Settling in.

Thursday June 27:1929

Getting back to normal and was able to arise at 7.30 AM and went down to the hotel and breakfasted. Got the mail and read all my correspondence and until lunch did some writing. Borrowed an iron this afternoon and pressed some things I yesterday washed. Had a visit from the aerial doctor who had a call to Brunette station 200 miles out. Dr Pincus went with him and I went up to the ‘drome to see them off. Am hoping to soon be fortunate enough to have a fly myself. Started tonight on getting rid of my much accumulated correspondence. Was able this afternoon to procure some fruit, apples and mandarins, both being three and half pence a piece ( 3-4c), but were very acceptable.

Friday June 28^th:

I do not know what I did on this day as it is now Tuesday July 2^nd. Too far back to remember. Nothing in particular anyway. One thing I did remember and that was to go across to the hospital and have afternoon tea with the Matron, Dr and the pilot of the air mail plane. At night I did quite a lot of writing by which many have been lifted up in soul. The ambulance plane today brought in from Brunette station, 200 miles in the territory, a man suffering acutely from Malaria. Went to the state school this afternoon and talked to the kiddies and starfted to teach them, Jesus bids us shine. The only hymn they know is Jesus loves me and that not too well.

Saturday June 29^th:

Had a pastoral visitation today. Wernt around all the folk in Camooweal and made the acquaintance of quite a number of hitherto strangers to me. A few characters. One old lady quoted Scripture to me , giving chapter and verse, from when I went in until I left. Was very fearful myself as I was afraid she would ask me where some of the quotations were . Got away safely though.

Sunday June 30^th:

A very quiet and for me a very lazy day. Had Sunday School in the morning, went to the hospital in the afternoon and talked to the patients, had afternoon tea with the matron and at night had service in the hall. The children are very keen on learning some hymns, so we had a great sing at Sunday School in the morning. No piano but why worry when my voice is so good. There were a nice number out to service at night and I felt that it was a good service. Noone went to sleep at any rate.

Getting acquainted

Saturday June 22 ...1929:

Had a loaf about the camp all day and decided to come back to Camooweal in the afternoon. It was my intention to go further west among the stations but owing to the unsettled state of all the folk at present and having heard of hlouse parties being held for the next few days, I thought bit expediant to await a more favourable opportunity.However this afternoon Mrs Schmidt of Alroy station , having heard I intende going further west, gave me a very pressing invitation to go there this evening. I was undecided, knowing tomorrow is the Sabbath and knowing that in all probability their place would be the first house party. However I finally agreed and after supper we left Rankine. Did not go direct ton Alroy but went around by the Alexandria homestead. A wonderful road from Rankine to Alexandria but not too good from Alexandria to Alroy and eventually arrived at Alroy close on midnight. Unrolled our swags and had a decent sleep, the first for three nights.

Sunday June 23^rd:

A Sunday in the interior of Northern Australia.

In thinking of this one has to keep in mind that the stations out here are on an average 50 miles from each other. That if the folk on the stations want any social life , Sunday is the only day available, as it is the only day they do not work. Also that nothing in the way of a nreligious service on the Sabbath is possible among these folk at least regularly and it has nebver been attempted. I was talking to one chap in the evening and up until then he had not known that it was Sunday. After breakfast, arrangements being complete, a tennis tournament was set in motion which continued throughout the day, broken only at intervals for smoko’s and lunch until it was supper time. Those who did not play tennis, played bridge. After a big spread at supper time, music was supplied in the dining room and at about 10 o’clock some started dancing while others commenced bridge and poker which continued practically throughout the night. I have to admit that throughout the day I was out of my element and kept very much in the background, except for meal times and then I was very much to the fore. I had seen enough though and wanted to stay no longer and when I knew that the party would continue for a day or so and the other station folk would not be settled in their own places for a while I again decided to return to Camooweal and leave the trip among the stations out there until later. The Dr and another chap wanted to return also so I offered my services to bring them. At about 10o’clock in the evening I had a lie down and a sleep until about 1 AM when I was awakened by the others ready to start on the trip back. We came as far as Rankine arriving here about 3 AM , unrolled swags and turned in undercover of a tent, erected during the big event of the past few days. While at Alroy I condemned myself for being there, but now am not sorry I went. It has given me an insight into the life of the people, among whom I hope to work for some time, that under ordinary circumstances I may not have gained for quite a while.

Monday June 24^th :

Enjoyed the hospitatlity of the two police stationed at Rankine until after lunch. They looked after us well and are good cooks. There are no womenfolk at all about the place here. I left a few books with them to fread to help them in their rather lonely life out there. At about 2 PM the Dr and I then left and had a good run until we arrived at Avon homestead. We stayed there and ate with them and at 9 PM left on the last stage of the trip home, where after rather a cold drive we arrived sometime after 11 PM completing a trip since leaving last Wednesday of 350 miles. Being very tired and weary soon turned in and slept until 11.20 AM Friday morning.

Tuesday June 25^th:

Arose in time after having a bath and clean up to go down for lunch, after which I changed camp and now am in the residence with the Dr. He has a house to himself here and suggested I join him. It is much better for me as I only had one small room down where I was. Was too tired to do anything more and retired early.

Wednesday June 26^th:

Another late morning and therefore n o breakfast but sleep was more necessary. Aftfer lunch had quite a busy time getting my room in order and putting books etc where they ought to be and gradually recovering from the last few strenuous days.

Rankine races

Thursday June 20^th:1929

Having arisen, showered, shaved and breakfasted had a talk to some of the men folk about the place, not many being about as most had gone to Rankine, and then looked over the bus and got her ready for the next stage of the journey. There are 3 little girls in the family and very nice kiddies they are too. After lunch was over and we had all had a yarn together with Mrs Lloyd, the Dr and I left about 3 o’clock. The bus now begins to give trouble and in the first couple of miles had to stop and adjust the timing which for some reason was slipping. After a while though she went alright. After passing through a couple of gates we came on to Alexandria Station, the second biggest cattle station in the world with an area of………

The feed here if anything is better and we came out on to a real open plain. As fas as we could see there was nothing but open flat country , rising away to the horizon. The only thing that broke the sameness was an occasional tree and in places a sub-artesian bore. After about 30 miles of this we at last sighted some trees and knew a river was near and eventually pulled up at Rankine on the Rankine River. Rankine consists of a police barracks with 2 police stationed there and a store. The store mostly sells petrol to people passing through and happens out here to be 35 shillings a case. Rankine at present reveals a gay and lively scene and I learnt on arrival that all that are left on the various stations practically in the N.T. are a few blacks looking after the place. The Rankine meeting is evidentally the event of the year Tout here taking the form mostly of horse racing, where there is keen competition between the various stations. They all have about 15 horses which they bring in and compete against each other. The horses are only grass fed and very scraggy but they get as much fun I suppose, perhaps more than others do from their trained beasts. The various stations have their own camps and I fell in with the Alexandria crowd and camped down in their vicinity at one of the bores. Had supper, though up at the bore where all the catering was done at 4 shillings a head. Rough and ready too with tin plates and pannikins and everybody for themselves. There was pictures and a dance at night in a hall on the sports ground but patronising neither. I unrolled my swag and under a full moon by the side of the car I turned in. Notb to sleep very soundly as folk were walking about all night, some merry and others returning from the dance and by the time the last arrived home, others began to arrive, bring in the horses and get breakfast on.

I breakfasted with the crowd and this of course being the 21^st day of June, a Friday. I heard of a motor mechanic in the place and so found him and we spent the morning on the bus. Discovered why the timing was missing and righted it, readjusted the timing and one or two other things and got the bus in good going order again. After lunch I went about among the folk and made myself known as best I could and got to know the various folk there. The people though are too interested in the performance of their horses to have time for anything else, except a refresher every now and then. One thing is very noticable out here and that is that it is no disgrace to be drunk and there is plenty of it done. Not that everybody does get drunk, not at all, but those that do are thought none the less of. Every place, every home out here though has its decanter of whisky on the table and the first greeting one gets is practically ‘have a nip’, and nips are frequent throughout the day. This though is the usual and accepted manner of living of the folk out here. There are of course here as well as anywhere else, the real boozers that are a nuisance to themselves as well as everyone else, they were well in evidence at Rankine. The Country Womens Assocn out here is a live body and doing a good work in the interests of the social life of the people. They had an evening on the Friday, mostly a dance with items and competitions. I put in an appearance for a whilee but soon retired again not to sleep too much, as it was a repitiomn of the previous evening.

Getting on with the job.

Monday June 17^th:

The joys of an amateur motor mechanic. The bus has jibbed and will not go. Have spent all day on the flopping thing but no good. Have fiddled with the carburetter until I do not know how it should go, but still the car goes not. This afternoon a chap who says he is a mechanic has been looking it over but his pursasion so far is no better than mine. So there she stands just outside the door, a model of pigheadedness. To rid myself of the feeling of depression occasioned by the apology for a car, went tonight and dined with the police sergeant, a real tough old sergeant major of the army. He batches here , although has a gin or two to do the housework. The tea was had in real bachelor style, he is his own cook. One course but it was sufficient. A plate piled with a composition of boiled beef and bacon , potatoes, pumpkin, cabbage, peas carrots and parsnips. It was good too only all I wanted to do afterwards was sleep. Came home, started to write, but music next day (Door?) was too attractive, so thither I went and it was night.

Tuesday June 18^th:

For the greater part of today the bus caused grave concern and solicitated anxious inquiries from all sides, but this evening she went, the timing somehow being out and when corrected made a vast difference. She is not in perfect running order yet, but she goes and so we are thankful for small mercies. Have been straightening up books and papers in my room before and since tea and now until bedtime will be writing.

Wednesday June 19^th:

Getting the bus in final working order and then loading up for a trip out west. Having made all necessary preparations, left Camooweal at 3.30 o’clock this afternoon, taking with me Dr Pincus fom here. There is a big race and sports meeting commencing tomorrow and continuing for 3 days at Rankine in N.T. 100 miles from here, to which the Dr is going. My arrangements can only carry me that far until I see what station folk are there. Leaving here at 3.30 we crossed the Georgina River, now dry, just outside the town. Six miles further on we came to the border gate, which let us through to the N.T. and out on to the Avon Downs Station on the Barkley Tableland. The country looks very dry although there is a fair amount of feed about and the cattle look well. We crossed a couple of dry creek beds, although near where we crossed in one there was a water-hole not yet dry on which were a few ducks. 48 miles from Camooweal we came to the station homestead of the Avon Station and there pulled in. Mr Lloyd is the manager but was in bed, with a bad knee. Mrs Lloyd was a good hostess and took us in and afternoon tea or ‘smoko;’ as is it called here was soon in our way. We talked then etc with different ones until tea time or supper as it is termed here. After supper we had a sing until bedtime when retired. Not to sleep though for a while as the Dr and I slept in one room and we got talking on Christianity and its value in life etc and it was early morn before we went to sleep. The Dr maintains that the Church is wrong when it gives anything but the ethical teaching of Christ, that this is what is wanted and nothing else. He has no place in his religion for faith, everything must be reasoned out.

Destination reached.

Thursday June 13^th: 1929

A happy birthday to Father.

Off to Camooweal. Final preparations taking somewhat longer than anticipated, the start was delayed until 10.30 am. Well-loaded with everything including nutties and honeycomb toffee etc from my numerous friends. Day was not the best, cloudy and a cold wind blowing. Cloncurry where I spent six weeks and on the whole very pleasantly was soon left behind. Three miles out my load was further increased by picking up 2 chaps with the swags who were going to Isa looking for work. Rather a good find as they were both company and gate-openers. Got off the road 18 miles out and onto a road going into ‘a show’. A great deal of carting had lately been done in it and the road in there is more pronounced than the main road. Went in seven miles found the copper mine and of course had to return. This was rather an unfortunate occurrence as it further delayed us more than one hour. Our first little town through which we passed was Mallon/Malbon ? 32 miles on the road. Was halted by a chap wanting a ride to Duchess, 43 miles further on and offering me 2 pound prepaid for the lift. Gave him the ride and at Duchess collected 1 pound from him for the Mission. He shouted us all tea at Duchess where we partook each of a great cut of steak and two fried eggs. It all went down too and tasted good. At 5pm the remaining three of us set off for Isa and now the bad road commenced. Ruts everywhere and all filled with white dust so that the depth is not known until one experiments in them. One is at first inclined to be disturbed by the numerous tracks going off in all directions, but soon discovers that they all go the one way. The job is to pick the best one and if I got onto the best every time, pity help the chap who finds the worst. Darkness overtook us long before reaching Isa and so travelling was rather slow but we wandered along and suddenly at 9.15 we hit the outskirts of Mt Isa settlement, found a suitable camping spot and stopped. We lit a fire, boiled the billy and then unrolled swags and rolled in. The ground was hard too and I could not find a hollow for my hip but being rather tired, I was soon asleep.

Friday June 14^th:

I think I was awake first but not up first. It was too cold so waited until one of the other chaps started the fire then I suddenly awoke and got dressed by the fire. We breakfasted on meat pies and sausage rolls that I brought from Cloncurry left over from the social. Shaved in front of the mirror on the back of the spotlight, had a bit of a brush up and leaving the two chaps at the camp where they intend to stay while seeking work, went in to Isa. Mt Isa the scene of glorious activity, the biggest thing in mining that Queensland has ever known and unfortunately I did not have time to have a good look at the mine. Will make a trip down that way before long though and see things properly. Met Dr Goode there, my ‘butcher’, and had a yarn to him, made purchases at the store, loaded up again and at 11am left for Camooweal. Rather a lonely trip through, although passed a couple of motor lorries in the 140 miles first half of the road, still very rough and dusty. Stopped at Yelvertoft? Station, halfway, for a few minutes and had a talk to Mr Dalling and some of the others and then set off on the final stage of the 300 miles from Cloncurry. A better road now ans so progress was much greater.

At 6.20 pm hit Camooweal right on the bare open plain at 60? miles an hour and hurt noone. Pulled up at Riley’s hotel, the only hotel, introduced myself, was cordially welcomed, had a wash and brush and went into tea. Met a few folk but was not long before the blankets claimed me.

Moving on.

Tuesday June 4^th: 1929

Back to the garage and this time the bus is in for a good overhaul and not before she needs it. I poke about to see if I can pick up any hints which my later prove useful. The weather up here at present is really hot and of an evening voices come from all directions where people are out on their verandahs keeping cool. Went out for while myself this evening, I am not saying where.

Wednesday June 5^th:

Down at the garage again and in the afternoon started to clean the bus. It wanted some cleaning too, and goodness knows if it had ever had a clean up before. Had the hose and Bon Ami on the job and got rid of the surplus. Did a bit of writing at night. Still rather warm.

Thursday June 6^th: 1929

Put the finishing touches today with plenty of elbow grease etc to the car and I believe it does look somewhat cleaner. Mechanic finished his job on it too and she is going very well. Gave her a try out on a quart of petrol and she is doing now about 18 to 20 miles to the gallon. At night I went across to the Presbyterian Church to the official opening of the wireless station, in connection with the A.I.M. It is only a weak station but has sufficient power to keep in touch with the stations out west who are to be supplied with a transmitting code signal in case they may need the aerial doctor. If the venture proves a success it will be a great benefit to those in the great open spaces who are not able to get in touch with civilization through lack of telephone and telegraph.

Friday June 7^th:

Spent most of today a home heredoing a few odd jobs about the place, there being a fair amount of broken furniture needing attention.

(My father in earlier years had completed some carpentry training.)

Late in he afternoon hopped in the car and went up to the hospital, took some books up for the chaps to read. A farewell visit as I will not be going up again before leaving for Camooweal next week. I have just been reading a letter that I received when in hospiotal from my sister Olive, hence the reason for this type of writing. I did not dothe shops o Friday night as there are no late nights in this state.

( This diary entry was in small neater handwriting than previously!)

Saturday June 8^th:

Another day at home on the odd jobs. Not a bad proposition though as one gets morning and afternoon tea while thus engaged. An over-ripe day on account of the heavy wind and the dust which it carries along. This I suppose though is one of the trials of the westerner which will have to get used to. After tea tonight the whole family though we would go for a spin so I acted as chaffeur (this spelling does not look right but the dictionary is in the other room) and after calling at a shop for cigarettes, for the Moores, went out the road a few miles and home again. Had a read for a while and retired.

Sunday June 9^th:

Another windy, dusty day and I was nearly blown out of bed this morning, sleeping as I do on the verandah. Thought I might have had a lie-in too but it was n ot comfortable enough out there. Sorted out all my correspondence this morning and had a hot bath through the agency

of what I discarded. Was invited to tea this afternoon and prior to tea went out for a spin in a new Ford. Was very good and went to Church and afterwards went back to Young’s for a while then home to bed.

Monday June 10^th:

Finished the odd jobs today, as many as I am doing, although there are quite a number still waiting to be done. It would not be fair to take all the odd jobs from the head of the house. Went for a run in brother Menears’ car after tea, he being out of town.

Tuesday June 11^th:

I have jumped a day. The outcome of writing up your diary a few days after events. Did not do much this day as was feeling a bit dopey. Shouted the Moores’family to the pictures at night, a farewell treat, for them perhaps, no more for me, not with the children at any rate. The little chap kept up a continuous fire of questions in a very audible voice, some of them extremely awkward. Then the baby awoke and both kids cried together, a beautiful duet. Still we all survived and eventually arrived home safely.

Tuesday June 12^th:

Birthday greetings to Murray. (my father’s younger brother who was later to lose his life during WW2 over the Middle East)

Getting ready for thr road. A busy day. MAfter social ntook all the old dears home by car and retired at 12.20 am. aking final ourchases, packing and loading up. Kept going at it all day. A social in the church at night. Was there for a while but had to go and say a few fond farewells and returned to the social later at supper time. After social took all the old dears home by car and retired at 12.20 am.

adjusting to queensland weather.

Monday May 27th: 1929

Spent most of today at the garage. Mail day and letters received from Victoria and Tassie which were much as always appreciated. Really did a bit of work today as took off an old Ford a tyre that was punctured and put on the spare after mending puncture in it. Had a bit of a lie down in the afternoon and got cleaned just before tea. Since tea have been reading and talking and writing.

Tuesday May 28^th:

Took an accumulation of washing to the washer lady. Through having neglected to do this before, have to wear a dirty shirt for the next 2 or 3 days. Met in town this morning an old chap by the name of Bennett, who has spent many years in Northern Australia. Very well off now, although one would not think so to see him. Very interesting chap to talk to and gave some interesting facts concerning the life out west. He reckons it is the only life and that Northern Australia is a white man’s country and the most healthy of any for him. Also met a Mr Sutton , manager of Lake Nash Station, two to three hundred miles from here, out in my territory. He gave me a very cordial welcome to the station whenever I am out that way. He said that the people out west are not religious and have not much time for religion. I gathered from his remarks though that this all depends on what they term religion. I went to the hospital this afternoon, took some papers and had a yarn to the chaps. After tea the usual reading , talking and writing.

Wednesday May 29^th:

Put the morning, in fact the day, home here being housemaid. Cleaned and pressed my own blue suit, also a suit for G.Moore. Looked after the baby at various intervals, fed him and put him to sleep two or three times, quite a good nurse. Went over to Young’s before tea and found them bottling beer (ginger). Had some out of bottles that had been standing for about 3 months. Had plenty of kick in it. Lots of the folk up here brew their own beer. Went to a concert at night, in aid of the local hospital, rather a crude turnout and a bit spicy in parts.

Thursday May 30^th:

Really did a bit of work today. Was all day down at the garage working on the bus. Took the great awkward heavy hood off. Tightened up all loose nuts etc. Went all over with the grease gun and eliminated numerous squeaks and rattles. Am putting on now a single seater hood, the frame of which I removed from an old Ford. Cannot do without the Ford, nohow. Feeling a bit tired at night so off to bed early.

Friday May 31^st:

Another day at the garage, pottering about the car. Fixed the framework of the old Ford hood so that it fitted the Oldsmobile. Felt a bit off colour in the afternoon so took it easily for a while, but suffered few after effects. A meeting of ladies here at night so I cleared out into the yard with the baby and put him to sleep and then listened to the choir practice in the church.

Saturday June 1^st:

Another chap very kindly came along this morning and offered to assist me in covering the framework of the hood. Needless to say his offer was not refused. He happened to know a bit about the game a made a decent job of it. I helped by looking on. Finished the job in the afternoon and did no more for the remainder of the afternoon and evening. It is beginning to warm up again here and I am indulging very freely in cold baths, although thte water is really warm.

Sunday June 2^nd:

Another lazy Sunday. Did nothing but sleep and read in the morning and went to the hospital in the afternoon and also called on some other folk who have been in Tasmania. Went to church at night, Brother Menear officiating. After church went with Mr Moores about 7 miles out to tow in a chap whose Ford had broken down. Came home and went to bed.

Monday June 3^rd:

Public holiday. King’s birthday and God Save the King. Sunday School picnic for the children belonging to the Methodist Church Cloncurry. Had a very good day too. Spent the picnic on the banks of the Cloncurry River. No children were drowned as it is not possible here at present as no water in the river. It is a very nice place for a picnic, shady as well as pretty for these parts. I had a good day and enjoyed myself and now believe that I am quite fit to take the trip to Camooweal, as I played rounders, gave the kids swings, ran in a race, was nearly torn to pieces by two kiddies who got me down on the ground, and tore around generally and survived. I drove a load of ladies out and back. The lady who owned the car was a passenger and drives around the town but felt a bit nervous when she thought of going to the picnic ground so asked me would I drive the car. It is a Whippet and not a bad bus. I felt nervous too when I saw who my passengers were. The picnic was a success and all seemed to enjoy themselves. In the evening Moores and self went for a cooler out along the road in the car and finished up with icecreams and drinks down the street. A very good day.

Saturday May 25^th:

Did quite a lot of work? this morning as I sat in the bus most of the time, while the remains from the fair were being returned to the various owners. Occasionally I gave a hand. The case of books which were sent from Tassie arrived at last. I went to the station and got them. Did nothing in the afternoon but loaf around and sleep.

Sunday May 26^th:

Was quite good this morning, rather strange for me, but arose at 8.45 am and went to a Communion service in our church at 9 am. Did not have breakfast either until I came back. Was struck again today with the strangeness of Sabbath observance here as compared with down south. The ‘white’ shops are closed here but the ‘chow’s ‘ shops are not and everything can be procured at them. People up here too, even good Church folk, think nothing of going and getting what they want on Sunday. Men work on Sunday at jobs they are doing if they feel inclined. The electrician is putting the light in here and he came this afternoon and put in a couple of hours work here. This morning Moores and self went in the car to a place about a mile away to procure eggs, which by the way are 3/6 a dozen, but were unsuccessful. On the way called at a Chow’s shop and procured several articles, also at another place, good Methodists, where they showed us over their garden and where we procured a little fruit. Had to pass through Chinatown, where the gambling dens and houses of ill fame are situated. In the same locality are a few houses belonging to Afghans and I also saw their Moslem temple. A very small building, something like a Church, with just near a place to bath. At sunset every evening they go, bath and change into all white, leave their shoes outside the mosque and go in to their prayers. Took the service tonight at the Church here, a nice little crowd out, somewhere near 40. Was quite out of my stride as it is exactly a month since I took the last service. One young lady remarked to Mr Menear afterwards that she thought Mr Kettle would be quiet but when she heard him start to beef out his sermon, she sat up and took notice.

(Always believed I inherited my loud voice from my father! This confirms it)

After service Menear and I went across to Youngs, had supper and home to bed.

Sunday May 19^th:

Sunday up here does not seem like Sunday somehow. For one thing all sport is held on Sunday and nobody seems particularly keen about going to church. The Methodist Church has Sunday School in the morning and a service at night. C of E also have a service at night and Communion in the morning about 8 o’clock and the Presbyterian Church is also going to start and it seems as if the denominational spirit is going to be emphasized which in my opinion will do harm to the church work here. I did nothing all day but the usual and did not get dressed for Sunday until nearly 6 pm. Went to church at 7.30, about 40 there I suppose. After church had a yarn, home here, supper and went to bed.

Monday May 20^th 1929

(This date pulled me up short as I continued to type the diary entries, because I had been under the impression it was 1928. Went back and checked and now realised that my fathers ‘scrawl’ had confused me but I can now see that the original entry is indeed 1929.)

Did nothing all day but read, sleep and eat. A great life no doubt. Weather rather warm with cool nights. Have been trying to do a bit of study in my spare time but found I had not much spare time for this purpose.

Tuesday May 21^st 1929:

Another lazy day similar to yesterday, with a slight variation in the afternoon through a run up to the hospital. Took some papers up and had a yarn to some of the chaps. In spite of all their various ailments all of them quite cheerful and bright. Rather a busy time at present in the hospital with niggers, there being three gins and three ‘jackies’ in.

( ‘Jackies’…………………..)

Wednesday May 22^nd:

Started work today? Took my bus down to the garage and sat and watched the mechanic finding something to keep him in a job. It was rather tiring though and I discovered I was not as well and strong as I had imagined. Had a little recreation at night by going to the pictures and sitting in a comfortable deck chair and nearly going to sleep. Saw the picture ‘Wings’. All the picture theatres out this way, I am told, have the big deck chair style for seating which is very nice, although has a tendency to induce slumber. All came home, had supper and went to bed.

Thursday May 23^rd :

Had another day at the garage working as hithertofore stated. Was able to pick up a few little pieces of knowledge which will perhaps prove useful at some later date. Rev Menear is having a Church Fair on the morrow and has asked me to assist by taking charge of the fish pond, so after tea tonight was busy until 11 pm sorting and arranging the 3d and 6d articles. Nerves rather jumpy when all was finished but supper saved me.

( 3d is threepence, about 2c. 6d is sixpence, about 5c.)

Friday May 24^th: Empire Day.

Did nothing much all the morning although down at the garage for a while. After lunch went to the hall and rigged up with the help of another chap, the fish pond. Fair was opened at 4 pm by the Chairman of the Shire. Very few there in the afternoon although more at night. Not the excitement or keenness noticeable at the fair that is generally evident in fairs down south. Weather was cool for up here and that tones folk up here down and takes the kick out of them. In the afternoon it was 90o for all that. Stalls were nicely decorated, especially the fish pond.

There were only the Plain and Fancy Cake, Sweets, Softdrinks and icecream stalls and a stall for men. No fruit and vegetable stall as that is impossible here. They took about 75 pound which was very good I suppose considering everything. Two boys ran the fish pond at night and I only supervised. Could not myself create much of an interest. Came home and had a lie down for a while, and had a sleep in a car outside the hall. Took a few old ladies homein the Menear’s car when all was over then home to bed.

Thursday May 16^th:

Another lazy day. Breakfast in bed and reading and lying down all day. Did some writing in the afternoon. The people with whom I am staying are very nice. A young couple with 2 kiddies, both boys. Mr Moores runs a garage with his brother. He was once in our ministry but resigned. They have a black girl, full blood, working here. It is rather a cheap way of getting help in the house as the girl is only paid 2/6 a week and 2/6 is paid into some fund on her behalf. First morning I was there was awakened at 7 am to receive a cup of tea and looked up to see a black face bending over me. For a moment wondered where I was. Quite a lot up this way have black help in the house, cannot say as yet that I prefer it to white. They are no trouble though there is a danger of them giving notice.

NB: Interesting comment on the times in reference to members of the indigenous community.

Friday May 17^th:

Am getting frightfully lazy and spoilt. Still have a cup of tea at about 7 am and breakfast at 8.30 am, all in bed and today did not arise until 11 am. Am feeling ‘goodo’ and practically noting now to remind me that I have had an operation. This afternoon hopped in the bus and went to the hospital to renew acquaintances and collect some mail that was lying there for me. Rev Menear has ben using bus and on the way back from hospital bus ran out of petrol and stopped on centre of railway track. Pushed it off and fortunately there was a tin of petrol in the back. Houses here all have detached kitchens and everything seems to point to the summers being rather hot. No house here is weather boarded, only lined on the inside and the studs are left exposed on the outside. Wide verandahs right around counteract any disadvantage this might be. Last night before tea G. Moore came home in a new Ford truck and wanted me to see and feel its good points so we went for a run in it. It certainly is well sprung and rides very well over bumps. We went as far as the aerodrome and had a look at the three planes garaged there. One plane does the trip to Camooweal, one to Normanton and one to Brisbane. They are the same type of plane as used by the chap who found Anderson and Hitchcock. Cloncurry is rather a desolate looking place. Red, stony ground is its main feature and it has a great many vacant blocks. Quite a number rendered vacant through fires. A few decent shops but again more pubs than anything else. All sport here is held on Sundays. Nothing seems to be doing on Saturday afternoons except a bit of tennis.

Saturday May 18^th:

Still lazing about all day but not a bad sort of a life especially on these warm days Have a great time in the mornings lying in bed, sleeping and reading and watching the goats wandering about the streets eating anything they can pick up. This is the land of goats (not speaking figuratively). All mutton here is goat and the milk one buys is either condensed milk mixed with water or goats’ milk. Noone keeps cows as there is no feed and it costs too much to buy fodder for them. This afternoon Mr & Mrs Moores an family and self went out for a run in a Willeys Knight, 24 miles out through a couple of stations. A good spin as the roads that way are rather decent. All flat country and not much feed except near the Cloncurry River. Passed a couple of herds of bullocks browsing in the shade of a few trees. 24 miles out came across 4 dhaps whose Ford had broken down and they were starting to walk in so we picked them up and brought them back with us. Had one thrill going out, taking a curve at 40 in some lose gravel and the bus went as near as turning over as I ever want one to go, while I am in it at any rate. However alls well that ends well and we arrived home safely. After tea had a read and went to bed.

Monday April 29^th: 1929

A very monotonous day.

Rather warm and nothing to see but the same rolling plains, occasionally a few trees, now and then some sheep or horses and every hour or two pulling up at a siding. Always a fair crowd at the sidings but no sign anywhere of where they came from. The train journey was frightfully slow , for what reason I know not, as there was no grade at all. Eventually at 9 pm arrived Cloncurry. Rather a difference in size to the other stations along the line and quite a crowd present to see the Great Mail roar in to the termination of its long journey. Rev Menear being out of town, noone knew of my arrival, so again was left to myself. Left most of luggage at the station and took a car to Parsonage where admitted into the presence of Mr and Mrs Moores and family who are living here. Rather tired and not feeling too good so soon retired.

Tuesday April 30^th:

Woke up feeling very much out of sorts. Tried to walk it off in the morning and by poking around Moore’s garage but unsuccessful. Had a lie down and no dinner and later went on and saw Dr. Examined me and confirmed my suspicions that I was suffering from appendicitis. Had a talk with DR and decided on operation right away. Came back here in car, got a few thinhs together and went up to the hospital and was admitted as a suffering patient. From 4.30 pm on April 30^th until 4.30 pm 0n May 14^th was a patient in the Cloncurry District Hospital being operated on for appendicitis and recovering from same. The butcher was a relieving Dr by the name of Goode and he did a Goode job. The hospital itself in its structure and appliances is not by any means perfect but the attention received from Dr and nurses left nothing to be desired. Felt a bit off colour the first couple of days but after that was alright. Had one setback while in hospital, through contracting something like scarlet fever but that passed off in two or three days. At first was in one of the wards with half a dozen others but when the fever cane on was put out on the verandah by myself which I liked much better. Rev Menear and Mr and Mrs Moores were very good to me and hardly an evening passed but that they were up to see me. The diet for practically the whole of the fortnight was water, hence I did not put on any condition. Some very rough chaps in the ward where I was and at times the language would make a bullocky blush. It was very nice though to be waited on by nice nurses, washed etc by them and I nearly lost my heart but going out when I did saved me. Received quite a lot of letters and telegrams from Victoria and Tasmania which were much appreciated and helped to make the sojourn in hospital less wearisome. Was not too keen on leaving hospital when the time came as I knew all there, and practically nobody down here, but as Dr Goode was leaving I thought I would leave also. Rev Menear called for me and brought me down here to Moores where I am to be convalescent until the end of the month. Was very shaky on my legs when I first got out of bed but soon got my balance.

Wednesday May 15^th:

Am taking things quietly for a while. Had breakfast in bed and a lie down all the morning. In the afternoon went down to the P.O with Menear and sent some telegrams and then called around at a Mrs Hensley’s. Her married daughter with her husband both from South Africa were there and we had quite a decent talk. Mrs Hensley is rather a lively old dame and during general conversation I found myself congratulating myself I did not die in the Cloncurry hospital as they spoke of men dying there and being forgotten until the nasal organs of the staff brought back their remembrance, also of coffins with sliding bottoms which was also rather gruesome. After tea we went and called on people by the name of Young, where also was the Rev Scott of the A.I.M and after talking and supper came home to bed.

Friday April 26^th: 1929

5 am am awakened and told that we are nearing Townsville, where we arrive at 5.30 am. An unearthly hour to arrive in a strange place. Cloaked most of my luggage and then went and had a shower and a shave. This is possible at the station and this is one of the things for which the Qld railways are to be commended. One needs a shower though after travelling in their trains. Had breakfast also at the station and then strolled up the street. Looked about until I find the G.P.O and rang up the Rev Hall who directed me to come to the Parsonage. He is the 2^nd minister in Townsville and is out at West End. Came out on the bus and missed the place and had to walk back. It was and still is warm and I arrived here fairly fed up with everything but am getting over it. Will not be sorry though when this train traveling and wandering about among strangers is finished. Rev Hall and his wife seem nice enough and have two little boys who at present are at school. This leaves me then at West End Townsville at 11 am.

From when I left off at at 11.30 until lunch time was spent in writing and also most of the afternoon. Rev Bacon from Charters Towers and Chairman of the Northern Queensland District arrived just after lunch. A bright energetic chap and always on the move and made things appear considerably brighter by his presence. He has travelled practically all over Queensland. I went into Townsville with him and then I went and saw the Shell people about petrol for out west and one or two other things and back to Hall’s for tea. After doing some writing went in again to the station and posted a letter on the 9 pm Brisbane train. Back to Hall’s and to bed.

Saturday April 27^th:

Another early rise, 4.30 am, no good at all but had to catch the train for Charters Towers at 5.30 am. Rode Mr Hall’s bike into the train and left it there for him to collect. An awfully slow uninteresting journey to the Towers. Mixed train. Arrived there at 11.30 am. Met by Rev Simons probationer and a circuit steward and brought round to Mrs Siemens. Nice family. Two young chaps and girl. Have a wholesale fruit vegetable shop etc. Nice home for these parts. Before dinner Simons and I went down and had a look at the Central Church where tomorrow I have been booked for 2 services. Did not expect this either and so have no sermon notes in MSS, so faith morrow. Went also and had a look at the smaller church in York St. Both nice churches but too big now for the present population . Charters Towers in the mining days boasted a population of 34000, now only 9000. No mining now done at all. Now it is an educational centre, 4 colleges, a big boarding school, a state high, comprising over 1000 students in all. The Methodists and Presbyterians have joint control of two, called Thornburgh for the boys and Blackheath for the girls. Thornburgh has 120 boarders and Blackheath 92. After dinner in company with Rev Simons I had the pleasure of being shown over both of these and they are splendid colleges. Wonderfully equipped and all conveniences and have only been in existence 9 years this June. Students come here from all over Queensland. Both colleges were once big private homes. After looking over them and talking to the matron and head master, on arriving back home was ready for tea, which soon appeared on the scene. Since tea have been engaged in writing and preparation for tomorrow.

Sunday April 28^th:

Had a rather full day and not altogether a very pleasant one as have contracted a cold and sore throat and was rather a drawback in trying to speak. Took the services in the Central Church in Charters Towers morning and night. Had a gathering of about 150 in the morning with at least 120 of them from the Thornburgh college. Rather a decent spectacle to see the centre of the Church so filled.

In the evening there was the usual congregation of about 100. Very poor for the size of the town. The choir rendered 2 anthems at night and a young lady gave a solo. In the afternoon after having had a bit of a lie down Mrs Siemens took me for a run in the car to have a look at the town and what it boasts of. Colleges belonging to other denominations and an old folks home in course of erection, knitting mills without wool to work on, owing to the drought, a cemetery etc. It was a nice run and gave me a genuine idea of the size etc of the town. A great place for pubs here. I counted about 15 in two blocks, must be a thirsty population. After service at night had a yarn and supper at Siemens and then was taken to the station where at 10.30 pm I boarded the Great Western Mail which on arrival at Cloncurry will end just on 3000 miles of train journey. Turned into my bunk as soon as the train left and remained there until 8 am Monday morning.

Monday April 29^th:

In the footsteps of my father.

This story will trace the travels of my father between 1928 and 1935 as gleaned from his hand written diaries. Unfortunately these diaries only came into the family's hands after my father's death in 1979. Since 1996 I have been fortunate to also visit parts of the same north Queensland country and it has been an exciting experience to share these travels and accompany my father in spirit , through the reading of his diaries.

Howard Henry Kettle was born in 1901 in Buchan, Victoria , where his father was the local policeman.

In 1928 Howard Kettle began a momentous journey to North Queensland as a patrol padre with the Methodist Inland Mission. This is his story.

Wednesday April 17^th 1929: 5pm.

Left Melbourne on the Sydney Express after a very warm and somewhat sad family send-off, Was very brave myself although was really not as brave as outward appearances indicated. Had a full compartment, a smoker, one lady in it, but she did not smoke while traveling to Albury. A chap sitting on the other side of me though made up for it, as he smoked continuously a vile cheap brand of cigar. Altogether though had a good trip to Albury, where we trans-shipped into the sleeper and after having some supper on the station, retired. The war memorial in Albury as viewed from the station with its illumination was an impressive sight.

Thursday April 18^th

^{Shared a sleeper with a Mr Lily from Sydney a very decent chap and had some decent talks with him. Got up at 8 o’clock and had the breakfast at I forget the name of the place. Arrived in Sydney well on time, eleven o’clock, and was met by Auntie Gert and Mercy. Would not have known Mercy had she been on her own. Cloaked all my luggage except small bag, and then did Sydney with Auntie Gert. We went up to the S.A.H.Q and met with the remainder of the Howard family that are in Sydney. Winsome and Olwin. Had a talk for a while, then had a shave and back to the station and booked my ticket or rather a sleeper through to Brisbane. After we had had dinner at the Sunshine Tea Rooms. Eva and the two nips arrived on the scene and then all of us went for a run on one of the ferries down to Manly. A nice trip and the harbour very nice but beauty equally as nice can be found in Tasmania. Sydney itself reminded me of a big rabbit warren or a maze with its narrow streets and all running in different directions. The number of girls and women smoking in the streets was very noticeable. After tea went into Sydney again with Auntie Gert, to a prayer meeting of the Methodist Men’s Federation. A very good meeting. Had to get up and say a word, after being introduced to the gathering and it was very brief. Spent the remainder of the evening at home.}

Friday April 19^th:

Olwin brought breakfast in to me in bed which was very nice, after which I arose and dressed. After writing a couple of letters, said goodbye to the family and went across to Campsie and found Keith Oliver from Tasmania and had a yarn to him. Went into Sydney then, had lunch and went for walk around the streets with Olwin. Winsome came to the train and saw me off toBrisbane at 3.30 pm. It was a very nice trip while daylight lasted and the scenery along the Hawksbury river especially good. Turned in rather early and read for a while and then slept.

Saturday April 20^th:

Arriving at the border all had then to transfer to a Queensland train and the railway service here compared with down south is rotten. The trip throughout the day though was not bad. The country through which we passed as regards scenery was fair and in places good especially coming down from the hills after leaving Toowoomba and here the likeness to Tasmania was much in evidence. Several of the passengers on the train, including myself, got into conversation and although we were unknown to each other it made the journey much more pleasant. Just after crossing the border the grade was very steep, so much so that the engine refused to function and we had to wait until another train following caught up to us and gave us a push until we safely negotiated the climb. Apart from that the trip was uneventful. On arriving at Brisbane was met by the Rev Mills, secretary of Conference who passed me over into the hands of the Rev Frederick who took me by car to his home. Most of the family were out at a wedding at which The Rev F was officiating. They returned though not long after I got there and then I got some tea. The Rev and Mrs were off almost immediately to the breakfast but a Miss Clewes who works there looked after me. The Rev Frederick has connected with his home the H.M Training College similar to ‘Otira’ Kew. There are only about five students attending but it is yet in its infancy. The boys seem rather a decent lot. Miss Frederick, sister of the Rev, a returned missionary from India is also staying here. There are three children at home. The youngest a boy is about 16 I should say and is going to the University, a girl is next to him who teaches school I think and another boy who works at the bank. It was here that I received my first introduction to Queensland mosquitoes. Before retiring Miss Frederick (daughter) played the gramophone for a while and I listened then turned in.

Sunday April 21^st:

Brisbane has given me a very moist reception as it has rained steadily all day and heavily too.

Rev F wanted me to take both his services today at the Valley Mission Church in Brisbane but I got out of that and ended up in the morning taking the first part of the service and in the evening taking the sermon and latter part. There were only about 24 out at morning service and about 70 tonight but the weather I suppose had a good deal to do with that. Rev F was taking a S.S Anniversary in the afternoon at Kingsholme so I went down and strange to say they used the same hymn suheet as we had at our S.S Anniversary at St Mary’s. The children sang very well too. Being ANZAC Sunday I gave a talk on those lines at the evening service tonight and took as the subject “The cost of life.” They have a choir at this church and gave an anthem at tonights service. After church on returning home we had supper and then retired.

Monday April 22^nd:

Rain appears to have completely disappeared and the day is bright and warm. Went in the morning to the office of Rev Mills and arranged then to stay in Brisbane until Wednesday then go on to Townsville put a day in there and go to Charters Towers on Saturday and on Sunday night pick up the Cloncurry train there. After dinner bought my tickets and fixed up the luggage and then went out to Wynnum to Krummels. Travelled by bus and Ettie met me out there. After having a talk at home and some afternoon tea Mr Krummel had to go out and see some folk on business so I went with him. It was out a bit from Wynnum so we went in the jinker, rather slow, but had a look at the country. After we had had tea we looked at snaps, mine and theirs, until supper time when retired. I did not intend staying the night but they invited me and as there was no reason why I should not, I did. Used for the first time the mosquito netting suspended from the head of the bed. I was amused at first at the height the houses are built off the ground, 6 feet up and more, and underneath the folks garage their cars, rather a good idea. Plenty of steps to go up and down though. In Brisbane the folk do not seem tp be in a great hurry at all and like Sydney you can walk angleways or anyway across the streets. Max Hodgson and his bride spending their honeymoon in Qld and at present are out at Wynnum, but are to return south on Thursday. Lucky pair.

Wednesday April 24^th:

Caught the 9 am train from Wynnum this morning and back into Brisbane. Called at Mills’ office and after a talk and a walk up the street went to Fredericks. Packed up, had lunch and Rev F brought me in to the train by car. Had only time to bundle into the train and she was off. The first time since leaving Melbourne that someone to see me off and am going completely among strangers. Up until now there has been somebody I have known at each place but that is done with. Queensland railways are now seen at their worst in my judgement. For 1^st class traveling they are very poor and everything is so dusty and dirty. No decent place to hang my clothes either. A big crowd on this train too, a cosmopolitan lot. All shapes, sizes and conditions, and most of them appear to be going north after work. Cane-cutters and to the meat works I suppose. The weather is getting warmer up this way and all surplus clothing is discarded. The country, although for the most part uninteresting, is looking well, everything is green with a great growth. ……… homes are mostly to be seen along the line. The bunks on this train run the same way as the train, and in my opinion are not as comfortable as those that go across. Still I slept alright.

Thursday April 25^th:

And still we journey farther north. A most uninteresting day. Rather warm and all one can do is to eat, sleep and read. Nothing of any consequence happening. At many stops we get out to stretch our legs and if it is meal time, we eat, until at 8 pm we turn in again.