A brand new year! 1931

Saturday Dec 27^th 1930:

Had to go out to ‘Bull Ring’ this morning as cricket bat and ball had been left there yesterday. Had a cricket match this afternoon when the ‘locals’ played ‘all comers’. Weather has cooled off. Beautiful cold nights.

Friday Dec 28^th 1930:

Had S.S this morning, a quiet afternoon at home and service at night. A fair number out, although not as many as could attend.

Monday Dec 29^th 1930:

Weather still nice and cool but looks as if it will not last too long. Had a good clean up of the ranch. Did some writing and had cricket practice. Went for a swim.

Tuesday Dec 30^th 1930:

Weather starting to warm up again. Temperature round about 100on again. Reading, writing and swimming and mended 3 tyres and tubes.

Wednesday Dec 31^st 1930:

Spent the morning in washing and polishing the car and she now looks as good as new. Went out to Rocklands to fix up some papers for a chap. Went down to a camp and Christened an

‘Austral-China’ baby. A dance in the hall aqt night to which all expect myself so went. Spent

the last of the old year reading the last of the ‘Spectators’ received. Capt Matthews arrived today on his way to Darwin, there to sart his attempt on the breaking of Kingsford-Smith’s record. He stayed the night. A few ‘extras’ in town but all very quiet. A few tin banging around midnight.

1931

Thursday Jan 1^st 1931:

A hot day ushers in the New Year. A fair number in town. A days’ racing held here in aid of local hospital. For myself slept most of the afternoon in a Turkish bath. Another big dance at night. But did not patronize it. Weather is getting too hot for anything now.

Friday Jan 2^nd 1931:

Another hot day. Coolest spot in the town is under Reilly’s cottage which is up on high blocks and there it was 106o. Did some reading and writing and at night went to a show given by a traveling company and it was awful.

Saturday Jan 3^rd 1931:

Still the heat continues and no sign of rain. Went shooting this afternoon but only got 5 ducks. Visited the hospital patients this evening.

Sunday Jan 4^th 1931:

No change in the weather and the river the only place can get cool, although even here the surface water is hot and no good until stirred up. Had S.S this morning. A quiet afternoon at home. Service at night. Not many out.

Monday Jan 5^th 1931:

Returns. Heat still prevails. Spent the greater part of the day writing and making up last months returns. Too hot for anything else. Took a sick chap up to the hospital.

Tuesday Jan 6^th 1931:

Another day of writing and when the mail came in reading. Papers mostly as got no letters worth mentioning. Weather continuing very hot. Up to 116o in some places in the shade.

Wednesday Jan 7^th 1931:

Finished up a bundle of correspondence today and posted 14 letters. Not a bad effort for me. Got ready for plane trip west to Anthony’s Lagoon in the morning. Am not looking forward with pleasing anticipation to the trip. A full plane tomorrow so mechanic has to stay behind. Have the offer of going on to Bairdum (?) and back to Anthony’s Lagoon if I like to take it.

Thursday Jan 8^th 1931:

Up at 5 am and left by plane at 6.30 am. Rather windy weather although trip was not very bumpy. Came down at Alexandria and Brunette and while doing so all that was inside me nearly came up. Just before coming don at Anthony’s though everything did come up much to the discomforture of the other gentleman passenger and the two ladies, the ladies who by the way are daughters of wealthy Americans. Was full up of flying by this so did not go on. Took until lunchtime to recover and then spent the afternoon in working on the car I was to take back to Camooweal.. Had a wind and rain storm about 5 pm. An airforce plane arrived with pilot and mechanics on board before dark and stayed the night. A cool night with rain threatening.

Friday Jan 9^th 1931:

Sky thickly overcast this morning and every indication of heavy rain. Had a light storm at breakfast time but weather fine again by lunch. Air force plane got off just before lunch and mail plane arrived back just afterwards. Finished getting the car ready for the road. Went over to the store and police station. Loaded up after lunch and at 3 pm left for Brunette. A lot of water on the road going through the desert but unfortunately the downs were quite dry. Stopped and had a yarn with a chap camped on the road whose lanmguage was well embellished with numerous adjectives. Car went fairly well a nd eventually I reached Brunette just as they were finishing tea. Had a wash and then ate up the fragments that remained. Spent the evening yarning with Mr Nelson and retired at 10 pm. A hot night with a little rain at one period.

Saturday Jan 10^th 1931:

A nother dull morning but no rain. Got the bus ready to proceed. Had to make a wide detour on leaving Brunette to cross the creek going bush. Terribly rough and 8 miles of it . Mr Nelson went first in his car and led me out. Struck some heavy going about halfway but managed to keep going. Passed several travelers with their ‘packs’ going west. Reached Alexandria at 11 am and learned that no possibility of going o as at the Buchanan, 12 miles along, 3 inches of rain had fallen. Spent afternoon and evening reading, sleeping and talking.

Sunday Jan 11^th 1931:

Decided to go on and see what was ahead. Another car load came out with us. Could find no crossing over a bad swampy creek just before reaching the Buchanan River. A car from Rankine had come to the other side and had to pull up. Folk from Rankine over and we all went back to Alexandria. Came down in the afternoon and I decided to attempt a crossing. Had a car each side so thought I could be pulled out if could not cross myself. Went back a long way and raced at the water and mud in second gear. Would have got through easily only the water splashed up into the distributor and stopped the engine. Pace ai was going it carried me nearly through but not quite. Car on the other side could not pull me out so had to go and cart ……and blocks and ant bed and make a dry road out. Five of us worked all the afternoon until sundown, in the mud when out the car came. Crossed the Buchanan safely where as much as as possible of the mud was washed off and then our two cars had a good run of 30 miles to Rankine reaching there at 9 pm. Had a bath, some tea and then bed.

Monday June 12^th 1931:

Up at sunrise but it took me 2 hours to get the old bus started. Have blisters from turning the crank-handle. Got her going at last and left Rankine at 9 am by this time well loaded with mail and parcels from all along the road. Did thte 50 miles to Avon in good time from where I rang Camooweal and let them know I was still in the land of the living. Had lunch here and on to Camooweal, the last 50 miles, reaching here at 3.30 pm. Delivered mail and parcels, letters and car and then had a good bath and clean up. Retired early and slept well.

Tuesday Jan 13 th 1931:

Got the mail this morning and spent all day in reading letters and papers.

Wednesday Jan 14^th 1931:

Airmail in today also several station cars, being as it is council meeting day and hospital meeting. Was elected myself as one of the hospityal committee through a vacancy occurring by a committee man leaving the district. Paid a visit to the hospital and looked up ll the patients. Did some reading.

Thursday Jan 15^th 1931:

Another hot day ending in the afternoon in a light shower, but which looked as if we were going to get inches. Heavy rain seems to have fallen in different places round about. Did some reading and writing during the day. Ice cream was very popular although prices very high.

Friday Jan 16^th to 23^rd 1931:

One whole week. In Camooweal all the time. Weather continuing very hot but still no rain. Epidemic of whooping cough seems to be gaining ground. Only six at S.S on Sunday morning and no service at night. A dance was organized during the week and oly a handful attended, not sufficient to pay the rental of the hall so something is wrong in the town. Went around and called on all the folk and there is more or less a very uneasy feeling all round. The families in which there is whooping cough are remaining at home because they have it and those who have not got it are remaining at home in order to avoid getting it. Visited the patients at the hospital a couple of times, only 3 on the sick list, two being little girls with the prevalent ailment, rather ill too. Have the car in the shed at present doing a couple of jobs on it while there is no chance of traveling. Have also been doing a fair amount of reading and a little study. A heavy fall of rain a good few miles out brought the river down and it is now higher than it has been since I came out here. For 24 hours all means of traveling west by car was impossible as both crossings were a swim. (?) There are now a couple of very good places handy to the town for swimming which is freely indulged in.

Christmas 1930.

Thursday Dec 11^th 1930:

Left on another attempt to reach Wandangi, after breakfast. Took STan THompson with me this time. A terrible chap to talk and all about himself. Road fairly good now although still have to be careful as plenty of bad patches. Got caught in one for a while through being too lazy to out the chains on. Called at several places on the way and just at dusk reached Lake Nash. Could not cross the river with the car so had to leave it and row across and walk up to the house. Stayed the night there.

Friday Dec 12^th 1930:

Had breakfast at sunrise and left immediately afterwards. Stopped for a while at ‘The Dip’ and watched some branding going on, called at Headingley station and reached Wandangi for lunch. A bit of a gloom over the town on account of a little girl having died a few days ago, and a chap well-known in the district dying today in Mt Isa hospital through having been kicked with a horse. Spent the afternoon visiting all the folk. Did intend staying here over the weekend but storm clouds gathering made me hasten my departure. Had a service this evening and a talk to S.S children afterwards and I hope S.S will now run more smoothly.

Satiurday Dec 13^th 1930:

UIp and away by 5.30 am. Had a drink of tea at Headingley. Ploughed through 8 miles of mud and water. Found the wet sand at the Templeton rather treacherous, but got across. Had a good dry run home qfter that and reached here at 4.30 pm. Camooweal had an inch of rain last night.

Sunday Dec 14^th 1930:

Took S.S this morning with 34 present and a large order to manage on my own. Did ssome reading and preparation for service at night. Had a nice number out. Supper afterwards and bed. Alexandria car came in this morning with the news that the butcher out there had committed suicide, taking strychnine because the girl he loved had gone away.

Monday Dec 15^th 1930:

Had a lazy day doing practically nothing at all. Buried the Constable from Lake Nash who died while being brought to the hospital.

Tuesday Dec 16^th 1930:

Attended to all my Xmas mail today, posting numerous cards. Got the ordinary mail this evening.

Wednesday Dec 17^th 1930:

Started a job today making a yard in playground for Mrs Jackson’s baby. Children had a Christmas tree and dance this evening given by C.W.A but did not go myself.

Thursday Dec 18^th 1930:

All day on the job and terribly late too. Had plenty of advisers and critics while I worked.

Friday Dec 19^th 1930:

Finished the job this morning and had a full afternoon writing, also greased the car. Went out to Rocklands after tea.

Saturday Dec 20^th 1930:

Up at daybreak and had breakfast at Rocklands at 6.30 am where I picked up Geoff Miller. Set out for Lilydale Springs 120 miles north. Called at Gallipoli and Herbertvale and then on to the Springs for lunch. Looked at the house I have purchased and a real bargain it is. Timber in it as good as new, better in fact as it is now well seasoned. We went prepared to pull it down and have it carted in but decided to leave it until after the ‘wet’ so as not to run the risk of having to leave it stacked somewhere. Went on then to Riversleigh and did some fishing before tea and stayed there the night.

Sunday Dec 21^st 1930:

Riversleigh people wanted us to stay but clouds coming up urged us to return. Stopped at the Gregory crossing and played about in the water for an hour. It was great. Had lunch at the Springs and then on again. Had to take the carburettor off at Herbertvale and clean it. A big storm came up here but we missed the most of it. Stopped for a while at Gallipoli and then forward. Saw dozens of turkeys on the way in and caught two young ones. Carburettor gave trouble 40 miles out and had to come in holding the choke out. Left Geoff at Rocklands and got here at 9 pm. A shower and bed.

Monday Dec 22^nd 1930:

Gave the ranch a clean up this morning and did some washing this afternoon.

Put the turkeys in with the chickens at the hotel and will fatten them up for Easter. A chap brought in this morning from Lake Nash shot by another man with a gun. Police went out and arrested a man. Storm out Mt Isa way this evening.

Tuesday Dec 23^rd 1930:

Spent the day reading and writing. Very hot but no rain. Two car loads of us went out in the cool of the evening and had a swim, then tea and came home in time for bed.

Wednesday Dec 24^th 1930:

Spent most of the day going around the town, seeing the folk, arranging for a service tomorrow night and a picnic Boxing day at ‘Bull Ring’. Played Father Xmas this evening at the hospital. Went up and gave all the patients a little gift to remind them of the season of the year.

Xmas Day 1930: Thursday Dec 25^th :

A quiet day. Not a great many in town. Father Xmas did not forget me as found this morning he had left a very nice dressing gown, and by the mail a parcel containing some very nice articles. Helped decorate the dining hall at the hotel this morning and had a good Xmas dinner there. Spent a quiet afternoon preparing for the evening service. A nice crowd out. Had some gramaphone music afterwards.

Boxing Day 1930: Friday Dec 26^th:

Arranged for lorries to take the folk ten miles out for a picnic. A dull day but no rain. A good day for a picnic. Had sports, games, swimming, returned at 6 pm. A dance in the hall at night in aid of the Tennis Club. Retired early myself.

Water water everywhere!

Thursday Dec 4^th 1930;

Got the car all ready this morning but decided to wait another day. Plane started out west this morning but 60 miles out struck a big storm and had to return. Made another attempt this afternoon. Spent the afternoon and evening writing.

Friday Sept 5^th 1930:

Up early and all ready to leave when Wandangi mailman came back and said that no hope of getting far along the road. Thought even then I might try as the mailman makes a lot out of a little but eventually decided to wait another day. Did some writing. Visited the hospital.

Saturday Dec 6^th 1930:

Picked up a ‘gate-opener’ and ‘pusher’ this morning and set out. Called at the ‘Don’ selection 15 miles out and had smoko etc. Went on and found Weroona

Creek easily crossable. No trouble till came within 3 miles of Buckley River. Had to do some detours to miss boggy patches. Crossed the first 3 channels of the Buckley alright after a little bit of work on them and then came to the main channel. Terribly boggy here and the banks at the crossing silted up. River fairly high. We thought we could manage the crossing if we could first get through the 30 yards of bog that was knee deep. Cut down a tree and filled in with the branches one bad spot and then tried it. Got nearly through it all, the front wheels being on hard solid ground, when the back ones went down and buried themselves and the back axle. Tried to lever the wheels up but it was hard work and had to clean out all round first with our hands as the shovel was no good in the stocky mud. Got them up a bit and tried to drive out when something broke and we were done. Thought it was the clutch or the gears but could do nothing with the car where it was. Hoped the mailman would be along any minute, so washed as much mud off as possible and boiled the billy and ate and drank. No sign of any car so decided to walk back and see if anyone coming. Kept walking and a few miles came to where rain had fallen so had to go back barefooted. Walked back top Weroona Ck, 11 miles without a stop. ‘Red Dick’ camped here and so had a drink of tea and all he had to eat was damper and sugar and we made short work of it. A half a mile away a black and his gin and pic’s were camped so we went up to him and asked him to drive us another 11 to the Don selection. Said he would in the morning as it was then too late ( being 9 pm) so we made ready to camp with Dick and be eaten by mosquitoes. Were just settling down when up drove old Zulu and said he would take us there. Hopped on and had a great moonlight drive in a buggy and pair up to the ‘Don’. Roused them out of bed and Mr Campbell got his car out and drove us into town. Got in at 2 am and I was feeling very weary and tired and sore. Had a shower and turned in.

Sunday Dec 7^th 1930:

Up at daybreak and arranged for Jack Miller to take us down to the car in his buggy and pull us out. Had breakfast and left at 8 am. Mailman followed behind us. Got there without trouble amnd after an hour’s work got the car out. The mailman went through on our tracks then and eventually got over the river. Had a look at my bus then and after a while discovered the damage was in the back wheel where the key pin was broken. Took the w\heel off and made a job of it so as to get us home. Had some lunch and a clean up in the river and returned. Got changed and slept until late in the evening.

Monday Dec 8^th 1930:

Took the car to the river this morning and washed it. Did some writing. Sent away for a new part for the car. Did some reading.

Tuesday Dec 9^th 1930:

Weather terribly hot although no further rain. Lazed about doing a few odd jobs.

Wednesday Dec 10^th 1930:

Mail day. Ordinary and air. Spent most of the day reading letters and papers. Got the car ready for the road again. Called up at the hospital and saw the patients.

Wet season ?

Wednesday Nov 12^th 1930:

Put the car in dock this morning. Something is wrong inside with the clutch, so have started to take it to pieces and see what is the matter. It is rather a big job as all the back portion of undercarriage has to be first disconnected. Went up to the hospital this afternoon and performed a baptismal ceremony. Baptising Patrick Aloysius, the son of Paddy and Doris O’Reilly. Mrs O’Reilly has been very ill, being in hospital since the baby was born about 2 months ago. She seems to be improving now though. A.I.M plane came out today bringing Dr Rev Flynn. Met Flynn and had a yarn to him. Went to a meeting in the hall at night when Flynn put before the hospital committee a proposal that there should be cooperation between local Dr and A.I.M Dr and that local subscriptions should help pay for A.I.M doctor. All agreed that it would be a good thing to retain A.I.M plane and Dr but how it is to be worked is another question far from settled.

Thursday Nov 13^th 1930:

A.I.M plane returned this morning to Cloncurry. Had a full day myself on the car and got everything to pieces but found nothing wrong only plenty of dirt. Cleaned everything out well and started to put her together again. Went for a swim before tea and a school concert practice afterwards.

Friday Nov 14^th 1930:

Finished the car today and she goes. Not a screen or a bolt left over and the fault no longer exists. Very pleased with myself. Went for a swim to wash off all the dirt. Forgot the airmail closed this afternoon so got no letters away.

Saturday Nov 15^th 1930:

Did some writing and tidying up this morning. 5 of us in Synotts car went shooting this afternoon. Did better than last week bagging 15 ducks and 2 turkeys. Enjoyed the afternoon.

Sunday Nov 16^th 1930:

Had S.S with tte usual large number of children present. Did some visiting around the town and arranged for a service at night. A fair number out at the service, although many more could have been present. Weather hot and sultry. Black clouds hanging about. Went for a spin in Reilly’s car before retiring.

Monday Nov 17^th 1930:

Another hot day. Did some writing and reading and cleaning up. Went for a swim and it was great. Went up and saw the patients at the hospital. Found that Father O’Twomey had been up and had acted very despicably toward a sick patient whose baby I recently baptized and whose husband is nominally a R.C. All are up in arms as the woman could easily have been upset by what he said, which would have been very serous in her condition.

Tuesday Nov 18^th 1930:

Up before the sun this morning and greased and oiled the car and packed my port (?) before breakfast. Left straight afterwards with Dr Lawe for Mt Isa. A hot tiring trip. Stopped for a yarn with some drovers by the way. Put up at the hotel. Made the icecreams and squashes look silly. It is great to get a drink in Isa for 6 pence which costs 1 shilling in Camooweal. Wished I was a camel so as could have enough to do me for a few months.

Wednesday Nov 19^th 1930:

Got up this morning just soon enough to get down to the dining room before breakfast was off. Spent the morning in the purchasing of and being shown the workings of a Kodascope and Cine Kodak. Will be great doings out west now. Did some shopping and other business. At night went around to Sherman’s and baptized their infant son giving him the name of Geoffrey ‘Howard’. Hayes still in Isa but is looking for a transfer. Went to Synod and should not have, but letter did not reach Isa until after he had gone.

Thursday Nov 20^th 1930:

Up at 5 am and left Isa at 5.40 am. Had a hard job to awaken Doc. Called in at Yelvertoft station on the way out for a couple of hours. Went down to the yards and became interested in watching young horses being caught and branded. Had a clean up after getting home and went for a swim. Thought we were going to get a storm but although plenty all round, Camooweal missed. Went to an entertainment given by a traveling concert party, not too bad. Set up and tried the Kodascope in my room here and she went very well.

Friday Nov 21^st 1930:

Got on to some writing today and got several letters away by air mail. Went up to the school for religious intruction and called on the patients at the hospital. Went to a school practice at night and the kids are woeful, nearly as bad as the ones who are training them.

Saturday Nov 22^nd 1930:

Intended going to Wandangi today but storms threatening all round and the Buckley River being in flood put me off. A storm came up after lunch and after we had all been blinded with dust we had 75 points of rain. Cooled things off a bit. Larkins plane left this morning for Chrleville where a new plane from Melbourne will meet and be brought back. River is still good for swimming.

Sunday Nov 23^rd 1930:

A very lazy day. Had S.S this morning with a good muster but storms and storms threatening put out of mind a Church service. Of course had there been a dance on it would have been a different thing.

Monday Nov 24^th 1930:

A very hot day. Stormy looking. Busy day with the pen and finalizing accounts in connection with recent carnival. Had a kiddies concert practice at night.

Tuesday Nov 25^th 1930:

A hot muggy day, culminating in a cyclonic storm at night. Was over at children’s practice when storm worked up and all had to leave hurriedly and only got home when wind hit us with terrific force. Fortunately did not last long, although while it did last things were flying, only very little damage done. 80 points of rain fell. Wednesday

Nov 26^th 1930:

Still hot and close. Very steamy. Busy today getting ready for a 21^st birthday party.

Miss E Reilly’s. Nice party at night with plenty of good things to eat. Felt rather unwell at finish.

Thursday Nov 27^th 1930:

Spent the morning and part of the afternoon in erecting a stage at the hall for the concert. Weather still hot. Attended a meeting. Had a full dress rehearsal at night. Storms all round.

Friday Nov 28^th 1930:

Rain started this morning after breakfast and continued all day. Mud, glorious mud everywhere. No chance of holding school sports so were postponed. Everybody well indoors all day.

Saturday Nov 29^th 1930:

No rain today but still plenty mud. Sports put off another day. Rain not far away though. Quinn the ‘headman’ in the concert went off this morning and so left things in a mess. Got all the children together this afternoon and put them through everything with Miss Synnott at the piano. Decided to hold the concert as advertised and it went off remarkably well. A record crowd at the hall and everyone thoroughly enjoyed ecery item. ‘Soot and the Fairies’ broughtb great applause. We were all well satisfied with our efforts.

Sunday Nov 30^th 1930:

Had a full muster at S.S this morning but had to finish early as all the kiddies wante to go to the ‘drome to give a hearty send off to Mr Jensen who has been transferred to the Maryborough school. As it still looks like rain the folk decided to hold school sports this afternoon while it is dry, and they went alright. Had service at night but not a record attendance.

Moday Dec 1^st 1930:

Got to work this morning and dismantled stage and other hangings and carted timber back. Had a meeting at night to finalize concert.

Tuesday Dec 2^nd 1930:

Got to work on the car, changing wheels. Tyres and fixing brakes etc. If it does not rain will start for Wandangie on Thursday. Mailman who left last week for Wandangi returned today having only got 30 miles on the way. Had a meeting tonight in connection with farewell presentation to Mr Jensen. No rain as yet but by look of things it is not far away. Days and nights are fearfully hot.

Wednesday Dec 3^rd 1930:

Rain came on this morning and continued practically all day. No hope of getting away for a couple of days now. Mail got in at lunch time and also plane a little later. Spent the day reading and writing.

Thursday Dec 4^th 1930;

Got the car all ready this morning but decided to wait another day. Plane started out west this morning but 60 miles out struck a big storm and had to return. Made another attempt this afternoon. Spent the afternoon and evening writing.

Wednesday Nov 12^th 1930:

Put the car in dock this morning. Something is wrong inside with the clutch, so have started to take it to pieces and see what is the matter. It is rather a big job as all the back portion of undercarriage has to be first disconnected. Went up to the hospital this afternoon and performed a baptismal ceremony. Baptising Patrick Aloysius, the son of Paddy and Doris O’Reilly. Mrs O’Reilly has been very ill, being in hospital since the baby was born about 2 months ago. She seems to be improving now though. A.I.M plane came out today bringing Dr Rev Flynn. Met Flynn and had a yarn to him. Went to a meeting in the hall at night when Flynn put before the hospital committee a proposal that there should be cooperation between local Dr and A.I.M Dr and that local subscriptions should help pay for A.I.M doctor. All agreed that it would be a good thing to retain A.I.M plane and Dr but how it is to be worked is another question far from settled.

Thursday Nov 13^th 1930:

A.I.M plane returned this morning to Cloncurry. Had a full day myself on the car and got everything to pieces but found nothing wrong only plenty of dirt. Cleaned everything out well and started to put her together again. Went for a swim before tea and a school concert practice afterwards.

Friday Nov 14^th 1930:

Finished the car today and she goes. Not a screen or a bolt left over and the fault no longer exists. Very pleased with myself. Went for a swim to wash off all the dirt. Forgot the airmail closed this afternoon so got no letters away.

Saturday Nov 15^th 1930:

Did some writing and tidying up this morning. 5 of us in Synotts car went shooting this afternoon. Did better than last week bagging 15 ducks and 2 turkeys. Enjoyed the afternoon.

Sunday Nov 16^th 1930:

Had S.S with tte usual large number of children present. Did some visiting around the town and arranged for a service at night. A fair number out at the service, although many more could have been present. Weather hot and sultry. Black clouds hanging about. Went for a spin in Reilly’s car before retiring.

Monday Nov 17^th 1930:

Another hot day. Did some writing and reading and cleaning up. Went for a swim and it was great. Went up and saw the patients at the hospital. Found that Father O’Twomey had been up and had acted very despicably toward a sick patient whose baby I recently baptized and whose husband is nominally a R.C. All are up in arms as the woman could easily have been upset by what he said, which would have been very serous in her condition.

Tuesday Nov 18^th 1930:

Up before the sun this morning and greased and oiled the car and packed my port (?) before breakfast. Left straight afterwards with Dr Lawe for Mt Isa. A hot tiring trip. Stopped for a yarn with some drovers by the way. Put up at the hotel. Made the icecreams and squashes look silly. It is great to get a drink in Isa for 6 pence which costs 1 shilling in Camooweal. Wished I was a camel so as could have enough to do me for a few months.

Wednesday Nov 19^th 1930:

Got up this morning just soon enough to get down to the dining room before breakfast was off. Spent the morning in the purchasing of and being shown the workings of a Kodascope and Cine Kodak. Will be great doings out west now. Did some shopping and other business. At night went around to Sherman’s and baptized their infant son giving him the name of Geoffrey ‘Howard’. Hayes still in Isa but is looking for a transfer. Went to Synod and should not have, but letter did not reach Isa until after he had gone.

Thursday Nov 20^th 1930:

Up at 5 am and left Isa at 5.40 am. Had a hard job to awaken Doc. Called in at Yelvertoft station on the way out for a couple of hours. Went down to the yards and became interested in watching young horses being caught and branded. Had a clean up after getting home and went for a swim. Thought we were going to get a storm but although plenty all round, Camooweal missed. Went to an entertainment given by a traveling concert party, not too bad. Set up and tried the Kodascope in my room here and she went very well.

Friday Nov 21^st 1930:

Got on to some writing today and got several letters away by air mail. Went up to the school for religious intruction and called on the patients at the hospital. Went to a school practice at night and the kids are woeful, nearly as bad as the ones who are training them.

Saturday Nov 22^nd 1930:

Intended going to Wandangi today but storms threatening all round and the Buckley River being in flood put me off. A storm came up after lunch and after we had all been blinded with dust we had 75 points of rain. Cooled things off a bit. Larkins plane left this morning for Chrleville where a new plane from Melbourne will meet and be brought back. River is still good for swimming.

Sunday Nov 23^rd 1930:

A very lazy day. Had S.S this morning with a good muster but storms and storms threatening put out of mind a Church service. Of course had there been a dance on it would have been a different thing.

Monday Nov 24^th 1930:

A very hot day. Stormy looking. Busy day with the pen and finalizing accounts in connection with recent carnival. Had a kiddies concert practice at night.

Tuesday Nov 25^th 1930:

A hot muggy day, culminating in a cyclonic storm at night. Was over at children’s practice when storm worked up and all had to leave hurriedly and only got home when wind hit us with terrific force. Fortunately did not last long, although while it did last things were flying, only very little damage done. 80 points of rain fell. Wednesday

Nov 26^th 1930:

Still hot and close. Very steamy. Busy today getting ready for a 21^st birthday party.

Miss E Reilly’s. Nice party at night with plenty of good things to eat. Felt rather unwell at finish.

Thursday Nov 27^th 1930:

Spent the morning and part of the afternoon in erecting a stage at the hall for the concert. Weather still hot. Attended a meeting. Had a full dress rehearsal at night. Storms all round.

Friday Nov 28^th 1930:

Rain started this morning after breakfast and continued all day. Mud, glorious mud everywhere. No chance of holding school sports so were postponed. Everybody well indoors all day.

Saturday Nov 29^th 1930:

No rain today but still plenty mud. Sports put off another day. Rain not far away though. Quinn the ‘headman’ in the concert went off this morning and so left things in a mess. Got all the children together this afternoon and put them through everything with Miss Synnott at the piano. Decided to hold the concert as advertised and it went off remarkably well. A record crowd at the hall and everyone thoroughly enjoyed ecery item. ‘Soot and the Fairies’ broughtb great applause. We were all well satisfied with our efforts.

Sunday Nov 30^th 1930:

Had a full muster at S.S this morning but had to finish early as all the kiddies wante to go to the ‘drome to give a hearty send off to Mr Jensen who has been transferred to the Maryborough school. As it still looks like rain the folk decided to hold school sports this afternoon while it is dry, and they went alright. Had service at night but not a record attendance.

Moday Dec 1^st 1930:

Got to work this morning and dismantled stage and other hangings and carted timber back. Had a meeting at night to finalize concert.

Tuesday Dec 2^nd 1930:

Got to work on the car, changing wheels. Tyres and fixing brakes etc. If it does not rain will start for Wandangie on Thursday. Mailman who left last week for Wandangi returned today having only got 30 miles on the way. Had a meeting tonight in connection with farewell presentation to Mr Jensen. No rain as yet but by look of things it is not far away. Days and nights are fearfully hot.

Wednesday Dec 3^rd 1930:

Rain came on this morning and continued practically all day. No hope of getting away for a couple of days now. Mail got in at lunch time and also plane a little later. Spent the day reading and writing.

Thursday Dec 4^th 1930;

Got the car all ready this morning but decided to wait another day. Plane started out west this morning but 60 miles out struck a big storm and had to return. Made another attempt this afternoon. Spent the afternoon and evening writing.

Wednesday Nov 12^th 1930:

Put the car in dock this morning. Something is wrong inside with the clutch, so have started to take it to pieces and see what is the matter. It is rather a big job as all the back portion of undercarriage has to be first disconnected. Went up to the hospital this afternoon and performed a baptismal ceremony. Baptising Patrick Aloysius, the son of Paddy and Doris O’Reilly. Mrs O’Reilly has been very ill, being in hospital since the baby was born about 2 months ago. She seems to be improving now though. A.I.M plane came out today bringing Dr Rev Flynn. Met Flynn and had a yarn to him. Went to a meeting in the hall at night when Flynn put before the hospital committee a proposal that there should be cooperation between local Dr and A.I.M Dr and that local subscriptions should help pay for A.I.M doctor. All agreed that it would be a good thing to retain A.I.M plane and Dr but how it is to be worked is another question far from settled.

Thursday Nov 13^th 1930:

A.I.M plane returned this morning to Cloncurry. Had a full day myself on the car and got everything to pieces but found nothing wrong only plenty of dirt. Cleaned everything out well and started to put her together again. Went for a swim before tea and a school concert practice afterwards.

Friday Nov 14^th 1930:

Finished the car today and she goes. Not a screen or a bolt left over and the fault no longer exists. Very pleased with myself. Went for a swim to wash off all the dirt. Forgot the airmail closed this afternoon so got no letters away.

Saturday Nov 15^th 1930:

Did some writing and tidying up this morning. 5 of us in Synotts car went shooting this afternoon. Did better than last week bagging 15 ducks and 2 turkeys. Enjoyed the afternoon.

Sunday Nov 16^th 1930:

Had S.S with tte usual large number of children present. Did some visiting around the town and arranged for a service at night. A fair number out at the service, although many more could have been present. Weather hot and sultry. Black clouds hanging about. Went for a spin in Reilly’s car before retiring.

Monday Nov 17^th 1930:

Another hot day. Did some writing and reading and cleaning up. Went for a swim and it was great. Went up and saw the patients at the hospital. Found that Father O’Twomey had been up and had acted very despicably toward a sick patient whose baby I recently baptized and whose husband is nominally a R.C. All are up in arms as the woman could easily have been upset by what he said, which would have been very serous in her condition.

Tuesday Nov 18^th 1930:

Up before the sun this morning and greased and oiled the car and packed my port (?) before breakfast. Left straight afterwards with Dr Lawe for Mt Isa. A hot tiring trip. Stopped for a yarn with some drovers by the way. Put up at the hotel. Made the icecreams and squashes look silly. It is great to get a drink in Isa for 6 pence which costs 1 shilling in Camooweal. Wished I was a camel so as could have enough to do me for a few months.

Wednesday Nov 19^th 1930:

Got up this morning just soon enough to get down to the dining room before breakfast was off. Spent the morning in the purchasing of and being shown the workings of a Kodascope and Cine Kodak. Will be great doings out west now. Did some shopping and other business. At night went around to Sherman’s and baptized their infant son giving him the name of Geoffrey ‘Howard’. Hayes still in Isa but is looking for a transfer. Went to Synod and should not have, but letter did not reach Isa until after he had gone.

Thursday Nov 20^th 1930:

Up at 5 am and left Isa at 5.40 am. Had a hard job to awaken Doc. Called in at Yelvertoft station on the way out for a couple of hours. Went down to the yards and became interested in watching young horses being caught and branded. Had a clean up after getting home and went for a swim. Thought we were going to get a storm but although plenty all round, Camooweal missed. Went to an entertainment given by a traveling concert party, not too bad. Set up and tried the Kodascope in my room here and she went very well.

Friday Nov 21^st 1930:

Got on to some writing today and got several letters away by air mail. Went up to the school for religious intruction and called on the patients at the hospital. Went to a school practice at night and the kids are woeful, nearly as bad as the ones who are training them.

Saturday Nov 22^nd 1930:

Intended going to Wandangi today but storms threatening all round and the Buckley River being in flood put me off. A storm came up after lunch and after we had all been blinded with dust we had 75 points of rain. Cooled things off a bit. Larkins plane left this morning for Chrleville where a new plane from Melbourne will meet and be brought back. River is still good for swimming.

Sunday Nov 23^rd 1930:

A very lazy day. Had S.S this morning with a good muster but storms and storms threatening put out of mind a Church service. Of course had there been a dance on it would have been a different thing.

Monday Nov 24^th 1930:

A very hot day. Stormy looking. Busy day with the pen and finalizing accounts in connection with recent carnival. Had a kiddies concert practice at night.

Tuesday Nov 25^th 1930:

A hot muggy day, culminating in a cyclonic storm at night. Was over at children’s practice when storm worked up and all had to leave hurriedly and only got home when wind hit us with terrific force. Fortunately did not last long, although while it did last things were flying, only very little damage done. 80 points of rain fell. Wednesday

Nov 26^th 1930:

Still hot and close. Very steamy. Busy today getting ready for a 21^st birthday party.

Miss E Reilly’s. Nice party at night with plenty of good things to eat. Felt rather unwell at finish.

Thursday Nov 27^th 1930:

Spent the morning and part of the afternoon in erecting a stage at the hall for the concert. Weather still hot. Attended a meeting. Had a full dress rehearsal at night. Storms all round.

Friday Nov 28^th 1930:

Rain started this morning after breakfast and continued all day. Mud, glorious mud everywhere. No chance of holding school sports so were postponed. Everybody well indoors all day.

Saturday Nov 29^th 1930:

No rain today but still plenty mud. Sports put off another day. Rain not far away though. Quinn the ‘headman’ in the concert went off this morning and so left things in a mess. Got all the children together this afternoon and put them through everything with Miss Synnott at the piano. Decided to hold the concert as advertised and it went off remarkably well. A record crowd at the hall and everyone thoroughly enjoyed ecery item. ‘Soot and the Fairies’ broughtb great applause. We were all well satisfied with our efforts.

Sunday Nov 30^th 1930:

Had a full muster at S.S this morning but had to finish early as all the kiddies wante to go to the ‘drome to give a hearty send off to Mr Jensen who has been transferred to the Maryborough school. As it still looks like rain the folk decided to hold school sports this afternoon while it is dry, and they went alright. Had service at night but not a record attendance.

Moday Dec 1^st 1930:

Got to work this morning and dismantled stage and other hangings and carted timber back. Had a meeting at night to finalize concert.

Tuesday Dec 2^nd 1930:

Got to work on the car, changing wheels. Tyres and fixing brakes etc. If it does not rain will start for Wandangie on Thursday. Mailman who left last week for Wandangi returned today having only got 30 miles on the way. Had a meeting tonight in connection with farewell presentation to Mr Jensen. No rain as yet but by look of things it is not far away. Days and nights are fearfully hot.

Wednesday Dec 3^rd 1930:

Rain came on this morning and continued practically all day. No hope of getting away for a couple of days now. Mail got in at lunch time and also plane a little later. Spent the day reading and writing.

Thursday Dec 4^th 1930;

Got the car all ready this morning but decided to wait another day. Plane started out west this morning but 60 miles out struck a big storm and had to return. Made another attempt this afternoon. Spent the afternoon and evening writing.

Exams, races and other stuff

Saturday Oct 25^th 1930:

A final brush up at the books this morning and did my exam this afternoon. Should scrape a pass. A send off to Serg Geiss at night, took up some of my time and then went nearly all night writing a sermon and getting my book list out and ready for the mail at 7.30 in the morning.

Sunday Oct 26^th 1930:

Up early and posted mail. Had 35 out at Sunday School. All as keen as ever. Did some visiting around the town. Arranged for service at night but terrific wind and dust storm kept all but three away so did not keep them too long.

Monday Oct 27^th 1930:

Did some work at my dwelling, making shelves, book cases, tables etc. Kept going all day. Place much more convenient now.

Tuesday Oct 28^th 1930:

Pottered about doing odd jobs. Put in a pane of glass. Big storm worked up during the afternoon andrain came down in earnest, raining most of the night. Looks rather blue for the races on Thursday and Friday. Mail lorry got in very late in the middle of the storm.

Wednesday Oct 29^th 1930:

Put in another pane of glass this morning and did a few other small jobs about. Raining on and off all day. Races for tomorrow have been postponed for at least a day. Weather very hot.

Thursday Oct 30^th 1930:

Another hot day with storms about and some rain here. People from outside drifting in mostly well covered in mud. Races again put off for another day.

Friday Oct 31^st 1930:

No rain today but still hot and sultry. A crowd from the Territory arrived in this evening, taking them six hours to do the last 25 miles. A crowd of half castes in the town at present. There is a very evil-looking lot of all sorts about at present. Both hotels doing a good business.

Saturday Nov 1^st 1930:

Terribly hot weather. A crowd in the town today. All sorts. It is at these times that the bad element of the west comes to the limelight. Had the first days races today. People camped everywhere. A dance at night. Shire Hall now lit with electric light. Very conspicuous from a distance. The Larkin plane went west today doing the trip should have been done Thursday.

Sunday Nov 2^nd 1930:

Another hot day. Had S.S this morning and Church at night. Races, dances and Church however do not blend. Only about half the kiddies at S.S and a very poor attendance at Church. It is at these times that one realizes what he is up against.

Monday Nov 3^rd 1930:

A few more folk arrived in the town yesterday so things look very busy. 2^nd days races went off today. Still very hot but no rain. Another dance this evening. Folk all very gay. Have been keeping in background myself. Synnotts store broken into the other night by 2 halfcastes.

Tuesday Nov 4^th 1930:

The commencement of the Exodus. Hope that before long the town will be clean again. Too hot to do anything but lie about. Went for a swim in the river, but water nearly too hot although still running. Mail got in this morning.

Wednesday Nov 5^th 1930:

Rough element gradually leaving us in peace again. May they never return. Still terribly hot. Pottered about all day trying to get out of my own road.

Thursday Nov 6^th 1930:

Another scorcher. Cleaned and oiled up the car today. Went for a swim. A meeting at night.

Friday Nov 7^th 1930:

Weather still keeping very hot but no further rain. Went up to the school and had a talk to the children. Went for a swim. Did some writing.

Saturday Nov 8^th 1930:

Greased the car up this morning and put her in good running order. 3 of us went duck shooting this afternoon up the river. Did not do too well, only getting 5 ducks and a turkey. Had a good afternoon though.

Sunday Sept 9^th 1930:

Had S.S this morning with a good attendance. Had to go out to Gallipoli (60 miles) and take a chap out. Did not get back in time to hold a service at night. Weather very sultry and heavy black clouds about all day.

Monday Nov 10^th 1930:

Straightened up the home a bit and then put in a corner wardrobe for a couple of chaps in their room. Paid a visit to the patients in the hospital. Went to concert practice.

Tuesday Nov 11^th 1930:

Weather continuing very hot, well over 100o. Still no rain. Did a few jobs for different folk. Went for a swim.