Jottings of an Exile A NEW ZEALAND ARTIST'S IMPRESSIONS OF SYDNEY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22819, 28 August 1937, Page 6 (Supplement)

Jottings of an Exile A NEW ZEALAND ARTIST'S IMPRESSIONS OF SYDNEY

our first week or two in Sydney we had the loan of a friend's flat; but she is coming homo to-morrow, so we moved out to-day, getting a houseboy" to clean up. In an hour and a-half, he had swept, dusted, and cleaned out all but the kitchenette foi two shillings! He said that housework is the hardest job going, and that if men only did it, they would realise what women do; but he says it is no burden to him. when work is scarce. Sydney, especially King's Cross, where wo now have our rooms, is full of New Zealanders. Our address is McLeay Street, Potts Point, and though McLeay Street is quite "it," Potts Point is not, so we are "on the border line!" Hiens is certainly a free and easy atmosphere, but so far I have not been able to discover the least thing out of order.. In fact, this is really a very nice place. We get* "bed and breakfast," and it is good—very clean, plenty of hot water, unlimited baths, bed made and room cleaned. We can also get hot water bottles, as there is a little gas

By M. LYNN GURNEY

there for a shilling, so wo are goinf.' back. " Everyone is delightful. The train conductors, drivers and policemen continue to look after us as though we were egg-shell china. It is most amusing, and we leave a trail of giggles behind us. I made a policeman lift up his horse's feet to show me the rubber shoes. They looked very serviceable, and must prolong the working life of the horse. They artfitted over metal shoes, cost 12s 6d, and last for two months on the concrete a great saving, and very humane. The people in the house where we are staying are very kind and friendly. Included in the advantages we have for the guinea we pay for our room and breakfast, is a big, cosy, lounge with a huge coke fire going all day, so it is very comfortable on a wet day such as this has been. There are big bowls of flowers —Iceland poppies and poinsettias everywhere. The landlady wants to know if she can get a big punga bowl for the hall. We are struck with the way Sydney uses its flowers. There are street barrows loaded with poppies, roses, carnations, violets and poinsettias in every street, and every office and shop has great vases of them. It is lovely to go into an office for a solemn interview, and to see a huge vase of Iceland poppies and carnations in front of you. Everyone is so helpful and kind that 1 am wondering why on earth J was ever nervous, or hesitated to niaki* the trip.