The rainbow never sets

Alison's mother's birthday.

Minti was happy to give us the afternoon tea reception at her place. Before the weeding, Bob MacArthur explained to us the order of service and we practiced going through the motions. There was no pre-marital counselling.

Meanwhile we were frantically looking for a house to buy. The Bank of New South Wales would give us a loan, and we were looking for a place within walking distance to the train line on the North Shore. That turned out to be very difficult. We found a house at 60 McIntire St. Gordon, but it needed a lot of repairs before it became habitable. Then came a gift of £1,000 from Alison's father. With that money we were able to pay more and find something quite suitable. Alison phoned me one morning at the office and said: "I have just found our house."

"Where?" "In Lindfield. Not even 5 minutes walk to the station. It's a sunny house on a corner block, and quite a nice aspect. I'm sure you will like it too."

Our house in 24 Bent Street, Lindfield

I left the office immediately and looked for 24 Bent Street, corner Newark Crescent. Alison was still there, and when I saw the owner of the house I recognised Ken Hirodo, a Japanese wool buyer. A broad grin on both our faces, and the deal was struck. We bought the house for £5,000, and Ken's family would vacate early in March. That would give us enough

294