Friday June 10th 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 13th 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 14TH 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 15th 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 16th 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 17th 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 18th 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 19th 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 20th 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 21st 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 22nd 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 23rd 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 24th 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 25th 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 26th 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 27th 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 28th 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.
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