A flood and a funeral.

Saturday Feb 1^st 1930:

Had a great day or rather afternoon 2 miles up the river with the Sunday School children. Glen Reilly and self gave them a bit of a treat. We spent the morning in getting things ready, cutting sandwiches etc and left after lunch. Had Reilly’s lorry which Miss Dooley Reilly drove and my bus. Both were well loaded with kiddies with a few grownups to help us look after the younger ones. Gave them buns and drinks when we arrived, 2 miles up the river. Had games etc and then took most of the children in swimming and they thoroughly enjoyed it. Got caught in a storm but all soon dried again. Had tea out there, then took them all for a drive and arrived home at 7 pm. All the kiddies reckoned they had a good time and so did we grownups. It was great to see the youngsters enjoying themselves as they get very few such outings.

Sunday Feb 2^nd 1930:

Went across this morning and helped at the Sunday School. A nice crowd there and all very interested in their S.S work. Spent the afternoon at home, reading and preparing for service at night. Not a big crowd out at night but for all that had a nice service. A nice number of children there who now sing their own hymn by themselves. Went across and had supper at Reilly’s.

Monday Feb 3^rd 1930;

Spent most the day in reading and writing and going over the car. Weather very hot and numerous storm clouds about. Am a bit dubious as to whether I will get through to Anthony’s on account of appearance of ‘big wet rain’.

Tuesday Feb 4^th 1930:

My Dear mother’s birthday. 73? not out. (This is definitely incorrect as she was born in 1878, making her 52 on this birthday.)

Loaded up the car this morning with plenty of provisions, petrol etc and started west at 11 am. Took with me as a wet road guide and a ‘pusher’ a chap from here who is out on bail awaiting trial for the shooting of a black. We had a good run through to Avon Downs. With no trouble, although in places the road was boggy. Had lunch there and left about 2.30 pm for Rankine. The road now became very wet and soft and we started to cut a track and had now to pick our own road, on the high ridges. The six mile creek stopped us for a while and we had to go along a few miles to find a crossing. Here Renton proved his worth as he knows the country and was able to show me the best tracks around the bad parts. Crossing the 6 mile Renton took off his trousers and waded through and found a crossing and then I followed in the car. From here on it was mostly second and low gear work until we got into the desert and then the going was good. Lorne creek when we got to it looked impassable and we had to wander around to find a shallow crossing. Had picked up another chap at Avon so he was an additional help. Found a crossing at last, that was only 2 feet 6 inches deep so took a risk and plunged in. Did not reckon on the force of the current though and in midstream the car started to rise and turned her nose downstream. Beck jumped on the running board and the water washed in through the door and she settled down again. The engine stopped then and I thought it was all up but the age of miracles has not passed, as although with the force of the water, practically the whole of the engine was covered, when I pushed in the self starter she started and we got out. Renton standing on the opposite bank said that at one time the water was washing right over the bonnet, that however is probably well exaggerated. A few miles further on the country in front of us was one big swamp and we started on a long detour around it. On the way we dropped into a boggy patch and there stayed. The back of the bus nearly went out of sight. Had to unload and then off came shoes and socks and into the mud we went. Could not use the shovel as the mud stuck to it, so had to use our hands. Rigged up a Spanish windlass but the rope would not hold. Worked till dark and the car was still in the bog. Had some tea and rolled out our swags. Went to sleep with a coating of mud on us.

Wednesday Feb 5^th 1930:

Up at daybreak and after an hours work got the bus out. Greatly relieved. Had some breakfast then. Moved off again and it took us five hours to do the next 15 miles. Arrived at Rankine at lunch time. Could not have got through without the two chaps I had on, to push. Had a shave, a shower and clean up here and felt much better. After lunch set off for Alexandria. Crossed the Rankine river and it took 3 hours to find a way round and through the next 2 miles, as over 2 inches of rain had fallen here the day previously. All 2^nd gear work until we reached the Buchanan and in crossing it we were bogged and had to take off the load. Got through and went another 6 miles and decided to camp as it was about 11 pm, not a cloud in the sky and we felt safe enough and were only 7 miles from Alexandria.

Thursday Feb 6^th 1930:

All were awakened in the small hours of the morning by thunder and a few drops of rain. Had only time to roll the swags and throw them on to the bus and crawl in ourselves, put up the side curtains and down it came. In a few moments there was a flood of water racing around us and before morning we had over 3 inches. The three of us sat huddled together trying to sleep until daybreak. Before we got out we opened a tin of salmon and made breakfast of dry bread and salmon. On surveying our position it was not very promising. Water as far as the eye could see. Tried to get through with the car but no good, had to leave it and making a swag of a dry change for the 3 of us, set out to walk the 6 miles to Alexandria. What a walk it was, with boots and socks off and trousers rolled up, wading through mud and water at times knee deep. Was just about done when we got in and the others were not far from being in the same condition as myself. Spent the rest of the day in recovering.

Friday Feb 7^th 1930:

Mr Johnson got the horses in this morning and several of us rode out to the car taking 3 pack horses with us and brought in all the mail and goods I had on for the various station people. It took the horses all their time to get through the mud and slush that was everywhere. Spent the rest of the day in reading and yarning to the men on the place.

Saturday Feb 8^th 1930:

Another lazy day. Reading most of the time. Intended going down with horses to pull the car in but the river came down and could not get the horses across. Had a game of golf between 3 holes, the only 3 on the course where we could walk.

Sunday Feb 9^th 1930:

Ground dry enough this morning to get a car over it, so went down in the station Chev and drove mine back. Could not get any further out, on account of the Playford being a banker, so decided to return, as I have to be in Isa for next Sunday. Cleaned the car up and greased and oiled her and left after lunch. Had a good run through to the Rankine having only to find a way around a couple of bad patches and was only bogged once and that not badly. Did not stay long at the Rankine as decided to push on while the weather was fine. Crossed Lorne Ck alright this time and then had some tea. Off again and arrived at 6 mile Ck. In the dark it was a bit difficult to find a way round but successful in the end. They had had rain from here in to Avon just recently and made the going soft but in the small hours of Monday morning reached Avon and soon had the swag unrolled and was asleep.

Monday Feb 10^th 1930:

Flies would not permit sleep after sunrise, so got up and shaved and cleaned and went down to the homestead for breakfast. Left soon after that and had a good run in to Camooweal. River was running again and had to go to the one mile to cross. Gave the car a good wash and clean up at the river, then cleaned up myself and had lunch. Had a lazy afternoon and evening.

Tuesday Feb 11^th 1930:

Reading and writing most of the day. Took Glen with me in the afternoon and went down 10 miles to Beumonts selection. Had tea down there and spent the evening and came home. There has been plenty of rain all round lately but Camooweal has missed. We have not been able to get a mail through here for a fortnight. Mt Isa has been nearly flooded out again! Larry Doyle the stock inspector, a young chap, who often travelled with me, was drowned in there. He was out on horseback and trying to swim a flooded creek, got into difficulties and hitting his head against a log, had no hope of saving himself. A couple of chaps saw it happen but evidentally could not help at all. Practically everyone in Mt Isa, I believe, was at the funeral.

The wet season.

Sunday Jan 12^th 1930:

Started Sunday School again this morning and had 19 children present and 3 teachers. Not bad for a start. Went out to Shermann’s to dinner and went to Reed’s home during the afternoon and baptised an infant ‘Thelma Gwendoline Shaw’. Had 15 out at the service at night, a bit of an improvement. Got ready for the road straight after service and moved off at 9.30 pm. Want to reach Anthony’s Lagoon this week and return if possible. Away ahead as I traveled the sky was terribly black, lit up frequently with flashes of lightning. I pushed on hoping to beat the rain but no luck. 60 miles out I ran into a sea of wate rand as I could not distinguish the road I was afraid to go on, so found a high piece of ground and pulled up. Had to rig the mosquito net as the varmints were numerous and vicious.

Monday Jan 13^th 1930:

Up at daybreak and surveyed the country. Seemed to have rained inches. Moved off ploughing through mud and water. Often had to stop and walk on ahead through the mud and water to make sure there was something solid underneath for the car. Got into one bad hole but managed to get out without much trouble. Came up to two lorries, one being bogged. Stayed there until got lorry out and then all had breakfast together of sardines and biscuits. Put the chains on my bus then and went on. Had no further trouble. Came to Inca Creek and she had been a banker. Les Warren with his lorry had been waiting since 3 0’clock yesterday to get over. I waded through and found the water 3 inches above my knees, so reckoned I could cross. Gave it a try and got through. Waited there until Les got through safely, and then had a cup of tea and some brownie with an old chap camped by the road and on again. Reached Camooweal just after lunch. Discovered that no possible hope of getting to Anthony’s. A week too late as in the last couple of days rain had fallen in inches and many of the creeks were in flood. Had then a forced stay in Camooweal until Sunday morning the 19^th when I left and returned to the Isa.

On Tuesday and Wednesday more rain fell and we had 109 points in Camooweal but up to 3 inches in some of the places around. Mt Isa in the 2 days had 5 inches and the Leichardt coming down divided the township from the mines and the railway from the P.O. Train went on without the mails. Even had to swim home from work. No hope of travelling for several days. The mail due in Camooweal on Wednesday did not get in until late Saturday night. Had a very quiet time myself for the week at Camooweal. The Georgina spreading over its banks gave us some good swimming.

Sunday Jan 19^th 1930:

Left Camooweal at 8 am and had a good run through although the road badly cut up in parts and boggy in places. Pulled up and had lunch with the telegraph linesman who is out on his lonely job. 10 miles out from Isa met the Shermann family and friends and stopped to help them demolish a watermelon. Arrived here at 4 o’clock. Went to Shermann’s for tea. Weather very unsettled. Very stormy. 10 at the service. Dust storm visited us during service and there was a rush to close doors and windows. Then came the rain and could hardly make myself heard. Cut things very short. We only got the edge of the storm here but it seemed to be heavy a few miles away. Folk had to wait awhile before could proceed home.

Monday Jan 20^th 1930:

Dear Gertie’s (sister) birthday and she is not married yet. Had to send her a telegram reminding her that time was flying fast away. Had a rather lazy day. Went across to the mines and paid a pastoral call on a Canadian lady. Also calling on her was a Unites States lady and an Australian, all who puff a good cigarette. After tea went for a run in the bus a couple of miles into the hills where I heard there was a good swimming hole. Found it and it looked nice. A few in swimming. Found also that either today or yesterday someone had been to the car and taken a fancy to my towel and togs. Hence the reason why I could not go in. Had a read before turning in.

Tuesday Jan 21^st. Wednesday 22^nd. Thursday 23rd 1930:

In Mt Isa and nothing of striking importance happening. Visiting and arranging for Sunday School and service. Had some swimming at the dam.

Friday Jan 24^th 1930:

Loaded up the car, called and got ice and left Isa at 7 am. Had a good run to Camooweal, arriving there at 12.45. A big send-off party to Dr Pincus held at Reilly’s in the evening was much enjoyed by all.

Saturday Jan 25^th 1930:

A quiet day doing nothing but writing and reading and called on a couple of folk. Would have returned to Isa today but roads not at all good for travelling.

Sunday Jan 26^th 1930:

Let early and after a rather rough and in patches boggy run reached Isa at lunch time. After lunch, got cleaned up and everything ready for service at night, then went with a young chap to the dam where a swimming carnival in aid of the hospital was being held. Did not stay long but soon returned home. Had twenty out at service at night. The most yet. Weather still very hot and looks as if rain is about.

Monday Jan 27^th 1930:

Sraightened things up during the morning as will be away for about 3 weeks and left for Camooweal after lunch . The road is getting badly cut up and in places very boggy. Had a chap with me wanting to get out of Isa. Reached Camooweal an hour after dark. Would have been in earlier only came across a lorry with a blow out so stopped and gave them a hand and had tea altogether.

Tuesday Jan 28^th – Friday 31^st 1930:

Four days in Camooweal. Reading and writing and visiting and doing a few odd jobs about the place. Rather a slow time though as there is not much chance here to do much.

The Isa and the 'Curry (Mt Isa and Cloncurry)

Wednesday Jan 1^st 1930: NEW YEAR’S DAY.

A terrible start for the new year. Cleaned up my room for a start and then took the car down to the river to wash it. Had just finished the job, when the Avon car, a big Buick, driven by a foolish girl, crashed into the crossing, swamped everything with water and stayed in the middle. Had to back my bus in then and tow them out and up to town. Last night or early this morning had a similar experience. The Dr had taken the matron for a spin after the dance, out a couple of miles and in turning around, not watching what he was doing, backed into a bog. They had to walk in the two miles and then he came and roused me out to go out and tow him in. Had a sleep after lunch and then went across to the races. Frightfully tame, not even a ‘bookie’ present. Sat in the car and read a book while I was there. Only bit of excitement was when a jockey was bucked off. A big dance at night. Showed myself at the start and then went home for a sleep and went back in time for supper. Cannot realize though that Xmas and New Year has come and gone. Last New Year’s Day I was at Shelley Beach with the Caledonians. How different to this.

Thursday Jan 2^nd 1930:

Had another go at the car this morning to find out the trouble with the lights but again unsuccessful. A crowd of us went out for a swim in the afternoon, all very nice. Went to a fool of an entertainment in the hall at night.

Friday Jan 3^rd 1930:

Intended leaving early to reach Mt Isa by lunch but could not get away until after lunch. The road cut up a lot and traveling was slow. Took us 6 ½ hours to come in. Doyle the stock inspector traveling with me. Went around to Mrs Hanlon’s and had tea of fried eggs on toast and came home and turned in.

Saturday Jan 4^th 1930:

Feeling fairly tired so did not rise until 8.30 am and so missed breakfast. Was not hungry however. After a clean up went across to the mines, intending to call on several but got to Templetons and got no further. Called on a few this side during the afternoon. After tea went to a strike meeting but it was very orderly and nothing happened. Met several and had a yarn, then 2 squashes and home to bed.

Sunday Jan 5^th 1930:

A lazy day. Rather hot and terribly windy with the result that the whole town was lost in the dust. It tried to rain in the evening and we had a couple of showers but nothing more. Read and slept most of the day myself. Had service at night but only 11 came out. Did some writing before turning in.

Monday Jan 6^th 1930:

Had a general clean up this morning and a burn of a lot of rubbish. Did a house to house visitation this afternoon and found everyone very nice. Visited 20 camps and homes and found 6 Methodists in all, 7 R.C’s, 4 C of E’s, and 3 Presby’s. A fair number of mixed marriages but am claiming all where there is a Methodist in the family. Not too sure that many are Church goers. Weather much cooler but still terribly windy.

Tuesday Jan 7^th 1930:

Continued the good work of wandering among the folk, introducing myself and making the folk introduce themselves. Cannot altogether say I like doing the rounds in this manner but it has to be done I suppose. Heard various tales from the different ones of the general corruptness of the whole place and the evil living of different ones. All very interesting in its way. Mt Isa is not yet heaven on earth. Several additions to the police force have arrived in the place and the newspaper reports on the reign of fear and terror in this place are more alarming than truthful. The effects of the beer strike both for good and evil are nevertheless being felt.

Wednesday Jan 8^th 1930:

Was up at 4 am. Far too early. Caught the train at 5 am for Cloncurry. A big number traveling. Had to sit up, no chance of going to sleep. An uneventful trip in. Arrived ‘curry at 12 noon. The all important pastor of the ‘curry, the very Rev C.Gribble B.A, with the broken down Oldsmobile car was there to meet me. The Parsonage in a state of total disorder, the carpenters being on the job repairing. Phillipson and Griffiths gave me a warm welcome and a cold lunch. Beckett’s budget was the tablecoth. Sh! May this not be heard at Conference. In fairness to brother Gribble he was not the offending party, not having had a bath for a couple of days, soon remedied the omission. Lazed around and before tea went and did some business down the street. Griffiths took me to pictures at night. Cecil had a mothers’ meeting.

Thursday Jan 9^th 1930:

A full day’s washing and ironing. BothCecil and myself put through three weeks washing and hadf out over 3 big lines full. A great effort and worthy of much commendation, which we gave to ourselves. Our efforts brought forth various comments from neighbors, some kind, some unkind. At evening it was ‘every picture tells a story. Finished up in time to see one or two on important business, before going to the hotel for dinner. Called and saw a sick lady after dinner and another couple of folk. Finished up a bit of ironing before turning in.

Friday Jan 10^th 1930:

The return trip to Mt isa. Only difference from the trip in being that my clothes were and myself were spotlessly clean, when I started. Went to Shermann’s for tea and stayed there for a while and then home? To bed?

Saturday Jan 11^th 1930:

Did some writing and preparation for Sunday. Went to a strike meeting at night. A barber with a wife and five children, because on one occasion a picket was suspicious of his movements at the hotel, was declared black. Since that he has done no business. At the meeting he sent in a declaration protesting his innocence and a vote was taken as to whether the embargo would be removed. I with others voted in his favor but the committee who counted the upraised hands counted the majority against him. When a division was asked for it was not granted. Biddler and Wilson, cordial manufacturers were also put out of business through being declared black. Smith, one of the publicans, whose picture show has been blackened, opened again tonight and about 500 men went in and I believe about 70 attended. A hospital carnival across the river was not popular this night and very few were there. For a while I was there in case there was anything to do but soon came home.

Goodbye 1929

Tuesday Dec 24^th 1929:

Another hot dusty day and I am quite unable to realize that tomorrow is Xmas day. Did some writing and reading and after tea went up the town. Plenty of people walking about, all doing the same as myself, nothing. Beer strike continues, no drunks about. Plenty of grofg arrived on the train though for individual people. The ‘basher gang’ has struck terror in the hearts of many who have been drinking as thety have caught some and knocked them about unmercifully. Majority of people are now well armed and are taking no risks. No entertainment of any sort in the town, some kids let off fire crackers. A rotten Xmas eve.

Wednesday Dec 25^th 1929:

Xmas day 1929. Had a service in Mt Isa at 8 o’clock, only a few out. With Todd Kennedy left straight after service for Camooweal. 8 miles out met a chap with his car, a Hudosn, stopped in a gully and could not start it. Fiddled around for a while and then had to tow him out. Had no ropes so used a sapling and a couple of pieces of wire. Could not leave him stranded there very well on Xmas day so turned around and brought them back to Isa and made a fresh start. This delay made us miss our Xmas dinner as did not reach Camooweal until 3 o’clock. The big spree was all over but some was saved for us so we had some turkey duck and ham and plum pudding which was not too bad. A crowd then went out a couple of miles for a swim which was very nice. Returned in the evening and had the service at night when a nice little crowd turned out. Went across to Reilly’s afterwards and talked and played the gramaphone.

At midnight someone suggested games which were indulged in for an hour, then Mr and Mrs Reilly’s health was drunk etc etc and all went home to bed.

Thursday Dec 26^th 1929:

Boxing Day and nothing doing. In Camooweal all day. Writing and cleaning and fixing the bus. Had an evening in the hall at night which I attended for a while and then home to bed.

Friday Dec 27^th 1929:

Another quiet day. All went for a swim in the afternoon which was much enjoyed and did nothing at night.

Saturday Dec 28^th 1929:

Left at 7 am en route for Mt Isa. Had a rotten trip as I did not want to come to this place at all. Got in in time for lunch, so went across and had some. Did some visiting in the afternoon, trying to find some Methodists and found a couple. Thought we were going to get some rain, but failed. Went over to Sherman’s after tea and stayed there for a while.

Sunday Dec 29^th 1929:

Reading and writing during the morning and went out after lunch to tell a few more about service but on account of the heat everyone was sleeping so gave up and came back. Very few at Church at night. Visiting did no good. Good crowd all day attending 2-up school across the road.

Monday Dec 30^th 1929:

Two days I this place quite sufficient, so getting everythiong done this morning I had to, and after doing some shopping for different ones at Camooweal decided to go out there again.

Took Bill McAlister out with me : ‘nuff sed’. Discovered that a lot of rain had fallen on Saturday between Isa and Camooweal. Had frequently to leave the road to avoid bogs. Road soft and cut up. Water in all the creeks but not high enough to stop us going through. Slow traveling. Twice got into nasty patches but managed to get out. A bad bog on the 40 mile plain. Got there at 8 pm. Found 4 lorries and 2 cars there, just got through. Some had been there all day and had had an awful time. All were covered in mud. Some Yanks, just out and going through to Lawn Hills, were completely fed up. These lorries had cut a track, so had no trouble myself getting through. Went on leaving the others scraping off the mud. Passed a couple of other cars further on, just going and that was all. Arrived Camooweal at 10.30 pm leaving a string of lorries and cars following behind. Delivered ice and other parcels I had bought out and had something to eat and then to bed.

Tuesday Dec 31^st 1929:

Had a day of cleaning up. Washed, ironed quite a number of articles, urgently needing the application of water. Helped decorate the hall for the concert and dance at night in aid of the C.W.A. Was on the gate until 10.30 pm and collected 18 pounds 10 shillings from those going in. A fair crowd in the town, arriving for the Hospital Benefit Race meeting on the morrow. Some toughs too, who have wandered out from Mt Isa, spoiling the respectability and peacefulness of our little town.

Pre-Christmas and a wedding.

Tuesday Dec 17^th 1929:

Nobody wanting a trip to Burketown so up at 9.15 am and left on my own. A hot day and feeling dopey myself on account of having a heavy cold. Made the old bus go stopping only for a few minutes at the various places along the way. Did not stop for lunch but ate a few sandwiches as I went along. The car takes a lot of water and had to stop often to fill the radiator. Became very sleepy about 2 o’clock and found myself dozing frequently. Did go off once and was brought back to reality as the car bounced in and out of a great hole in the road. After that stopped and slept for a quarter of an hour and went on feeling ‘goodo’. Reached B urketown, 230 miles from Camooweal, at 8.30 pm just about a record trip. Pulled up at the P.O and unloaded. Graciously received by P.M (Post Master) Young and joined later by another young chap. Boiled the billy, had some tea, talked for a while, had a shower, unrolled the swag and turned in.

Wednesday Dec 18^th 1929:

Spent the morning in writing, the afternoon in calling on a few of the folk. Had a visit from the bridegroom to be, who desired the wedding postponed until tomorrow. Had a couple of sets of tennis after tea which I enjoyed very much. Spent the evening with several others over at Mrs Shadforth’s . A hot day but a cool sea breeze came up at night which was not hard to take.

Thursdat Dec 19^th 1929:

Went over the bus before breakfast and greased and oiled her all over. Did some writinfg and called on some other folk. Went across to the hall and swept it out and got it ready for the wedding ceremony. Went over at 2.25 to wait for the contracting parties. The best man, who was returning from Cloncurry, held up proceedings by being late and in the end a substitute had to be found and the ceremony was gone through. Everybody looked nice, but I do not know what the bride wore, or the bridesmaids (3 in all) either. Had a very light breakfast at the house, where I took the chair and could get noone to speak, so had to do the honors all round myself. The husband was very anxious to get it all over and get out to their home, about 60 miles out, to which they were going direct, and in the end they left about 5 o’clock. I wanted to get straight away myself then but as the P.M, who is going on holidays wanted to come with me, I waited until he handed over to the relieving man and so did not leave until 10.30 pm. Had another chap and a black on as well but dropped them 35 miles out. Had mail for different ones along the road which I left on their front gate posts and endeavoured not to wake anyone. Kept going until 1.30 am and then pulled up, rolled out the swags and went to sleep.

Friday Dec 20^th 1929:

Started on the road again at 6 am and in half an hour came to a selector’s home. Here there was a baby to baptise and I though by getting there early to hurry them up and so get going again. They took their time however, and had breakfast first and after 2 hours delay, went through the ceremony and we were able to move off again. Had no more big stops, only at a couple of places to deliver mail, to refill with water and petrol and once to have a bit of a sleep to freshen me up, and at one to have a cup of tea, did we stop at all. It was a hot day too and made one very drowsy at the wheel. Reached Camooweal at 4.45 in the afternoon and went straight to the pub for a good iced drink. Got some mail and then got cleaned up for tea. An Xmas tree and treat for the kiddies at night , given by the C.W.A was a great success. Most of the children were in fancy dress and they looked well. Father Christmas arrived and gave each child a present from the tree. The kiddies had a few dances for themselves and late the grown ups took to the floor for a while, but it was agreed by everone to be a most successful evening.

Saturday Dec 21^st 1929:

Getting ready this morning to journey to Mt Isa and at 2.30 in company with Mr Young left Camooweal. Frightfully hot weather, hanging around 112 to 115o. Lack of sleep, the heat and glare made driving very tiring and 30 miles out we had to pull up and have a doze off for a quarter of an hour and felt better afterwards. 30 miles out of Isa the lights failed and so had to finish with only the spot. Not too good, missed the road a couple of times and went over a big stump another. Got here at 9.30 pm. Pulled up at the Church, found G Moores in possession. Went down town and had supper, back again, rolled swag out on the floor and was soon asleep.

Sunday Dec 22^nd 1929:

Went across with G.Moores to an eating house for breakfast. Rather a rough place but cheaper than the hotel and food good. Language of men and women very free at all times. Having a parson there has made a bit of difference. Have to sit on boxes but all in the life. Combined unions today gave the kiddies an Xmas treat of a full days sport. Only a few turned up to Sunday School. Did a bit of visiting myself and went to the sports for an hour. Great crowd there. Terribly hot 115o. Had service at night but only a dozen out. Sports too much for tgem. Not keen on being in this place at all.

Monday Dec 23^rd 1929:

Tried to straighten things out a bit here and make the place livable which is well nigh impossible. It is like an oven to be in this room at any time. Have my swag rolled out on half a mattress for my bed, with a mosquito net over all to keep out the flies. Can keep nothing clean on account of the dust that is always present and penetrates everything. Water is scarce and has to be carted at 5 shillings a hundred gallons. No hope of a bath or shower. Had a go at the car and tried to find out what was wrong with the lights but unsuccessful. Went around for a while to Sherman’s for tea.

To Townsville then on the road again.

Friday Dec 6^th 1929:

Thought to get away this morning by car with a chap going to the ‘curry but was 3 o’clock when started out. Had a ‘blowout’ on the way in delaying us. Stopped at Duchess and then at the Burke river for tea. Called at Malbon hotel and had a beer and eventually arrived at Cloncurry at midnight. Cecil was just going to bed, so after having another ‘beer’, this time at the Prsonage made up a bed and retired.

Saturday Dec 7^th 1929:

Upon inquiry found that I cannot with any certainty get to Townsville before Wednesday night so will not be leaving until Tuesday’s train. Spent the morning in trying to get Mencar’s car in going order and it now goes sometimes. Gribble conducted a funeral this afternoon so went to that after which went and gave the boys a hand putting down and ant-bed tennis court. Had a bit of fun with the car as she would not start an so missed tea at the hotel but rang up a private place and told them I was coming there to eat. Pictures at night.

Sunday Dec 8^th 1929:

A hot day although not much worse than any others of late. Gribble is sure he will not last two months of this and wonders why this country was ever taken from the blacks. Slept most of the afternoon and went out to Young’s for tea. Helped Cecil with the service at night. Not many out, perhaps too hot for them. Cecil very self-important now has charge of a Church. Remarkable change from the carefree individual of a few weeks ago.

Monday Dec 9^th 1929:

Acted as the Rev C Gribble’s chauffeur as I refuse to let him take the car on his own, seeing as he either walks home or rings me and I have to go and start it for him. Took him to the school for religious instruction and called for him again. Went in with the other parsons, 2 Prebytuys, a C of E and Wowser, to the H T residence and had morning tea. Drove him to the hospital for an innnoculation against typhoid, where I also met some of those who nursed me back to health and strength when I first came to the ‘curry. Went out n7 miles in the afternoon and called on the lady whose husband Cec buried on Saturday. The old lady is full of trouble at present, with her bereavement and then her son is awaiting trial for misappropriating 600 odd pounds of the local council’s funds while her daughter has also been in trouble. She reckons she is having more than her share.

Tuesday Dec 10^th 1929:

Packed up and at 11 am went to the station. A chap from Camooweal was going down so we traveled together. About 100 chaps from Isa came in the morning and caught the train and as

no beer strike here they made up for the enforced ‘dry stage’ of the past weeks. We intended traveling 2^nd but with all those carriages taken by the Isa element such as it was, we changed to first and had a compartment all to ourselves right to Townsville. Very hot traveling and read and slept alternatively.

Wednesday Dec 11^th 1929:

Still traveling and a quiet day on the train. The drunks are truly dead drunk and lying like logs all over the train. Got to Charters Towers about 2 o’clock and during the stay of about 20 mins rang up my friends and told them to expect me to call on the way back in a day or two. Reached Townsville at 6.30 pm. and intended to stay at the chap’s place with whom I traveled but discovered the agent had let his place and so we had to go to an hotel. Not a bad place to stay though. In the main street but very quiet and clean

Thursday Dec 12^th 1929:

A busy day. All the morning down at the ‘Ford’ shops, fixing up about the car and getting it ready for the road. The car looks alright and ought to do the job. Shopping and attending to other business all the afternoon. After tea McKechnie and I relaxed and sauntered down to thte beach. It was great to get a sea breeze again and see and smell the briny. We walked away out on a breakwater and sat down and enjoyed the position to the full. What a contrast to Camooweal. I wanted to go for a swim but Mac was not keen at night and suggested early in the morning but that meanbs no swim at all. Walked back up the town and had icecream and drinks and then back to bed. Met Rev Hall during the afternoon and true to our calling we went to a cafe and had afternoon tea, Hall ‘shouting’.

Friday Dec 13^th 1929:

After getting everything ready and calling on Rev Lapthorne and out nto West End to see Rev Hall, went and got the car which was all ready for the road. Went across to the Federal Hotel in South Townsville and picked up Eric Mulcahy, who has been attending Christian Brothers college in Townsville and who is going home to Camooweal. Had lunch there at the hotel and left Townsville at 2 o’clock. With no mishap, covered the 84 miles to Charters Towers by 6.15 pm. The road not the best, over hilly country all the way. Left Eric at the White Horse hotel and went on to Lams where I stayed the night. After tea drove the three girls over to the park where there was a big fete on in aid of the local band. Got robbed of a few bob while there and also two of tge girls but managed to keep hold of one. A big crowd but after a few months in the west too much glitter and noise for me.

Saturday Dec 14^th 1929:

Had some business to do in the Towers, after which at 10 am set out once more heading west. Kept going , stopping only at lunch time to boil the billy and lunch of bread and cheese. Found a chap stranded in one place having run out of petrol, so fixed him up for 12 shillings and sent him on his way. Filled up with benzine at Hughenden and went on. Finished the cheese for tea and off again. Picked up a couple of chaps who wanted to get to Cloncurry and put them in the back. One seemed a decent cove , but the other was a real ‘hobo’. Called it a day at 10.15 pm, after doing 230 miles, so pulled up and rolled in.

Sunday Dec 15^th 1929:

Up at 5 am and after breakfasting off boiled eggs, set off at 6 0’clock. The road much better now, as right in the open downs, very hot though. Pulled the garage man out of bed at Richmond at 7.30 am and got some benzine and off again. Nothing eventful during the day, nothing to see. Went through a few patches where rain had fallen making the country green bt the road rough. Reached Cloncurry at 5.30 pm after 200 miles had been traveled. Oiled and greased the car all over and then got cleaned for tea. Went to Church, collected several things to take out, listened to a band concert for a while and retired.

Monday Dec 16^th 1929:

Up at 5 am and were soon on the road. 30 miles out stopped, boiled the billy and had breakfast. Reached Duchess at 9.30 and Mt Isa at one o’clock. Got stuck awhile in a sandy crossing and had a puncture, delaying us for a while. Had lunch in Isa and left there at 2.30 pm. Pushed the bus a bit from there and had a good run to Camooweal arriving at 8.15 pm, with 270 miles for the day. Eric’s mother very excited at seeing her son as we were not expected. He was splendid company and I enjoyed having him. Got shaved and cleaned and went and got the mail. Delivered several parcels and had tea and supper combined at Reilly’s. Got a few things ready for Burketown trip and retired.

Storm and beer strike.

Monday Dec 2^nd 1929:

Had glorious storm here last night, with wonderful rain, registering 2 ¼ inches. The roads in a few minutes were rivers. Everyone was wildly excited and took great delight in getting wet. It left the roads and streets frightfully boggy though and the Church service had to be abandoned. Cannot get into Isa today now as the lorry would not get far on the road at present. The mail lorry left this afternoon and dug tracks a foot deep going out of the town and everyone tips he will not get far. The Georgina river ran as a result of the rain and with a long stretch of water just outside the town the place does not look so forsaken and desolate.

Tuesday Dec 3^rd 1929:

Decided to give the roads another day to dry, harden before taking the lorry over them, so am still in Camooweal. Went out to Kaiser Ck this morning and helped a chap cart some sand and the road was very soft.

Wednesday Dec 4^th 1929:

Left this morning at 7 o’clock with Les Warren on his lorry. Four of us altogether going in. Two of us, as the lorry was empty, deposited ourselves in the back and unrolling my swag stretched out to it. It was rough though and left me with many bruises. 50 miles out a car caught up to us and took my mate ‘of the back of the lorry’ with them and so I had all the lorry to myself. The sun was relentless to and had no mercy, exposed to it as I was all day. The car that passed us, a little further on became bogged and when assisting them out we were nearly bogged ourselves. 16 miles from Isa came across another lorry of the ‘firms’broken down, so after shifting 50 cases of benzine from it to our lorry, and hitching it to ours, towed it in, myself supervising the steering of the disabled lorry. One thing above all else, Mt Isa is known for, is its dust and for the 16 miles I got it all, seldom seeing any more than the hood of the lorry in front of me. Hoped to have a good sleep but a beer party on ‘black beer’ settled that and in the end took my swag up the yard and reposed on mother earth whose breast was hard and stony.

Thursday Dec 5^th 1929:

Having made enquiries about trains etc, found that having missed the ordinary, would have to take a chance on specials otherwise could not get from Cloncurry to Townsville until Tuesday. May get away from the ‘curry on Sunday night, as a train leaves

There but just not sure if connects right through. Went around the place and saw one or two. Asked G Moores to take the service Sunday but as he was not too willing did not press him, so am leaving things until I return. The beer strike is still on although a fair amount of ‘black beer’ is being ‘put down’. The ‘pubs’ had a win the other day as they managed to get one of the ‘pickets’ well drunk and had him arrested. The town is very quiet and orderly though and quite a contrast to prior to the strike.