Building and blowing.

Wednesday Sept 9^th 1931:

Hard work again. Put blocks in. Some of them took lifting too. Hot weather. A fair number in town. Several meetings to be held. Attended hospital meeting at night.

Thursday Sept 10^th 1931:

Levelled blocks today and started to cut the tops. Awkward work. Much easier of two at it with big cross-cut, but not too many about I found of voluntary labor. Attended School Comittee meeting this evening.

Friday Sept 11^th 1931:

Had rain today so could not work on the house. Did quite a lot of writing instead. Attended tennis meeting at night.

Sundaty Sept 13^th 1931:

Fair number of children at S.School this morning although whooping cough being prevalent is keeping some away. Some of the older folk are also affected. Called on some of the folk around the town. Visited hospital. Had a nice service at night.

Monday Sept 14^th 1931:

Back on the job today. Finished cutting the blocks and put ground plates in position and got other timber ready.

Tuesday Sept 15^th 1931:

Put in a good day and made a bit of a show, getting up the four walls. Very windy making things a bit awkward on my own.

Wednesday Sept 16^th 1931:

More rain today. Had to leave job for the day. Had a call at hospital in connection with needs and requirements of same established. In spare time this morning baked some short bread and it was eatable. Air mail arrived alright although some thought weather may have held him up.

Thursday Sept 17^th 1931:

Back on to the job again today and each day sees it a little nearer completion. Feeling a bit off color today although not yet a hospital case.

Friday Sept 18^th 1931:

Still able to get about and do some work. Just about finished all the frame work. Weather warming up again. Still inclined to be windy though.

Monday Sept 21^st 1931:

Back to hard work today. Started putting the iron on the walls. Bed finds me early.

Wednesday Sept 23^rd 1931:

Wind very strong making working with sheets of iron very difficult.

Thursday Sept 24^th 1931:

Put iron on roof today and finished most of outside work. A crowd arriving in town for races.

Friday Sept 25^th 1931:

Worked on the house all the morning and did some writing in the afternoon. Town very uiet while all at races. Had some rain late at night.

Saturday Sept 26^th 1931:

Another full day on the job. All others at races. Big dance at night. Some more rain this morning.

Sunday Sept 27^th 1931:

Races and dancing too much for many of the children as quite a number away from S.School. Did some visiting. Had no service at night but went to Synnotts and listened to a service from Brisbane.

Monday Sept 28^th 1931:

Back to the job and getting flooring down.

Tuesday Sept 29^th 1931:

Still wending my way to the small house on the rise.

Wednesday Sept 30^th 1931:

Made a temporary stairway today out of Benzine cases. Will act for awhile. Went visiting to Shire Hall.

Thursday Oct 1^st 1931:

Work and still more work, although will soon be sifting in. Plane went over today to Avon. Taking 2 of the heads from Brisbane. Called on the twins.

Friday Oct 2^nd 1931:

Built recess for stove and other jobs. Did some writing and paid my bills. Called on patients at the hospital.

Sunday Oct 4^th 1931:

Had a good attendance at Sunday School this morning and was prevailed on by some of them to drive them out this afternoon to the 2 mile caves. A fair number out at the evening service. Windy weather.

Monday Oct 5^th 1931:

Had the full day in shifting and I did not know I had accumulated so much rubbish. Have had to put a lot of things in boxes until I can make proper places for them. Slept in my new home.

Tuesday Oct 6^th 1931:

Finished shifting and cleaning up the old home. Tidied up things here. Visited the school. Called at the hospital.

Wednesday Oct 7^th 1931:

Started on the car and oiled and greased up and after lunch left for Mt Isa. Called in at Yelvertoft. Reached Isa at 9.30 pm. Dazzled by all the bright lights and seemed strange to be amongst so much traffic. Threw my swag on the floor at back of A.C.B building. Met Young party from Cloncurry just as I arrived in. Had toast and tea at Danvers combining supper and tea.

Thursday Oct 8^th 1931:

Busy around town delivering parcels and messages. Spent the afternoon on the golf course with Tom Doyle. Having meals at McIntosh’s. Called over at the hospital and saw old Jim Francis. He is a very sick man and could not talk as he is so weak. Met Mrs Francis as I was coming away.

Friday Oct 9^th 1931:

Started on my car this morning. Taking it down so as to replace a broken cross member. Got nicely covered in grease, when a message came to go to the hospital as old Jim Francis was waiting over there. Found him very low and stayed and had a little talk and watched by his bed for a couple of hours. Called again in the afternoon and evening. Went over to G.Moore’s for a while.

Saturday Oct 10^th 1931:

Went over to the hospital this morning and found old Jim a little easier. Stayed most of the morning. Got to work on the car again. Had Stan helping me.

Sunday Oct 11^th 1931:

Went up to the S.School and gave a little talk to the children, many of whom were once my own scholars. Called at the hospital and found old Jim much brighter. Had a quiet afternoon and went to lunch at night. Rev Whitney of the Cloncurry Presbyterian Church eas in the pulpit. Three parsons had supper at Danvers afterwards.

Monday Oct 12^th 1931:

A busy day with no rests. Working on the car and doing shopping. Took the car to garage to have a wheel taken off that has seized on the axle but after watching them mess about for a whole afternoon put everything back as it was and took the car out. Could do better on my own. Had tea at Moore’s and afterwards called at hospital. feeling better and looks it.

\

Tuesday Oct 13^th 1931:

Thought I might have got away today but was delayed too much in one way and another so decided to leave and start early in the morning. Stayed over with Jim at the hospital until kicked out. Stan received word today to return to Townsville and is so excited, he hardly knows what he is doing. He is leaving early too. Had atomiser put on car.

Wednesday Oct 14^th 1931:

Up at 5am and left Mt Isa at 6.30. Mrs Mac got up and got us some breakfast. Stan ready to leave when I did but was waiting on a passenger. Had a good run and reached here (Camooweal) for lunch. Had a clean up then visited the hospital. Did some writing and attended hospital meeting at night. In absence of President had to take the ‘chair’.

Thursday Oct 15^th 1931:

Trying to get things a bit shipshape in the home today. Quinn had a row with his landlady so arrived here tonight with all his belongings, bringing some disorder. Had to go out 20 miles to a bore to get hospital cheques signed by a chap now working out there.

Saturday Oct 17^th 1931:

Spent the morning attending to cricket business and interviewing players, trying to infuse a little enthusiasm into them. Got a few out to practice in the afternoon. A south easter sprang up at lunch time and is increasing in velocity.

Sunday Oct 18^th 1931:

Had the usual number of kiddies out at at S.S this morning, after which I did some visiting again in the afternoon, calling also at the hospital. Wind blowing with unabated fury. A nice service at night, in spite of wildness of the elements.

Monday Oct 19^th 1931:

And still it blows and somewhat cold too. Awful weather. Cleaned and tidied up the home and did some washing. Had cricket practice. Retired early.

Tuesday Oct 20^th 1931:

No let up in the fury of the wind. In my ‘study’ for rest of the morning and then did some work on the cricket pitch. Visited the school for religious instruction . Had cricket practice. Wandered around to some of the homes until 8.30 and then home and did some writing. A few spots of rain made us put our beds in off the verandah.

Wednesday Oct 21^st 1931:

The wind from the four corners of the earth seem to be concentrating on Camooweal these days. Delayed somewhat this morning by callers but eventually started on the cricket pitch, carting ant-bed, breaking it up, rolling and watering. An all day job. Had some help this afternoon, making it somewhat easier. Went out to Daphnes 13^th birthday party which was wild and fast. ( Daphne was mum’s bridesmaid and many years later I was able to make contact. She is in a hostel in Brisbane, aged 93, and I visit her when I go to Brisbane and its lovely to listen to her tell about her family’s days in Camooweal…they owned and operated the hotel. ) Played games outside and the stones on our wonderful streets were fearful on the feet, heads and every other part of the anatomy. Severe dust storm arrived at 11 pm.

Burketown and building.

Saturday August 1st 1931:
Left Camooweal today on route for Burketown. Had a big load up as besides all my gear carried three passengers. Had lunch along the road and first stop was made at Undilla where we remained for a couple of hours, only a couple at home here. Found that the bus was using a large quantity of oil, a lot leaking away. Went on and called at Thorntonia but did not stay any longer than to deliver the mail.
http://www.whereis.com/qld/camooweal/thorntonia+yelvertoft+rd#session=MTQ=
All but one of the family here away. Ten miles along the road sighted a dingo which was quickly dispatched. Dusk approaching so decided to camp and pulled up on the bank of the Seymour River. Of course no water in it. Found our camp surrounded by goanna warrens, big ones too, but found them friendly neighbours. Had gramaphone music after tea, until time to retire.
Sunday Aug 2nd 1931:
Had to fix the fault on the bus, allowing oil to escape, before starting off. Met some folk on the road who were returning from the Gregory races. Got nearly to Gregory but found there were still a number of people recovering from their few days festivities before returning home, so decided not to go on , but camp a few miles out on the river. Manager of Riversleigh came in with us. Car going well today.
Monday August 3rd 1931:
Found all the folk today more or less recovering from the effects of the few strenuous days and nights they had away. Continued on all day and reached Burketown at 9 pm. put up at the hotel. Tuesday Aug 4th 1931:
Visited around the town today. Went to the school. Went down to the river for a couple of hours in the afternoon with the ploice Segeant, Bank Manager and Shire Clerk and fished. Only caught two between us. Had service at night, with practically all available protestants present. Went in to Shadforths for a while afterwards.
Wednesday Aug 5th 1931:
Loaded up early. Collected box of magazines sent around from Cato Melbourne. Took Nell Doyle on as passenger to Punjaub (?). Hot day. Rough dusty roads. Reached Springs at dusk. Gave the men there some music and had a talk.
Thursday Aug 6th – 8th 1931:
To Riversleigh for an overnight stay, then on to Camooweal.
Sunday August 9th 1931:
A very good day. A nice crowd at S.School in the morning. Visited around the place and hospital. Record crowd at service at night, 65 in all. Good service. Some special singing by Miss Meyers greatly helped.
Monday August 10th 1931:
Car in demand again today. Several going into Mt Isa to catch the train, found themselves stranded through the hire car failing to function. Drove them in myself. Stayed at the A.C.B.
Tuesday Aug 11th 1931:
A busy day in the Isa. Saw the crowd off in the train at 10.30 am and did not stop after that executing orders for all and sundry. Had the car in the garage for a couple of hours, finding a ‘short’. Had to keep also two appointments with the dentist.
Wednesday Aug 12th 1931:
Had a hot, dirty, dusty trip out from Mt Isa. Did not appreciate any part of that trip.
Thursday Aug 13th 1931:
C of E Bishop and Rev Norton in town at present, but left after lunch. Gone out west.
Sunday Aug 16th 1931:
Another very quiet day. Slight all round depression as not the usual number at S. School and very few at Church at night. Big contrast to last Sunday night. Visited the hospital this afternoon.
Tuesday Aug 18th 1931:
Put the car in dock again today as have to remove broken front cross member and replace it with a new one. Took it down to Wilsons where are handy all the necessary tools. Doing the job myself but want Wilson to solder radiator.
Wednesday Aug 19th 1931:
Getting on very well with the bus although rather an awkward job.
Thursday Aug 20th 1931:
Got broken member out today and riveted the new one in. Good work.
Saturday Aug 22nd 1931:
Finished the bus today and greased and oiled her and got her in good going order.
Tuesday Aug 25th 1931:
Went out with Jack Miller to the O’Shannessy to get blocks for house.Fell 20 trees and cut into 10 feet lengths and barked 10 of them. Raised some beautiful blisters. Camped out.
Wednesday Aug 26th 1931:
Cut and barked the remaining ten this morniong the loaded 11 into the lorry and brought them in, arriving back at 4 pm. Weather terrible windy and dusty. R.C’s holding a mission in the town.
Thursday August 27th…..
Spent the morning in my room, reading and writing. Decorated the Parsonage this afternoon in honour of a wedding that was duly celebrated at 7.30 pm. Had a quiet breakfast with a few friends. Bride only 16 years old.
Friday August 28th….
Went out the 40 miles today and brought in the remaining 9 blocks.
Saturday Aug 29th 1931:
Resting mostly, recovering from the strenuous work of getting the blocks.
Mon Aug 31st 1931:
Went up this morning and marked out my allotment and pegged out the building. No survey pegs about to define streets so had to do the best I could to find corner. Cannot be more than a few inches out. Went to the school this afternoon.
Tues Sept 1st 1931:
Armed with pick and shovel and bar made terrific onslaughts on post holes. Hot work. Hard sinking. Most of holes are a couple of inches under the 3 feet. Wardsman from hospital took pity and gave me a hand with a few of them. Put 10 down by 3.30 when had to knock off. Did some writing at night.
Wed Sept 2nd 1931:
Finished the other t5 holes myself this morning and then prepared a tin full of ant poison to feed the white ants. Oiled and greased the car. Wrote some letters.
Thursday Sept 3rd 1931:
Jack Miller went out to the Springs (100 miles) in lorry this morning and I followed in the car. Arrived there a while after dark.Several men camped around the place. Billy W - still here.
Fri Sept 4th 1931:
Got to work and pulled down cottage. A couple of the chaps camped here gave us a hand. Discovered I made too good a job on the bus as I tightened nut on front axle too severely and so broke roller race. Think it will take me home.
Sat Sept 5th 1931:
Loaded up lorry this morning and Jack left a while before lunch. Went across to Riversleigh myself in the afternoon. Fixed the wheel axle sufficiently to keep going a while longer.
Sunday Sept 6th 1931:
Returned to the Springs this evening.

Monday Sept 7th 1931:
Loaded up my bus this morning and had a big load on it too. Still about ½ ton to bring in. Held up at Herbervale mending punctures and changing tyres. Reached Camooweal about 9 pm.
Tuesday Sept 8th 1931:
Got mail this morning, delivered several parcels I brought in. Unloaded car and stacked timber. Did some reading.
Wednesday Sept 9th 1931:
Hard work again. Put blocks in. Some of them took lifting too. Hot weather. A fair number in town. Several meetings to be held. Attended hospital meeting at night.
Thursday Sept 10th 1931:
Levelled blocks today and started to cut the tops. Awkward work. Much easier of two at it with big cross-cut, but not too many about I found of voluntary labor. Attended School Comittee meeting this evening.
Friday Sept 11th 1931:
Had rain today so could not work on the house. Did quite a lot of writing instead. Attended tennis meeting at night.

car frustrations.

Sunday July 5th 1931:

Very few absentees at S.School. Rev Doran and party arrived during the afternoon so he came to the hall at night and conducted the service for me. Quite a good crowd present.

Monday July 6^th 1931:

A quiet time in the town at present, very few about. Doran went on today to Cloncurry. Did quite a lot of writing. Visited the school and hospital.

Tuesday July 7^th 1931:

A day on the car, fixing up the front spring and making it a solid job. Could only make a temporary job of it then as could not get what I wanted.

Wednesday July 8^th 1931:

Went to the hospital this morning and picked up Bobbie Foster and with his father set out for Riversleigh. Called at camps and stations on the way and reached Riversleigh at 6.30 pm. Noone home so had to get own tea. Others came home later.

Thursday July 9^th 1931:

Left Riversleigh on my own, called at Springs for a while in connection with buildings and had a good run back from there. Brought in quite a lot of fresh meat for difficult folk.

Tuesday July 14^th 1931:

Mail arrived today with plenty of reading to keep me occupied. Did some study for a change. Had several visitors.

Wednesday July 15^th 1931:

Spent the morning on the car. Putting it in dock for an overhaul. Got air mail today. Went out to Shire Clerks for tea.

Thursday July 16^th 1931:

Did another day on the car and have it now all to pieces. May get it together again. Have to wait for new part. Weather still cold.

Monday July 20^th 1931:

Started again on the car and find I have a big job in ront of me, but will get it done somehow.

Tuesday July 21^st 1931:

Still a mechanic and a very dirty greasy one.

Wednesday July 22^nd 1931:

Received some parts for te car by air today, so no chance of a day or two off.

Thursday July 23^rd 1931:

Still covered in grease and parts of the car all over the shop.

Friday July 24^th 1931:

Olive’s birthday (sister) : nearly forgot to send her a telegram but was so busy on the car feel sure can be excused. Did a little writing.

Saturday July 25^th 1931:

Had a spell from being a mechanic and did some writing and reading and visiting. Sunday Sunday July 26^th 1931:

Had S.S as usual after which went down to Beaumonts selection and across to the Don selection and did not return until late in the evening.

Monday July 27^th 1931:

Working in earnest on the car now. Giving it a real overhaul. Putting in new connecting rods and taking up all bearings. Cleaning all parts.

Tuesday July 28^th 1931:

No rest at all as want to get the job finished as soon as possible. Working late by aid of spotlight.

Wednesday July 29^th 1931:

No time to spare to even read my mail amd only glanced through it. Things not going too well in many ways. Not feeling like eating.

Thursday July 30^th 1931:

Got car reassembled today and found another fault in rear axle. Very disappointed that not able to finish up altogether. Worked late.

Friday July 31^st 1931:

Got Harry to ‘offside’ for me today and by dint of hard work got the car in going order. Atuned her up and found everything satisfactory to all outward appearances and sounds. Did some writing for the air mail. Very pleased that car finished. Critics rather surprised that car went. Had not much faith in success of my work.

More challenges of outback travel.

Monday May 4^th 1931:

Made a settee this morning out of kerosene cases and Alf upholstered it. Had anoher cricket match this afternoon, being a holiday, Labor Day. The bagmen again. Had a good win this time by an innings and 5 runs. We made 123 and the bagmen 75 and 43. A terribly hot day, especially for this time of the year. Was not late out of bed.

Wednesday May 6^th 1931:

Spent the morning in my official capacity as Cricket Sec. Got seberal subs in and the book up to date. Did some of my own writing as well.

Thursday May 7^th 1931:

Spent all of the morning and part of the afternoon on the car. Cleaned carburetor and put in new jets. Put in a new front spring. Replaced old tyres with 2 new ones and atched up another two. Cleaned car inside and out and greased and oiled up. Went for a swim and needed it. After tea visited for a while and then camw home and did some writing.

Friday May 8^th 1931:

Very much like rain today but noting came of it. Spent the morning in erecting a stage at the hall for a children’s concert to be given tomorrow night. Did some writing during the afternoon. Visited the hospital and had a cricket meeting at night.

Saturday May 9^th 1931:

Up before the sun this morning and got the car ready to go to Mt Isa. Had a bagman staying with me for the night who wanted a ride to the Isa. A drover also asked to be taken as far as May Downs. Dooley also a passenger. Had breakfast and left at 9 am. Car not at all satifactory. Would not pull and front tyres having big patches made steering far from what it should be. Stopped and had ‘smoko’ at ‘Hotel Australia’. Lunch at May Downs. Reached Isa at 4.30 pm. Did business with several until tea time. Went out to Smiths for the evening and unrolled my swag at the back of the A.C.B store for the night.

Sunday May 10^th 1931:

Spent most of the morning in getting the car to go. Had to adjust the timing, which had wandered from the straight and narrow. Had a sleep after lunch and at 5 pm met the ‘Western Limited’. Limited to 10 miles an hour. Glen arrived looking much better after her holiday. Went to Church at night and sat at the feet of Rev Hayes. “Mothers’ Day”

Monday May 11^th 1931:

Up and put 2 new tyres on front wheels before breakfast. Had a very busy morning around the town. Did not get away until 1 pm, Glen and Dooley accompanying me. Went 55 miles and then stopped for something to eat. Devoured a tin of Rex Rye, half pund of butter, loaf od bread, tin peaches, hald packet biscuits, 1 bottle cream, billy of tea: and it was very nice. Had a good run to Camooweal. Car going nicely. Arrive 7.45 pm. had a clean up, some supper and retired.

Wednesday May 13^th 1931:

Got the air mail and read all the latest papers. Did some work for the C.W.A women at their hall. Attended their annual meeting in the afternoon and spoke. Visited the hospital. Attended hospital meeting at night. A big number in town today. Three meetings on…Hospital, CW.A and Council.

Friday May 15^th 1931:

Did some work here making tables, cupboards etc with the idea in view of soon starting to ‘batch’. Gave the kiddies a social at night.

Monday May 18^th 1931:

Did another job or two about the place in the way of making pot-stands and other household necessities. Had a cricket meeting at night.

Tuesday May 19^th 1931:

Reading and writing this morning and visited school this afternoon. Went around the town visiting, mail got in this evening. Big ministerial party arrived in two cars on way to Gulf in connection with Buffalo Fly menace.

Wednesday May 20^th 1931:

Air mail arrived today. Also plane returning from Darwin having handed over English mails. Big crowd coming in from outside for races.

Thursday May 21^st 1931:

Camooweal at its worst. Race meetings are certainly moral stumbling blocks for a great number of the people out here. What crookedness is in man is at these times brought out to light. Men who since last race meeting have led a clean sober life are now in the grip of the drink curse. Dance this morning in aid of Hospital.

Saturday May 23^rd 1931:

Was helping this morning in getting things ready for cricket match today and social this evening. Had to roll the pitch, cart water, cut sandwiches, everything in fact that had to be done. The evils of being Sec. Match late in starting, nearly midday before all ready. Visitors batted first. All out 35. We batted. All out 46. Visitors second innings 22 and we all out 37. Big scoring all round! An enjoyable game however for everybody. Social and dance at night brought the club in a profit of 9 pound 1 shilling and sixpence.

Monday May 25^th 1931:

A day of reckoning. Cleaned up the hall and finalized proceeds from the Cricket Social. Went out to Rocklands and returned their roller. Winter had arrived. Cold south wind blowing strongly. “Scotty” left today to go to Wyndham on his return flight to England. Dutch flyers also arrived and departed on their way home.

Wednesday May 27^th 1931:

Air mail arrived today. Had plent to do to keep me inside and was not sorry as wind terribly cold. Cleaned up Kodascope this afternoon and got hall ready and showed pictures at night. During interval I was presented with a beautiful gold fountain pen and pencil in a case from the children with their love. It was very nice and very much appreciated.

Monday June 1^st 1931:

Got away from Camooweal at last. Got everything ready this morning and picking up a bagman left the town at 2.30 pm. had a good run out of 50 miles to Austral and there stopped. People here are R.C’s but very nice. Only one Protestant on the place. Pleased them all very much after tea by showing them the pictures. Had a good talk then until bed time.

Tuesday June 2^nd 1931:

Stayed at Austral this morning doing some work on the Kodascope and reading. Left after lunch for Lake Nash. Picked up a bagman along the road who was sitting right in the wheel track so as to make sure he would not miss a ride. Stayed the night at the Lake. Mostly all R.C’s here.

Wednesday June 3^rd 1931:

Did a small job on the car this morning and after ‘smoko’ left Lake Nash and went 12 miles over to a sheep selectors home. Stayed here for lunch and afterwards went across country 20 miles to Bullecourt, a small cattle selection. The lady of the house home on her own and not too well, so as could do nothing soon went on. Did some more cross country work and came to a family who have been working on the rabbit fence but who now are out of work, through the rabbit board ceasing to exist. Stayed here. The mother is an R.C but allowed me to talk to the children and give them and herself pictures and reading material. Showed them also my kodascope pictures. Not feeling too good here and had to prowl about several times during the night.

Thursday June 4^th 1931:

Left this home after breakfast although did not have any myself. Had a good run of 40 miles to Headingley station. A big crowd here. All men. The horses for the Urandangi races have been paddocked here and came out today so all the owners are here to take charge of their own. Stayed here and had ‘smoko’ and went on traveling 20 miles to further to Urandangi. After lunch called on a couple of sick folk and then continued on the road intending to reach if possible Rocksborough station 90 miles down along the Georgina River. Passed through Walga and Carrandotta, only stopping a few minutes at each and for 40 miles had good going. Left the road then and struck down to the river and started to follow it along. Was then on the Georgina stock route. Mobs of cattle traveling have left the bare and desolate as it could possibly be. The ground is powdered up a foot deep. Very heavy going for the car. Rough in places. Rocky ridges and steep gullies to negotiate. Was 25 miles from Rocksborough and 25 miles from Carrandotta when I stopped to put water in the radiator and then it all happened. Water poured out the exhaust and the carburettor. I thought a walk was in store for me as I knew it was the cylinder head gasket gone. I took the head off however and saw the break by aid of the spotlight. Lit a fire then and boiled the billy and had a drink and a few biscuits. Made an attempt to patch up the break although did not know if it would work and put the head back on. Before putting water into the radiator got down on my knees for a few minutes and then went on with the job and it held. Unrolled my swag then and turned in.

Friday June 5^th 1931:

Up with the morning star, boiled up and ate a few more biscuits. Packed everything on and turned back as was not risking getting further away from help. Had breakfast with some chaps camped along the river who gave me half a dozen very nice fish. Went on and reached Carrandotta. Car still going alright so decided to keep going and all went well until about 17 miles from Urandangi when gasket again began to leak. Kept going however and got into Urandangi on 3 cylinders with no further trouble. Think I was very fortunate however to get back so well. Discovered then that I could get a new gasket from Headingley station and that it would be brought in. Got the bus ready to put the gasket straight on when it came. Got cleaned and did some visiting and went to bed early.

Saturday June 6^th 1931:

Got the gasket this morning and got the car all fixed and in going order again. Visited this afternoon and arranged for S.S and Church tomorrow and to show my pictures this evening which I did in the hall much to the delight of the children.

Sunday June 7^th 1931:

Had a very quiet morning getting ready for Sunday School and having a read. Got the children together this afternoon and had S.S and gave them some work to do at home each Sunday as can get noone to take the work o here. Got them to send their work done on to me each month when I can correct and return.

Monday June 8^th 1931:

Up before daylight and after having a cup of tea left and was at Headingley by sunrise and there had breakfast. Went on and called in at drovers camp where last week a chap was sick but who has now recovered. Thought I might have had to take him into hospital. Called at Lake Nash, Arcadia, Barclay and The Selection and reached Camooweal at 4 pm after 180 miles travelling. Had a clean up and then got my mail and put in time very easily until bedtime.

Tuesday June 9^th 1931:

Had a lot to do arising out of my mail. Visited the hospital where Bobbie Foster is sick and supposed to have typhoid. A couple of ladies there also whom I talked to for a while.

Friday June 12^th 1931:

(Murray’s birthday…My dad’s younger brother)

Went into Mt Isa this morning taking Mrs Reilly and Glen. Had a good trip arriving at 5.30 pm. Stayed at Smith’s. Went to the hospital and saw Dooley and Daphne.

Saturday June 13^th 1931:

( Dad’s birthday)A very busy morning. First at the dentist and then around the town. Went to the hospital after lunch and left for home at 4 pm bringing Daphne. Reached home at 11 pm. Dirty and tired. A very dusty road.

June 15…..sister Marjorie’s birthday.

June 16, 17, 18 . Mail, cricket practice. Working on car.

Friday June 19^th 1931:

Loaded the car up this morning and got ready for the road. Six of us left in two cars at 4 pm for the Rankine. Had a record run out doing the 100 miles in 3 ¼ hours and had to open and close 8 gate. Races finished at the Rankine and most of the people departed. Had a sing and supper at Lloyd’s before retiring.

Saturday June 20^th 1931:

Weather has been beautifully warm and changed last night and today a very cold south easter blew all day. Played a cricket match against the Rankine and had a win, although noone expected it. Had a sing for a while after tea and retired early. All of the cricketers slept at the police station where we were well guarded.

Sunday June 21^st 1931:

Had a very quiet morning myself, although the remainder of the people were very busy packing up getting ready to leave for home. Left for Alroy myself after lunch taking two ladies with me, who desire to do the whole of this western trip with me. Not a bit anxious to take them myself but could think of no reasonable excuse why not. Have plenty of personal reasons but one has so often to lose sight of them in the larger interests of others. Had an empty car, they were very eager, their friends were eager for them to go, and the station and other people like the women folk to visit them so there it is. Reached Alroy in time to have a good bath (hot) and clean up before tea. Rounded all the folk up and had a service and a sing.

Monday June 22^nd 1931:

Had a wedding in which the contracting parties were halfcaste George and halfcaste Lulu. All on the station were present at the ceremony. George would not say ‘I will’ until roared at by one of the men. Lulu said ‘I will’ ending with a good titter. Stayed the day at Alroy. Had some tennis, and ping-pong at night.

Tuesday June 23^rd 1931:

Left Alroy and went across 90 miles to Rockhampton Downs arriving at Lunch time. Pulled up and had a yarn to the men at a couple of the bores we passed. Left one chap some reading matter. Did a couple of little jobs on the car and greased it up. Mrs Easy and children home. Mr Easy out with cattle but home for tea. Had a talk at night.

Thursday June 25^th 1931:

Left for Alroy after lunch, arriving 3 hours later. Had a read after tea.

Friday June 26^th 1931:

Up early this morning and it was cold. Wanted to catch the plane at Brunette so left Alroy at sunrise. Plane was late and did not arrive until 11 am and we had an hour and half to wait. Stayed at Brunette then for lunch. Went on and did the 60 miles to Anthony’s Lagoon. Stopped t the Police Station. Traeger of the A.I.M wireless branch, here, installing a wireless plant. Had a talk and pictures after tea.

Saturday June 27^th 1931:

Another sunrise start on the 180 miles to Borroloola. A very rough drive, over rocky ridges and bumpy flats. No habitation anywhere along the road. Arrived there 5.30 in the evening. Place boasts an hotel, store and police station. White population : 4 men and one woman, the wife of the Sergeant, Father O’Doherty from Darwin also in here, staying in the hotel. We went down and stayed at police Station. 5 months since Mrs Hemmings has seen a white woman. Whole of the white population gathered at police Station at night and had a yarn.

Sunday June 28^th 1931:

The world at peace. A beautiful stillness pervades everything. Wandered around looking at the river, a library they possess and had a yarn to a couple of the men. This afternoon a car had arrived comprising Rev Doran and his wife, a Presbyterian minister attached to the A.I.M. dr Simpson and hisn wife from Melbourne also connected with the A.I.M and Mr Traeger. Had a service at the Police Station after tea.

Monday June 29^th 1931:

Greased and oiled my bus and gave Doran a hand to put in a nmew spring in his car. They left after lunch but we went along the river in blacks’ canoes paddled by one of the boys. Went across to their camp and had a look around. Collected some curios. After yea showed the blacks the pictures, there being over 50 present.

Tuesday June 30^th 1931:

Left Borroloola after breakfast and after another all day rough trip reached Anthony’s Lagoon at 8 pm. Doran and his party still here. Tired so retired early.

Wednesday July 1^st 1931:

Doran and party went on today except Traeger. Visited the store this morning. Went out and collected ribbon stone after lunch. Found an old chap in his camp, half blind and nearly starved. Persuaded him to come into hospital. Baptised 6 children of Charles Biondi. Did some reading.

Thursday July 2^nd:

Went down to landing ground and waited for plane which of course was late. Went and witnessed the inoculating of some cattle. Had an early lunch. Picked up the old chap and another young fellow with typhoid and left at 12.30 pm. Had to stop at Brunette awhile and patch up the front spring of the bus. Went on and reached Alexandria at sundown. Stayed the night. Traveling manager here at present. Showed the pictures after tea.

Friday July 3^rd 1931:

Left after breakfast and reached Rankine where we had lunch. Arrived Avon and had ‘smoko’ and Camooweal at tea time. Placed my patients in care of hospital staff and had a clean up.