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.