Sydney, Saturday morning, June 18/98.
Yesterday I did not leave Dulwich Hill till about 12:30, & on my way to city called on Mrs. Tolson, 27 Horton St., Leichhardt. I had no trouble in finding them. I got there about 2 o’clock. I went by train & it was a long way. Circular bus from here would have been much quicker, however, that did not matter. They welcomed me very warmly, & so delighted I had called. James had told them some time ago I was on the way. They asked many questions & was [sic] pleased to hear you were at No. 7[1] & that you were well. Miss Tolson also asked after Mary. She said you & her had called on one occasion, & all went to visit the Snows. You’ll doubtless remember. Mr. Tolson was at business, so I promised to call some evening to see him. They are returning to England early next year. Mrs. T had been very ill but now better. [4:48] They often hear from James, & with them he is a Saul among the prophets[2]. They also insisted on me partaking colonial hospitality before I left at 3:30. I then trammed it (runs past their door) to the city, & near to Circular Quay, “the end of all things here”, & soon found Mr. W. Leask, now with Scott Henderson & Co., 6 Loftus St. He was much delighted to have a visit from one who knew his cousin, & had much to ask. It was, however, too near the close of business to stay, so I explained that I had merely made a formal call to announce that I was about & I am to go when I can & stay, but I promised to stay only one night. He lives at Mossman Bay, one of the lovely spots within the magnificent & spacious harbour. I met Mr. Whitfield at 6 p.m. We went & had tea & a rest, then viewed the shops & streets till nearly 8. The Scottish concert[3] began at 8, & a very grand two hours we spent. I have a programme which I will send, so need not comment, as on it I jotted my impressions after each rendering. We got home by tram about 11:30. This morning is fine & I am to meet Mr. W. at 1:15. We will drive in city, then go on tour around the harbour (Sydney’s charm) during the afternoon, & in the evening view the thronged city.
I wrote yesterday to Mr. Leask & Mr. Withy, both in N. Zealand, advising them when I hoped to be near their localities. I wrote Mr. Cobb on Wednesday. I hope to see David next week. He is a long way off, however, there is a wonderful fine sight which all tourists visit, the Zig Zag, Blue Mountains & Caves, these en rout[e] to Bathurst, where David is to be after June 20th.
[1] 7 Fountain Terrace, William’s home in West Hartlepool.
[2] A phrase meaning to behave in a way that one is not known for. A Biblical allusion coming from the book of 1 Samuel
[3] Inserted on facing page: “Durward Lely’s concert”.