Letter by CJD to George Robertson 1916.06.21

Commonwealth Offices
Melbourne
21 June 1916

Many thanks for the two books which arrived yesterday. I have not had time to look into them yet, but shall have a good time with them some weekend.

As regards your suggestions for "Mick". I can understand your objection to verse 3 of "War", but why take exception to 4 and 5? I can't make the Bloke a teetotaller, and it strikes me as a good bit of colour. As regards verse 3, that kicking episode down in Spadger's is supposed to have taken place in the Bloke's unregenerate days before he met Doreen. Anyhow, I have been thinking that, as you say, the excuse for non-enlistment is hardly necessary.

The idea of having some slender connection between the "Bloke" and "Mick" had already occurred to me, and your letter has decided me. I shall put in a line or two; but I want this second book to stand on its own, and not appear to lean on the success of the Bloke. Therefore, I am not keen on too many references to Doreen in Mick.

Mr Tare likes all the "Mick" stuff excepting "Rabbits", which he considers disconnected and forced. I should like to have your opinion about it.

I believe I am also to have some criticisms from Professor Osborne. So it ought to be "some" book. However, the finished proofs have got to satisfy me.

Yours Truly,
C.J. Dennis

Notes:
This letter was written in reply to a letter from George Roberston a few days earlier.