Baptisms, deaths and Happy Birthday

Sunday April 24^th 1932:

A rather quiet day, attending Sunday School in the morning and holding service at night. Had an Anzac service at which quite a large number attended and which seemed to possess a very helpful atmosphere.

Monday April 25^th 932:

Quite a big day in the town, commencing with at 10.30 am the assembling of the children at the school and marching down to the hall. I held a service then which was well attended after which we had the unveiling of the phoyo of Sir John Monash, the last post, the dead march. Went out to Rocklands for lunch. Came in to a tea given at 4 pm to the returned servicemen and friends by the C.W.A. Had a packed hall at nibght at the big meeting and sacred concert. Had to speak for awhile myself.

Tuesday April 26^th 1932:

Was jumping out of the care this morning in a hurry when sprained my ankle. Very sore for a while but managed to hobble around on it. Went down to Mudgee after tea. Very cold and feel as if getting flue ( spelling?).

Wednesday April 27^th 1932:

Ankle very swollen today and sore. Rested it as much as possible. Off color with the flue. Attended tennis meeting at night.

Thursday April 28^th 1932:

Hobbled around and then went to Dr and got ankle bandaged. Great relief. Had to take Tom Laffin out 37 miles to his camp as not well enough to ride. The last seven miles were off the road and fearfully rough. Only a Ford car could have got there. Had a late lunch there and returned. Got a black boy to ride in front coming back for 4 miles and pilot me through the long grass and find the best track. Felt very much off with the flu when returned and dropped on the bed and did not get up until turned in. Had several visitors enquiring after my health.

Friday April 29^th 1932:

Decided to have the morning in bed, but was not permitted for long as word came through of a fire n Wandangi in which the hotel was destroyed and two lives lost. Got up and went down to the P.O and rang through with the result that I had to be there the next morning for the funerals. Had to grease the car and get it ready and write some mail and got away at 4.30 pm. Called at Beaumont’s and Harris’s and pulled up at Lake Nash. Stayed the night.

Saturday April 30^th 1932:

Beat the sun up and after a cup of tea started off. Car did not go too well but got me to Wandangi at 10 am. Pulled up at Police Station and got cleaned up and had the burial service of the two victims at 11 am. Town looks a real wreck now. Had dinner at Cavey’s and then a sleep, after which did a couple of jobs on the car. Went for tea to Reed’s and went down to Elliott’s for while after.

Sunday May 1^st 1932:

A quiet morning at the Police Station. Gotthe children together for S.S in the afternoon. Called on Elliotts and Millers. Held a Church service at night and went in to Elliotts afterwards.

Monday May 2^nd 1932:

Got ready for the road and called on all the folk being leaving. Got to Headingly for lunch. Mr Jago motored on for 30 miles from here, where I turned off and went on. Went in to Corkills camp and stayed awhile, baptized the latest, listened to their tale of woe and left some books etc. Went across then to Bullecourt and stayed the night with the old couple there. Ankle painful again and had to bandage it up.

Tuesday May 3^rd 1932:

Left Bullecourt and called in at Harris’ Lake Nash and reached Austral just before tea. Gate. Stayed the night.

Wednesday May 4^th 1932:

Left Austral after ‘smoko’, had lunch at Mudgee. Car bailed me up for an hour at 3 mile gate.

Got in to P.O and she would go no further and had to be towed home. Got my mail and had a private screening of a local film I had taken and which I received back in the mail.

Thursday May 5^th 1932:

Was in demand at various places in the town this morning and was all the afternoon locating the trouble with the car, which I found to be in the switch. Did some writing at night.

Friday May 6^th 1932:

Arbour Day at the school today and as being president of the school committee I was asked to plant the first tree. Had ‘smoko’ at the school with the kiddies. Went down then to Mudgee and Nowranie and came home and wrote air mail letters.

Saturday May 7^th 1932 :

Had a clean up of the ranch and then went down and took some folk for a drive. Got everything ready for cricket practice and went down in the afternoon but noone turned up. A very windy day may have had something to do with it.

Sunday May 8^th 1932: “Mothers Day”

Did out best to impress the sentiment implied in the observance of this day in the minds of the children at both S.S and Church, at which special reference was made to the idea of Mother’s Day.

Wednesday May 11^th 1932:

A large number in town for meetings of C.W.A, Hospital and Council. Had m ore decorating to soat the hall this morning and attended the annual meeting of he C.W.A in the afternoon and the Hospital Committee mtg at night. A full day.

Thursday May 12^th 1932:

Had to attend a conference at the Shire Hall this morning between the councillors and the hospital committee. Supposed to start at nine but nearer ten when all got together. Got some writing done this afternoon and evening. A travelling show gave an entertainment in the hall at night but did not have my patronage. Heard plenty of noise from here though.

Friday May 13^th 1932:

30 years ago today a feeble cry was heard for the first time from an ugly, small, half dead, male child in a home in a small town nestling among the hills of East Gippsland, Victoria. Today from the same throat at 7 am of a big burly fellow who shoves his head, still ugly, from under the blankets, blinks for awhile, looks at the clock and jumping onto his feet, roars with his great bull voice, “I’m 30 today”, this in a small house of a small town in north eastern Queensland. So does time bring her changes. ( And here I am, his daughter, living for the past 20 years near his birthplace in East Gippsland, and venturing to north Queensland when possible as a volunteer teacher on outback properties. ) Made a good start on the New Year by writing 10 letters and drawing 8 pounds 10 shillings out of the bank. Received many local birthday good wishes. Kiddies came across at lunch time. Had a big surprise party at night when thirty children came up for the evening and what a row there was until I took them home at midnight. Had a puncture while doing so. Death occurred very suddenly this morning of the yardman from the hotel, who collapsed while working and was dead half an hour later. Buried him late this afternoon. Was undertaker as well as parson, as usually happens.

1932 and back to work...

1932….

On furlough until March 29^th when back in Camooweal per mail lorry. With most of the traveling excluded, a very happy time away. Feel very much better in every way as the result.

Wednesday March 30^th 1932:

Getting over the trip back, renewing acquaintances and friendships and getting settled with the life again.

Thursday March 31^st 1932:

Into the vast accumulation of mail matter. Not much of it very interesting, although most of it has to be taken care of.

Friday April 1^st 1932:

Was caught a couple of times during the morning, through not being sufficiently wide awake. Started to give downstairs a good clean up today in readiness for the commencement of batching. Found some very nice friends down there too in the way of centipedes, none of them under 6 inches in length. Harry Foster came in today and camped with us.

Saturday April 2^nd 1932:

Still preparing the home for ‘the cook’ ( not a long haired one ) …. ( not sure what was meant by this comment )…….and had a game of tennis in the afternoon. The court is in much better order than when I went away, the rain having done good work.

Sunday April 3^rd 1932:

Very nice to be back among the kiddies again and had a good attendance at Sunday School. Visited the hospital and a few places during the afternoon and had a nice number out at the night service.

Monday April 4^th 1932:

Got in a supply of provisions and started the batching life today and got through the day without any hitch. ( My father had previously been fed at Reilly’s hotel or with the Reilly family.) Mr Quinn I can see is not fond of cooking, so it seems as the responsibility in that direction is going to be mine. Toook the car down to the local ‘garage’ and had the radiator taken off and repaired. Went down and visited the selection folk at night.

Wednesday April 6^th 1932:

Got my mail this morning, including the picture films, which meant getting the hall and lights in readiness for the night. Alf gave me a hand. Was kept going the whole afternoon in mending and changing tyres and tubes. At night had a good roll up to the hall, where everything went off very nicely.

Thursday April 7^th 1932:

Got some mail away this morning and then got the bus ready for the road., as I am on my way to the Rankine, to look up a couple who are very anxious to be married, in fact, have been waiting? For three months for me to turn up. Had more trouble with tubes which delayed my start but got away after lunch with three bagmen up as passengers. Stopped for awhile at Avon and reached Rankine at sundown. Took the bagmen up to the bore and came back to the store. The ‘bride’ and ‘bridegroom’ had n ot put in an appearance, as they were supposed to meet me here. Decided to stay the night son was given a room at Lloyds and became one of the family.

Friday April 8^th 1932 :

Spent most of the morning mending tyres and tubes so as to keep going. Decided then to go and find the couple, which meant firstly, making for Alexandria homestead. Constable Pryor came with me. On arrival at the homestead the cook gave us a late lunch, much appreciated. Discovered then that the couple were out on the run and due today at Bore No 14, so with the book-keeper on board now, the three of us set out for the bore. On arrival find noone here, so went across the to No 3 and found them here. After much talk, arranged to meet at the homestead that night to make final arrangement. We returned ten and left them to follow later, which they did and hour or two after dark. Decided then that the ceremony should take place at the Rankine on the following afternoon. Stayed the night at the homestead.

Saturday April 9^th 1932:

All hands and not the cook decided to go across for the big event, so waiting until after lunch, two cars well loaded set out for the Rankine. On arrival there found the couple all ready for the ceremony in their home. The bride had cleaned the place up very nicely too. It took awhile to get everybody together at te one time as everybody hd developed a big thirst on the way over, which was difficult to quench. After a very unique ceremony in which the two were made one and the dusky ( aboriginal I assume ) damsel pledged herself to love, honour and obey her lord and master, the fun started. Grog flowed freely, tongues were loosened, the gathering became very merry. At six o’clock the bride had the ‘breakfast’ ready, of corned beef, potatoes and onions and fruit for dessert. She waited on the rest of us but did not eat with us. I thought it best not to wait about too long so left the party and taking Molly Lloyd as passenger, had a good run through to Avon, where I stayed the night.

Sunday April 10^th 1932:

Was not able to leave here until late in the afternoon but got word to Mr Quinn to hold service himself if I was not in in time. Rain fell this morning but although it looked as if we were going to get something decent, we only received a few points. Church had started when I got here, so slipped in quietly and listened to brother Quinn.

April 11 – April 15 1932:

( Mail, visiting, Religious Instruction, cricket and hospital meetings, visit to Rocklands. )

Saturday April 16^th 1932:

Carted wood and water this morning for the domestic side of the life. Mr Foster gave me a hand. Got the lads out at cricket practice this afternoon and had quite a good roll up.

Sunday April 17^th 1932:

Children did not forget that it was Sunday, neither did quite a number of the grown ups who attended the service at night. In the afternoon I took a car load of the children down to Mudgee selection.

Monday April 18^th 1932:

Got two new tyres and tubes today and put them on the bus and changed the others about a bit.

Wednesday April 20^th 1932:

Harry Foster came in last night and this evening in both our separate busses we set out for Riversleigh. Pulled up at No 7 on Gallipoli where the camp was and roused Jack out, who cut us off a big piece of steak each which we grilled on the coals and made a very good meal. Talked for awhile and the unrolled swags and turned in. Cold night.

Thursday April 21^st 1932:

Up at daybreak, and after breakfast journeyed on, calling at Herbertvale, where I made the acquaintance of the new manager and his wife. Had lunch at the Springs and reached Riversleigh during the afternoon. After ‘smoko’ enjoyed very much a swim in the river. Beautiful water in spite of being the home of crockadiles ( interesting spelling! )and why should they be the only ones to enjoy it? Enjoyed the beauty of the lawn bathed in the glory of the moon;ight. How does it sound?

Friday April 22^nd 1932:

Gave the kiddies and the governess a holiday from school today and with a couple of the piccaninnies from the station motored four miles down to the junction of the two rivers. A glorious spot in all its natural beauty. Had a great time fishing and wading about up and down the rivers. Disturbed a ‘crock’ sunning himself on the bank. Boiled the billy and had lunch. Caught six fish and got back for ‘smoko’. Swam then until nearly supper time before which had a game of tennis. Gave the kiddies their Sunday School work. A very enjoyable day.

Saturday April 23^rd 1932:

On the road again. After breakfast then on reaching the Springs loaded up with the remainder of the timber and iron belonging to me. Bumped along over the rocky, dusty, dry road. Two miles from Herbertvale had a blowout. Had a drink of tea at the homestead and took a passenger on from here to Gallipoli. Stayed here awhile and then continued, reaching Camooweal a while after dark. Unloaded and then made some tea and cleaned up and entertained visitors.

Goodbye 1931

Xmas Day Friday Dec 25^th 1931:

No excited awakening and eager peering at the foot of the bed. No loud and happy cries from other beds in other rooms. All alone in my small bungalow I looked out on the rising sun on Xmas day 1931. Xmas days of childhood are far away now in the distant past. I was not forgotten however, as a small parcel left last night was opened and contents much appreciated. Paid some Xmas calls at the hospital and around the town wishing the sick, aged and infirm as happy a Xmas as possible for them. The hotel had a big Xmas dinner with quite a crowd there to feast on the good things provided. One family in town wanted to go out to a drovers’ camp and spend Xmas day with the folk there, so I placed myself and my car at their disposal for the journey, only 1 mile away. After my big Xmas dinner I felt like sleeping but had to prepare for service at night, so had to brush aside such weak inclinations. A thunderstorm worked up during the afternoon when we registered ½ inch of rain. It cooled things off nicely but made the ground very mucky. Had 3 visitors after the rain had eased and whom I treated to afternoon tea. The folk who organized the children’s function of last night had neglected to remove decorations and clean up so I had to do it before service. Also went out and brought the folk back from the camp and the bus did slip and slide about in the mud. There would have been a large gathering at the service at night had not the rain made mud everywhere, so only had about 25 out. It was a nice service for all that.

Boxing Day Dec 26^th 1931

Immediately after breakfast this morning, several of the hard working portion of the population went down to the tennis court and pulled the roller over the whole surface. Finishing this I then had to make final arrangements for our picnic and get everybody together and send them out. The first lot got away at 11 AM and I took the strays out at nearly 12 noon. The road was heavy and boggy in places but without mishap we all did the 10 miles to Bull Ring. After dinner I came back and gathered another load. Most of the town was out by 3 o’clock. Plenty of water in the hole so good for swimming. Erected swings and organized sports etc. A good day spent by all. Had tea and loaded up and got home just before dark. All very tired.

Dec 27^th 1931:

Packed up, loaded up the car and got ready to leave. Had S.School and gev tge kiddies a farewell talk. They especially desired to sing “God be with you till we meet again”. Collected Heather, Ivy and Jack and at 12.30 left the ‘weal behind me for awhile. Had lunch at Spilt Rock and reached Mt Isa at 7.30 pm. A good trip in, although slow on account of the rain fallen recently. Got rooms at Smiths and after a clean up went to Dawsons and had something to eat and came home to bed.

December 28^th 1931:

A busy day making private and professional calls in many places. A hot dusty day as only ‘Isa can produce. Went in for a while to Silver City at night but did not stay too long.

December 29^th 1931:

Said farewell to the ‘west’ today at 10.25 am when the Great Western Limited pulled oput on its 600 miles run to the coast. Had several down at the station to see Heather and I off but we managed to prevent our emotions from getting the best of us. Settled down then to ‘endure’; the service of the Qld railways. A hot day, dirty uncomfortable carriages, foreign traveling companions. Heather very quiet all day.Met a few friends at Cloncurry station. Soon after dark made sleeping quarters with the ports and seats and slept at intervals.

December 30^th 1931:

Endured another day and reached Townsville at 4.30pm. Just traveling all day. Stan met us her and drove us out home where a bath and a hot tea were gratefully accepted and appreciated. Back to the station and left in the ‘Southern Express’ at 6.15pm. A big crowd traveling and not much room. Fixed Heather up for a sleep but got very little myself. Had to sit up all the way.

December 31^st 1931:

Another fearful day. Crowded carriages. Qld government will have a lot to answer for some day. Worst time I have had for a long time. Conscious until 10pm when dropped off to sleep and so left 1931 behind ans did not wake until 2am in 1932. Heather had a good sleep. A much cooler night. Nothing happened when the old year went out as I asked a couple in the compartment who had been unable to sleep.

Taxi service!

Friday Dec 4^th 1931:

Still very hot and sultry but no good rain yet. Had the kiddies sports in the afternoon at the school. A very good afternoon’s sport for everyone concerned. Was chief starter and handicapper for all events. Kiddies were all coming up home for a party at night as it was Mr Quinns last night. Rain spoiled the arrangements however and we had after a few games inside to send them all home early. Quinn then packed his belongings ready for the trip.

Saturday Dec 5^th 1931:

A good storm just before daylight made things very messy and doubtful whether the plane would be able to take off. Quinn was very anxious. Went up to ‘drome at 5.30 am. Plane got bogged in one spot and took us an hour to get it out but eventually it got off without further mishap. Plenty of mud about. Tidied up the home as m uch as possible. Did some reading and writing.

Sunday Dec 6th 1931:

Had a nice number out at S.School this morning, considering that they have had such a heavy week. Went out to Laffins camp after lunch. Had service at night but not a big crowd present. Too tired I suppose.

Monday Dec 7^th 1931:

Had another shower of rain during the night and so this morning Willie Miller and I took the roller down to the tennis court and spent the morning in rolling, making and playing on the new court. Did some writing later in the afternoon when the weather cooled off.

Tuesday Dec 8^th 1931:

Did some washing this morning and this afternoon got on my knees and scrubbed the place out. Felt very sore and weary on finishing. Weather very hot. Too hot to work in fact. Had little Dot Darcy up helping me.

( My father often spoke of the Darcy family who consisted of ‘old man Darcy’ and his ‘gin’ and a tribe of children who dad christened at one stage. Years later the Darcy’s became successful wealthy station owners and never forgot the Methodist Inland Mission. I am making an assumption here that Dot Darcy was one of those children.)

Wednesday Dec 9^th 1931:

The town was somewhat enlivened today through it being the monthly meeting of the ‘City Fathers’, the Country Women and the hospital committee and as such bringing several outsiders in. A dance was held in the CWA hall at night. Paid a visit to the hospital this evening.

Thursday Dec 10^th 1931:

Spent the morning down on the tennis court with some of the ‘never-never’ folk and it was hot. Did not venture outside my door during the afternoon.

Friday Dec 11^th 1931:

Got the car ready for the road this morning and did some writing for the mal afterwards. Still very hot but no rain.

Saturday Dec 12^th 1931:

Got up at 4.30 am and loaded up and then woke Bill Miller up. Put him on, called for John Darcy and set out for Mandangi. Called in at Beaumonts 10 miles down, and found the kettle was just about to boil. Pulled up for awhile at Barkly homestead and at No 6 bore. Broke a back shackle after getting on to Headingly country which delayed us for ¾ of an hour. Stopped for a few minutes at Headingly and then put behind the remainder of the 140 miles when arrived at Mandangi at 12 noon. A terribly hot wind blowing and Mandangi looks completely dried out. Had a clean up before lunch and a sleep afterwards. Kiddies had their sports late in the afternoon but they were very quiet all through. Only excitement was in the ladies tug’o’war when at the time the strain was greatest the rope broke. Old Tom Hanlon of ‘copper’ fame is in town and is celebrating the occasion right royally. Prize distribution and a dance took up the evening.

Sunday Dec 13^th 1931:

Had to get to work this morning and do a couple of jobs on the car, which kept me going till lunch time. Got the kiddies together this afternoon for Sunday School and did some visiting afterwards. A lot of sickness in the town at present. A nice crowd at Church at night, a load of folk driving in from a selection several miles out. Went across to a home afterwards where a very young mother with her two weeks old baby are both very sick with whooping cough. Had a service there when the baby was christened. Just at the close of the service, the heat betc of the sick room proved too much for one girl who fainted. She was coming round alright when to keep her company another girl went out to it. Both were taken home and put to bed, and went in for awhile to Thomas’ then and after supper went to the hotel and bed.

Monday Dec 14^th 1931:

Beat the sun up this morning and practically everyone else in Mandangi. Got packed up and had a drink of tea at Millers. Called on all the sick folk and found them progressing favorably, so got Bill and Jck and left the place at 6.30 am. Had another drink of tea on reaching Headingly and arrived at Lake Nash at 9.30 am just in time for ‘smoko’. Before leaving here had to have a game of cricket with the chaps. A few miles on from here had a blow out, which caused extra work and loss of sweat. Pulled into Arcadia and after a very dry yarn enjoyed the lunch provided. Came on then and reached the selection at 4 pm just as the cups were rattling for ‘smoko’. I can judge it now to perfection. Had Joe Pellor on for the last 10 miles into town. Enjoyed then a good shower and clean up. A hot day but no sign of further rain. 100 miles for the day.

Tuesday Dec 15^th 1931:

Had a very pleasant surprise on reaching home last night as the ranch had by no means the appearance of a bachelor flat. Everything was tidy and clean and order reigned throughout. Covers etc had been washed, ironed and replaced, with a few extras as well. My dirty clothes had also been washed and ironed. Words failed me. I could only look and think. Did a bit myself today in cleaning windows and paintwork and then did some reading and writing.

( This is the end of another of dad’s diaries that he so meticulously kept.)

Wednesday Dec 16^th 1931:

Thus does today bring the commencing of another book and one wonders just what will be the events, circumstances etc that will go to the filling of its pages. Today is hot, too hot to be pleasant or comfortable, with the rain keeping well away. The prediction is big rains within the next week, let us hope that is correct. Received word from the Colonel today confirming my reappointment to te Gulf Mission, also granting me leave, thus enabling me to decide to leave here on the 27^th of this month. Cars are a nuisance as they are always needing attention and today I had to get all dirty and greasy doing a couple of small jobs on my bus. Spent the morning down at Dawsons watching a young lady sewing, and offering very valuable remarks, not always appreciated.

Thursday Dec 17^th 1931:

I looked in my pile of unanswered correspondence today and said “ Verily thou shalt be answered” but alas, it was as with many other good resolutions, and now at the end of the day the pile is as it was before. Very little in the way of writing did get done. The weather is so hot it assists in the doing of only one thing, nothing. At the committee mtg of the local tennis club held this evening, I filled the position of acting sec, owing to the absence of Mt Quinn, and while there was plenty of talk, not much business was done, too many ladies on the committee.

Friday Dec 18^th 1931:

If it were not for the Methodist Inland Mission many of the folk out here would die, I am sure. Two folk in the town went to see the Dr today, only because I went and forced them into the car and drove them up. Of course, being on the hospital committee I have to keep the institution going somehow. The car looks a little more respectable now, as today we replaced the torn and frayed back of the hood with a new one. Put through some very important business at the Cricket Committee meeting this evening. In good time too, no ladies present.

Saturday Dec 19^th 1931:

How hot it is and how dry the air and being election day the hotels are closed, in front. Thought I was liable for a 2pound fine but in the end discovered my name on the roll. A very quiet day for election day although quite a few extra in town. Nobody stayed however, any longer than they could help. The car gave me a couple of hours on the broad of my back this morning, and did the job over at Don Ramsays. Went for a drive out along the road before tea got a puncture and after tea on the way out to where some chaps are camped 12 miles out got another. Was very pleased to receive them too. ( Tongue in cheek remark I suggest. ) A dance in progress when I came back. The fighting spirit had got hold of several of the men as cuts, bruises and black eyes testified next day. I had te job at 12.30 am of driving 3 of them 10 miles out to their camp thus putting them out of harms way.

Sunday Dec 20^th 1931:

2.00 am is far too late to retire as I realized when I awoke this morning. It was a fearfully hot night too, not at all a good one for sleep. It shows how keen are the kiddies on Sunday School when several of them came up here this morning at 9 am, 2 hours before time and waited for me to go down. Read a letter to them this morning with Xmas wishes from Brother Norton. Again today the heat has been terrible. Sweltered at home here until 4 0’clock, in quiet meditation , then got in the car with 3 others and went along the river and tried to find a cool spot in the shade. The heat was evidentally too much for the folk this evening as not too many came out to service.

Monday Dec 21^st 1931:

Today promised well for rain all day but just when it seemed as if we were going to get a deluge it disappeared. I am right out of water here and thinking it was going to rain fixed the spouting on the place and got two small tanks ready and caught nothing. A little baby died at the hospital this morning and I buried it this afternoon. When the same lady was in hospital previously , for weeks she was on the point of death and noone thought she would recover. Sent out a lot of books and papers to some folk who are camped a few miles out, where there is one I have just discovered who used to be a Sunday School teacher in a Methodist Church somewhere inside.

Tuesday Dec 22^nd 1931:

It is still doing its best to give us a drop of rain but is not being very successful. All today has been very dull, but the only moisture about has been perspiration and plenty of it. Visited all around the town today which will be the last time for awhile. Folk are all getting ready for Xmas revellings. Impressed upon them not to forget its real significance. After tea, with several others, went down to the ‘Bore’ and spent the evening.

Wednesday Dec 23^rd 1931:

The mail was late getting in last night so did not receive anything until this morning. Expected pictures and films to arrive but they missed somewhere, so had to disappoint the children. Had to go down to the ‘Bore’ this afternoon, taking Mrs Mostert ( Moslut? ) and family for the run. Spent over an hour mending punctures on their car down there, one puncture which they had been unable to locate.

‘ Xmas Eve’ December 24^th 1931:

How unlike all that we usually associate with this day is it out here. I can hardly realize that it is Xmas, but it must be as is it 12 months since last Xmas Eve. Before breakfast put the Rocklands roller on the bus and after eating took it out to the station. Had then to stay and talk for a while with the lady of the house, which lengthened out until ‘smoko’ time after which I returned to the town. Had then a very busy few hours. Several folk had been looking for me, as I had the tennis and cricket a/c’s etc to finalize and leave in order, and also the mission interests to settle and my own personal a/c’s to wind up. I am hoping I have not left undone the things I should have done. Late in the afternoon with one of the boys I went out after ducks and got nine, so was able to give 3 of the local people duck for their Xmas dinner. The children of the town were givemn a Xmas treat at night in the hall, at which for awhile I was present, which was a bun-fight and a dance, but there was more noise than anything else. I brought a family in from 3 miles out who are camped there and never see anything in this way, but they went home again early, the kiddies getting very tired. After the evening was over there was another family to take home 10 miles away and quite a crowd of young folk came for the drive. One chap spoiled the drive by both going and returning taking fits, once jumping out of the car before I could pull up. He took some holding too when we got him on the ground. Once he got up after a spasm and went for his life across the downs, but stood on his head after going a hundred yards, was no further trouble after that. Thus for us was Xmas 1931 ushered in.

Wet season arriving...

Monday Nov 9th 1931:

Started on the bus today taking out the differential amnd rear axles. An all day job. Hot weather. Had wires today from Don, Neal and Tim Doyle.

Tuesday Nov 19^th 1931:

Put in one new axle and reassembled everything and wired away for a new hub. Butler arrived this afternoon, after his record trip from England. Went up after tea and had a look at his plane. The smallest plane yet seen in Camooweal.

Wednesday Nov 11^th 1931:

Did some visiting around the town today, at the hospital. Somem writing. Council, C.W.A and Hospital meetings held this afternoon and evening. A dance in the hall also in aid of cricket club. Hot weather. Butler went on early this morning, taking off in the dark, and hit the fence of the aerodrome but luckily did no damage.

Thursday Nov 12^th 1931:

Spent the morning doing duties in connection with the cricket club. Some writing and reading. Visited the hospital. One of my flock, an old chap is very close to the ‘valley of the shadow’. Drove down after tea to the 10 mile selection and yarned with them there for a while. Weather very hot and stormy. Town population yesterday increased by one, the young mother not yet 17 years of age.

Friday Nov 13^th 1931:

Very hot and muggy all day culminating in a storm at 5.30 pm. A ‘whirley’ tore through the town just before the rain taking everything loose with it, even to portion of the hospital roof. Writing and reading at home. Fixed up the hall and machine for pictures at night. Drove down through mud and water to the 10 mile selection and brought the crowd up. Saturday Nov 14^th 1931:

Busy getting things ready for big cricket match in the afternoon. Ladies V Gents. All the town out at the match. 20 ladies played 12 men, men having to do everything wrong-handed and only one to use. Terribly hot afternoon. Men won by 4 runs. Big storm seems to be working up.

Sunday Nov 15^th 1931:

125 points of rain this morning. A great downpour. Water everywhere. Mud ankle deep. No Sunday School or Church. Showery during the day. Went up and visited the hospital at night.

Monday Nov 16^th 1931:

Weather still very hot but no more rain. Still a bit muddy outside but quickly drying up. Spent most of the day at home. Had a tennis meeting to attend at night after which had to go out to Laffins camp.

Wednesday Nov 18^th 1931:

Air mail late this week on account of the rain and did not arrive until 6.30 pm. Left this afternoon and swent out 60 miles to Yelvertoft station, returning in the small hours of the morning.

Friday Nov 20^th 1931:

Got a new hub for one of the wheels and put it on the bus, and greased and oiled and cleaned up ready for the road.

Saturday Nov 21^st 1931:

Left Camooweal after breakfast and went north. Called at Nowranie bore and selection, Barclay Downs, Arcadia, Lake Nash, Headingly and then Mandangie at 8.30 pm. Town deserted. Only one light visible. Pulled up at the hotel and noone about. Went across to Reeds and found them at home. Got a room and then had some supper and retired. 170 miles in the day.

Sunday Nov 22^nd 1931:

Visited the folk this morning which was not a big undertaking, only 3 families in the town. Got the children together for Sunday School this afternoon and had a service at night. Went over after service to Thomas’s.

Monday Nov 23^rd 1931:

Left Mandangi at 10.30 am having a load on this time, with Mrs Thomas and 2 children and the gin on the back. Passed through Headingly only stopping a few minutes. Pulled up on the road, boiled the billy and had lunch. Went on then to Bullecourt and stayed awhile with the old folk, who so very seldom have anyone calling on them. Went on then and arrived at Lake Nash. A few of us had some cricket before tea. Went across and had a yarn later with the book-keeper. Stayed up at the house.

Tuesday Nov 24^th 1931:

Left the Lake and came on to Austral and stayed there a few hours. Went around amongst the few on the place and looked them all up. Had another passenger on today, the policeman from Lake Nash, coming into Camooweal to see the Dr. Reached Camooweal at 6.30 pm. Took my passengers out to Rocklands where they are staying. Had tea out there and came home afterwards.

Wednesday Nov 25^th 1931:

Both mails came in today with plenty of reading for me. After tea went out to Beaumonts and spent the evening there.

Thursday Nov 26^th 1931:

Spent the morning in doing some washing, that has been soaking for a couple of weeks. Went down the town in the afternoon and found that a chap, a lorry driver, had been brought in from Austral very sick. He lives in Mt Isa and was anxious to get home, so had the job of taking him in. Left at 7.30 pm and reached Isa at 3.30 am. Turned the bus into an ambulance and he slept most of the way in. Took him home and then went around and tghrew my swag on the floor at the A.C.B and slept.

Friday Nov 27^th 1931:

Got up at 7 am and arranged the bus so as to be an ordinary car again. Very busy executing orders etc until 11.30 am when I left for home. Heavy clouds threatened rain and I did not tarry. Called in at Yelvertoft and had some lunch and pulled up and had a drink of tea with some men working on the road. Came through a couple of decent storms but nothing to hold me up. Arrived at 5.30 pm.

Saturday Nov 28^th 1931:

Gave the kiddies a picnic today. Took them all out 10 miles to Nowranie selection. A nice water hole here. Came back after lunch and took out a load of ‘grownups’. Quinn took his car down too. Had a great day, in games and swimming. Came home by the bore.

Sunday Nov 29^th 1931:

Had a very good roll up at Sunday School this morning. Had to go down to the Selection in the afternoon. Came back and had service at night. The lights failed at the hall and it was a long time before they could get the engine going. Did not start the service until a quarter to nine. Had a nice number out and also a Christening.

Monday Nov 30^th 1931:

Had a pleasant surprise when I returned from breakfast this morning, when my bed was made and the room tidied up. Grace and Tibby had been over and left a note to say what tthey had done. Spent the morning in doing odd jobs on the car. With a couple of others went to the hall and erected a stage for the children’s concert on Wednesday night.

Tuesday Dec 1^st 1931:

Thought today we were going to get a good storm but it ended in only a light shower. Good rain fell out further however. Was at home practically all day. Kiddies had a rehearsal in the hall at night and watched them for awhile.

Wednesday Dec 2^nd 1931:

Another quiet day at home, among books and papers. Both mals got in today. Kiddies concert at night was a good success and a big crowd present. A few outsiders came in for the event.

Thursday Dec 3^rd 1931:

Another very dull day promising well for rain but got none in town. Good storms all round. Went down to the selection after school, taking a number of kiddies down to a birthday party. Came back after six o’clock and took down some of the older folk.

Sad news.

Saturday 24th 1931:

Up early and went down and with the roller tried to make the cricket ground a bit more decent to play on. Isa cricketers arrived at breakfast time, a couple of them a bit happy. Busy all the morning in connection with the visitors. Started the match after lunch and e began disastrously – all out for 27: had the Isa team out for 62 by afternoon tea time. Started better in our second innings and look like making a better score this time. Ad a social evening, mostly dancing in honor of the visitors in the hall at night.

Sunday Oct 25^th 1931:

Had Sunday School this morning. Finished the cricket match with a win for Camooweal. Took some of the visitors over the border after lunch and then came home. Had several callers. Got ready for service at night. Isa chaps left after tea on their 130 mile run home. Had a nice crowd out at Church.

Monday Oct 26^th 1931:

Did the necessary cleaning up after the visit of the cricketers. Drove out a couple of miles to a drovers camp and brought in the wife for hospital treatment. Spent remainder of day quietly at home.

Tuesday Oct 27^th 1931:

Started putting the iron around today so as to make the kitchen. Visited the school for religious instruction. Drove the drover’s wife back to the camp as she only stayed in hospital for the day.

Wednesday Oct 28^th…Friday Oct 30^th 1931:

Finished the kitchen. Spent a day on the bus.

Tried all day by every means imaginable to take off one of the front wheels that has a broken roller race, but not successful.

Saturday Oct 31^st 1931:

Busy around the town this morning and after lunch drove the bus out to Rocklands and put it into the work shop and the mechanic and self started on the wheel again. Could not move it however. Mr Jago drove me home after tea. Had 25 points of rain at night.

Sunday Nov 1^st 1931:

Had S.S this morning with a good roll up. Alf drove me out to Rocklamnds after lunch and I left Mr Quinn in charge of the night service in case I could not get back. Was late when Mr Jago again drove me in.

Monday Nov 2^nd 1931:

Wired away for a couple of parts for the car and Dr drove me out this time. Got the wheel off by drilling the axle out. Came into town in time for tea.

Wednesday Nov 4^th 1931:

Had a ‘clean up’ of the ranch this morning, not before it needed it either. Plane arrived after lunch, with part for the car, so got it and went out with Mr Jago to the station. Got everything fixed and reassembled and back into town by teatime. Had cricket meeting at night.

Friday Nov 6^th 1931:

Packed up this morning and after ‘smoko’ left on the southern road. Went well for 5 miles, when without warning, the off side rear wheel jammed and refused to turn. Skidded for about 20 yards before could pull up. Not sure what was wrong so started to take wheel and hub off. Got wheel off but could not shift hub. Tried for 2 hours in the burning sun without achieving anything. Decided then to walk 2 miles across to Beaumonts selection. Got there as they were getting ready to go into town. They drove me back to the car and with reinforcements tried to shift the hub but no good. Came back into town. Got the loan of a wheel puller and got Quinn to drive me back. Stayed there until dark but did no good. Quinn wanted to get back so decided to leave the bus for the night. On the way back met Mr Synnott and party going down to see how I was getting on, so went back with them. Later another car came down with a couple of chaps who brought me some icecream and fruit, very nice too. Tried to shift the hib by putting on the wheel and towing my car backwards. Did no good so decided to leave it but thought on advice of Mr Synnott to give it one more try by driving forwards, which was successful. Took hub off then and found what was wrong and fixed it sufficiently to drive home. Had tea and supper at 11.30 pm at Synnottos. Mr Foster came in today and staying at the Parsonage.

Saturday Nov 7^th 1931:

Received telegram this morning telling me Dad had passed away. Poor old chap but he is better off now, thank God. Had a telegram of sympathy from the Colonel. Only told a couple in the town. Stayed at home nearly all day.

Sunday Nov 8^th 1931:

Had Sunday School this morning and entertained some of the young chaps who came up during the afternoon and at night held a service in the hall.