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The postcards shown and discussed below were the property of Sarah News (1896-1978). With her brother Christopher, parents Christopher and Sarah and her aunt Helen Blaney she emigrated to Australia in 1911, where the family settled in the coal-mining district of Wollongong, New South Wales.

With the death of Sarah's uncle Robert in 1905, the only remaining member of the family occupying 17 Greenhill Row was her Aunt Helen. The News family were living in Newmains, but there were visits to see Helen (Aunt Nellie) in Waterside revealed by the correspondence.

"Dalmellington Iron Co. Ltd. Iron Works." Sent in 1908.

"Waterside looking east". Sent in 1908.

One of the rows in Waterside. Sent in 1909.

"Waterside from the north." Sent in 1909.

"Workmen's Institute, Waterside, Dunaskin." Sent in 1911 to Mr I. Kane, Lithgow, via Sydney, Australia.

There were other postcards, some depicting Newmains, and some with more fanciful illustrations (e.g. flowers). The text of this correspondence follows. Note that the postcards were not necessarily written with care, so that they are indecipherable in places.

From them we learn that Nellie Blaney remained at 17 Greenhill Row, Waterside, and that there were visits by the News from Newmains. There were exchanges too with the Blaneys family in County Down.

Monday 27th July 1908, Sarah Jnr at Waterside to Sarah Snr at Newmains.

Dear Father and Mother, I write you this PC that we got the parcelfe and everyting fits up to the mark. We have not time to write for attending the Miss. No more from Sarah.

Saturday 8th August 1908, Nellie at Dunaskin to Chris Snr at Newmains.

Just a line to say we are all well and trust you's [sic] are the same. I will write a letter tomorrow as I have not time tonight. The weather is very warm we are fair melting the day. There is nothing but grease running we are too ...

[There is more squeezed in at the top of the card but it is largely indecipherable.]

Friday 14th August 1908, Nellie at Waterside to Sarah Snr at Newmains.

Just a PC for old times sake to see if you remember the old spot. I suppose not. This place has got terrible quiet. I don't understand what's the matter at times. Johnie [presumably John Kane, the boarder] and I are quite well. I hope you are all the same. Sarah Harrison was buried today. No more from Nell.

Saturday 22nd May 1909. Nellie at Waterside to Sarah Snr at Newmains.

All well, will write on Monday. You need not send it back. I don't want it at all. I am working away. It is very warm today. I trust you are all well.

Saturday 14th August 1909. Sarah Snr at Waterside to Chris Snr at Newmains.

We arrived all safe Chris & found all well. Hope you are keeping well. Nellie is awfull stout. No more from S. News.

Thursday 23rd December 1909. Sarah Snr at Newmains to Nellie at Waterside.

Nelli I wish you a bright & happy Xmas & many Happy Returns from Sarah. You might have sent the wee dress I had all ready for it but no word yet.

Friday 24th December 1909. Agnes Larmer at Waterside to Sarah Jnr at Newmains.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas.

Tuesday 26th July 1910. Minnie McCoy at Katesbridge Banbridge County Down to Sarah Jnr c/o Nellie Blaney at Waterside

Just a P.C. to let you know I am spending holidays with Mrs Nel? McCoy Corbathy.

Wednesday 17th August 1910. Sarah Snr at Newmains to Chris snr c/o John Ward at Lissoid County Down

Dear Chris just a P.C. to say we are all in good health hoping you are a great deal better. Joe was down asking for you last night. Tom Farrell hopes you are improving. Write soon from Sarah bring this home.

Monday 22nd August 1910. Sarah Snr at Newmains to Chris Snr c/o John Ward at Lissoid by Killough County Down.

Dear Chris, Sarah got your P.C. all right. Glad to see you are well. H. Bradley wishes to be remembered to you & H. Fitch was asking same [?] & says you'd be as well to stay there this week yet we are will. Will look for a letter soon. From Sarah News.

Thursday 27th April 1911. Sarah Snr at Waterside to Nellie at Newmains??

Nellie I forgot to ask you in the letter when you would be coming. Christie said you would likely be on Saturday night but I said I did not know when you will be. The dark scone is lovely, Sarah.

Thursday 13th July [2011]. P.D. at Glasgow to Chris Jnr at Newmains.

Thanks awfully for the P.C. I think it very nice. You can tell me what date you are sailing and I will come up and see you before you leave Newmains forever. Glad to hear you mother is much better. I suppose you wont be sorry leaving Scotland behind. No more from P.D.

Friday 14th July 1911. Chris Jnr at Waterside to Chris Snr at Newmains.

Dear Father, Just a P.C. to let you know we arrived all safe by the 5 o'clock train. Mother is looking fine and is also keeping well. I think ... well. I have to ... No More, Chris.

Friday 14th July 1911. Sarah Jnr at Newmains to Sarah Snr at Waterside.

Dear Mother Aunt Nell and Johny. Just a P.C. to tell you that we got home all safe. I hope you are ... better by this time mother. Could you tell me Mother were my Father's ... paper for we can't find it. No more from Sarah.

Monday 17th July 1911. Chris Jnr at Newmains to Sarah Snr at Waterside.

Dear Mother and Aunt Nell. I write this P.C. to let you know that we arrived all safe by the Five train, hoping you are a little better. It has been like rain here all day but it did not come on. Nobody came to meet us at the station. Not tea ready for us but Sarah had to start to work. Reading up afore [?] my father rambel [?] no more from Chris.

Monday 25th July 1911. W.D. at Kilmarnock to Sarah Jnr at Newmains.

Sear S., Just a few lines to let you know I have not forgotten you. I am enjoying myself alwright, hopin you arrived alwright at Waterside. W.D. [W. Davie, G Coy 8th Batt, Riccarton, Kilmarnock .]

Wednesday 20th September 1911. P.D. at Newmains to Chris Jnr at Waterside.

Dear Christopher, Just a P.C. to let you know that I received your P.C. alwright. We are enjoying ourself up to the mark but we could not do anything on Friday night but we just sat in the house and played at dominos. Tell your mother and Father Sarah and the rest of them that I was asking for them. I am glad to know that you are enjoying yourself. This is all I have to say at present. Write soon soon soon. From P.D.

Monday 9th October 1911. James D. at Newmains to Chris Jnr at Waterside.

Dear C.J., am glad to see by your P.C. that you are all in good health and that you are getting a holiday. But I am sure you will be wearying going about. But the time is getting short with you. But I hope you will get a safe voyage [underlined]. From James D.