Letter from Lt H J Rex to his sister -
Connie
At Sea 27-11-1916
Just left Durban
My Dear Connie,
I have just a few leisure moments so thought that I would try and describe Durban to you.
We arrived there early on Friday morning. Of course everybody was up early to greet the Land. It was such a pretty sight that met the eye as we came on deck. There was the beach, then beyond this, the town which ran right back into the side of the hill. The main port looked so quaint hiding amongst the trees on the side of the hill, and so different from the ordinary Australian town. The houses were all more or less hidden by the trees and undergrowth.
The harbour tho' only a small one is very pretty. On one side, a huge bluff runs out to sea and is covered with glorious thick jungle or bush which is full of wee monkeys and looked very pretty with the morning sun on it.
Hundreds of Zulu kids came to welcome us and dance for pennies, and scramble for anything that may be thrown down. They looked so quaint with their black curly hair & huge white teeth.
At 10.30 we went for a Route March, and got back for Dinner. After this we marched to the centre of the Town and Dismissed.
All hands set out to explore the city. The Rickshaw Boys took our eyes. They are a scream and dress themselves up like Covered Horses etc. The Ones like horses have pieces of scarf sticking out of their mouths, and shy and prance like a Gee Gee if they see anything unusual. It was nothing to see about 60 lads (soldiers) in Rickshaws going round the Town for their lives. They are drawn by huge Zulu Blacks.
The heat was frightful so we had a bath and sallied forth to explore, and spent two hours motoring in the Country. It was glorious. Some of the road was beyond description. Lined with gorgeous hedges and undergrowth, growing wild. We passed lovely little villages etc. and the fields are beyond description. Each turn of the Road brought us some gorgeous view. Of course, all hands were sorry to go back to Tea.
That night we went to see the Sign of the Cross. It was good. After this we had supper and went home very satisfied with ourselves.
Next day, we explored the residential part of the City. The Knots live on the side of a lovely Hill, overlooking the Town. I am not going to try to describe their homes, they are sights for the gods. Each one is hidden in gorgeous grounds and have gardens beyond description. Kept by Kaffir Boys. Of course, they do not destroy the lovely native shrubs etc like we do.
The Ocean Beach is also Fine. So also the Zoo and Gardens. God there are millions of things that I'll tell you about when I come Home.
Left Durban with many Regrets on Sunday.
Hope you are all well. Regards to Mr & Mrs Higgins
Yours ever Horrie
I may tell you more later. Suddenly got lazy & tired. Can't write tonight.
Remember me to Kate Bourke & Mrs Harvey
Yours Horrie