Item 06: General William Holmes correspondence, 1900-1915 - Page 138

[Page 138]

BRITISH ADMINISTRATION - Late GERMAN NEW GUINEA.

Headquarters,
Rabaul,
New Britain.
9. 2. 1915.

Dear Holmes,
I suppose [by?] this you have quite settled down again to Sydney life apart from the ever present desire I know you have to get to Europe.

The Navua is supposed to arrive today & all your old force are hoping to get away at latest tomorrow.   I have kept the Eastern for us as as I very much fear that 1058 including sickies on a ship smaller than Eastern is something I am not going to take the responsibility of - No Drayton Grange for me -   things have gone along quietly since you left as Heritage will tell you.
Bond  finished his audit of Treasury & store & gives great  credit to both Fry & Heritage for the work they have put in - Apart from a few queries the whole thing is very satisfactory - Bond was working night & day including Sundays   I have approved of an honorarium of   £25 to be paid to him but he does not want it in cash  - If you approve he wishes it to take the  form of some souvenir which he will select & he would like an inscription on it something after this fashion - To Lieut T.A. Bond Rank

[The Drayton Grange - overcrowded troop ship returning from the Boer War]