[Page 103]
(2)
-should-
stay and see the thing through to an end.
A portion of the relief force for my troops has arrived, and more will follow later on in sufficient time. I hope to enable the whole of my original force, which left by the "Berrima", to return to Sydney by the middle of February at the latest, when their six months period of service for which they enlisted will have expired.
I had a long letter from Mr. Smail a few days ago, also one from Mr. Roseby, and a card from Mr. Flint. I shall reply to these as soon as I get an opportunity, but just now the clerical work connected with the Administration is very heavy, and it is quite impossible for me to reply promptly to all the private communications that reach me.
Give my kind regards to all at the office, and I would be glad if when you next write you would send to me, shortly, particulars of any important events in connection with the same.
As there is now no likelihood of my return to Australia for some time, and of course Captain Travers and my Son will remain here with me, I have arranged for my Daughter to come up here for perhaps a month or six weeks. I hope if you can be of any assistance to her in her preparations for departure, that you will do so on my account.
With very kindest regards to your family and self.
Yours sincerely,
[W. Holmes]
W.E.Corben, Esqr.,
Metropolitan Board of Water Supply and Sewerage,
SYDNEY: