Life never boring.

Wednesday March 1^st 1933:

Arose this morning while all ohers in Camooweal slumbered and slept. Rolled my swag and packed my port. Went across to Darcys and found them all up so took the car and went down to Beauchamps. Fixed a stretcher on the back and loaded the Mrs on to it. Victor came too fortunately. Came back to Darcys and had a cup of tea and then taking on Mr Darcy Boy set out for the Isa. Had to keep the lights on for a good while and just at daybreak had a puncture. Boiled the billy at the Buckley. Palmer Bush passed us here with a load of men on going to Camooweal. Continued on and four miles out of Isa met the ambulance coming out for our passenger. We did not think we would be so near Mt Isa and so we did not alter things. Took Mrs Beauchamp straight to the hospital where after an examination she was admitted. Had some dinner then and went to McIntosh’s and gor cleaned up. Took Boy to the mines hospital where they X-Rayed him and then kept him there. Saw Mavis and she looks very well. After tea went across again and found Boy asleep so did not awaken him. Went to Elliotts then.

Thursday March 2^nd 1933:

Sonny and I did not let up all day. Shopping, visiting the hospital, ringing up Camooweal,

getting jobs done on the car etc kept us very busy. I paid a visit to the dentist but did not get much done this time. Got Boy from the hospital this afternoon as they had recovered the needle. Saw Mavis again after tea and then went to Smiths. Hobbin arrived back from Cloncurry last night with the mission car from there. Saw practically nothing of Beauchamp today.

Friday March 3rd 1933:

Thought to get an early start today but Beauchamp held us up, wanting to do this and go everywhere at the last minute so did not leave until 10.30 am. Had a good load on. Jack Mostert came back with us too. Had a good run. Boiled up at Horse Lagoon and again at Split Rock and had a swim here. Arrived Camooweal at 5.30 pm. Delivered all my passengers and loading and then home for tea.

Saturday March 4^th 1933:

Spent a quiet day. Wandered around to several places, saw different folk and put up a railing on my verandah stair. Had afternoon tea with the Younger Set at the C.W.A hall. Got things ready for the Sunday.

Sunday March 5^TH 1933:

S.School, evening service.

Monday March 6^th 1933:

Had a clean up at home today and then went down to Wilsons to the car. Did a few things to it and then ran it out. Went out to Laffins Camp. After tea went for a swim.

Tuesday March 7^th 1933:

Spent all day at Wilsons on the car. Fixing the radiator and other jobs about it. Had to take the radiator right to pieces. Plyaed a game of tennis just before tea. Weather terribly hot.

Wednesday March 8^th 1933:

Down at Wilsons again today on the car and have finished the radiator but want the hood stayed now. Attended to some hospital business in readiness for the meeting at night. Had a good meeting although rather a lengthy one. Appointed McKenzie as wardsman.

Thursday March 9^th 1933:

Finished what I wanted done on the car down at Wilsons and so brought the car home today. Attended two meetings tonight, first one to make arrangements for Anzac Day Commemorations and afterwards the annual meeting of the tennis club. Both successful meetings.

Friday March 10^th 1933:

Spent most of today at home doing some writing. Fixed things with Mrs Davidson and Sid. Had a drop of rain at tea time. Camooweal had its fifrst talkie program toniught when a traveling show engaged the hall.

Saturday March 11^th 1933:

Helped Norman mark the tennis court this morning before breakfast. After lunch Ivy and I went out in the car to BullRing to try and charge up the battery. Ran into some nrain coming home. Was invited down to dine tonight with Mr and Mrs N.L Reilly and had a very enjoyable time.

Sunday March 12^th 1933:

S.S and night service. Very hot so swim in river.

Monday March 13^th 1933:

Weather continiuiing terribly hot and this afternoon had a few points of rain in a storm. Wind very fierce for awhile. Dave and I busy all day on hospital work getting Dr’s residemnce cleaned up for new Dr and his bride. Went down along the river and saw a man with Berri-berri.

Tuesday March 14^th 1933:

Spent some time at DR’s residence and down in the town. Rang up Avon for bore casing. Went to the school for R.I. Weather terribly muggy. No word of the mail. G.Burr got in tonight. Insects around the light in swarms. Seems as if will get rain soon.

Wednesday March 15^th 1933:

An important day for Camooweal as it brought along by plane the new DR whom we hope will bring with him an era of peace and goodwill and re-establish the hospital in favor with the community. Dave and I met them and I was most of the afternoon with them assisting them to settle in their new home. Both Dr and his wife created a favorable impression. Got the Alroy car out after lunch and got it ready for the road. Grannie Beaumont and Grannie Laffin two of the pioneers of Camooweal were given a birthday party tonight by the C.W.A and a very enjoyable function it was.

Thursday March 16^th 1933:

Today fortune did not smile on me. I got up at 4 am to get an early start for Mt Isa and picked up Lila ilson and left at 5.30. The Hudson gave trouble however and I returned after traveling 3 iles and got ‘Wiggles’ to look at the vacuum tank and it was 10.30 am before he fixed it. Left again at 10.30 and all was well. Went in to Yelvertoft and had a drink of tea. Put on 2 passengers from here. Road terrible slow from her, especially with the big car. Went in the last 9 miles to Isa on a new road and wandered around a bit amongst camps and homes before striking the main road. Dropped the passengers and then pulled up at MacIntosh’s rolled the swag out and slept. Was awakened when the family came home from the pictures.

Friday March 17^th 1933:

Jim Daly awakened me this morning at 7.45 and told me they wanted me at the hospital at 8.30 to have my teeth extracted. Did my toilet and got there and had to wait for Daly then.

Dr put me to sleep at 11 am. Very sick for awhile too. Went out and drove home at 2 pm. Had a lie down for awhile and then went up the street. Rang Camooweal and ten went around and saw Mrs Cronin. After tea went across to the mines hospital and saw Mavis and Mrs Johnston. Came back with Stan and wandered around and then across to Elliotts.

What can't he do?

Tuesday Feb 14^th 1933:

We are having real wet season weather now and no mistake. Dull and showery all day and at 3.30 this afternoon a good storm on a few minutes gave us half and inch. I had just got th the school for R.I when the storm arrived and it was nearly impossible to make myself heard. It unsettled the children altogether and I am afraid not many heard what I was talking about. There was supposed to be a meeting tonight but noone turned up at the hall and lit up as I did not go down. Suppose they waited for me to light up. Aussies are no good as cricketers. Gave Jack a hand this morning to plumb the building he is working on. He is not doing too badly for an amateur. Heard today that Carrondotta had 9 inches of rain in a very short time. Mail train only reached Mt Isa today, two days late, but it cannot be got to the P.O as there is 4 feet of water over the Leichardt bridge. Goodness knows when we will get the mail here.

There was more rain last night and it was still raining when I awoke and it continued nearly all morning. The river was well in flood and kept rising all day. The folk camped o the river all had to shift before night and some left it so late that they were surrounded and had to get help to remove their belongings. Mrs Lobbey sent up for me but when I got down there some of the men had shifted her. I had to wade waist deep through a gully to get to her camp and on the other side of the camp was the flooded river. Pattie is sick so I carried her back and left her in the hospital. Dr mad as usual. It was all I could do to get through the mud in places. Plane arrived this morning. Had sub-committee meeting at night.

Thursday Feb 16^th 1933:

What a glorious river we have this morning. More rain last night increased the flow and early this morning the river was higher than it has been for a great number of years. It certainly is a noble stream now, well out over its banks. There is 3 feet of water in Beauchamps house. They themselves are now camped back on the ridge. Alf could not take off until after breakfast this morning and then just cleared the ‘drome fence. Arthur O’Keefe called up this morning and want me some time next week to do some dove-tailing for him. Started on my last months a/c’s and Board report etc. but had to knock off off to get the dinner ready, which is a nuisance as it takes up too much time. Took the car down to Wilsons after lunch and left it there to be pulled down and down next week I will start on it to overhaul it. Called in for awhile at Reilly’s. Dr Stewart and wife and child from Cohuna ( Victoria? ) who arrived yesterday chartered the plane to take them to Avon today as it will be impossible to travel the road by car for some weeks. Avon is 50 miles out and the plane was away only one hour. Had to go round then to Mosterts and Booths in connection with some cement and tennis. Had smoko at Booths. Got bathed and cleaned and had tea and then went for a stroll along the water front. Came home and Ivy called in for some papers, so then went for another stroll.

Friday Feb 17^th 1933:

The river is keeping up rather remarkably although is of course not as high as a couple of days ago. Had an interrupted morning on account of different callers. Brain wanted me to go and help him mark the tennis court but this time I refused. I had to go down to Wilsons in connection with the car so told Brain that in passing the court I would show him where the pegs were and he could mark it himself. He did 3 parts of the marking too. Finished all my returns then and paid several a/c’s and had my mail posted by 5.30 pm. Attended after tea the special general meeting of hospital subscribers at which 5 people were present which speaks for itself.

Saturday Feb 18^th 1933:

Had a rather busy time this morning putting in a concrete hearth for G Riley. Broady the local tradesman had twice previously done the job in the last two months but it did not last. After lunch got cleaned and went around to Broady on hospital and council business which kept me a couple of hours. Had smoko at Watsons and then callede down at Cronins and across to Reillys. Had then to go back to Broady. Rather foot weary too. I miss the car. Do me good though I suppose. Had a nice sponge cake given to me before I came home. Alf not back yet, the plane has broken down at Brunette. Tennis club are holding a dance in the hall tonight. Mr Quinn is shifting to the hotel tonight under cover of darkness. Sid still here with me. ( An interesting story there? )

Sunday Feb 19^th 1933:

The country as far as the eye can see looks wonderful now. Green grass everywhere, even in our main streets. Beautiful weather also adds to the loveliness of the picture. Had the largest number of children this morning at S.School for this year. Glen came along to help also. Quite an encouraging school this morning. Spent a very lazy afternoon at home reading and sleeping. Have strung a stretcher up underneath and it is nice and cool on it. Had my Sunday’s dinner as usual at the hotel. Had a very nice service at night at which Mrs Reilly Jnr sang very nicely “ O Divine Redeemer”. She has a lovely voice. After service went across to Reillys and enjoyed icecream, soft drinks and cake.

Monday Feb 20^th 1933:
Was down the town most of the morning at Wilsons and then Synnotts getting a list of new parts wanted for the car and wiring and ringing Mt Isa for them. Called in at Cronin’s and had 11 0’clock tea. Had to drive in Synnotts car Mrs Smythe and Glen to hospital and afterwards got some more timber that was necessary for the new morgue. After lunch walked down to the river to see the folk there and heard all their troubles. Very amusing some of them are too. Walked back and had a lie off. Then got cleaned and went down the town. Did some shopping. Had my hair cut. Spent the evening at home.

Tuesday Feb 21^st 1933:

Spent the greater part of today in my castle. Had to go down and see what had been done on the car, which I did straight after breakfast. Did some drawing to act as an illustration for my talk to the children at school in the afternoon. After school went to the P.O and rang up Rocklands and got Joe Seelim. Tried to get his house in town here for Mrs Lobley but was unsuccessful. Went over later to Burrs to Georges 1^st birthday party. Visited the hospital after tea and saw the patients. 2 admitted today with gathered ears.

( Chronic ear infection) Annie not too good. The other chap, a stranger, seemed fairly well. Mrs Ah Wing has a daughter. Mr Ah Wing doesn’t want it. Why? Bill Suckling a lot better. He nearly went out to it a while ago. Ivy came down for awhile from the hospital.

Wednesday Feb 22^nd 1933:

Kept busy today in hospital business, mainly over Mrs Beauchamp. Dr is a very unsatisfactory individual to deal with and has no professional manner at all. Weather continuing very hot. The hospital patients were not feeling the best this morning.

Thursday Feb 23^rd 1933:

Another day of worry and anxiety for all and sundry with the centre of operations at the Parsonage. Beauchamp case increasing in tension. Mrs Logan had a premature baby which lived only 3 hours. Dr and hospital in trouble for this. Buried the baby this afternoon.

Friday Feb 24th 1933:

A quiet day. An appreciable change. Car still in dock, waiting on spare parts. Hard having to walk everywhere. Got my mail away today. Saw that the patients were alright in the hospital.

Saturday Feb 25^th 1933:

Beauchamp case again rears its ugly head. President of the hospital to the fore. Trouble also with the Council and Hospital Secy which had to be looked into. The case of suspected infection on the river reported byt the DR and taken up by the Council has been dropped. Had a very nice gathering at lodge tonight.

Sunday Feb 26^th 1933:

Beauchamp up again this morning before S.S. Another word to the Dr. Left it all then in his hands again. Later referred them to Mrs Reilly. A nice gathering at S.School. Had swim before tea to cool off and a fair number at service at night. Mrs L.L Reilly again sang sweetly.

Monday Feb 27^th 1933:

Great interest being taken in Beauchamp case. Aerial Dr being consulted over the phone. No satisfaction anywhere. Hospital President going grey.

End of another diary……..Tuesday Feb 28^th missing.

Rain and test cricket.

Thursday Feb 9^th 1933:

The weather is quickly warming up now and I suppose in a day or two will be as hot as ever. Had to attend to business in connection with the hospital and the A.I.M Dr which necessitated visits to several places. Had Cecil Stadhams up for dinner today. He has been 10 days on the road coming from Bourketown. Got some more writing done this afternoon and then had some cricket practice in the yard here. Late when we finished so went to the hotel for tea. Several of us went for a swim afterwards and then I came home and read until I fell asleep.

Friday Feb 10^th 1933:

Weather seems to be working up for more rain, very close and muggy today. Spent most of the day home writing, although every couple of hours dashed down to the P.O for latest test news. Woodfull and Richardson gave the boys a good start this time. Arrangements fin alized today for taking Fenton into Cloncurry on mail plane. A.I.M to defray all costs. Attended the monthly tennis committee meeting at night. Not much business to deal with.

Saturday Feb 11^th 1933:

Had to get up too early this moening, the alarm going off at 5.30 am. The mail plane took Fenton away so I got up and helped them take him across from the hospital to the plane. He was very sick too and did not look as if he would reach Cloncurry. Nurse went with him. Had an early breakfast and tthen went and marked the tennis court. Norm and Rob both helped at different periods. Wanted some sand so went out to Kaiser Ck and got a bag full. Did my Saturday morning shopping then. Larry Robertson went on the mail today so called and saw him before he went. Had a light shower of rain just at lunch time. Went to the P.O and listened in to the test broadcast: Bradman and Ponsford duds. ( Bradman made 71. England won by 8 wickets.) Spent the afternoon with the ear phones on. Static bad. Went down to Watsons for awhile after tea.

Sunday Feb 12^th 1933:

Conditions were good all day for rain and at 9 pm just after Church was over rain fell in torrents and an inch was recorded in no time. Church at night nearly had to be abandoned on account of the swarm of insects that invaded the hall when the lights were put on. The hall was filled with them and the people were kept busy keeping them off and taking them out. We struggled through however and I shortened the service somewhat. Sunday School in the morning was well attended and I spent a quiet afternoon at home. Alister and his wife called in for awhile.

Monday Feb 13^th 1933:

130 points of rain were registered up to 9 o’clock this morning and as a result it is nearly impossible to go anywhere without getting well bogged. Had to go down to Pewdwells immediately after breakfast to del;iver a letter I was given yesterday. This meant over an hour over there talking. Came home and did some writing until lunch time. Had to go down after lunch and learn the latest cricket score. Sent a telegram to Mt Isa in connection with a tank and some cement. A big storm worked up in the afternoon which made me hurry to the hospital to dig a drain around the kaustine pit and so save it from being washed in. The storm went round however and we got only the edge of it. Went down again beforev tea ans got the latest scores. Very good too. Took cricket scores to Con after tea.

Patrol Padre job description?

Wednesday Jan 25^th 1933:

Up early and patched a tube for the spare and both cars left after breakfast. Terribly rough road. Stayed awhile at THorntonia. Had trouble with my front spring. Eventually reached Riversleigh at 5.30 p,. Ran into a big storm just at the homestead.

Thursday Jan 26^th 1933:

Spent all day on the car, fixing the front spring and trying unsuccessfully to patch tubes. Tubes done./ Just before tea went down in Fosters car to the falls and had a swim.

Friday Jan 27^th 1933:

Had some more work to do on the car so decided not to leave today. Went down to the junction after lunch and did some fishing and swimming. Caught 17 fish between 5 of us.

Saturday Jan 28^th 1933:

Left Riversleigh after breakfast. Had Harry Robertson on board. Travelled slowly on a/c of rough road. Stayed awhile at THorntonia and then on to Undilla. Left there at 5.15 pm and had a great run inn to Camooweal, reaching home at 7.30 pm. Got cleaned and changed and went to lodge meeting.

Usual Sunday program.

Monday Jan 30^th 1933:

At home and around the town in the morning and after lunch took all the town out past Rocklands for a picnic. Had a great time, arriving home just at dark.

( Google search revealed Camooweal population in 1933 was 747! ? )

Tuesday Jan 31^st 1933:

Cleaning up at home and writing. After lunch went out to Rocklands. Went for a swim. Had tea and some wireless afterwards. Home at 11 pm.

Wednesday Feb 1^st 1933:

Busy at home and down the town. Got the airmail and left for Avon taking Mrs Synnott with us. Spent the morning out there.

Thursday Feb 2^nd 1933:

Had some tennis after breakfast and after ‘smoko’ left for Camooweal. Had a good run until six miles out where ran into rain from where we ploughed through mud and water all the way home. Plenty of rain continued all day. At night had a social in the CWA hall for Don.

Friday Feb 3^rd 1933:

And still it rains; good steady rain. Had to go out before breakfast and assist a car load who were well bogged and who had spent the night out. Got them in alright. Mud everywhere. Went down the street after lunch and arranged for Don to go by plane Tomorrow. Don said his fond farewells. Had a quiet evening at home looking at snaps.

Saturday Feb 4^th 1933:

“ Mother’s Birthday”

Another wet day, although rain eased somewhat. Up at 5.30 am and got Don up, after which I lit the fire and made a cup of tea which Don and I found very refreshing. Got the car to go after a bit of trouble and then drove to the ‘drome and found we were first there. The pilot and other passengers soon arrived however and we all assisted in pushing the plane out, when after warming the engine up, all got on board. A cross wind blowing strongly made the take off rather difficult but they got up without disaster and the plane was soon a speck in the distance. Got going on some correspondence after breakfast and had a talk with Mr Quinn on matters concerning the Church and Sunday School and household arrangements. Felt a bit lazy after lunch so had a read for awhile and then got cleaned up and walked through the mud to the hospital. Old chap Fenton very sick. Do not like the look of him at all. Andy was looking ‘goodo’ again. Also Mrs Warren and Matron brought the baby in for me to see. Went down to Reilly’s after tea and got some apples for Fenton and took them back to him and talked to them for awhile. Met Glen down the street and she informed me in strict confidence of her pending engagement. Got into bed as soon as I came home and looked up the Sunday School lesson, in the midst of which I fell asleep. Woke up later, put the light out and turned over.

Sunday Feb 5^th 1933:

Did not feel like getting up this morning so stayed in bed until 9.15 am. had a bit of breakfast and was called to the hospital. Fenton very sick and Dr thought it advisable to get him away for X-Ray treatment, so wanted me to make arrangemnets for A.I.M (Australian Inland Mission) plane to come out. Went to P.O and got through to Cloncurry but found that on account of the direction of the wind the plane would not be able land here, so could do nothing fufrther as ground too boggy to try and land off the run-a-way. The wet weather kept more tthan half the kiddies away from S.School this morning but some braved the conditions and came along. Had my Sunday dinner as usual at tte hotel. Was seated comfortably at my desk here after dinner when Vic Beauchamp arrived with a tale of woe concerning his wife who is I the hisotal and who the Dr says is quite well enough to be home. Vic says she is still very ill. Told him I would go and see into things so went and got Mrs Reilly as she is the visiting committee this month and we went up. Saw Dr and matron and Mrs Beauchamp with the result that although Mrs B…..is not as bad as she thinks she is, because she has no decent place to go to she is to remain a few days longer in hospital. While there we made our official tour of inspection. Came home the and got things ready for the night service. Had very nice service too, with the usual number there. Todd sang as a solo ‘Remember me O Mighty One’. Went across after church to Reilly’s and had supper and a yarn before I came home and retired. The rain seems to have disappeared although it has been very cloudy all day.

Monday Feb 6^th 1933:

It has been cloudy all day and tried to rain once or twice but that was all. Went up to the hospital and saw Jack Mostert start on his job and also had a look at the timber. Found it quite alright for the job. Got my saw out and set it and sharpened it as the one Jack is using is not too good. Was called in to see old Bill Suckling and decided his place was the hospital so took him up; had to carry him to and from the car. Took some of my washing out after lunch and washed some here at home myself, and so saved a few shillings. With others of the hospital committee went to the hospital and inspected the work being done on the morgue and also the damage the rain had done to the kaustine pit. ( Researching Google – Kaustine a makers name for furnaces so may be for heating or cremation? ) We put Eddie Hoska on to remove a lot of earth. Came home and finished my washing and hung things out and then got tea ready. Went down to get a mantle for the lamp but was unsuccessful so had to use the miller lamp. Came home and did some writing before retiring.

Tuesday Feb 7^th 1933:

The rain has gone and Camooweal awoke this morning to a beautiful fresh clean outlook on everything. As soon as breakfast was over I hopped into the ironing and soon had it finished, not being very mush to do. Went down the street then and up to the hospital in connection with the A.I.M plane and its possibility of landing here. If it comes will have to land over the river as the ‘drome is still unsafe. Rang up Cloncurry and advised them to this effect. In my opinion they do not want to come out and was further convinced of this when Dr received a telegram after lunch saying the Dr in there did not deem the case urgent and the patient could wait to go in on the mail plane on Saturday. I wired back urgently that patient in serous condition and in need of immediate removal. No reply. Visited the patients at the hospital in the afternoon in my dual capacity as minister and visiting committee. Went for a stroll after tea during which I called at Burrs and finished up at Freckletons where I stayed listening to the wireless. Not much on worth while listening to but waited until we got the resume of the days cricket play. Queensland’s second innings display appalling.

Wednesday Feb 8^th 1933:

The wind still blowing from the east is becoming much stronger so perhaps it will bring more rain before long. Telegram from Don from Townsville this morning saying had bad train trip down and rain still falling in Townsville. No further word from A.I.M Cloncurry. The contractor is getting along alright with his job at the hospital as had a look at him this morning, also the man working on the kaustine pit. Did some more writing after lunch and then went down for my bath. Had to look around for cement as ‘Broady’ refuses to sell the contractor anything for his job. Am veru disappointed in ‘Broady’ as the result of the way he has acted. Got some cement from Mrs Pedwell. Got everything ready for the hospital meeting at night which in spite of all outside talk passed off very quietly. Broady said nothing. Dr Forbes was appointed as the new Dr. After the meeting had some icecream at Reillys and then home to bed.

Another year.

Wednesday Dec 21, 22,23 1932:

Just doing various things in and around around the town. Antbedding the kitchen floor.

Visiting, antbedding the floor, writing, watering tennis courts, antbedding the floor!

Saturday Dec 24^th 1932:

Marked the courts this morning. Did some visiting around the town and up at the hospital. The town celebrated Xmas eve with a children’s dance in the hall.

Sunday Dec 25^th 1932:

Xmas Day. Had S.S as usual. Xmas dinner at Reilly’s. A quiet afternoon at home. A good attendance at evening service at close of which all except one stayed for communion.

Monday Dec 26^th 1932:

Had a picnic today at ‘Bullring’ at which nearly all the folk attended. All very tired on returning although some went to a dance at night.

Tuesday Dec 27^th 1932:

Went into Mt Isa today taking Johnnie Staunton and Alice and Claude. Got in at 4 pm. Met Don and stayed at Smiths.

Wednesday Dec 28^th 1932:

Did business for all and sundry. Saw Mavis. Loaded up and left for home after lunch. Had trouble all the way and reached home at midnight. Don got a bad boil on his neck.

Thursday Dec 29^th 1932:

Had a sleep in the morning and the was called down to decorate the hall, where I spent the rest of the day.

Friday Dec 30^th 1932:

A fair crowd in town today for the races. Took Don to Dr this morning who ordered him into hospital with a carbuncle.

Saturday Dec 31^st 1932:

A quiet day at home and at the hospital. Don not too good. Attended the Buffalo dance at night. Weather rather hot but no rain. Crowd around the town at night making a big noise.

January 1^st 1933:

Not very good start for a New Year as was unable to hold service tonight on a/c of the holiday spirit infecting the visitors and locals and carrying itself into Sunday. No children arrived at the hall for S.S this morning, the first time ever. Spent the morning up with Don.

Jan 2, 3, 4, 5, 6…1933

Quiet times at home and visiting around town and at hospital, including Don.

Saturday Jan 7^th 1933:

Went along the river this morning and again after lunch looking for a chap whom I am trying to get to go to the old men’s home in Charters Towers. Could not find him. Had some cricket in the afternoon and attended monthly lodge meeting at night.

Sunday Jan 8^th 1933:

The children rolled up well this morning for S.S and there were also a nice number out at the evening service. A quiet Camooweal Sunday.

Monday Jan 9^th 1933:

Up very early this morning and left for Mt Isa at 5.30 am taking Mrs Dawson Snr and Mrs Dawson Jnr and children. Several of them sick going in. Reached Isa at 11 am. Met all the Camooweal people in there. At 4 pm married in the church Alister and nurse. Had the breakfast at Johnnie Staunton’s. Had a party at Elliots at night.

Tuesday Jan 10^th 1933:

A busy morning doing and getting things for everybody. Saw several off on the train. Left after lunch and had Grace Dalling on for a passenger. Broke the front spring coming out. Alister and party waited for us at Johnstons Lagoon. Took Grace in to Yelvertoft. Had to travel slowly. Reached Camooweal at 12.30 am.

Wednesday Jan 11^th 1933:

Cleaning up this morning and completing business for tth various folk. Attending to hospital business and after tea had two hospital meetings, a public meeting and the usual committee meeting.

Thursday Jan 12 and Friday 13 1933:

At home and at cricket practice and Visiting Don. Very hot.

Saturday Jan 14^th 1933:

Did some work on the cricket pitch this morning and also the ground. Had some practice during the afternoon. Entertained the Mt Isa cricketers at night when they arrived.

Sunday Jan 15^th 1933:

Had a fair number of kiddies at Sunday School this morning and a nice gathering at the service at night. A match with Mt isa cricket team today resulted in a win for the visitors.

Monday Jan 16^th 1933:

( Myrt’s birthday) ?

At home today. Had several visitors. Don getting along very well.

Tuesday Jan 17..18 19 1933:

At home, mail, visiting, Don out of hospital.

Friday Jan 20^th 1933:

( Gert’s birthday) His sister.

At home and around the town. Got a lot of airmail away. Went over to Synnotts for the evening.

Sunday Jan 22^nd 1933:

A quiet Sabbath. Kiddies turned up well for S.S and had a good attendance at the evening service. Todd rendered a solo.

Monday Jan 23^rd 1933:

Did some work on the car today and after tea went down to the ‘Bore’ taking Don and Ivy.

Tuesday Jan 24^th 1933:

Harry Foster arrived in today with a patent for the hospital. Had meals up there. Did a job on his car. Don and I left town and reached Undilla at 8.30 pm. Had a puncture. Harry arrived about 10 pm.

A wedding and a concert.

Wednesday Dec 7^th 1932:

Another very busy day. Putting finishing touches to hall for concert and getting place decorated and arranged for the wedding. Then went to school ground and helped with kiddies sports, after which dashed home and got dressed and went to hall, where at 7 pm Martin and Rene, in spirit became one. Went to the breakfast at Reilly’s afterwards, only a very quiet function, and then for awnhile up to the C.W.A hall to the social given in the couple’s honor.

Thursday Dec 8^th 1932:

Had to clean up today after the wedding and put everything in order for the concert at night. Had everything up to the mark by evening. Hall packed at night and concert a great success. Promoters very pleased with themselves.

Friday Dec 9^th 1832: “ The Aftermath”

Pulled everything down and restored different articles to their respective owners. Took Mrs Rileys lino ( linoleum floor covering )back and put it down for her. ( Now I believe there ARE both Rileys and Reillys! ) Went for a swim before tea. Got my air mail away. Watered 2 courts after tea.

Saturday Dec 10^th 1932:

Up at daylight and G.Riley and I rolled and marked the courts before breakfast. Cl;eaned the place up at home and did a little extra cooking. Greased Synnotts car after lunch and saw others about going to Isa. Played tennis and had Rileys and Ivy up for tea.

Sunday Dec 11^th 1932:

Sunday School attendance will be somewhat irregular now on account of the holidays when the kiddies go visiting camps and homes out of town. It was so this morning. Did some preparation after lunch and then went for a swim. Had a fair gathering at service at night. Had supper at Reillys.

Monday Dec 12^th 1932:

Up at 4 am this morning and got Synnotts car ready and then went around and picked up Mrs Riley and 2 boys, Mrs Harris and Gordon Donaldson and left for Isa at 5.30. Had a fair run in, 2 passengers somewhat sick and had 2 punctures. Boiled the billy at Johnston’s Lagoon, reached Isa at 1 pm. Had a busy afternoon, shopping, drinking, eating, visiting. Left Mrs Harris at hospital. After tea called at both hospitals. Left Mrs Riley at Smiths. At 10 pm picked up Mrs Watson, Mrs Warren and at 11.30 left for home. Terribly tired and could not keep going but had to pull up few times to have a few minutes sleep.

Tuesday Dec 13^th 1932:

Reached home this morning at 8.30 am. Dropped my passengers and load and after a hurried clean was at the school at 9.30 am to supervise the scholarship exams. Set them going and then got on the floor and had a bit of a sleep. ( !!!!! ) Did the same in the afternoon. A big storm about 5 pm gave us an inch of rain. Mud everywhere. Ploughed my way to hall and then to Broady’s after tea in connection with council and hospital meeting, which on account of the rain was not held. Weather has been terribly hot now for weeks.

Wednesday Dec 14^th – Sunday Dec 18^th 1932:

School exams, meetings, hot weather, tennis, S.School, service and swim.

Monday Dec 19^th 1932:

Awakened early this morning and unexpectedly asked to go to Mt Isa and bring a car back. A full car load went in. Stayed at Smiths. Went to pictures at night.

Tuesday Dec 20^th 1932:

Saw the crowd off on the train and then loaded up for home. Arrived home just after dark.

Heat and Mrs Harris.

Tuesday Nov 15^th 1932:

Spent the day in visiting around the town and at the school and arranging for a service at night. Had quite a nice crowd at the evening service, after which to please the kiddies had a few games.

Wednesday Nov 16^th 1932:

An off day today. Up early and fixed the selfstarter on the car and greased and oiled up. Got ready for fishing then and when the gins had brought in some bait three of us went out in a boat along the river and caught nothing; at least I caught my finger and had to go to the hospital and have it cut out. ( The hook I assume! ) Spent most of the afternoon at Stewarts around the piano. After tea four of us went out on the raft fishing and did a bit better a Paddy caught 3 decent fish weighing 12 pounds in all.

Thursday Nov 17^th 1932:

Had to go to the hospital and have my finger dressed before leaving which I did at 7am taking Mrs Stadhams and Eric as passengers. Called at Jack Yanners and at Punjaub, had lunch at Lawn Hills and called at the Frenchmans, Louie Crk and the Springs and reached Riversleigh late in the afternoon. A q1 run of 145 miles.

Friday Nov 18^th 1932:

Left Riversleigh this morning after breakfast, following behind Schmidts who had been doing some fishing in the Gregory. Caught Schmidts and passed them about 25 miles along and 50 miles along stopped at the Seymour and had the billy boiling when they came along. After lunch I left them and went into Thorntonia and across to Undilla. Had a puncture in one of the rough crossings. Car gave trouble from Undilla in, owing to wearing in portion of the distributor. Had a bath and to bed.

Saturday Nov 19^th 1932:

Mt Isa mines tennis players were to have been here for a match today but they did not arrive so we played tennis amongst ourselves this afternoon.

Sunday Nov 20^th 1932: Disappointing S.School and service.

Monday Nov 21^st 1932: Cleaning and visiting.

Tuesday Nov 22^nd 1932:

Spent the morning at home among books and papers. Went to the school for R.I after which carted timber and boxes to the hall for the purpose of erecting a stage. Visited the hospital at night.

Wednesday Nov 23^rd 1932:

Put in a full day erecting the stage and scenery at the hall. Mr Falconer came along and helped in the afternoon. At night went along and assisted as stage manager for the first rehearsal of the concert.

Thursday Nov 24^th 1932:

Stayed at home this morning and did some reading and writing and did some more work at the hall in the afternoon. Took Mrs Harris home from the hospital because she got a bit cranky and refused to stay there any longer. She is not fit to be out as she cannot walk. There was nothing in her camp. I had to make up the bed and find her bed clothes, also wood and water, after which I left her. Went to another rehearsal at night.

Friday Nov 25^th 1932:

Got all my writing done today and away by the air mail. Called down and saw Mrs Harris, who is alive yet. Concert at night a great success, and younger set very pleased with themselves. A lot of visitors in town.

Saturday Nov 26^th 1932:

Was up before the sun this morning and with Sid as ‘off-sider’ carted two loads of water on Reilly’s lorry and watered the tennis court. After breakfast went down again and with Geoff to help we rolled and marked both courts. A hot job. Did not finish until lunch time. Got cleaned and went around to Broady’s in connection with lodge business ( not like the Masonic Lodge, this one was purely social meetings for the men ) and then spent the rest of the afternoon on the tennis court.

Sunday Nov 27^th 1932:

Had a fair number of children at S.S this morning although not as many as there could have been. A very hot day ending in a storm with plenty of wind at night. Opened up the hall for service but only one turned up.

Monday Nov 28^th 1932: Hot and windy.

Tuesday Nov 29^th 1932:

Went down to the tennis court this morning and rolled the court and it was hot, was wet through with perspiration long before I finished. After lunch went down the street and was caught in a beautiful storm over an inch, did not get home until tea time. After tea fixed my gramaphone.

Wednesday Nov 30^th 1932:

Another terribly hot day. The mail has not arrived yet but is somewhere along the road. Called in at Cronin’s for awhile this morning and this afternoon Called at Reillys and Darcys. Just on tea time we got another storm and rain continued until late into the night.

Thursday Dec 1^st 1932:

Mail got in this morning some where about 2am after a very hard trip. Took them all day at one period to do 12 miles. Went down myself this mornoing and rolled the court again. Terribly hot. Did some visiting this afternoon, calling on 5 of the loxal people. Attended a tennis committee mtg at night.

Friday Dec 2^nd 1932:

First test started today.

Got into my air mail this morning and had it all written by lunch time. Got cleaned up and then went down and called on the folk on the river. Mrs Harris still as cranky as ever. Played some tennis before tea. Attended school committee mtg after tea after which went around and got results of first day’s play. Not too good either.

Saturday Dec 3^rd 1932:

Had trouble in starting the car this morning as battery flat through a short. Got George Burr to give me a pull; went out and got a load of wood. Called down and got Mrs Harris and took her to the hospital and home again. After lunch got cleaned and took snaps at Shire Hall. Visited. Tennis. Drove kiddies home after their practice . Rileys at night. ( Are there both Reilly’s and Riley’s? )

Sunday Dec 4^th 1932:

Had to call on Dr this morning re Mrs Harris: no satisfaction. Got kiddies from river and had S.S., good attendance. Mr Mead came along to assist. Had dinner at Broady’s. Came home and prepared for service at night and then went for a swim, very nice. Had a good attendance at service. Mrs Riley sang. Had a christening. After church several of the young folk came home for awhile.

Monday Dec 5^th 1932:

Decided this morning after breakfast to wash some tea towels, seeing as how their last wash was during the ‘big flood’. Got onto the car then and put in new springs for the front engine support. Got cleaned up after lunch and went down the town. Had a ring re tubes from Les Chambers, Mt Isa. Was asked then to go out along the Avon rd and see what had become of a young chap in a lorry who went out on Saturday and has not yet reached Avon, 50 miles away. Had to come home and get into old clothes, put in petrol, water oil and other necessary paraphernalia and then went out, met the youth returning. He had only just got out of a bog in which he had been stuck for 2 days. Turned around then and came home again. Went down the town after tea and finished up with supper at Riley’s. ( I have now decided that my father has changed the spelling and there is only one Riley / Reilly. )

Tuesday Dec 6^th 1932:

Spent this morning at home cleaning up and doing some writing. Went down to the hall iin the afternoon and remained there, getting things ready for the concert. Got the final results of the cricket on the wireless and with all others was very disgusted with our men.

( First test match against England Dec 2 – 7 1932…..England won by 7 wickets! )Went along to the hall and assisted with some of the final rehearsing for the concert.