Category: Oceania

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Brisbane, Australia

March, 1978

Dear V & B

Greetings from sunny Queensland, where the wet season is just beginning, with a cyclone in north Q’ld. I am back working in the Dept Microbiology after the Christmas/New Year break, starting to write my thesis and related papers. Many thanks for the IITA card. I hope all is going well there. Bob is due here tomorrow. Best wishes for 1979.

Yours sincerely, Gabrielle

Built on land given by Dr. Mayne and his sister, the University building was opened in 1948.

It strikes me as weird (typical?) that they name Dr. Mayne but his sister is not named. Dr. James Mayne worked at the Brisbane Hospital from 1891 until 1904. His sister’s name was Mary Emilia. She never married.

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Napier, New Zealand

Marine Parade, Napier, New Zealand

February, 1982

Hi

I arrived this am (1 day late) — family met me in Napier, we had a lunch – picnic in a park on the harbor and drove to Waipukurau (I can spell it but not pronounce it!) – Tuesday: We are going to the beach today – Marg. has not had her baby yet – we’ll go to her farm today also. The climate is lovely, country beautiful – think I’ll move down to retire here!

Love, Va

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Perth, Australia

City Skyline

November 1971

Dear

I’ve really only seen the Perth skyline from the air. It is a long way here from Sydney, almost five hours flying time with headwinds. A long way yet to go today.

Take care, see you soon

Love, Bill

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Northern Territory, Australia

March 1984

Dear

Arrived here at 4:00 am this morning and slept a bit. Spending the day reading and resting. On my stopover in Singapore (8 hours) I took a day room at the Hyatt got my hair cut, bought Alicia’s blouses and slept 2 hours. It is sunny and warm here. Tomorrow I go to Katherine.

Love, Bill

The Top End is the common term used to cover the part of the Territory north of Mataranka. It has a rugged beauty, enhanced by rugged escarpments and spectacular waterways.

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Sydney, Australia

Chinese Gardens, Darling Harbour

February, 1996

Greetings from Sydney!

Such a beautiful city – and weather’s so pleasant. Have I written to you from Melbourne? Hope so. Thanks for your letter and picture.

Happy Valentine’s Day

Love

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Indonesia

Jakarta, September 1988

Hi

Would you consider this for your wedding? Or maybe your maid of honor could wear it! We are “R and R”ing in the big city this weekend. Our guesthouse is very nice, but we need a change of scenery and food, now and then. One of the team leaves for Texas this aft. so we road up with him. I have finished the petit point – how what to do with it?? Jakarta is HOT and HUMID compared to Bogor. But will enjoy anyway.

Love

This Balinese bridesmaid was photographed shortly after her sister was married during a ceremony held in Tahanan on Bali’s West coast.

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Papua New Guinea

Kiama Men — Goroka Show, Papua New Guinea

April 1981

Greetings

This is my last day in PNG and off to Manila this afternoon. we needed more time here but otherwise all has gone will. I have been lots of places and seen lots of things.

Love