place. God is never seen there. He is seen in the one who, for the sake of others can be unimportant to himself. So the crucifixion is the climax in enabling the world to see our God.

3. (cont) PROM THE CHAPLAIN (cont.)

For St..Luke. the. very suffering of Jesus prove s who he - i s y—the-^waa--- sent by God. It is not that the world is unjust. It is that its reaction to those whom God sends, his prophets and teachers, is always rejection., For St. Paul, the crucifixion of Jesus is the wisdom of God. The very way chosen by man to reject Jesus, to get him out of the way, was in God’s wisdom the way that Jesus is established in the life of the world. Before the crucifixion Jesus was in the flesh, able to draw only those who saw him. After the crucifixion, Jesus is not so limited. He can draw close to all, even Paul himself. For St. John the crucifixion stands alone as God’s act. St. John records that "GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY SON THAT WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM SHOULD NOT PERISH, BUT HAVE ETERNAL LIFE, (John 3,16) For St. John at the crucifixion, the giving of the Son is made complete. That Jesus was in the world, teaching and healing was a sign of God’s love for mankind. God had sent his Son. But at the crucifixion, the Son was not sent, but GIVEN.

All of this discussion is brief, merely pointing to answers to .our question,"Why the crucifixion?" But to recite other people’s answers is not the full story. What happened at the crucifixion is neither accident nor regrettable inevitability. It is God's very act for us. It is not a heroic tale to set an example for us. It is God's very act to enable us to be Christian. It is my hope that at this Eastertide, what is set out above proves food for thought to you. It is my prayer that at this Eastertide you will see more of the meaning of Jesus' crucifixion ^or yourself.

Fr, Andrew

4 APEX HOUSE 0 P P. SHOPS

We continue to have many bargains and our customers are increasing. Many new faces have come into the shop both from within the park and from Outside. We get fresh weekly stock kindly sent by Mrs. Me. Inerney and her daughter Carol from Rosella St., and we thank them sincerely. We have also had a number of donations from Myers at Bayside via Mrs. Cann's daughter Clarice. These have also been acknowledged. We have now got three new helpers, Mrs. Hancock, Mrs. Rea, and Mrs. French, who are a great help to us. Miss Baade has settled into Curiosity Shop and she is doing very well. Pop in on Fridays between 9.30 a.m. and noon, you never know what you may find! Mrs. Johnson has been very busy with alterations much to the delight of those residents who cannot do sewing. Mrs. Cann sorts out donations of wool and many unfinished garments. Mrs. Martini pulls out any garments that can’t be finished, and the wool is used by Mrs. ^night and Mrs. Towan, who crochets lovely knee rugs, and by Mrs. Lewis, who has knitted a number of children's jumpers. Other garments come in, and just need finishing, Mrs. Ruff has been doing this for us. We also get lots of wool which can not be used for making things, and this is cut up for stuffing by Mrs. John for Mrs. Levecke. To all these ladies may I say Thank you - also to you our customers who have helped us raise to date since Fair Day $2,300. KATHY FOGGITT Manager.

IRISH BLESSING

May the roads rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rains fall soft upon your fields, And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.

5. COURT NEWS, March, 1982.

Hello Polks! A long time - No write! as my last report was in Nov. and now, much to catch up on, from Dec. to Mar.! The Christmas Red Cross Party had a full Bus load of folks and helpers, who enjoyed a delicious luncheon, and vry enjoyable colorful enter­ tainment, and a very young "Mother Christmas" who distributed gifts around. Also, in Dec., the Mount Eliza Nth. Singers delighted us with their singing Christmas Carols, their young voices so fresh and true!- a credit to their pianiste and Director, Mrs. leaver, and Mrs. Crawley, and their efforts brought $62-plus in donations to our Hospital. Thank you, Singers! Our Christmas Party was a Bus trip to Olinda, a perfect, sunny day for the drive through the beautiful Dandenongs, so very lovely!- and on to Olinda for a Scrumptious Tea at the "Cuckoo" in a happy atmosphere with gay entertainment. A big Thank you to Rae, Margaret and their friends for their help, company and gifts, making a really happy Christmas Party. Christmas Dinner in Cox Court was outstanding in every way, well-attended by residents, and not surpassed by the"Hilton". Thanks to our Caterer and her Staff. We welcomed our Manager and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Champ and their three Sons, who from all accounts enjoyed sharing our Christmas Festivities. Thanks to all the Court Staff, who gave up their Christmas Day for us. A couple of resident changes in the New Year. Mrs. Mac Intosh left us to be cared for at Broughton, and our thoughts and good wishes are with her. We miss her happy personality around, and we welcome Mr. . Whitaker into Cox Court, and wish him good health and happiness with us. Also welcome to "Phyl" Knight, who cheers us up, and is a good help to mrs. Levecke, who has created a beautiful garden in West Court, which we appreciate and enjoy, and Thank you. Recently Collins Court has had some old trees chopped down,etc. gutters and roofs cleaned, a regular tidying up, which makes life pleasanter for us. (cont.)

6. COURT NEWS (cent.)

A tribute to Margaret and Thelma, while Rae' was on her well- earned holiday - and all the girls - they looked after us very well! Several of our Court Family have celebrated their ’’Coming of Age"- 90 years I Congratulations and Good Wishes to them for many happy years with us, - and to all the over 90’s. They are wonderful! An appreciation to our Entertainers for their excellent Friday Concert recently! All our Court Family who could attend, helped across in wheelchairs, waking aids, and "us" in the "Stick Brigade" attended and thoroughly enjoyed the very cleverand talented pro­ grammes. I reckon they could run a "Travelling" Show around the country successfully. A great success! Thank you. Recently we enjoyed the Cambrian Singers once again. Always very delightful - their harmony and well-trained voices were a joy to hear! A credit to their Directress’ training, and their pianiste. Thank you, and please come again! Some of our folk have been in hospital, but are well again, and our thoughts go to Miss Payne, and good wishes for her speedy recovery, and return home. P.S. Our thanks to Mrs. Clements and Mrs. Wilder, our Ward Representatives, and Congratulations - or should we commiserate with them? Good Wishes to Mrs Sage who moves from Collins Court to a Cottage in Blandford Court today. This lovely Autumn sunshine makes one appreciate more how lucky we are to have the care and love of those who look after us and keep us on our feet to enjoy life here. Thank you Rae, Margaret and all the girls. Bless You, YOUR COURT REPORTER (with "Writers' Cramp")

7 COURT NEWS (STOP PRESS)

Mr. and Mrs. G. Dixon have moved to Collins and Cox Courts respectively. Mrs. D..Martinez and Miss M. Payne are now at Broughton Home. Mrs.J. John has moved to Cox Court, and Mrs. Whitlow remains in our hospital pending a nursing home bed. All welcome a visit from their friends in their new surroundings. We wish them every happiness & good health. COURT REPORTER

FLYING TIME

When we reach the age of 10 We feel no longer small We love the double digits And feel quite ten feet tall.

When we get to 20 We suddenly feel quite sober, And realise the zany years Are virtually over.

Forty is a milestone A few grey hairs perhaps, You take a stock of figures Both the females and the chaps.

Sixty now has recompense You may retire that day. There are happy years of leisure If you really know the way.

If only life were longer! What a waste it seems to us ’When all the things we learn in life Snuff out at 90 plus! Mrs. M. Scarlett, Como, W.A. 8* Contr. Mrs. Barnes. T H E OLD-TIME MUSIC HALL SHOW Thanks from Uncle A1 ; First of all, no show is complete without an audience, so thank you for coming and your favorable comments. Thank you to the many residents for the donations which assisted in making the night such a financial success - around $500 raised for the Chapel Carpet Fund. A big Thank you to all our entertainers for their efforts, the hours of practice, arranging costumes, props and music from Delle Hancock to provide two excellent items, to Charlie Dumble for his assistance to the entertainers, setting up hall and on the night as projectionist, to our ladies from the Chapel Committee in setting up the hall, providing the tea and coffee, and then attacking the mountain of dishes afterwards with the help of a few friends as well as Father Andrew's assistance in clearing up. Uncle A1 had run out of steam at that time. To all other artistes for their willing contribution and assistance which (as well as paying for their tickets) helped to make the night so enjoyable. You would be amazed at the hours of work, practice, etc. to provide a night like that, and also the number of people involved before the show. Our Donated Goods Division assisted in costume selection, the cape for Henry V111 and the floral decorations.(They did not come from Cranbourne General Cemetary). Our musicians Lyle and Brian, friends of Uncle Al, with Robert Taylor ( one of our Donated Goods Staff) on drums and ably supported by ^ordon Rumph (Anne Power's father) on pianoforte. Anne and Dennis had not performed on stage before and Dorothy Hind had not swung clubs for many years until the night before the Show. We could not find any until then, and you have no idea how many people were looking. Dennis and Arch assisted with weight making and painting props, our maintenance crew assisted by getting the hall back in order Yes, it was a bit cramped, but from all accounts a most enjoyable night was had by all, so Thank you all for the combined effort that made it so. ALWYN- DAVEd* HENRY Vlll Uncle Al. Dave the Dill. Henry vlll

P.S. I have had several offers to help with the next show, therefore the never-to-be-repeated repertoire may be changed and brought a to you at ENORMOUS EXPENCE in the future.

9.

/ VILLAGE FAIR NEWS

The ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING was held on February 3rd, chaired by Mr. N. Champ, and the fSilowing Office Bearers were nominated:- PRESIDENT Deaconess Alfred. VICE PRESIDENT Mrs. Champ. SECRETARY Miss Pelmear. ASSISTANT SECRETARY Mrs. French. TREASURER Mr. C. Dumble. ASSISTANT TREASURER Mr. J. McKinnon. MANAGERESS OPP. SHOP Mrs. Foggitt. MANAGERESS CURIOSITY SHOP .Miss Baade.

COMMITTEE Miss Blagburn. Mrs, Daley. Mrs. Hind. Mrs. Johnson. Mrs. Ruff. Mrs. Setterfield. Co-opting Mrs. Duprey & Mrs. Potter

CAKE & JAM STALL to continue EACH PENSION DAY, and F.E.S.A. AFTERNOONS WHEN FILMS AND VARIOUS DEMONSTRATIONS WILL BE GIVEN.

We hope the New Committeewill be as successful & co-operative as the out-going one, with the new faces and new ideas to stimulate us all.* I

HOSPITAL AUXILIARY

We restarted our SaturdayAfternoon Meetings on Feb. 7th, although we had some hot days our numbers were average, and we are hoping they will increase with the cooler weather. We are very sorry to hear that our Matron Campbell will be leaving, as she is our Chairman, and we are hoping that our next Matron will accept the position and support our activities. I hope we will have the support from our members and residents in 1982 like we did in 1981. We would be very pleased to welcome any new members and residents, and would like to let them know that we play every Saturday Afternoon at 1.30. p.m. in the Meeting Room, and we have a small break for a cuppa, and there is a small door prize, as well as the winner, and a booby. (cont.) 1 0 . HOSPITAL AUXILIARY (continued)

We also have a raffle on Pension Days in the Hall to swell the funds for the Hospital. I would like to thank all those folks who have given me donations of money and gifts for prizes, which are very acceptable Wishing everyone well, „ „TJVSB Secretary

ENTERTAINERS1 REPORT

THE ENTERTAINERS are looking forward to another successful year in 1982

We made a good start with our afternoon concert in aid of Broughton, when we realised the sum of $467. Thank you to all those who helped to make our afternoon such a success, and Betty Caval at Rosella St., who provided us with costumes and props for the Persian Market, also our own Opp. Shop for their contributions to our group.

Already we have engagements for the next couple of months, and we will entertain in the Park as well.

We welcome to our group Jessie Rimkus & Jan Mackinnon, we hope they will enjoy our company.

And of course we mustn’t forget Charlie Dumble, who keeps us on the right track. The "Persian Market" was all his idea, and , believe me, so was a lot more. JEAN REA.

RAE CARSON AND STAFF would like to thank all the residents who so kindly sent their best wishes and gifts over the Festive Season. They were very much appreciated by us all GOD BLESS AND GOOD HEALTH.

11. ONE SOLITARY LIFE

He was born in an obscure village. He worked in a carpenter shop until He was thirty. He then became an itinerant preacher. He never held an office. He never had a family or owned a house. He didn't go to college. He had no credentials but himself. He was only thirty-three when the public turned against him. His friends ran away. He was turned over to his enemies, and went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed to a cross between two thieves. While He was dying his executioners gambled for his clothing - the only property he had on earth. He was laid in a borrowed grave. Nineteen centuries have come and gone, and today He is the Central Figure of the human race. All the armies that ever marched, all the navies that ever sailed, all the. parliaments that ever sat, and all the kings that ever reigned have not affected the life of man on earth as THAT ONE SOLITARY LIFE.

(Contr.) MABEL BROOKES

GOB UNDERSTANDS

God knows all about your present weakness and trial He knows what you are going through, He understands your hurts and your fears He has not forgotten you nor forgotten about you. Jesus Christ, the Son of God went through great suffering Himself, And it is He who comes to strengthen you in your affliction. Listen to Him - He understands] (Contr.) MRS. GIBSON. RANDOM REFLECTIONS

Some folk reminisce on the good ol days - I remember them too in other tough ways, Joining the R.N. to see the sea, I soon found out what life was to be.

At dawn trousers rolled up, sharkskin in one hand, holy stone in the other, we bent down and scrubbed the wooden deck, Some got housemaids' knees, an unpleasant sore Which takes a long time to cure

From sea on a light cruiser we would get It was a coal skip , whether cold, windy or wet. No bathroom or shower to wash off the coal dust- Awooden tub of warm water was our trust.

No complaints of the food tho' oft the ship's cocoa you could cut with a kniff, When bread ran out we had biscuits your doggie wouldn't bite- As for the salt pork - enough to turn your blue eyes white!

Of course we still had our fun, and many looked forward to our ration of rum - I have many stories, but you may think I'm a bore so I'll mention one thing more!

Now progress has made big strides today - even if we have to pay a big price! I still appreciate living - it's really quite nicej QUIEN SABE. (Who knows?)

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