Snap happy!

Sunday July 21 1929

A good night’s rest in a decent bed allowed me to rise fresh and willing. The Col thoroughly appreciated a good warm bed. After a great deal of camera clicking and shaking of hands, farewells having been said, we left for our next stop, Brunette Downs. Nothing of any importance eventuating on the 60 miles run, we soon reached the station homestead and found that the manager and family had gone across to Alroy for the day. As it was nearing lunch time we went and interviewed the cook and received an invite to dinner. Of course it had to be in the quarters with the men. In the meantime we explored and noted everything to be noted, had a talk to some of the men and made friends with ‘Billy the tame ‘Brolga’ or Native Companion. The dinner bell called all and sundry to a feast the cook had prepared. It was everyman for himself but I waited on the Col. Roast or Corned: plenty of vegetables and about 6 varieties of sweets. Although all eating utensils were tin, the Col had a good meal and of course I was quite at home. Having thanked the cook and clicked the camera set off for Anthony’s Lagoon. The road still continuing very good and fast progress was made. Missed the road once and went right round a paddock and came back to the gate we went in but soon picked up the road again. After passing over 60 miles of country pulled up at Anthony’s Lagoon store, kept by Count Beyondy and he is beyond all reason with his charges. For a 60 lb bag of flour he charges 34 shillings. Did not stay here but went on to the police quarters and pulled up. Constable Hall is a very decent chap and made us welcome. Staying here also was Mr Hobbler and his driver. Hobbler is one of the Northern Australia Commission and not a bad sort, getting a good screw 2 pound 2 shillings a day travelling allowance which he does not have to touch. The Col not having a swag made things a bit awkward but we managed. Hall gave up his bed and we divided up his and my blankets and I slept in my clothes. Before retiring I brought out the gramophone and we had our Sunday night service in the open air and after a sing had a short prayer and turned in. Anthony’s Lagoon is one of the most desolate places in Northern Australia, boasting a store, police quarters and the commencement of a cattle station.

(Locating Anthony’s Lagoon information on the Internet I came across a lantern slide picture of Anthony’s Lagoon , from the Inland Mission archives, and will attempt to locate its origin as the above diary entry mentions taking photos indicating this could well be one of my father. )