Luckily I did not post this last night and today received your first letter. Bill also got one from his Mother. I am sorry to hear you have a bad cold and sincerely hope it has now quite left you. Please to hear the remainder of the family were in good nick. I am sorry I did not cable you but I have explained that already so will let it go. You were a bit anxious to hear from me and the Oceanic boat left Auckland for Sydney on the day we arrived at Wellington so that was impossible to catch and no doubt by this you have received three from me at least. I hope Fred did not get too full at the Artists Ball [Dulcie Deamer's daring leopard skin costume from 1923] with that wild cobber of his and that if he did I hope the effects have quite worn off!

Prohibition

Often I would give a pound for a long iced lager. One can get lots of alcohol in this place and good stuff too I believe but not for me thanks. Everyone laughs at the Prohibition laws here and drink hard. [The laws did not outlaw the consumption of alcohol, merely the "manufacture, sale, or transportation".] Well that is that so I will get some dinner and post this.

Lots of love.

Gordon