The Editor, THE GOLDONIAN
Dear Sir and all at Goldings,

May I first thank you for the magazine which is always a great joy to receive. This time, alas, it was not such a joy as it brought the news of Jim Maslin's passing. Yes, Jim Maslin, the idol of all the boys at Stepney. I remember him well, Mr. Marchant's son-in-law. I see him now doing sentry duty as we boys used to call it. There was a small sentry box at Stepney where he used to take his turn checking the boys out and in on Wednesday nights and Saturday afternoons. Yes, he was quite a guy. We never had to worry if we were a few minutes late getting in. No need to sneak past, a cheery wave and so to bed. What was there about this man that I (and I have no doubt so many others) should remember him so well after all these years? (I am over sixty.) All I can say is that Jim Maslin was placed by birth and character above the petty need of standing on his dignity.

I would love to have his photo and I am sending the money for same under separate cover by surface mail. I have no doubt with the passing of time many changes have taken place at Goldings and it may well be that old faces could be forgotten. I used to play in the band under the baton of Mr. Marchant and like Jim I was present at the exodus from Stepney to Goldings. I emigrated to Australia from Goldings and have had a very varied and interesting life out here. l settled down in Dalby some thirty years ago and for the last twenty years I have been employed as a shop assistant in the local pharmacy. My wife and I have reared a family of ten, four of whom are still at home and going to school. The others are married but they live quite near and are all doing well. After I first came out here I moved about quite a bit as. it was hard to get a job in the depression, as a result I have seen quite a bit of the country. I have lately established contact with my family in Canada. I understand I was only three or four months old when I was admitted to the homes in Stepney. I was boarded out until I was ten and then went to Woodford. Then on to Stepney where I joined the band and so to Goldings. I have no doubt, Mr. Powell, you may recall the old song 'Playthings' which was a great favourite in the old days. It ran something like this : 'Right from the cradle and sweet baby joys, life plays with us like a child with its toys'. I think you will agree that this is quite true.

Well sir and friends I have bored you quite enough. May I again thank you all and wish you all the best. May God have you all in his holy keeping. Please convey my deepest sympathy to Mrs. Maslin and her family. Perhaps the knowledge that someone so far away has always had a soft spot for Jim and remembered him may be of some help. God Bless.

Very sincerely yours,

D. MASSEY