.....and there's more.....

Monday August 1^st 1932:

( This day of writing is not Aug 1^st but September 21^st so there will be many omissions in the doings of the months showing plainly the evil results of neglect.)

had a meeting of the musical society tonight.

Aug 2^nd – Aug 6^th 1932:

Started on the fence and bored all the posts for the wire. Visited the hospital, school and around the town. Reading, writing. Fixed a new fron spring in the car and am now driving instead of walking. Had the two girls over for their Sunday School lesson today.

Sunday Aug 7^th 1932:

Sunday School and Church as oper usual. Nice gatherings at both. Had a quiet time at home in the afternoon, a real, Sunday afternoon rest. The death occurred at the hospital of an old chap of the west known as Dick Tumbler. A mental case.

Monday Aug 8^th 1932:

Conducted the funeral this morning. Had our usual meeting at night of the musical society. “ Plenty wind been jump up all day.”

Aug 9^th – Aug 13^th 1932:

Had Mr Quinn at home this week so got him helping me put up the wire and netting on the fence. Finished it off alright and then I built a permanent fowl yard. Got the posts out on then Rocklands run. Attended the hospital meeting on Wednesday and was elected President of the committee.

Sunday Aug 14^th 1932:

Had all the kiddies out at Sunday School this morning in spite of the cold strong south east blowing. Also had a fair number out at the evening service. Had two men at te service at night, a big thing for Camooweal.

Aug 15^th – Aug 20^th 1932:

Camooweal’s big week: Carnival Week. A big crowd in town from Tuesday until Saturday. There was hall decorating done and a big jon it was too. A lot of tennis played. Racing on Thursday and Friday. Cricket on Saturday and dancing every night. A very decent crowd in town, everybody quite enjoyed themselves.

Sunday Aug 21^st 1932:

Although tired all the kiddies were out in the morning as h would not miss Sunday School. Acted the part of the good Samaritan and after lunch drove a crowd who had broken down out to Gallipoli stn so as to be there for work in the morning.

Aug 22^nd – Aug 28^th 1932:

Had a trip to Undilla this week taking Mrs Miller home. The council men started on the kausline pit at the hospital and gave me some work to do in connection with it. Visited the school for religious instruction and hospital and other places in town. Played some tennis. Sunday School and church service.

Aug 29^th – Sept 3^rd 1932:

Did some work this week on the car fixing the radiator, front engine support and a few other small jobs. Got Falconer to do the soldering on the radiator. Visited School for R.I.

Sunday September 4^th 1932:

Sunday School and church service both well attended today. Very encouraging. Had several kiddies up here during afternoon.

Monday Sept 5^th 1932:

Jack Logan and self started today at work on old tennis court. Had promises of help from several others and only promises. Dusty work and strong wind blowing. Ladies living close by looked after us with refreshments.

Tuesday Sept 6^th 1932:

Another day for the two of us on the court and no outside help. Went to a party at night given in honor of one of our little girls who is going away for an extended holiday.

Wednesday September 7^th 1932:

And still we look in vain for the promised help. Finished the rough part of the work and with plenty of watering and rolling the court should come up alright. Suppose we will have to do it though.

Thursday Sept 8^th 1932:

Got the car ready for the road and taking Rhoda and Kath left for Mt Isa. Called at all the camps and homes en route and reached Isa at 5.30 pm. Took the girls to the hotel and then went down and ‘dug in’ at the McIntosh house. Went to the pictures at night. Friday Sept 9^th 1932:

A busy day with no time for spells. Most of the morning at the mines. Did a lot of business for self and others.

Sunday Sept 11^th 1932:

Had dinner and left for Camooweal. Arrived home at 8.30 pm. had a bath, some tea and retired.

Monday Sept 12^th 1932:

Had a clean up[ at the ranch today. Trying to infuse a little tennis enthusiasm into the local players as shortly a team from Mt Isa will be paying us a visit. Went down with Norman to the ‘Don for tea, after which got into the hospital business and did not arrive home until 2 am.

Wednesday September 14^th 1932:

At home among books and papers. Busy getting readu for hospital meeting at night. Had visitors for awhile during afternoon. Long meting at night . Rather stormy as complaint against Dr.

Thursday Sept 15^th 1932:

Had the task today of going into the complaint against Dr. Had to see several people and then after lunch called a meeting of available numbers of committee. Two hours solid warfare between Dr and self. My ruling in the end was not acceptable to Dr who plainly and with hostility showed his resentment. I did not like the job but it had to be done. Cooled down after the meeting and then forgot everything on the tennis court.

Hens

Thursday July 28^th 1932:

Did some work at home this morning and a bit of writing. Had 13 hens sent in for my use today so had to erect a temporary yard for them. Should soon have a supply of eggs now.

Friday July 29^th 1932:

………..Went down after tea and collcted the ‘head man’ for the fowl yard. ( A rooster? )

Saturday July 30^th 1932:

…….Had a wedding in the afternoon, when Jack and Allie decided to take the big step together.

Out west.

Wednesday June 29^th 1932:
Visited over at the station this morning and listened for awhile to a lot of anti-Christian rot from old Greg Watson. Called at the hotel and saw the folk there. Left after lunch and pulled in at Carringtons. Called at both homes. Put on the pictures after tea, after which got the gramaphone out and had sacred and other music.

Thursday june 30^th 1932:

Had a quiet morning amongst young and old. Talks and Sunday School work. Left books, papers etc. Watched some young horses being branded after lunch and thehn went on to Donaldsons and stayed the night.

Friday July 1^st 1932:

Left after breakfast and called in at Mullers, Smiths and Clarkes, reaching Burketown at sundown. Had a lot of trouble with tubes which delayed me. Shot a turkey when nearing Burketown. Decided to stay at my usual ‘home’, the police station. Rev Wilson from Mornington Island mission station also here. Went across to Shadforths after tea.

Saturday July 2^nd 1932:

Went around some of the folk today and let them know I had arrived. Later in the afternoon went up and had some cricket and tennis. Decided today that tomorrow I will go down on the ‘Porpoise’ into the mouth of the river and meet the Wandana that comes around from Brisbane.

Sunday July 3^rd 1932:

Went down with Rev Wilson this morning and with others embarked on our trip on the Porpoise. Followed the winding of the river for 40 miles and at dusk anchored at the mouth of the river. All retired early.

Monday July 4^th 1932:

Got up and cooked the breakfast this morning and did not poison anyone. Four of us then got into the small boat and pulled up one of the salt arms but got no fish. Came back for lunch and then went out again, round on to the open sea front. No sandy beach only mud. Caught a stingaree but no fish. Wandana anchored outside the mouth just at sundown.

Tuesday July 5^th 1932:

Had fish for breakfast but not what we caught. Wandana came alongside just as we finished. Spent the morning watching the loading being transferred from one hold to the other. Noosa came up during the morning and took aboard her load. Went fishing again but only caught a shark. Had all meals on the Wandana. Captain a decent chap.

Wednesday July 6^th 1932:

Wandana steamed out on the tick of 8 this morning. Noosa anchored a bit away and we started back. Had a shot at an alligator on the way up but only frightened him. Arrived at the wharf at 2.30 pm. Had old Prof Watson on, a childish old fool in lots of ways. Called on some of the folk.

Friday July 8^th 1932:

Did some writing and reading this morning and after dinner went out to Murrays. An old chap died in the hospital today. Went up to see him yesterday but he was too far gone to talk or take notice.

Saturday July 9^th 1932:

Buried the old chap this morning and went out after lunch with the sergeant and had some rifle and revolver practice. Had some cricket and after tea had a pleasant social gathering in the hall.

Tuesday July 12^th 1932:

Taking Mrs Hosier and Mrs Stewart and Cameron left Burketown this morning. Calledf at Escot and stayed awhile. Had dinner on the road. Pulled in at ‘Turn-off’ and decided to remain. The owner out here at present. Had some music after tea.

Wednesday July 13^th 1932:

Gave the two kiddies a Bible talk this morning, after which all of us went across the river and admired the scenery. Went on after lunch. Road now very sandy and rough in parts. Car went well. Lost te road in one part in the long grass but picked it up after awhile. Only Mrs Irwin at home at west Moreland. Shortl;y after dark reached Wollogorang and gave old Mac a surprise. Only himself and the cook at the homestead. Sat up talking until 1.30 am.

Thursday July 14^th 1932:

Stayed the day with Mac. Did a few jobs on the car this morning and wandered around during the afternoon. Had some music after tea. Masterton the cook an interesting character.

Friday July 15^th 1932:

Found an old chap very sick a couple of miles up the river whom blacks had brought in. A serious hospital case so put him on the car and started back. Had lunch atWestmoreland and reached Turn-off late in the afternoon. The patient was too sick to travel further today so decided to stay here for the night.

Saturday July 16^th 1932:

Got away this morning and got in to Burketown at lunch time. Took the sick man to hospital and he is very sick. Had a wedding after lunch of two half castes, in which was visible English, Chinese and Aboriginal blood. Went on then to Lorraine calling at Augustus on the way.

Sunday July 17^th 1932:

Introduced myself to the folk here, being my first visit down this way. Nice people all round. Joined in their cricket in the afternoon. Came back to Augustus at night.

Monday July 18^th 1932:

Returned to Burketown this morning and arranged for service at night. Visited the school for religious instruction. Most of the folk were at the service.

Tuesday July 19^th 1932:

Left Burketown this morning and after calling at all places en route, reached Donaldsons after tea. Had a small service during which I baptized the baby.

Wednesday July 20^th 1932:

Went on and kept going until I reached Riversleigh. Had a service here and ten the latest arrival was baptized. I had a say in the name too, giving her my favourite: Eileen.

( This is the first mention of his future wife’s name although there has been no reference to meeting her previously or a visit to McArthur River Station which her father managed. )

Thursday July 21^st 1932:

Went on this morning and after calling at the Springs, Herbertvale and Gallipoli reached Camooweal shortly after dark. Had a puncture a mile out of town too. Brought a turkey home.

Friday July 22^nd 1932:

The home has a very neglected appearance. Cleaned up inside today and did some writing. Attended annual general meeting of the hospital at night. Elected to position of Chairman.

Sunday July 24^th 1932:

( Olive’s birthday)….( My father’s sister)

Had a big roll up at S.S this morning and spent a quiet afternoon at home and a fair number out at night service.

Man of many talents

Friday June 10^th 1932:

Have been thinking that a spell out of Camooweal will be very acceptable so started today to get ready for a bit of patrol work. Found there is much to do one way or another. A lot of writing to do, accounts to settle, work to be done on the car. The end of the day found me far from ready.

Monday June 13^th 1932:

Busy day today with final preparations for the projected tour. It is marvelous what a lot is discovered needs doing when you begin to look around. The mail came in late this evening, well before time.

Tuesday June 14^TH 1932:

Loaded up this morning and was soon ready for the road but had to wait to collect the mail bags of the folk who I will be calling on. Left Camooweal at 3.30 pm and after a good run over a rather rough road reached Moorestone homestead just at sundown. Folk here had just started dinner. Good grass all out this way. O’Shannessey River provides great scenery and is bounded by giant gum trees. A different atmosphere altogether prevails here and the night although cold was wonderful under the benediction of a full moon. Very nice folk here and we had pictures this evening.

Wednesday June 15^th 1932:

Had an interesting day at the homestead wandering around among the men and talking with them all. Bill Fernie told me some interesting tales of the early days among the wild blacks. Mr McFarlane and self spent an hour fishing before tea but did no good.

Thursday June 16^th 1932:

Moved on today and after traveling 30 miles over rather rough roads came to Undilla homestead. Stayed the day here and joined in the work of the day amongst the horses and cattle and had a quiet evening with pictures and a talk.

Friday June 17^th 1932:

Left Undilla this morning and 10 miles along the road had trouble with one of the tubes and so had to put on the spare. Had lunch at Thorntonia after which saw a bit of rough riding. Went on and picked up an old German chap walking along the road. He said that this country ‘good’ when he came to it 30 years ago but now ‘close up finish’. Left him to camp at the Lily water hole while I went in to Riversleigh arriving just after dark.

Saturday June 18^th 1932:

Had an exciting day with Mr Foster in the hills on Riversleigh among the wild cattle. Rode about 30 miles and saw cattle thrown from horse back. Had an encounter with about 20 real outlaws ( cattle! ) in a pocket of the hills resulting ib two being shot. Wondered a couple of times if I had left all my affairs in order. Gave the blacks and whites an evening on the screen after tea.

Sunday June 19^th 1932:

The wind blew around all corners today and it was cold. So much so that after breakfast I got back under the blankets and stayed there for the morning. ( I know where my intolerance of the cold comes from. ) Got the kiddies together after lunch and gave them a Sunday School lesson. At night with the aid of the gramaphone had a song service, singing a number of the old hymns and before retiring had family prayers.

Monday June 20^th 1932:

Had some jobs to do on the car which kept me busy for the greater part of the day. Soldered the petrol tank, adjusted the timing and repaired the tubes. Drove out to the river before tea and helped water an old chaps garden, on account of the owner being away.

Tuesday June 21^st 1931:

Decided today to go out with Mr Foster for a few days mustering. Helped get everything ready and with 12 riding horses, 4 pack horses and 4 black boys rode out after lunch. Ran into some brumbies during the afternoon and shot two of them. Made camp at Brenda Creek. Had tea and rolled out swags, kicked off boots and leggings and soon was asleep.

Wednesday June 22^nd 1932:

Left the camp at Brenda today and went out 12 miles and mustered around Police Creek well and shifted cattle along to the Junction and then back to camp. Rather tired when reached camp.

Thursday June 23^rd 1932:

Shifted camp today and went back to police Ck well, mustered more cattle, took them to Junction and rode on and camped at Lily.

Friday June 24^th 1932:

Went out brumby shooting this morning and got 2. Do not ,like it. Met the mailman and Mr Foster went on to Gregory with him. I came on back to the station with the camp. Had five days growth of beard on but was too cold to shave so left it on.

Saturday June 25^th 1932:

Got back into the car today and there certainly is a difference in the speed and comfort to that of the horse. Pulled in to a drovers camp along the road and stayed for awhile and about 5 pm arrived at Gregory. Pulled up at Police Station. Only wife home. Constable and two others away in car and two days overdue in returning. Decided to go along the road and see if any break downs were delaying. Wife accompanied me. Drove 20 miles but no sign so returned and an hour later the party returned. Camped at Police Station.

Sunday June 26^th 1932:

Went out 12 miles and had the morning at a drovers camp. After lunch called on Mrs Barrett at the hotel and had tea there. Had a good song service at night at Police Station with aid of gramaphone and cornet. Retired late.

Monday June 27^th 1932:

Discovered this morning that it was necessary to return to Riversleigh on account of death of a black gin and sickness of another. Thought it probable would have to take sick gin to hospital. Constable and another chap came with me. On arrival found that sick gin improved, crisis passed, and dead one buried. Constable made enquiries while I fished. Spent a quiet evening with the gramaphone until time to retire.

Tuesday June 28^th 1932:

Returned to the Gregory today and on the way pulled in for lunch to the river and fished, catching nothing. Called in at Barretts and stayed for awhile, when on leaving Charlie presented us with 3 nice Rock-cod. Stayed another night at the Police Station.

More challenges.

Sunday May 22^nd 1932:

Starting two young girls off as Kindergarten teachers this morning and feel sure they will do well. Not a great many at S.S on account of the cold and mud. In spite of my lack of faith, there was a nice roll up at the service at night.

Monday May 23^rd – Wednesday 28th 1932:

( Visiting, showing pictures at night.)

Wednesday May 29^th 1932:

Started today to put new linings on the brake pads. Took car to Wilsons to do the job. Had meeting at night to form local Amateur dramatic musical society.

Sunday May 29^th 1932:

Had our usual number at S. S this morning and after lunch left for Mt Isa with four passengers on board. Stopped at several places on the way in and reached Mt isa at 10.45 pm. Deposited passengers and camped myself by the car.

Monday May 30^th 1932:

A busy morning taking patients to hospital and interviewing others already there. Attended conference of hospital and council delegates during afternoon and evening.

Wednesday June 1^st 1932:

Up and had breakfast in the dark and called for T Cronin at 6.45 am and he was still in bed. Left Isa at 7.15 am. 5 miles out found a crowd in a car stranded on account of all their tyres down. Loaned them oone to get into town. Pulled in at Yelvertoft, had lunch and stayed for a couple of hours. Called on old Jim at the ‘Dip’ and the camp of the council men on the road. Car developed a bad knock and frightened us but stopped after awhile. Got home at 6m pm. Attended meeting of A D & M Society.

Thursday June 2^nd 1932:

Started on car today to discover reason for yesterday’s disturbance and found a small stud having dropped out, the cause of it all. Started on a couple of other jobs while car to pieces.

Friday June 3^rd 1932:

“ God Save the King” ( King’s birthday holiday? )

Saturday June 4^th 1932:

Have another boarder now. Sid Day is here so as to be able to attend school. Made a place for his clothes out of petrol cases this morning and 2 sand trays for S.S. A young Chinaman in the town caused a disturbance by going off his head and wanted to hold conversation with two other chaps and myself. We got him to hospital where Dr quietened him and he is normal tonight.

Sunday june 5^th 1932:

A nice number at S.S this morning and with the addition of the 2 Kindergarten teachers, everything went very well. Rev Torlach of the Bush Brotherhood arrived today and held service at night. I did some visiting during the afternoon.

Monday June 6^th 1932:

Held a big town picnic today at Nowranie and most of the local folk went down and all spent an enjoyable day.

Friday June 10^th 1932:

Have been thinking that a spell out of Camooweal will be very acceptable so started today to get ready for a bit of patrol work. Found there is much to do one way or another. A lot of writing to do, accounts to settle, work to be done on the car. The end of the day found me far from ready.