Winnipeg May 9, 1915 Dear Folks, Received your welcome epistle Saturday and noted the fact that you noticed the time between my letters was somewhat stretched out but news scarce, never got started, numerous other excuses. The climate has been somewhat erratic, a touch of winter kept us inside one wet day-main feature seemed to be to put in time; one other day we had a bathing parade in the morning. Got to the baths and they were full of 43rd fellows so we marched home. Paraded again at 1 o'clock, got back shortly after three and were dismissed. Seems strange and wonderful that if Canadians 2000 strong charge seven thousand Germans and rout them, as the papers say, that they don't want more of them. There is a fellow in one of the companies has cartoons pasted all over. He is pretty good. Noticed the latest yesterday was two officers talking together- 1st officer "28th going to Hell"; 2nd officer "Glad to hear they're going some place at last". Well the war is not going just as fast as it might. Wasn't the Lusitania a fearful murder-nothing more. I knew that Beattie boy; he used to be around to see Botting occasionally. This seems to be a pretty bitter war. This last act should make the States look up as it touches them. Was out and saw two ball games yesterday. The new Winnipeg Park is good but in spite of the fact their team won the other fellows played faster ball until their pitcher blew up. Saw St.Boniface play-they sure have a slick team. Was a slim crowd to their game. They are playing again this afternoon, the beginning of Sunday ball. Don't know whether it will be allowed to go on or not. The Catholics won't object anyway as their Sunday is over at noon as far as they are concerned. But it looks like a slump if professional ball is allowed to be played in Canada on Sunday. It looks as if Holland will have some team this year with batteries. How are they lining the team up? Had letter from Cliff who says the Swelts are pretty good. Geo. passed exams for a scout but don't know if they will leave the companies or not. Latest is the first four from each company will be Battalion scouts, otherwise would take too many from each company. That will not include Gos.   Don't think it amounts to very much, just a spasm for the present. Will possibly give that sixteen further training later. Have spent a pleasant weekend at Uncles Archie's. Was up to see his house last week. It looks to be a very nice house-quite a piece out, about five miles from C.P.R. depot, about three blocks from the end of the William Ave. car line, west and south of where they now live-straight west of Kelvin. Gladys and Minnie will be going out to the college next Monday week. Minnie was sick this week and again home from Normal Friday. Aunt Ida just told me a funny item just now. A girl came to Uncle Archie and asked him if she might miss his period in the afternoon. It dawned on him to ask her why her reason. "That she might attend her cousin's funeral". I can appreciate Cliff taking that dollar, as it would look like five to him. On five a week, money certainly must be tight with him now. Good for John Matthews, he is all right when the cause is just. There are lots worse who think they are much freer with their coin. Ina is signed on, well you mention it is likely money thrown away. Well, it may be but Ina never impressed me as worrying very much on school matters. Somehow she didn't seem to need it to get along. She should just live in comfort. Found her a very pleasing companion in here. Her humour was excellent. Well you can plainly see I am wandering. So Good Bye, Love to All, Perry