Wednesday June 29th 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 30th 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 1st 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 2nd 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 3rd 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 4th 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 5th 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 6th 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 8th 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 9th 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 12th 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 13th 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 14th 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 15th 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 16th 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 17th 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 18th 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 19th 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 20th 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 21st 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 22nd 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 24th 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.
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