30/5/16
My dear Father
I received the two photos yesterday and your letter today. I shall keep the photos with me till my next leave home, when that will be I can’t be certain, whether the authorities will still contract with us the same terms or give us no option on termination of contracts is not yet known. The Service Act of course puts them in a dominating position, on the other hand so long as medical men at home of military age are given any freedom of choice I don’t think those of us who have already been out so long should be put in any worse position. As a matter of fact a very high proportion of the medics out here will carry on without any pressure, not because they like it specially, but any other course would be impossible just now.
I am glad to have your news of Cyril, and shall like to see his letter.
It was kind of Mr Rowlands to write; I had a kind letter too from Mrs Gillespie, Mrs Williams’ eldest sister.
We are having nice days, sunny but not very hot, and with rain enough to keep things moist; the fruit round here is setting well too.
I have had an exceedingly busy month, and it seems likely to continue – an afternoon even partially free is quite rare, and one finds the monotony of living and working on the same spot rather trying. I believe the French are going to save daylight too, it is a practical way of making everyone start the day earlier, and probably less confusing than altering all set time tables and hours of business.
I think you did well to take the opportunity of disposing of the chair, after all it was never actually associated with Mother.
The flowers over the grave must have looked very beautiful; what a good photograph that is.
War events move slowly, and it appears perfectly evident that neither side need expect the end to appear in sight this year.
We seem to be doing very little at Salonica except to let the Greeks fool us every time. However I believe the country inland there is very difficult, and our job at present is I suppose mainly to hold on to that region as a safeguard. To keep optimistic one has to compare the situation now with that of 10 and 12 months back.
I expect the roses are beginning to show a bit now, on the walls at any rate.
With much love.
Your affectionate son
Arthur F Sladden
