Testing times.

Monday Sept 16^th 1929:

Thankful today to shake from my feet the dust of Mt Isa. Leaving there just before lunch, after picking up Miss Reilly, had a rough and hot trip back to Camooweal. Had no mishaps on the road, but passed four lorries going into Isa and one car flew past us going into Camooweal. At about 2 pm we stopped and boiled the billy and had some sandwiches and finished off a tin of peaches. Needless to say I had most of the peaches. On arriving home a good shower was very welcome and much appreciated, after which banana fritters topped everything off. The weather is warming up considerably and feeling very much like summer. During my absence Cec did the washing and was terse about the number of shirts I left for him to do, only four. He jibbed on the ironing though, making the excuse that the iron would not go.

Tuesday September 17^th 1929:

What a curse are reports. I do not know why they want to know what we are doing up here. They do not get much in my reports either. I spent all the morning and part of the afternoon at it although suppose will receive no iron cross for that. (?????) The iron went alright this afternoon but Cec made such a fuss about the ironing that I did my own although the arrangement was fro him to do it all this week. Went across and saw that the Matron was progressing alright and ordered that she get up tomorrow. An evening of gramaphone records, singing, talking and eating chocolates was spent down at ‘The Cottage’.

Wednesday September 18^th 1929:

Thought that we would have got away today on the way to Burke Town, but the car is very like a woman, very contrary. Found that in the front wheel there was a broken ball race, so delayed another day in the end, put in a set of balls from a Ford and so am going to take a risk. One wheel also wants attention on account of the spokes shrieking and needs packing and so is creaking but we are hoping that she will stand the trip. Several of us had a moonlight picnic which was most pleasant.

Thursday September 19^th 1929:

After getting our papers and mail this morning and setting all things in order and collecting mail and papers for folk along the road, left Camooweal with a leaking radiator, creaking front wheel with half a Ford car in it, faulty carburetor and body falling apart en route for Burke Town, 240 miles away. Cec is very pessimistic about ever reaching our destination and when unusual knock or bump occurred, he exclaimed in an alarmed voice that the wheel had gone. We arrived at Morestone homestead in time for lunch and there decided to remain for the day. During the afternoon we read all the papers and explored the surroundings and had a yarn to some of the men about. There are beautiful surroundings here, the homestead faces the O’Shannessy river, richly bounded on both banks with tropical growth and tall trees although here, near the head of the river at present there is very little water. After tea we had a sing together and retired.

Friday September 20th 1929:

We had a very pressing invitation to stay at Morestone another day but although it would have been very nice we felt that we must move on, so move on we did. Had a little Sunday School talk to the little chap on the place before moving on and then left for our next stopping place, Thornton Station. The country from now on is very rough, hilly and rocky and traveling is…rather slow. Met a couple of chaps from Camooweal who are working on the road and stopped and had a yarn to them. Were kindly received at Thornton by Mrs Finlay and although we were late for lunch, she soon had something in fron of us which was very nice. Had a talk there for a while and borrowed a box of cartridges and fishing line, which we might need then passed on. Still going over rough country and in the afternoon caught up to a drovers’ camp and had some of their cocoa. On the way tried to snap (take a photo) a couple of emus but messed two snaps up and don’t think they will come out. Just before reaching Gregory Downs station shot a wild turkey and took it in with us and pulled up at the station and stayed the night.

Saturday September 21^st 1929:

The station here is in a state of turmoil. The late manager gave three months notice but the two owners being on the spot and nasty old chaps, paid him off straight away and last night a new manager was put on. There is no cook in the place though and the stove is about empty. The turkey was very acceptable as a result and was given into the hands of a gin who is making shift as a cook. The homestead here being on the banks of the Gregory River, in a most delightful spot, and in spite of a few disadvantages, we decided to put the day in here fishing and swimming. A wonderful day it was too, about all of it spent on the river or in it. Caught one fish in the morning and in the afternoon when we took two blacks with us they got 5 but Cec and I got nothing. Cec went swimming then and I went after wallaby with the rifle and after stalking one, got him. The two owners here are a pair of queer birds, both coming from Victoria, very pessimistic on their outlook on life and rather mean. All the while we were there we had turkey roasted, boiled, fried and curried, with fish for one breakfast. One of the chaps has the record for the greatest swearer in northern Queensland. Cec got the idea tonight that we are not welcome here and is very eager to get away as soon as possible. If I thought this was correct I would stay a couple of days longer.

Sunday September 22^nd 1929:

Left the station this morning and went across to the Gregory hotel and police station and saw the folk there and then moved on. Call;ed at Carrington’s selection, Donaldsons and Mullers but found nearly everyone absent, on account of a big ball to be held in Burke Town. At several pleasant spots along the river we stopped for a while until we at last reached Brookdale station, where lives Oliver Smith with his wife and family of 15. Not all the family were at home though. The shearers are here at present, so quite a crowd was about the place. After tea had an open air picture show showing nursery rhymes and Bible parables at which all were present.

Caves and mines.

Monday Sept 9^th 1929:

On account of today being a school holiday, the H T had the day off, so he and I went out 12 miles to some real caves and explored for a while, though did not have time to go through them all. They are not bad for this part of the world although can only be negotiated by the help of ropes. There are a few stalagmites and stalactites about and there are three drops on to htree different levels. Not having sufficient time or rope we only explored the first level and returned to Camooweal for lunch. Did a bit of study in the afternoon and out at Reilly’s at night.

Tuesday Sept 10^th 1929:

A day of study and how awful it is. Still it brings a little satisfaction when one feels one has really done something. Cec went out with the Dr and Mr and Mrs Andrews and had a musical evening., returning about midnight when I was sound asleep in bed.

Wednesday Sept 11^th 1929:

….. and Thursday and Friday were all put in Camooweal reading, writing, trying to catch up with studies etc.

( My father was completing his studies to become a fully ordained minister of the Methodist Church.)

The weather has been rotten, frightfully windy and as a result terribly dusty and nothing can be kept clean for any length of time.

Saturday Sept 14^th 1929:

Left for Mt Isa this morning taking Glen Reilly in with me. Had good run through, as well as the rotten, rough, dusty roads would permit. Pulled up and had some lunch of damper and brownie with an old chap along the road and eventually reached Isa at 6.30 pm. Took Glen to where she was to stay and went to the Church Hall and fixed my things in a room at the back and then got shaved and cleaned. Went then to the chap who shows the pictures and got him to put a slide on announcing a service for tomorrow, watched the pictures and had supper and turned in.

Sunday Sept 15^th 1929:

Had anticipated a lie in this morning but some chaps camped at the back of the hall had me out for breakfast at 7.30 am an awful hour for Sunday morning and I was tired too. Poked about then until 10 o’clock when Sunday School opened and I officiated there and gave the three teachers, all men, a day off. Took the teachers home afterwards and went with one across to the mines to the dormitories

Where he stays and had dinner with the men. We all lined up behind each other and collected tin plate, pannikin etc as we went along and then had our rations dished out and found a seat and ate. There are a few men about too as about 1500 are now emplyed at the mines. It was a bad weekend in Isa though as Thursday had been payday and the whole place had been on the spree ever since even to the Postmaster and Bank manager. The hardest worked men in there are the Sergeant and two policemen. Did some visiting in the afternoon but found nearly all down with flu and so had a poor roll up at night, (16) and a dog that proved very disturbing by carrying the hymn books around the Church. Was a b it disgusted with things and found bed after supper.

.

A lot of bull!

Thursday Sept 5^th 1929:

A day among bullocks. A very interesting time. Leaving Cec asleep, arose at 4.30 and breakfasted with the men and then all went across to the yards and as soon as it was light enough to see, the work began. Some of the men and black boys brought the bullocks from the larger yards to the smaller and then they were run into the crush which held about 18, where they were inoculated. The bullocks were wild too and in the crush would race down and pile on top of each other and hardly all through the day was one crush full and got through, without at least one blockage through a bullock getting down and jammed , in coming over on his back in getting caught in some way. Some with the big horns would get caught by them andf those poor brutes would have the horn cut off with the axe. Sometimes rails had to be taken out to release some of the bullocks from the position in which they wedged themselves. Every bullock after going through the crush must have been frightfully bruised and knocked about. The chaps bringing them into the smaller yards and then into the crush had to watch themselves as the bullocks frequently charged them and then it was a dash for the fence. They enjoyed it though and would often purposely aggravate bullocks to make them wild. Of course I was not an onlooker for long and had a go at everything, down to inoculating a bullock. I made one leap for life through a bullock trying to jump out, just where I was sitting and I was not long in reaching the other fence much to the enjoyment of the onlookers. While we were there one bullock broke his leg and had to be shot , another dislocated his shoulder. After lunch Mrs Bartlem the wife of the cook brought her baby to be Christened. We tried to get Mr Bartlem in for the ceremony but she said he was too nervous of such things. After having a talk with her she went back to the yards until ‘smoko’ and then came into Avon for tea. The day had been quite warm and we were quite pleased to sit in the cool on the verandah for a while. Had then a very pleasant musical evening and retired.

Friday Sept 6^th 1929:

After breakfast went and had a talk and game with the three little girls belonging to the second instalment of the Lloyd family and then left and arrived in Camooweal for lunch. Got the mail and read it and went across and had a talk to the kiddies at the school and then did some writing. The C.W.A (Country Womens Association) held their monthly dance evening at night, so went along for a while before retiring.

Saturday Sept 7^th 1929:

Did not do much all day except some reading and writing. A rotten day through the wind getting up and blowing very strongly. After tea Cec and I went down to the ‘Cottage’ for the evening.

Sunday Sept 8^th 1929:

The usual routine. Sunday School in the morning and a nice number of children there too and had a happy time with them. After Sunday School loaded up the car with children and drove around the town and told all about Church at night. The kiddies look forward to this drive now. Went out in the afternoon to a cave, four miles out and had a look at it and back again. There is nothing to see but a hole in the ground though. Had the best roll up at Church that we have had here as yet, there being over 40 at the service. Cec sang ‘Abide with Me’ and ‘The Blind Ploughman’ and very nice too. Had supper over at Reilly’s afterwards and then home to bed.

On the road again.

Sunday Sept 1^st 1929:

A day of rest and recuperation. Did not get up very early, although was up for breakfast and so were the bride and bridegroom and I had breakfast with them. I sent up breakfast for b oth Glen and Cec as they were feeling very much the strenuous day of yester. Called over at one place during the morning and had a yarn and morning tea with Mrs Thomas. A gold rush has started today and everyman who can get away has gone nout about 160 miles to peg out his claim. It might prove to be a silver rush but it is a mineral of some kind and is supposed to be a very rich deposit. The happy couple left on their honeymoon after lunch back to Camooweal, for him to strat work in the morning, taking in the Chev utility with them the best man. A few snaps were taken before they left, and they looked very unromantic as they went off, as if they had been married for years. After the excitement had subsided and everyone had settled down, I went around the town and arranged for Sunday School during the afternoon and Church at night. Cec and I had a nice little S.School, after which we went up the hall and got ready for service at night. Had a nice crowd out too. Cec sang a couple of songs and took the sermon and I took the rest of the service. Had supper at the hotel afterwards and quite an interesting time it was too, with a variety of characters present, some sober some not. One chap every few minutes was wanting to take us to the bar for some champagne and another was putting over jokes at which he would laugh hilariously. Some did wander to the bar after that we had retired as they could be heard there for quite some time, but sounds of deep slumber were soon issuing from the other bed in my room, which Cec occupied, so I soon followed his example.

Monday Sept 2^nd 1929:

Before leaving for Camooweal we had a Christening at the hotel. One of the daughters has a little boy aged 3, and who brought him along to give him a name. There was quite a crowd too in the dining room for the ceremony, which passed off without the child crying. Had a good run back here, without getting lost, and came back via Lake Nash, where we had our lunch. There was not the strained tense atmosphere about the trip back as there was going down. Of course on arrival, we were severely crticised but are getting used to it now. Retired rather early.

Tuesday Sept 3^rd 1929:

A quiet day at home here, as well as washing day. After all the washing and ironing had been done did some reading and writing.

Wednesday Sept 4^th 1929:

Spent the morning getting ready to go out to Soudan station 80 miles from here out in the Territory. Left after lunch taking Mrs Campbell with us as far as Avon where we had ‘smoko’ and then went on to Soudan. Found them there just yarding a mob of some 1500 bullocks to be readying for inoculation on the morrow. Had a very interesting time watching thrilling duels between horsemen and bullocks who broke them from the mob, some of which became nasty and kept the horses moving to keep from the reach of the horns. It was dusk when the last were safely yarded and we then drove across to the homestead. The manager is a young chap on his won, but has a cook who is married., the wife making the place look a bit homely. It is real camp life though, with very few conveniences. Early to bed and early to rise is the routine here so after a bit of talk together, we found our bunks.

LOST!

Saturday Aug 31^st 1929:

Lost and what a wonderful feeling it is, to be on the road and not know where you are or how to get to where you intended when you started out, and have to be there by a certain time to marry a couple; with the sun rapidly sinking in the west and the petrol in the petrol tank rapidly diminishing. However we were not lost in the morning while in Camooweal, where Cec, Glen Reilly and I had a cup of tea at 6.30 am and after seeing the plane off at 7 am, left in good spirits, and with great hopes of being in Wandangie for lunch, thus allaying the nervous fears of the, naturally I suppose, excited and fearful bride and bridegroom. The day was nothing short (as it commenced) of all that could be desired, the road was perfect and the car wanted to go, so that the first 50 miles to Barclay station homestead were soon covered. We stopped here for only a few moments and declined a cup of tea that we might not make the time of arrival at Wandangie any later than possible. From Barclay there are two roads to the ‘dangi’, the straightforward and the road via Lake Nash. Previously I had been only on the Lake Nash road but as it is 20 miles further, ansd on the misunderstanding that the straight road was the only road that way, we decided to cut out the extra 20 miles. Again quite hopefully we bowled along leaving mile after mile behind and were beginning to smell the odour of lunch at Wandangie hotel when a doubt began to creep into our minds.

“Are we on the right road?”

“We must be as there is only one road this way and the road we are on is well used one.”

“Why there are the tracks of the car that came down last night.”

So on we went, but the doubt remained. Then we became doubtful about our direction, we were traveling east and Wandangi was south, but then as if to encourage us further into difficulty the road turned and went in a southerly direction. We decided then that we could go the distance we knew Headingly station to be from Camooweal, which on the straight road was the last and only homestead between Barclay and the ‘dangi’. When this distance was traveled and no homestead we then knew that we were on the wrong road, but what road was it. We had never heard of another road being in these parts. We took out our map but it was no help to us. On noticing numbers of survey pegs and that where the road crossed fences the wires were only cut and left, we knew it to be a new road, but where was it going to. Would it take us to Wandangi and miss Headingly station. We will try. We will keep on until the 160 miles, the distance from Camooweal to Wandangi has been traveled and see where we are then. By this time a great uneasiness was filling my mind that the road we were on although going south was bearing more to the east than we were realizing and every road that crossed ours, going in west we stopped and noted but not one bore traces of having been used for some long time. So we kept on until we ascertained that the road we were on would never take us to our destination. We turned back and then followed in south west a road, which followed along a number of bores and along which a telephone line ran. This we followed for 25 miles and then stopped. “We are going south west, and Wandangi is not in sight so we must be below it, as we could not have got more than 30 miles east”, so back along the road we went. “Oh how fallible is the human mind.” By this time the strain was beginning to tell. The sun was sinking, and the wedding was at 7 and could not be gone on with after 8. The atmosphere became tense, words spoken were few and far between. The gates through which we had to pass, which were numerous, were the wire gates, difficult to handle and known as ‘Chinaman’s Gates’. These, which Cec had to manipulate, began to tell on him and it was not safe to say anything to him. At one gate a piece of wire got tangled around the universal on the driving rod. Not time was to be lost, so underneath in dirt and grease and by brute force it was wrenched off. Speed now was essential, 35 to 40 over all conditions of roads, tracks, anthills and any obstructions that there was no possibility to go around with safety at the speed. Back along the road we had come earlier in the day and then in west along another unused road. At last, “What is that? A house. Is anyone at home?” We soon found out. Noone but there is a telephone there. We burglar the place and frantically use the phone. “Hurrah”. Someone answers. “ We are lost. Can you tell us where we are?” is my first question, much to the silent mirth of the other two in the room. Then the truth of our whereabouts is revealed to us. We are 50 miles north-east of Wandangi. The road on which we traveled 25 miles south west, just previously, was taking us right there. When we turned back we were only 30 miles from our destination. Now we realized that our sense of direction had been out and the road we had followed first had taken us more to the east than we imagined and so the ‘dangi’ was from us south west instead of as we were thinking north west. Time now was everything and the chap, who was speaking from Oban station advised us to go there first. It seemed wrong as Oban was east and Wandangi south west but we went and so had to do an extra 20 miles. We got our direction and road from there though and at 10 to 6 started on our last 60 miles. The questions now in our minds were, What are they thinking and saying at the wedding party? We left word at Oban for them to ring Wandangi and el the folk where we were. Will we get there in time? Will the bus fail at the last? Twice she gave us heart failure by nearly stopping through a blockage in the petrol pipe and she would not travel as fast as I wanted. 40 miles an hour was the best I could get out of her. Had I been able to get 70 I would have got it. Was it providential that 40 was the limit? It was now a real race against time. Fortunately for the first and greater part of the 60 miles the road was good and we made good time. Then darkness overtook us and ‘woe was us’ the lights failed. No stopping though and the spotlight was switched on. “Are we on the road or off?” kept us all from going to sleep. The road led us into scrub and rocky country but on we went, over rocks, round curves, dodging trees and out into open country again. Once to break the tense silence I offered some foolish remark by was sharply and quickly rebuffed by Cecil. Glen sat in the middle and said nothing but thought a lot as she afterwards told us. At last the lights of Wandangi gave us fresh life and amid an excited and alarmed crowd we pulled up at the hotel. No time for apologies. The assurance that the wedding would be gone on with quelled all fears and everyone dashed to get ready. The 60 miles was done in 2 hours. At 10 to 8 we arrived there and dashing into a room changed and shaved etc in 10 minutes and then down to the hall where the anxious couple were united in the bonds of holy matrimony. The correct time for this place is Adelaide time so that when we arrived it was really only 20 past 7 and the ceremony was well over before 8. When all was concluded and the signing finished we had time to think and remembered that we had had nothing sonce 6.30 in the morning so went to the hotel and had a cup of tea but had nothing substantial until midnight when the wedding supper was put on. We all then thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Between the ceremony and supper, dancing was indulged in, during which time I recounted my experiences to various ones. I received very little condemnation though after arrival and refrained from asking what had been said prior to that. The whole evening passed off very enjoyably and of course at the supper, toasts were the main concern of everyone. The contracting parties and guests returned good for evil by drinking the health of the ‘parson’. We soon retired after supper and in visions and dreams the whole day was gone through again. The humor of it all can now be seen and many a laugh the three of us have had, b ut there still rankles with me the fact that of having been lost and losing my sense of direction, especially when now I can see how foolish were some of the mistakes that were made. We partly excused ourselves though, by the fact that the road we got on to is a new road, just put through to Dajarra and all the carting from the head of the railway line now comes along this road and it is more pronounced than any other and we did not know anything about it. We should though have enquired and being the driver I am the one who is to blame. It is a lesson though and who knows but what it may save us from more serious blunders in the future.

Car trouble...again!

Monday Aug 19^th 1929: Washing Day.

The Methodist Inland Mission has a day at the tub. Cec and I did all our washing, ironing, darning and mending today. Made a fair job of it all but was not sorry when it was finished. It does not do though to boil a pair of navy trousers with a grey sports coat. I wished when doing the darning that I had been sitting in a comfortable chair watching someone else doing them as I used to, not so very long ago. Went out to an evening given by Miss Glen Reilly at ‘The Cottage’ and sang, played games and laughed, all together and in turn.

Tuesday Aug 20^th 1929:

Had a day of writing. Made up the monthly returns, paid local accounts, sent away a couple of reports, and numerous other letters in connection with the mission. Went down to the tennis court and with 3 others had a couple of sets before breakfast. Cec did not go down as the late night previously was too much for him, so much so that he did not have breakfast but stayed in bed until the best of the day was gone. The hot weather is having a bad effect on numerous individuals about the place, as today I noticed several who were not sure whether the ground in front of them was uneven or smooth. At four o’clock Cec and I went across to the hospital and ate cake with the matron, sister and postmaster’s wife. Apart from these few incidents the day was uneventful.

Wednesday Aug 21^st 1929:

Intended going down to tennis again before breakfast but somehow slept in until it was too late. Spent the morning and some of the afternoon going over the bus with grease gun and oil and also frightened it by applying several washings of the water conserved since washing day. Had a clean up and did some writing and reading. Cec and I went out to supper across to the Shire Sec.’s residence. A beautiful night, full moon and supper was served out on the lawn?

Thursday Aug 22^nd 1929:

Reading, writing, a bit more washing and getting loaded up for the proposed trip on the morrow and occupied most of the day. Was very energetic in the morning and went down to tennis before breakfast. Having beautiful weather and most glorious nights. Too good to be spent on one’s own in these great open spaces.

Friday Aug 23^rd 1929: Man proposes and God disposes.

Left Camooweal this morning after waiting for the mail and parcels for folk en route to Borroloola, with full intentions of reaching there tomorrow, but the bus turned us down 120 miles from Camooweal and over 300 miles short of our journey’s end, by doing in of her ‘big ends’. We were 20 miles from Alexandria station so limped in here and here we are likely to remain for a few days. Have talked to the mechanic and manager here and have decided to have the engine taken down and crank shaft and bearings overhauled and adjusted. Am not sorry that will not get through to Borroloola, owing to the fact that we would have to rush back. The weather has also turned dog on us all and it is blowing frightfully, accompanied by plenty of dust, so traveling would not be at all pleasant.

Saturday Aug 24^th 1929:

Took the car up to the garage this morning and became myself one of the station hands, and commenced to dismantle the whole business. Went back after lunch and did some more until I was called away by the head mechanic and book-keeper to go and play golf. Four of us then played nine holes after which a shave and shower were most refreshing. One notices the absence of the ‘greens’ in playing golf up here, but in spite of brown dust and small stones which the players hit in the air more often than the ball, a great deal of enjoyment is obtained. Had a sing at night. Our host and hostess left us today to go into Camooweal with this little girl who is not too well. Miss Thyme, companion to Mrs Johnston is now the only lady on the station but who is capable of looking after both all of us and herself.

Sunday Aug 25^th 1020:

A quiet day on Alexandria station, sleeping and reading most of the day and of course eating. Two police and a stock inspector, arriving during the day increased our numbers and at night 8 men with one lady as an audience sat for 2 hours and sang hymns without a stop. Was surprised at some of the chaps knowing so many hymns as they did.

Monday Aug 26^th 1929:

A day in the garage. Got the engine out this morning, after which became merely an off sider and Mr Harvey the mechanic took charge. Most of the time was spent taking the engine to pieces and cleaning it. It was dirty too, inside and out. Am hoping to learn a bit this time while the engine is all to pieces. Went back into the garage after tea while Harvey set about turning out some piston rings but had to give up in the end, not having the right material to work on.

Tuesday Aug 27^th 1929:

Another day in the garage.

Cleaning mud and muck off various parts, grinding in valves etc while the chief mechanic attends to the crankshaft, main bearings and big ends. Did some reading after tea while the rest played cards.

Wednesday Aug 28^th 1929:

She begins now to look again like an Oldsmobile engine and there will be no holding her when she starts. Hope to have her back in the bus and ready for the road by lunch tomorrow. Writing after tea while the rest play Bridge.

Thursday Aug 29^th 1929:

Will she ever go? This cry was continually wrung from the depths of our hearts all day as we endeavoured to get the bus to move under her own power. We pushed and pulled her with a Ford all over Alexandria station but no good. Ran the battery just about out also in our vain efforts. At last, both to our relief and annoyance discovered that the valve timing had slipped while putting the engine together, so by the time this was remedied and the bus was going it was nearly dark so no start was made.

Friday Aug 30^th 1929:

After a final ‘run over’ and final adjustments made , loaded up, said farewell and hit the trail for Camooweal via Rankine and Avon. Had to take the bus quietly until the bearings were ‘run in’ but had a good trip in. Found everyone gravely concerned fearing we would not get in, so as to be at Wandangi for the wedding tomorrow. Even the bridegroom down there was in a state of severe agitation until he heard we had arrived in here. Spent the evening down at Reilly’s at the piano.

Mt Isa the 'big thing'.

Sunday Aug 11^th 1929:

Got up in time to have breakfast and run Allan down to Sunday School at 10 am. Went to the Parsonage while S.S was in and had a yarn to Cec and then came home for lunch. Got ‘did up’ afterwards and went up to the hospital and had a yarn to a chap in hospital with a broken leg who was in there while I was there. Took all the G Moore’s family then around to J Moores, picked up Cec and all had afternoon tea and a sing together, after which Cec and I went to Mencar’s for tea. Had sevice at night in the Church, at which 3 parsons participated. Mencar tok the first part, I took the sermon and latter part and Cec sang. A nice crowd out too and the singing went very well. After the service we had another sing around at J Moore’s and then home to bed. Will not be sorry though when we leave this place as there is no comparison between here and further out west. I am afraid that I will not be wanting to leave out west at all later on and Cec is afraid he is getting the same way.

Monday Aug 12^th 1929:

Took the car down to the garage after breakfast, where they started on repairs and where I stayed to supervise. Met Cec after lunch and wandered around the town and did a bit of shopping, saw the sights, took some films to be developed, met one of the sisters from the hospital and had drinks all round and then home for tea. After tea went out for the evening to Young’s and talked until supper time, not a very thrilling day at all.

Tuesday Aug 13^th 1929:

Stayed at home this morning and did a bit of housework and some writing and reading. Went to the garage and saw that the car was nearly finished and returned when it was and took it out. Went out for the evening with Cec.

Wednesday Aug 14^th 1929:

Another morning on the housework and after lunch doing some shopping and getting ready for the road. Went for a spin in the car after tea, came home and went to bed.

Thursday Aug 15^th 1929:

Left Cloncurry with Mencar and Cec on board at 9 am and had an uneventful but terribly rough run through to Isa, stopping at Duchess for some lunch. Decided to camp at the back of the Church Hall and go to the hotel for meals which we did. After tea made our bunks out in the glorious moonlight and were going to turn in and read when three chaps came along to see Mencar. One, the chap who was organizing the Church choir and who also is the prospective Sunday School Super., another who also would be the Super. and another who was nothing and said nothing. Being payday at the mines the first two had not been able to withstand temptation and full of apologies for their condition. Both however, every few moments, were anxious to assure us of the quality of the other’s Christian character. Mencar strange to say was impressed by both and it looks like the start for the Sunday School here. Mencar thinks Sunday School work will hold them in check. It may but are the children to be played with while the experiment is tried.

Friday Aug 16^th 1929:

Delightful sleeping out these nights and one blanket is sufficient. Mt Isa has one great drawback at present and that is the lack of water and under existing conditions a plentiful supply of water is most necessary. A cold shower would be most acceptable first thing in the morning but we had to be content with a playful splash in a portion of a kerosene tin. Spent most of the time racing Mencar around, arranging for the social evening to be held to officially open the Church Hall. It promised to be a grand function too but alas……..

Through the courtesy of the manager, in the afternoon, we were shown over the construction work at the mines and most interesting it was, and we were again impressed with the ‘big thing’ in mining that Mt Isa is and will be. The social evening was not the ‘big hit’ that it promised, as the main performers, friends of our friends of the night before failed to appear. However, with volunteer items, classical and otherwise, from artists talented? and otherwise, a happy evening was spent and supper and games kept all alive until midnight, and so after all the opening of the first Church Hall in Mt Isa could be noted a success. There was much which to the silent onlooker was highly amusing and entertaining, but which is better that it should remain in the memory and not in print. A collection during the evening suggested by the people themselves yielded over four pounds.

Saturday Aug 17^th 1929:

Arose at daybreak and pulled the others out, loaded the bus, had breakfast, took Mencar to the station and then left for Camooweal. The bus was not going too well but only stopping at Yelvertoft for half an hour, we reached here at 2.30 pm, tired, dusty, dirty and hot. Received our mail from the P.O and proceeded to our quarters. Read all correspondence, then bathed and felt very much better. After tea I had a packet to take to Rocklands, four miles from here, but as Cec was weary he did not come. Stayed there for a while then home to bed.

Sunday Aug 18^th 1929:

Half an hour longer in bed this morning. After breakfast, shaved and got ready for Sunday School. A nice crowd of children out this morning and it was good to see them. Had a nice time with them, Cec coming down and taking the little ones. After Sunday School put a load of children in the car and went around the town and informed all and sundry of service to be held this evening. Spent the afternoon in reading and preparation for the service. A good roll up at night and Cec held them all with his singing of ‘My Task’ and ‘The Penitent’. Nobody said how they enjoyed the sermon. Went over to Reilly’s for supper and home to bed.

Hitting the 'big smoke'!

Thursday Aug 8^th 1929:

Cec did not get up for breakfast so had to go down on my own. Met with a great reception at the pub as it appears the folk were getting somewhat concerned seeing as how we were over a week overdue and noone had heard anything of us since hearing we had arrived at Rockhampton Downs. Was very pleased to know that our appearance comforted and allayed the anxious fears of the concerned population of Camooweal and district. Received quite a …..? of mail and papers which took nearly all the morning to get through. This afternoon did several odd jobs and at 3.30 went to the school and had a talk to the youngsters after which Cec and I went across to the hospital. Left Cec to entertain Sister Smallhome(?) while I went and interviewed the cook who shortly is to enter into the bonds of holy matrimony. After partaking of afternoon tea paid a sick call and then filled the bus with petrol, oiled and greased up, found a broken main leaf and patched it and so had everything ready for the road. Cec and I repaired to our domicile and spent the evening in writing.

Friday Aug 9^th 1929:

Beat the sun in rising this morning and at 8 am we were hitting the trail for Mt Isa. The roads this way are as hell to Heaven compared with those out further west. Had only one stop on the road when we demolished a tin of pineapple and a packet of biscuits and eventually reached Isa at 2.30 pm. Took Cec straight to the dentist and while he was having a tooth extracted I went and had a watch repaired at the jewellers. On returning to the dentist found Cec just ‘coming to’ as he had ‘gone out’ to it while having the tooth extracted . After a while we went and were fortunate to get a bed apiece at one of the hotels and then wandered around until tea time. Mt Isa is a real mining town and is making rapid strides. Houses and shops are springing up everywhere and everything is rush and bustle. After tea Cec and I sat out on the balcony of the pub and listened to all the sights and sounds, men walking and talking, drinking beer and arguing, cars and trucks rushing around and creating a din and dust, a piano being strummed unmercifully across in the hall while the energetic section of the community tripped the light fantastic. After a while of silent meditation on all this Cec awoke with a start and made the alarming statement that were he to be here for long he would be a moral and mental wreck. The first church building has just been erected in Isa and belongs to the Methodist Church and is soon to be opened; although they are months behind what they ought to be. Both of us tried to do some study but the excitement of being in such a busy centre after weeks of solitude and quietness was not a good nerve tonic, so we gave up and sought our beds. Cec had a bed in a room but I was out on the balcony where there was just a continual row of beds the full length. It was a warm night and a sheet and one blanket sufficed.

Saturday Aug 10^th 1929:

After breakfast and an interview with the dentist, set off for Cloncurry across rough roads and over hills. It was good to see hills again and I appreciated the run into Cloncurry as I did not when I was going out. Had only one mishap when another main leaf broke but kept going until came to a fence and pinched some wire…………..and patched the break sufficient to carry us in arriving at the Parsonage at 6 pm. Were both very dirty and dusty and welcomed the hot bath that was soon awaiting us. Had tea with Rev Mencar and wife and family, after which I left Cecil there and went up to the Moores where I am staying. Had a yarn for a while and then went to bed. Moore’s have all been sick and had the blight and Mr Moore is just about a nervous wreck, so I am hoping that I do not catch any of the complaints, especiallyMr Moore’s although I am rather subject to nerves.

Toothache and a Christening.

Tuesday Aug 6^th 1929:

A day out in the country. Breakfast over, Mrs Johnston, Miss Reilly, Miss Thyme, Cec, myself and also the 2 children got in the car and went with Mr Johnston on a tour of part of the station., doing 100 miles by the time we returned in the afternoon. First visited No 3 bore and inspected the workings of the windmill which for the first time for a week has today been working there having been no wind prior to this. From here we went on to the No 14 where there is a pumper at work, a very lonely job too as he goes often for weeks without seeing anyone. Leaving him we went across to No 13 where another pumper is engaged, but who at present is well off for company as he has the stock camp there mustering and branding. The pumper here is ‘Battler’ Ryan by name. At this bore we had our dinner of roast meat and bread, the cook apologizing for all that and we topped it off with Brownie. Having inspected ll workings here we drove across then to No 11 where ‘Pretty Pete’ is the pumper but who is a very bashful gentleman and did not appear before the ladies. Leaving here we had a good run home arriving in time for ‘smoko’. A hot bath was then much appreciated. Again this evening there was wool cutting for two of us and cards for the rest and the rest were still going when we turned in.

Wednesday Aug 7^th 1929:

Another move on today which finally brought us to Camooweal. Cecil’s tooth has been giving him no rest so decided to come right through to here and go on to the dentist at Mt Isa. Mrs Johnston and Miss Reilly left at the same time as ourselves and we all journeyed together and came to the Rankine. On arrival was met with the request to baptize an infant quartercaste. At first I thought to put it off so as we could all go on together but the others would not agree as they all wanted to see a Christening. I was very pleased that we did have the little service as it was very impressive and I think helped those who were there. For the Rankine on an off day there was quite a crowd present, 11 all told, including men and women of all religions, beliefs and no beliefs, and the simple ceremony seemed to grip everyone. The child did not cry and rather amazing to those present, was named Flora Maud. After the ceremony we adjourned to the store, which also possessed a bar, and the baby’s health was drunk. Lunch was then partaken of at the Rankine Police Station after which we all set off for Avon Downs. The party was now increased ij number by the addition of Capt Bishop, stock inspector, and Mr Smyth Sergeant of Police. Stopping only once on the road for the purpose of inspecting some travelling stock , we eventually reached Avon and partook of ‘smoko’. Mr Lloyd being away we awaited his return and then all but Cec and myself left to go back to Soudan. Cec and I remained at Avon for dinner after which we had some singing and at 9 pm left for Camooweal. Crossing into Queensland at 10.25 we reached Camooweal at 10.45 and pulled up at ‘home’. Cec’s tooth was giving him much pain so we went across to the hospital and got the matron out of bed in order to get something for relief. We have the Dr’s home to ourselves at present as the Dr has gone to Melbourne on holidays. We soon made up our beds and were not long in turning in. A cool night but a good one to sleep.

Jack of all trades.

Sunday Aug 4^th 1929:

A wonderfully lazy day. Reading and resting practically all day. Three of us this morning got around the organ and sang hymns for a while. All the afternoon was spent in reading and sleeping wile the ladies after ‘smoko’ went for a drive in the car. After dinner this evening we had a real song service. I got out Sankeys and for an hour C of E’s, Presbyterians, Methodists and R. C’s in an R.C’s home sang all the old hymns known to everyone. It was good too and everyone said how it did them good. Noone felt like playing cards on the Sunday night after the sing, but for a while the ping pong table was in great demand. Supper was then served and bed eagerly sought. After the sing the lady of the house, who is a R.C stated how the sing did her good and how it made her think of God.

Monday Aug 5^th 1929:

Spent the day at the homestead pottering about and writing. I also ran the bus up to the station garage and put in some time on it. Ted Lemmon came across this morning from Soudan and stayed for a while, during which time he cut and shaved Miss Reilly’s hair and head respectively owing to its (the hair) rapid falling, through Miss reilly having had typhoid. Of course I was an interested spectator and loaned my shaving gear for the occasion. This evening while the rest played cards Mr Johnston and myself were busily engaged in knotting strands of wool and cutting the wool into small pieces of 1 ½ inch lengths with a knot in one end. These pieces of wool are for the purpose of inoculating cattle for the prevention of pleura. The wool is dipped in serum and one piece the thrust through the butt of the tail of the beast and left there. After doing 1400 such pieces we thought it time to knock off so did and went inside and annoyed those playing bridge by going around and seeing what cards each one held and then making comments. In the end I was told off to to go and make supper which I did readily and which I partook of heartily. For two days Cec has been troubled with toothache making him very miserable.

Far out and about...

Sunday July 28 1929:

Did not arise too early but breakfasted at 8 am. Then Doug. Max, Cec and I went out in Doug’s Crysler to the stock camp and watched them branding. It is done by what is known as broncoing. The cattle are all yearded and three or four black boys go in among them on bronco horses. These horses have special harness and are trained for the job. A long lasso is attached to harness on the horse and when a clean skin to be branded is seen, the lasso is thrown and the animal caught and then pulled up to the branding rail where several other men, mostly blacks are waiting and these further rope and throw the animal when it is branded and dehorned if the horns show signs of becoming long and big. So it goes on, no stopping and everyone nearly choked with dust. Some of the beasts are very wild and one when released chased a black boy who made a hasty escape over the fence. I went it and tried my hand at throwing the lasso but was not successful although I got near a couple of times, but as they were rather in a hurry I did not remain long enough to become skillful at throwing. It was very interesting to watch though. WE returned just before lunch and had a quiet afternoon at home here. After tea the rest of the folk went to the drawing room and I think played cards, but I went down to the quarters and found the few men that are in the place at present and we had a talk together. I did not preach them a sermon or anything like one but just had a general all round talk and it naturally drifted to religion when I was able to get in a word or two. Had two suppers too, one down in the kitchen with the cook and the other when I came back to the house. Felt after I had been down with the men that Sunday had not altogether been wasted.

Monday July 28^th 1929:

Decided today to go out to Rockhampton Downs station where Mr and Mrs Easy and 2 children live a very lonely life. The home is 90 miles from Alroy which is the nearest point of civilization for them. They have to come to Alroy to get their mail and provisions. Rockhampton Downs is the fartherest out station to be got out from this side of the tableland. Miss Wendt had never been out to Rockhampton so decided to come with us and we left after ‘smoko’ in the morning. A wonderful country through that way, the best feed I have seen since being out here. Found Mr and Mrs Easy camped at Mo 3 Bore. Mrs Easy will not stay at home while he is away. Had lunch there with them, then took Mrs Easy and infant with us out to their home. A nice place too although terribly isolated. They are living in what in time will be the men’s quarters. We had quite a nice evening, got out the organ and sang solos, duets etc had quite a church service and then had ping pong, supper and bed. Mrs Easy was once an ardent worker in the Congregational Church and appreciated the sing and especially those out of Alexanders.

Tuesday July 30 1929:

Was second up this morning which is not bad for me. After breakfasting had a look around the place and then went and watered the vegetable garden. Mr Easy is just starting a garden and it promises well by the look of it. After ‘smoko’ we loaded up and returned to No 3 and had lunch with Mr Easy. After having lunch and a talk set out for Alroy, Cecil driving. Had not gone very ffar when we had a puncture, the first I have had since taking over the bus, a stick having penetrated the tyre. It did not take long however to change and put on the spare and we were off again and after a good run reached Alroy. After a hot bath and change sat down and enjoyed a good tea. The rest of the crowd, sitting down to a game of cards, I started to read but did not do much and after supper went to bed and slept well.

Wednesday July 31 1929

Decided today to stay at Alroy and have a quiet day resting and writing, but did not do much of either as I spent most of the morning on the car, looking it over and mending the puncture tube and in the afternoon played tennis. The folk here being off the main route did not have a great many callers and would have us stay here for a week or more and we find it very hard to move on. After tea we had some singing and then I read while the others played cards. Some of the sayings of the folk in these parts are striking, ‘Woeful’ being greatly in demand. He or she is a ‘smash’. ‘Stupid fellow to be sure’ is another and others that I cannot for the moment remember.

Thursday Aug 1^st 1929:

Having fully decided to move on today, spent the morning in writing and after lunch loaded up the car and had everything ready to go when Mr Schmidt came in and said he would like some tennis. Putting it in the way they did, that Mr Schmidt very seldom had time for tennis and more seldom had anyone to p;lay with, we felt it our duty to put off our departure for another day so then went out on the court and played until tea time. After tea went down to the wireless for a while but the reception was not too good so came back, talked had supper and turned in.

Friday Aug 2^nd 1929:

Really did make a move off this morning, after ‘smoko’. Mr Schmidt after all his kindness and hospitality topped it off by giving me a case of petrol worth out here 38 shillings. The few days we spent with them at Alroy was appreciated by them there and greatly enjoyed by ourselves. Leaving Alroy we tracelled 48 miles to Alexandria, arriving here just at lunch time. Our first greeting was that we were a few days late in arriving and that we could not go out for several days and these folk are R.C’s, but such is the wonderful kindness and hospitality of the western people. The weather is now is getting quite hot and all seem to think that summer has come. It certainly feels like it and we are now getting around without coats and shirts open at neck and sleeves rolled up. After lunch we all had a lie down and rested until ‘smoko’ after which four of us went and had a round of golf. They have the golf craze here at present and are going to make a small links. The country is not at all suitable but like everything elase out here they have to make the best of what is at hand. After dinner this evening we got out the organ and Cecil enthralled all listeners with his singing and then we all joined in. Everybody not being desirous of supper those of us that were went to the kitchen and helped ourselves.

Saturday Aug 3^rd 1929:

Another rather lazy day. Cec is enjoying himself resting while I have been poking about among the machinery, fowls, turkeys, pigs, goats, horses etc. Yesterday coming across from Alroy the covering on the back of the bus came loose and we dropped a rug, racquet and ‘banjo’, so this morning Mrs Johnston, Miss Reilly staying here at present, and Mrs Johnston’s two little girls and self went back along the road and picked them up. The last to be picke up was the racquet, 16 mile from here. Must be more careful in tying down the cover in future. Had some tennis this afternoon and after dinner some more singing and then some played cards while the remaining went to bed. Mr Moray and Mr Tooker arrived this afternoon and thus increased the number of the household.