Xmas 1912, To Isabella (Bella) Mitchell, his fiance
I had a walk past Weston tonight, and all the way along the road people were
sitting outside on their verandahs, singing and laughing. It was 102 degrees in
the shade today. I wonder what they were doing at home(UK) on Xmas day? I guess
they would be sitting under the bars, as near the fire as possible. At least I
know that's what we were doing last year. I hope you enjoyed yourself at Xmas.
I enjoyed myself better last Xmas than I've done this year. Do you know why?
Yours, Nix
To Isabella Mitchell
Polly, Mary & Maggie & Lizzie & Jack & Ivy were at Maitland on
Friday night and
they bought me these cards. Maggie got herself a nice cream dress and blouse so
she is a toff today. They call it Ciscillian Silk. I don't know what it is but
perhaps you might. I think I told you Joe got a letter from Maggie Sprague a
fortnight ago, so he is answering it today.
Yours, Nix.
To Isabella Mitchell
Well, Mary & I have been to chapel again tonight, but the preacher wasn't
very
good. His text was dull and we were all full before he was finished. I have
wrote to Charlie Wilson this week, and to Aunt Mary Elizabeth at the village.
Nix
To Isabella Mitchell
Empire day is Queen Victoria's birthday. All the schools in the Colony have a
holiday on that day and they have all kinds of sports. I saw that school when I
was at Maitland and it was a nice building. But all the schools are nice
buildings as they all belong to the Government.
Yours, Nix.
Hebburn Colliery
To Isabella Mitchell, 28th May, Sunday night,
This is a card that Mother bought from a man at the door, to send to you. This
is the place where I work. What do you think of it? That place on the right
hand side is the Colliery Office. I have to go there every morning to get my
time-board, and I have to give it in again at night. That is the screens in the
middle, with the creeper at the end, running into the tunnel. That is the way
into the pit, there isn't a shaft. That place on the left where the engine is
sticking out, is the engine shade. That's where my paint-box is where I keep my
paint. That place at the bottom is the pit pond. I often go down at the dinner
times after I get my dinner, and look for live animals, but I've never seen any
yet.
Between 1911 & 1914, To John Mitchell, Bella's father
Dear Mr Mitchell,
Just a card to let you know how we are all getting on out here. Well we are
getting on first class. The weather is a bit hot now, but we can stand it
grand, although Mother finds it a bit trying at times. Hoping this finds you in
the best of health, the same as it leaves us.
Yours sincerely,
Nix Endean
Dear Mr Mitchell,
Just a line or two to let you know how we are all going on here. Well, Father
has got a good cavil again, this quarter. But it is a little bit too high for
him. It's about 8 ft. On an average they are filling about 20 tubs a day and
some of the tubs weigh over a ton. But taking the average they weigh about 18
cwts and they get 1 shilling 3 1/2 a ton so thay are making a fairly good wage.
I see the British miners are voting for a strike on the minimum wage question.
I earnestly hope they will win the strike as I think they have equally as much
right for a minimum wage as the Australian Miners have.
Yours, Nix
Dear Mr Mitchell,
I thought it would interest you to know how the hewers are paid here. Well,
Father's place is 10ft 6 inches high with an inch band in the middle. The
machine does all the curving, and they get 1 shilling 5 1/2 a ton for shooting
and filling. Of course, they have to find their own powder.They have 2 places
to work in, but they are working double. When the machine is in one place they
are in another. They get a shilling for every slab or baulk they put up. Hoping
this finds you in the very best of health, I will conclude.
Yours sincerely, Nix.
To John William Mitchell, Bella's brother.
Dear John Willie,
I was pleased to receive your cards last week and to hear that you are all
right and enjoying yourself. I expect you will be turning a first-class
cricketer shortly. The next M.C.C. team that comes out here I hope to see your
name amongst them.
Nix
