Letter by CJD to R.H. Croll 1914.04.09

Toolangi
April 9/14

Dear Rob,

Herewith the second half of the play. I want your criticism this way: First let me know what you think of it as a whole. Does it interest? Does it hold the interest till the end? How's the humour? Does it keep before the reader the absurdity of Party Government? Do you get sick of it any point? Are you sick of it all along? I am! Finally, what are its minor defects?

Thankingyouinanticipation. Anearlyreplywilloblige.

Nothing of mine in "B" this week. My troubles, as long as they keep on buying stuff, and they are taking it in chunks. Don't know what they are going to do with it: bring out a "Den" number perhaps.

Have sent the play to the "B" with instructions to pass on to "Lone Hand". I ha' ma doots about its acceptance. But the writing of it has interested me greatly. Did it mostly in time cribbed from sleep; so if it doesn't go there will be nothing lost. If it does I shall regard cheque as a perk.

Are you coming up before I leave "Seaview"? I am hoping you will. I am working thro' the easter Holidays, and shall take a few days off at the end of the month when I come to town.

A par. I just saw in the paper raises this question: Can a man who hugs a comparatively strange lady in the street be charged with embracery? Ask Phil Flower.

Have you come upon a copy of V.A.S. with notice of me?

Yours
Den

PS Haven't written "Efficiency" with idea of staging it, tho' I have employed 'stagecraft". Great gag - "stagecraft".

PPS Could you get me a collar for Bloke within the next three weeks? I have an ordinary dog-chain but I want a light steel one. One of those you can put in your pocket. You know the sort - it has links.

Bloke takes size 15" in collars. Am willing to go up to 2/6 or 3/6 or thereabouts for the collar as it's his birthday.

You had better take Grace with you when choosing the collar, because Bloke is very particular about his clothes. Should like a brass studded affair if you can get one - fairly wide. Bloke says wide collars are worn now in the best pup-circles.

Don't trouble if you are busy. I can improvise and get one when I come down if necessary.

CROLL Collection MS 8910, 1202/1(b) - State Library of Victoria.

Notes:
"V.A.S." is not known at this time.
"Bloke" was Dennis's "word-hound".