Lavender Day success
ABOVE: The only child of Canon David John Garland and his second wife, Mary Garland (formerly Hawkins, neé Hadfield) – Sapper David James Garland (1896-1970) – No. 15983, 1 Australian Wireless Squadron of the First AIF, pictured circa 1916-1918. He re-enlisted in the 2nd AIF and had a distinguished career in the Queensland State Public Service.
‘I have been very busy lately with
what was known as Lavender Day’
To: Miss Mary McDonell, “Carngham”, 100 Kerferd Road, Albert Park, Melbourne, Victoria.
Box 47, Brisbane.
7th July 1917.
“My dear Mary,
“We were all delighted with your letter which reached me, 3rd instant, covering copies of letters from Norman [ Lance Corporal Norman Thomas McDonell, No. 16026, 1st ANZAC Wireless Signal Squadron, late of the 26th Signal Company, Army Engineers ].
“We think it is most kind of you to send them to me, they were of additional interest this time because David [ David James Garland, son of David John Garland ] read them and was able to tell us things which made us appreciate the letters all the more.
“Norman is not losing his gift for writing good letters, we congratulate you on his continued safety and good health, and this we trust will be maintained right through.
“David is home with us and has been discharged [ returned to Melbourne from overseas service on 22 August 1916; discharge effective from 27 May 1918 ].
“When he was before the Medical Board he argued with them that he still wanted to go back to the Front because his mates needed help – the Drs. [ doctors ] told him to report in three days, when he was handed his discharge.
“His heart is very bad although he does not know this himself, and he cannot take up his studies for another six months, however we are only too thankful to have him back, and proud that he was ready to take his share in the struggle.
“I have been very busy lately with what was known as ‘Lavender Day’.
“The Church of England made an Appeal to the people of Queensland for social work amongst soldiers, with the result that we have got over £6,000.
“The Brisbane Street Collections were the very largest ever taken up for any purpose.
“I am sending you specimens of our Badges.
“Already I have cabled money for a Hut in the new Australian Base in France, and for a Hut in recaptured territory in Northern France or Belgium, both to be known by the name of ‘Queensland’.
“I have put £1,000 on one side for Returned Soldiers, chiefly for Clubs, as at present the Anzac Club which I run, is the only place which returned soldiers have for their own benefit.
“I might have seen you next week, as at 10 o’clock this morning I was expecting to go to Melbourne and half an hour later it was called off.
“With kind regards to you and yours from us all,
“Yours affectionately,
[signed] DG [ David John Garland ]
– from Accession OM71-51, Canon David John Garland Papers,
Item OM71-51-103, State Library of Queensland.
