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.