The below letter was first published in The Weekly Courier in 1918 as part of the Letters from Young Folks section. It beautifully captures what it was like around Hobart in the time when the end of World War I was announced.

Dear Dame, We are having glorious weather, but want rain badly, for everything is beginning to get parched. I think I told you we lived on an orchard property, and just now the cherries are ripe. Needless to say Dame, we are often found under those cherry trees. We also have a few strawberries ripe. Have you tasted loganberries? They are nice with cream.

I went to the Hobart Show on the first day. The stock was lovely, but there were not many ring events. These events are more interesting on the second day. Whilst we were there one of our returned soldiers gave an exhibition of stockwhip cracking. I thought it was very good.

I suppose you saw the armoured train when it was in Launceston. I, with a few others, went to the station to see it pass through. Is it not lovely to think the war is over, Dame? I can hardly realise the fact.

Our school marched up and down the street, then marched over the bridge to Granton. I think the children enjoyed themselves very much; they were given many nice things, but the day was hot.

We received the news about half-past 8, on the Monday evening, and was there not a noise! Dinner bells, cow bells, tin cans, musical instruments, and the church bells were soon tolling. Those who had guns fired them. From one house a gun would go off, and then others would answer simultaneously. We listened for a long while to the mail train going for miles into the hills, “cock-a-doodle-doing.” After a while we went to bed, but I do not think we slept much.

Next morning we went to town, and was there not a hurry-scurry! People would get in each other’s way. Well we got ready without accident, excepted for a few pins stuck in each other, and arrived in Hobart on a very crowded train, to find the parade had been postponed till the next day. We were not downhearted, and enjoyed the proceedings very much.

The returned soldiers created lots of fun with their speeches and the monkey; in the afternoon they marched. My sister and I stayed in town that night, and in the evening went to a combined thanksgiving service in the City Hall. The Hall was crowded, many people having to stand. The next day we made it to Queen’s Domain to witness the parade and the living word “Victory”, which was splendidly formed.

The parade was the best I have seen in Hobart. The returned soldiers passed the saluting base to the strains of “Keep the Home Fires Burning.” After we had seen everything there was to be seen, we made our way back to aunt’s home, where we had ice creams to cool our spirits. After having tea, we caught the 8 train bound for home – the end of a perfect day.

Now we are waiting for peace to be signed and if I have to walk to Hobart then. On Tuesday the first of our ANZACs came home. With my two sisters I went to the station as the train passed through. The soldiers received a rousing welcome in Hobart, and suburbs through which they were driven in cars from Claremont.

I remember the day our first contingent left – that was a Tuesday too. I was at school that day and we were all allowed to proceed to the station to see the troop train pass. It was a grand sight. People must have stripped their flower gardens, for there were very few soldiers without flowers.

Today there is a big race meeting at Elwick. The weather is fine so there should be a big attendance. Christmas will soon be here; it will be a much happier one than that of 1917.

I have exhausted my supply of news, so I will say au revoir till some time in 1919. Wishing you and all readers a very merry Christmas and prosperous new year, I remain, yours sincerely, “Valmal.”