Thursday, 14 July 2016

From Melbourne (Bev) : 10th November 1981

Melbourne
10.11.81
Alan,
                In the main I have to make a decision about what I will be doing next year. The options aren’t many. Returning to Monash is the most reputable one. Yet this time choosing realistic and sensible subjects; Economics, Politics, Economic Statistics @ Human Geography. Main employment prospects- the Public Service. What do you think? Plus I would leave home, to overcome mundane travel and late lectures and another means of starting fresh-a new environment.

                I have been working for the last two months at the Australian Gold Buying Company as a shop assistant.  I work on the second floor – crystal, china, cutlery etc. coming in contact with various members of the public would be one of the bearable aspects. Foer instance, the rich sometimes foolish people come in and pay for a $1000 plus cutlery set not knowing whether it is silver plated or stainless steel. They purchase figurines and collectors plates, absolutely non-functional @seemingly dust collectors. Figurines can fetch #300 plus, plates $50 plus. Stuart or Waterford crystal is what ‘one’ must own. At approximately #20 a glass, the total cost for a set (six of liqueur, sherry, wine etc.) is $1500.  The interesting point is that these type of customers live in various parts of Melbourne and as the adage goes often have more money than sense.

                October 30 saw Bruce Neyland marry Vivienne. Mum and Dad went to the wedding on the Friday night while Lois and I attended an outdoor party the following afternoon down in Altona. It was a marque affair. The main attraction being a beef on a spit. Conversation was hardly interesting and the punch very potent. The present from the family was a large crystal bowl @six matching smaller bowls (bought at?), one of the few tasteful presents there.

                On Saturday Pam signed for a flat in East Malvern, a one bedroom flat. The rent is $36 per week.  She will be moving in this weekend, with the help of mum or Lois as a chauffeur.  It is in a side street off Waverley Rd, a quite pleasant place, with only the one block of flats.

                                                                                Bev


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