Life on the road.

Monday July 22 1929

Arose after a very poor night and not feeling too good, a touch of flu or something. After breakfast soon got on the road and had company now, Hobbler and his man going on ahead and we also had a chap riding on our load who wanted to go through. Newcastle Waters from Anthony’s is 180 miles and nothing in between except a string of about 8 bores. The road on the whole is good except for a stretch of about 12 miles which is frightfully rough, having been bogged in the wet weather. Some 50 odd miles on the road we came, in the midst of a vast open plain, to a lonely grave, that of a man name Brady who perished there on Xmas day ’26 Tthe tombstone having been erected by his sister. 30 or 40 miles further on we came to the remains of Chev car which had been burned out there. Left on the road where it caught fire. At one of the bores we stopped and had lunch and to save time did not boil the billy but drank cold water. At all these stops of course there as usual much camera clicking, and the Col will have a big bill to pay ‘Kodak’ when he returns to Melbourne. At 4 pm we finished our 180 miles run and reached Newcastle Waters on the overland telegraph line. Did not feel so much out of touch with civilization here. To celebrate the occasion went and sent a couple of telegrams south. Called up at the Police Quarters and had a yarn to Constable Muldoon and then went across to the cattle station quarters where the manager Mr Burkett lives and remained with him for the night. This station is owned by some of the wealthiest of the cattle men but the house and buildings are an absolute disgrace, the only place in Northern Australia that could be called such. Having got a bed for the Col, I unrolled my swag on the floor and feeling far from well, after taking some quinine tablets, turned in. The Col tried to get up a conversation with Burkett but only being able to receive as an answer either Yes or No he soon gave up and turned in also. Quiet a number of blacks about here and more in their native state. One young blood of about 14 or more was careering around without a stitch on him.

Tuesday July 23 1929

Another crook night and feeling very seedy. The Col seems alright though. Soon got packed up and loaded up and had to purchase two 2 gallon drums of benzine and pay 2 pound 5 shillings a drum. Intended today to journey on until meet McGregor and Gribble. The road now is not at all good, rough and uneven and progress is much slower. Country is somewhat different also. Instead of the open downs we passed through scrubby country. Very much prettier than the downs as we could, with no stretch of imagination, think we were passing through park lands, some very nice trees in places. There was some heavy going in places where we struck some sand. At last about 11 am and some miles from Newcastle Waters and 20 miles from Daly Waters we pulled up head on and a few feet from McGregor’s car, with Gribble in it. An ideal spot for a meeting too, shady with nice grass to cover the dust, so we pulled off the road and soon had a billy boiling. A rather memorable meeting this in far northern Australia of 4 of the Inland Mission staff and board. Both cars were carrying an extra passenger and they got the lunch ready while the rest of us talked. Had a very good lunch too, McGregor coming to light with hosts of provisions, cakes, dates, fruit etc. I contributed a little from my supply which although not so elaborate and not possessing great variety was substantial. After lunch we continued our talk on the work of the mission and concluded with a little service. Then there was the exchange of passengers and luggage and I had a much bigger load on than before. This memorable meeting of course necessitated a great deal of camera clicking after which we each continued on our separate ways. Now the real talking began between Cec (Gribble) and I, as while the Col was there we naturally felt a little restrained. College days and ways and chaps were brought to mind and we were soon back at Newcastle Waters. Decided to remain here so pulled at Burkett’s and placed ourselves as the guests of that gentleman. Cecil carries a folding stretcher so I commandeered that and after taking more quinine turned in early. Cecil soon followed.

Wednesday July 24 1929 (Olive’s birthday) My father’s sister.

Up and brek\akfasted but feeling very off color, so after meditating for half an hour over a big dose of Castor Oil took it. Oh the beastly stuff, no more for me. Can still taste it. It was with me all day. It eventually did some good as I felt much better by evening. Cecil did most of the driving today although I took the wheel toward evening and we came into Anthony’s Lagoon in great style, hit up 45 miles an hour for the final spurt. Nothing of any importance happened on the 180 miles run. Boiled the billy for lunch at one of the bores. Pulled up for the night with Constable Hall and after tea we got out the organ and had a great sing. Hall is a bit of a singer and very fond of music. Doug Cotton, manager of Anthony’s Cattle Station was also there and joined in and altogether we had a very pleasant evening which concluded with cocoa, scones and cheese.

Thursday July 25 1929

Had a quiet morning at Anthony’s Lagoon. After spending a bit of time on the bus spent the rest in sunbathing and regaining strength which the castor oil had sapped away. Loaded up and after lunch left for Brunette which was reached after a good run, only one stop. The bus is not going too well. Carburetta trouble. Still she is not holding us p completely. Reached Brunette and being asked to stay, decided to accept. Pulled in at the wireless room and finding a double bed made it our home. Mr Nelson was away but Mrs and Miss were at home and we were soon on the tennis court. Miss nelson Mr Acton the book-keeper Cec and I making the four. Had some good tennis until tea time. After tea several others arrived. A lot of Vestie’s ( Vestey) men. Mr Conaber the head man, Mr Moray, Mr Tooker, also Capt Bishop stock inspector, Seg Smythe of the N.T Police. A happy party when we were all together playing ping-pong and then some of them finished up with cards. After supper we went to turn in and beds were everywhere and about midnight 3 more arrived. Bunning, another of Vestie’s men and me talked until the small hours of the morning much to the disgust of all who were trying to sleep.

Friday July 26 1929:

A day off and a full day’s tennis. Played tennis from 9 am until sundown. Max Campbell who arrived the night before making up the four. A thoroughly enjoyable day but certainly the most tennis I have had in one day. Cecil was completely done by the time evening arrived. Doug Cotton arrived before tea so after we had some ping pong until supper time. These people are R C’s but showed great hospitality in entertaining the Methodist Church.

Saturday July 27 1929:

Had another tennis morning. Cecil was done from the previous day but Doug Cotton made up the four and we played until dinner time. Having loaded up and thanked all for their kindness etc we left for Alroy Downs, 50 miles distant. Doug Cotton, Max Campbell came across also. Arrived in time for ‘smoko’ after which all getting into the big Hudson Mrs Schmidt drove us all and Miss Wendt and her sister out six miles to , the stock camp where Mr Schmidt was drafting, prior to branding. Had a talk and persuaded him to come in for the evening and then come back. On arriving back, got ready and had some tennis until tea time. Have a beautiful home here with all conveniences possible out here. As soon as tennis was over a hot bath was much enjoyed. Mr Schmidt arrived home for tea after which we competed for a while on the ping pong table. Adjourning then to the drawing room we had some music, Cecil at th piano and singing too. After supper all retired. Slept out on the verandah upstairs. A beautiful night and a good one to sleep which we all did.