[Regent Palace Hotel, Piccadilly Circus, London, W1 postmarked London W1 Dec 3]

3rd Dec 1924

Dear Family,

I received a letter from both Mother and Father and as I owe Fred one this letter will serve to answer all I hope as letter writing while on these trips is still inconvenient. We had had no mail from Aussie for a fortnight until yesterday so it was good to know everyone was well at home and Father should be quite an apt pupil for Yankee slang judging by his outburst that preface his remarks on the back of Mother's letter.

It is also pleasing to hear that the natural increase in the McMullen family was not attended by any accidents. [The McMullens were Kath Broome's mother's family (or was it Harry's mother's?), and the reason for the adopted name of one of Harry's and Kath's sons, 'Mac'.]

I hope Fred gave a good account of himself at White City and that his surf career is still showing the same success as he was enjoying around the Spring Carnivals. [Links: letter 6, White City footnote.] It is bad luck Mother being the only worker these days but should you want a holiday and there is sufficient in the old account of mine why fire ahead but leave a quid or two for my return as I may want a few bob until I earn a bit and on my return you had better bring a fiver to the boat as I may want it to go through the Customs as I have bought quite a few things that I am bound to be forced to declare and they may not accept English money.