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Sydney July 8th/56
Direct Darlinghurst Schooll Woolloomooloo
Dear Sir
On arriving in Sydney the monday after leaving Mittagong, I immediately called on the Model-master. I learnt from him, that he had only just come home & found to his surprise, that repairs were going on at his school & in consequence there would be no school there during the week, & he could not say when school would begin again. I need not tell you, I was rather disappointed. I called next day on Mr Sing who sent me to the Bishop. His Lordship gave me note to Mr Dalmas who keeps the Darlinghurst school , with whom I am at present lodging at the same place as he does & paying 30s/ pr week. As yesterday was a general holyday, this is the first day I have been at School. How long I shall have yet to stay I know not, but I sincerely wish I were back again — Had I known as much as I do now before starting I think it is very likely I might have stayed at Mittagong. I wont if I can help it be longer than 3 weeks away; should the people grumble, I can shorten the holy days at Christmas; or should you th
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think it advisable for me to return sooner, I should feel obliged by your dropping a line to me I wish to be cautious especially as I have had but little opportunity of judging, but that little makes me think there is a want of method & regularity at Head-quarters with regard to education. The [Bishop] told me that my allowance would commence from the time I arrived in Sydney — with regard to being appointed Catechist, his Lordship thought, it would be better to wait a little longer, until the C. Society had got into operation, when he would send you up a form of application to fill up & then he would grant a licence. I enjoyed my Sunday very much at Denbigh: I also heard your Father preach at the Ct. House here last Sunday. I enjoyed too a conversation with your Mother about some places where we both had been in Old England. I had the curiosity for the sake of the musick to go & see high mas performed at St. Mary's one day last week on acct of Napoleon's son & heir. I was not disappointed as far as the musick was concerned but Alas what a mummery was all the rest!!! — How little of the simplicity & earnest of true religion The mock solemnity of the features & attitudes of the priest told to an observant spectator how vain
the attempt to hide under theatrical, attitudes of piety & gaudy dresses the natural corruption of the human heart. In fact, they put me very much in mind of a lot of prudes showily dressed attempting to be thought innocent. One thing rather amused me & I thought did not add much to the solemnity of the scene. One of the officiating priests took hold in front of the A. [Bishop] robes & held them up, to prevent I suppose his treading on them while ascending his throne. I saw the fire works last night & though there was a good deal of sameness about them, I thought them very pretty. The review was a pore [poor] affair; nor can I say very much for the illumination — A want of sufficiency of gas coupled with rather a strong wind greatly deteriorated them. Tell Mr Halls I intend shortly to [fulfil] my promise of writing to him. I shall be glad to get back amongst you again. I don't know whether I ought to call on the [Bishop] again before leaving I should not like to be rude — yet it might savour of boldness. Do if convenient answer this soon & give me your advice I think it would be better to direct to the P.O. They are all in bed & therefore I can not ask for the proper direction but may get to know in the morning. Remember me to Mrs Hassall & all enquiring friends & Beleive me Yours truly. Ingram L Loft
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Private
My Lord
On my return home last evening I found letters from My Son relative to the conduct of the Depy Register which induces me to proceed to Berrima on Monday or Tuesday & send him down to take my duty for a few days & probably for next Sabbath — I consider this conduct of the Depy Register from the beginning of his Office to the present time as extra official contrary to the spirit & intention of the Act — oppressive as it [respects] the people — and from the Very Kind and gentlemany con-
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[con]duct of the Register General in total violation of his wishes & authority — as acknowledged by M Rolleston in his letter of 11 instant whose letter would not be received by the Bench — The case against my Son is not a solitary one but a crowning one of triumph inasmuch as He was fined contrary to the spirit & intention of the Act Under these circumstances I trust I may in some measure allay the feeling of irritability which has been incited in the District & obtain a clear knowledge of the facts then I now possess — Trusting Your Lordship — will approve the step & follow me with your prayers believe me to remain Your Lordship Obliged Obt Serv TH
Friday 27 Nov 56
