More challenges of outback travel.

Monday May 4^th 1931:

Made a settee this morning out of kerosene cases and Alf upholstered it. Had anoher cricket match this afternoon, being a holiday, Labor Day. The bagmen again. Had a good win this time by an innings and 5 runs. We made 123 and the bagmen 75 and 43. A terribly hot day, especially for this time of the year. Was not late out of bed.

Wednesday May 6^th 1931:

Spent the morning in my official capacity as Cricket Sec. Got seberal subs in and the book up to date. Did some of my own writing as well.

Thursday May 7^th 1931:

Spent all of the morning and part of the afternoon on the car. Cleaned carburetor and put in new jets. Put in a new front spring. Replaced old tyres with 2 new ones and atched up another two. Cleaned car inside and out and greased and oiled up. Went for a swim and needed it. After tea visited for a while and then camw home and did some writing.

Friday May 8^th 1931:

Very much like rain today but noting came of it. Spent the morning in erecting a stage at the hall for a children’s concert to be given tomorrow night. Did some writing during the afternoon. Visited the hospital and had a cricket meeting at night.

Saturday May 9^th 1931:

Up before the sun this morning and got the car ready to go to Mt Isa. Had a bagman staying with me for the night who wanted a ride to the Isa. A drover also asked to be taken as far as May Downs. Dooley also a passenger. Had breakfast and left at 9 am. Car not at all satifactory. Would not pull and front tyres having big patches made steering far from what it should be. Stopped and had ‘smoko’ at ‘Hotel Australia’. Lunch at May Downs. Reached Isa at 4.30 pm. Did business with several until tea time. Went out to Smiths for the evening and unrolled my swag at the back of the A.C.B store for the night.

Sunday May 10^th 1931:

Spent most of the morning in getting the car to go. Had to adjust the timing, which had wandered from the straight and narrow. Had a sleep after lunch and at 5 pm met the ‘Western Limited’. Limited to 10 miles an hour. Glen arrived looking much better after her holiday. Went to Church at night and sat at the feet of Rev Hayes. “Mothers’ Day”

Monday May 11^th 1931:

Up and put 2 new tyres on front wheels before breakfast. Had a very busy morning around the town. Did not get away until 1 pm, Glen and Dooley accompanying me. Went 55 miles and then stopped for something to eat. Devoured a tin of Rex Rye, half pund of butter, loaf od bread, tin peaches, hald packet biscuits, 1 bottle cream, billy of tea: and it was very nice. Had a good run to Camooweal. Car going nicely. Arrive 7.45 pm. had a clean up, some supper and retired.

Wednesday May 13^th 1931:

Got the air mail and read all the latest papers. Did some work for the C.W.A women at their hall. Attended their annual meeting in the afternoon and spoke. Visited the hospital. Attended hospital meeting at night. A big number in town today. Three meetings on…Hospital, CW.A and Council.

Friday May 15^th 1931:

Did some work here making tables, cupboards etc with the idea in view of soon starting to ‘batch’. Gave the kiddies a social at night.

Monday May 18^th 1931:

Did another job or two about the place in the way of making pot-stands and other household necessities. Had a cricket meeting at night.

Tuesday May 19^th 1931:

Reading and writing this morning and visited school this afternoon. Went around the town visiting, mail got in this evening. Big ministerial party arrived in two cars on way to Gulf in connection with Buffalo Fly menace.

Wednesday May 20^th 1931:

Air mail arrived today. Also plane returning from Darwin having handed over English mails. Big crowd coming in from outside for races.

Thursday May 21^st 1931:

Camooweal at its worst. Race meetings are certainly moral stumbling blocks for a great number of the people out here. What crookedness is in man is at these times brought out to light. Men who since last race meeting have led a clean sober life are now in the grip of the drink curse. Dance this morning in aid of Hospital.

Saturday May 23^rd 1931:

Was helping this morning in getting things ready for cricket match today and social this evening. Had to roll the pitch, cart water, cut sandwiches, everything in fact that had to be done. The evils of being Sec. Match late in starting, nearly midday before all ready. Visitors batted first. All out 35. We batted. All out 46. Visitors second innings 22 and we all out 37. Big scoring all round! An enjoyable game however for everybody. Social and dance at night brought the club in a profit of 9 pound 1 shilling and sixpence.

Monday May 25^th 1931:

A day of reckoning. Cleaned up the hall and finalized proceeds from the Cricket Social. Went out to Rocklands and returned their roller. Winter had arrived. Cold south wind blowing strongly. “Scotty” left today to go to Wyndham on his return flight to England. Dutch flyers also arrived and departed on their way home.

Wednesday May 27^th 1931:

Air mail arrived today. Had plent to do to keep me inside and was not sorry as wind terribly cold. Cleaned up Kodascope this afternoon and got hall ready and showed pictures at night. During interval I was presented with a beautiful gold fountain pen and pencil in a case from the children with their love. It was very nice and very much appreciated.

Monday June 1^st 1931:

Got away from Camooweal at last. Got everything ready this morning and picking up a bagman left the town at 2.30 pm. had a good run out of 50 miles to Austral and there stopped. People here are R.C’s but very nice. Only one Protestant on the place. Pleased them all very much after tea by showing them the pictures. Had a good talk then until bed time.

Tuesday June 2^nd 1931:

Stayed at Austral this morning doing some work on the Kodascope and reading. Left after lunch for Lake Nash. Picked up a bagman along the road who was sitting right in the wheel track so as to make sure he would not miss a ride. Stayed the night at the Lake. Mostly all R.C’s here.

Wednesday June 3^rd 1931:

Did a small job on the car this morning and after ‘smoko’ left Lake Nash and went 12 miles over to a sheep selectors home. Stayed here for lunch and afterwards went across country 20 miles to Bullecourt, a small cattle selection. The lady of the house home on her own and not too well, so as could do nothing soon went on. Did some more cross country work and came to a family who have been working on the rabbit fence but who now are out of work, through the rabbit board ceasing to exist. Stayed here. The mother is an R.C but allowed me to talk to the children and give them and herself pictures and reading material. Showed them also my kodascope pictures. Not feeling too good here and had to prowl about several times during the night.

Thursday June 4^th 1931:

Left this home after breakfast although did not have any myself. Had a good run of 40 miles to Headingley station. A big crowd here. All men. The horses for the Urandangi races have been paddocked here and came out today so all the owners are here to take charge of their own. Stayed here and had ‘smoko’ and went on traveling 20 miles to further to Urandangi. After lunch called on a couple of sick folk and then continued on the road intending to reach if possible Rocksborough station 90 miles down along the Georgina River. Passed through Walga and Carrandotta, only stopping a few minutes at each and for 40 miles had good going. Left the road then and struck down to the river and started to follow it along. Was then on the Georgina stock route. Mobs of cattle traveling have left the bare and desolate as it could possibly be. The ground is powdered up a foot deep. Very heavy going for the car. Rough in places. Rocky ridges and steep gullies to negotiate. Was 25 miles from Rocksborough and 25 miles from Carrandotta when I stopped to put water in the radiator and then it all happened. Water poured out the exhaust and the carburettor. I thought a walk was in store for me as I knew it was the cylinder head gasket gone. I took the head off however and saw the break by aid of the spotlight. Lit a fire then and boiled the billy and had a drink and a few biscuits. Made an attempt to patch up the break although did not know if it would work and put the head back on. Before putting water into the radiator got down on my knees for a few minutes and then went on with the job and it held. Unrolled my swag then and turned in.

Friday June 5^th 1931:

Up with the morning star, boiled up and ate a few more biscuits. Packed everything on and turned back as was not risking getting further away from help. Had breakfast with some chaps camped along the river who gave me half a dozen very nice fish. Went on and reached Carrandotta. Car still going alright so decided to keep going and all went well until about 17 miles from Urandangi when gasket again began to leak. Kept going however and got into Urandangi on 3 cylinders with no further trouble. Think I was very fortunate however to get back so well. Discovered then that I could get a new gasket from Headingley station and that it would be brought in. Got the bus ready to put the gasket straight on when it came. Got cleaned and did some visiting and went to bed early.

Saturday June 6^th 1931:

Got the gasket this morning and got the car all fixed and in going order again. Visited this afternoon and arranged for S.S and Church tomorrow and to show my pictures this evening which I did in the hall much to the delight of the children.

Sunday June 7^th 1931:

Had a very quiet morning getting ready for Sunday School and having a read. Got the children together this afternoon and had S.S and gave them some work to do at home each Sunday as can get noone to take the work o here. Got them to send their work done on to me each month when I can correct and return.

Monday June 8^th 1931:

Up before daylight and after having a cup of tea left and was at Headingley by sunrise and there had breakfast. Went on and called in at drovers camp where last week a chap was sick but who has now recovered. Thought I might have had to take him into hospital. Called at Lake Nash, Arcadia, Barclay and The Selection and reached Camooweal at 4 pm after 180 miles travelling. Had a clean up and then got my mail and put in time very easily until bedtime.

Tuesday June 9^th 1931:

Had a lot to do arising out of my mail. Visited the hospital where Bobbie Foster is sick and supposed to have typhoid. A couple of ladies there also whom I talked to for a while.

Friday June 12^th 1931:

(Murray’s birthday…My dad’s younger brother)

Went into Mt Isa this morning taking Mrs Reilly and Glen. Had a good trip arriving at 5.30 pm. Stayed at Smith’s. Went to the hospital and saw Dooley and Daphne.

Saturday June 13^th 1931:

( Dad’s birthday)A very busy morning. First at the dentist and then around the town. Went to the hospital after lunch and left for home at 4 pm bringing Daphne. Reached home at 11 pm. Dirty and tired. A very dusty road.

June 15…..sister Marjorie’s birthday.

June 16, 17, 18 . Mail, cricket practice. Working on car.

Friday June 19^th 1931:

Loaded the car up this morning and got ready for the road. Six of us left in two cars at 4 pm for the Rankine. Had a record run out doing the 100 miles in 3 ¼ hours and had to open and close 8 gate. Races finished at the Rankine and most of the people departed. Had a sing and supper at Lloyd’s before retiring.

Saturday June 20^th 1931:

Weather has been beautifully warm and changed last night and today a very cold south easter blew all day. Played a cricket match against the Rankine and had a win, although noone expected it. Had a sing for a while after tea and retired early. All of the cricketers slept at the police station where we were well guarded.

Sunday June 21^st 1931:

Had a very quiet morning myself, although the remainder of the people were very busy packing up getting ready to leave for home. Left for Alroy myself after lunch taking two ladies with me, who desire to do the whole of this western trip with me. Not a bit anxious to take them myself but could think of no reasonable excuse why not. Have plenty of personal reasons but one has so often to lose sight of them in the larger interests of others. Had an empty car, they were very eager, their friends were eager for them to go, and the station and other people like the women folk to visit them so there it is. Reached Alroy in time to have a good bath (hot) and clean up before tea. Rounded all the folk up and had a service and a sing.

Monday June 22^nd 1931:

Had a wedding in which the contracting parties were halfcaste George and halfcaste Lulu. All on the station were present at the ceremony. George would not say ‘I will’ until roared at by one of the men. Lulu said ‘I will’ ending with a good titter. Stayed the day at Alroy. Had some tennis, and ping-pong at night.

Tuesday June 23^rd 1931:

Left Alroy and went across 90 miles to Rockhampton Downs arriving at Lunch time. Pulled up and had a yarn to the men at a couple of the bores we passed. Left one chap some reading matter. Did a couple of little jobs on the car and greased it up. Mrs Easy and children home. Mr Easy out with cattle but home for tea. Had a talk at night.

Thursday June 25^th 1931:

Left for Alroy after lunch, arriving 3 hours later. Had a read after tea.

Friday June 26^th 1931:

Up early this morning and it was cold. Wanted to catch the plane at Brunette so left Alroy at sunrise. Plane was late and did not arrive until 11 am and we had an hour and half to wait. Stayed at Brunette then for lunch. Went on and did the 60 miles to Anthony’s Lagoon. Stopped t the Police Station. Traeger of the A.I.M wireless branch, here, installing a wireless plant. Had a talk and pictures after tea.

Saturday June 27^th 1931:

Another sunrise start on the 180 miles to Borroloola. A very rough drive, over rocky ridges and bumpy flats. No habitation anywhere along the road. Arrived there 5.30 in the evening. Place boasts an hotel, store and police station. White population : 4 men and one woman, the wife of the Sergeant, Father O’Doherty from Darwin also in here, staying in the hotel. We went down and stayed at police Station. 5 months since Mrs Hemmings has seen a white woman. Whole of the white population gathered at police Station at night and had a yarn.

Sunday June 28^th 1931:

The world at peace. A beautiful stillness pervades everything. Wandered around looking at the river, a library they possess and had a yarn to a couple of the men. This afternoon a car had arrived comprising Rev Doran and his wife, a Presbyterian minister attached to the A.I.M. dr Simpson and hisn wife from Melbourne also connected with the A.I.M and Mr Traeger. Had a service at the Police Station after tea.

Monday June 29^th 1931:

Greased and oiled my bus and gave Doran a hand to put in a nmew spring in his car. They left after lunch but we went along the river in blacks’ canoes paddled by one of the boys. Went across to their camp and had a look around. Collected some curios. After yea showed the blacks the pictures, there being over 50 present.

Tuesday June 30^th 1931:

Left Borroloola after breakfast and after another all day rough trip reached Anthony’s Lagoon at 8 pm. Doran and his party still here. Tired so retired early.

Wednesday July 1^st 1931:

Doran and party went on today except Traeger. Visited the store this morning. Went out and collected ribbon stone after lunch. Found an old chap in his camp, half blind and nearly starved. Persuaded him to come into hospital. Baptised 6 children of Charles Biondi. Did some reading.

Thursday July 2^nd:

Went down to landing ground and waited for plane which of course was late. Went and witnessed the inoculating of some cattle. Had an early lunch. Picked up the old chap and another young fellow with typhoid and left at 12.30 pm. Had to stop at Brunette awhile and patch up the front spring of the bus. Went on and reached Alexandria at sundown. Stayed the night. Traveling manager here at present. Showed the pictures after tea.

Friday July 3^rd 1931:

Left after breakfast and reached Rankine where we had lunch. Arrived Avon and had ‘smoko’ and Camooweal at tea time. Placed my patients in care of hospital staff and had a clean up.

More travels in a shaky bus.

Saturday April 4th 1931:
Among the books all the morning and went to a buckjumping show this afternoon given by some of the ‘bagmen’. Very tame thoiugh as nost of the horses forgot to buck or had never learned how.
Sunday April 5th 1931:
Had 33 children at S.S this morning. Very nice to see the crowd there. Mrs Quinn came along and helped. Had the afternoon at home reading and sleeping. Had service at night and again a congregation of 30. Hope it continues. Had coffee at the ‘Cottage’ afterwards.
Monday April 6th 1931:
Easter Monday.
Had a picnic today out at Bullring 10 miles out. Went out by lorry and my bus and a couple of private cars. Did 2 trips myself. A fair crowd went out and all had a good day. Not much water in the ghole and the place rather dusty but noone worried as it was quite expected, so also were the myriad of persistent sticky flies. Reached home by sundown. Went up to Pollards after having a bath and clean up and got a magic lantern to work for the kiddies, that they did not quite understand.
Tuesday April 7th 1931:
Cleaning up, writing and reading all day. Mail expected in early but lorry broke down 70 miles out. Got my Kodascope working tonight and gave a private screening.
Wednesday April 8th 1931:
Both mails in today so plenty of reading, although very little in letters for me. A fair number in town today, monthly meetings of Council and the Hospital. Weather warming up again although wind still south east. Attended hospital meeting at night. Tennis Club ran a dance to raise funds and think it was a success. People coming in form the Territory report a cloud burst 60 miles out last Thursday night and still a sea of water there. Had trouble in getting through.
Thursday April 9th 1931:
Still have plenty of writing to do and have been at it practically all day. Weather very nice, although rather warm and we may get some rain. Had a number of men in during the day for a read or a yarn.
Friday April 10th 1931:
Getting my air mail ready today. Had a chap in seeking my help in finding his brother, so that he may ascertain from the brother if their mother is alive for if she is dead there should be some money left for him. He is one of the society outcasts that the west shelters and of the kind that is known by the fact of having with him two gin wives. Drove a lady who has to go into hospital 10 miles down the river to her home so as to get several things she wanted and brought her back again. Spent the evening in reading.
Saturday April 11th 1931:
Had a clean and tidy up at the ‘ranch’ this morning and fixed up a comfortable ‘deck’ chair in which to sit. Tried to get the lads out to cricket practice this afternoon but was not too successful although we did have a practice. Had the general meeting of the club at night with a fair attendance.
Sunday April 12th 1931:
Had a record roll up at Sunday School this morning with 45 children attending. Very nice it was to se them all there. Could do with several more teachers for this number. Did some visiting around the town and had a sleep this afternoon. A big crowd assembled at the ‘drome at 5.30 pm to welcome ‘Scotty’ after his record trip from England. He made a very spectacular landing and was enthusiastically welcomed especially as he is so well known in the district. A dinner in his honor was given y the council at the hotel and not commencing until 7.15 pm greatly interfered with the attendance at service. Had a service never-the-less although the children predominated in numbers.
Monday April 13th 1931:
A close muggy day ending with heavy storms all round but only 30 points in the town. Visited the school for religious instruction and afterwards called on the new Dr and wife his and spent the remainder of the afternoon there.
Tuesday April 14th 1931:
Ordinary mail arrived in today with quite a budget for myself, all very nice too. Did a lot of writing myself.
Wednesday April 15th 1931:
Air mail brought a few more letters today. Spent most of the day on the car, changing and patching tyres, oiling and greasing up. Writing letters at night and getting ready for a trip.
Thursday April 16th 1931:
Put all my things on the car and then loaded up from the stores and Post Office and left Camoweal at 11.30 am. Four miles out at the crossing of the Georgina at Rocklands station, found a loaded lorry bogged. The river was running as a result of Monday night’s rain. Stopped with the lorry and helped get it out, which was only accomplished after unloading. Travelled with the lorry the for 10 miles. When we got out of the stretch where rain had fallen a good day traveling and then I left them. Did a foolish thing after getting the lorry out of the bog. I went on ahead to pick a good track and having to go off the road frequently I struck another road and followed it for 2 ½ miles before discovering was on the wrong one, the lorry driver blindly followed me. Did 5 miles on very heavy going more than need have. Reached Gallipoli station at about 5 pm 60 miles from Camooweal and stopped. Delivered mail and papers. After tea gave them a picture show using the side of the tent for the screen and the men sat on the ground. Unrolled my swag and retired.
Friday April 17th 1931:
Up before the sun this morning and answered the cook house call. Caught a horse and went out mustering with the men, yarding cows and calves so as to brand all clean skins. Had fifty branded by lunch time. Stayed at the yard for a while after lunch and then went on to Herbertvale station another 20 miles further and was not allowed to continue. Had another picture show there after tea. This time inside.
Saturday April 18th 1931:
Went on after breakfast and traveled some very rough rocky country, reaching Lilydale Springs after 40 miles traveling. A crowd camped here all out of work. Had lunch and went on to Riversleigh station . Only the manager and his wife and 3 black boys on the station at present. This place is a delightful spot on the Gregory river. Had another entertainment for whites and blacks here.
Sunday April 19th 1931:
Spent a very quiet morning at the station and let during the afternoon, taking with me and elderly man, father of the station manager’s wife and a little girl, ‘their daughter’. (?)
Only went the 15 miles to the Springs and stayed. After tea got the pictures ready and gramaphone and had music , pictures and a little service. About 14 men present and one lady. All the men are chaps out of work, traveling through the country. Only one went away during the service.
Monday April 20th 1931:
Left the Springs at 8 am and 12 miles on came to Sam Ah Bow’s at Loney Ck. Black, yellow and brindle inhabit this ‘ranch’. Sam has a graden. 6 miles further on came to main camp of Lawn Hills mines: no work being done, only caretaker , wife and family here now. People are nice. Stayed for lunch and then on again and had 100 miles of terribly rough traveling. Roads cut up fearfully by lorries and wagons, traveling during wet and cattle. One place I did 10 miles at a stretch with going that rough I could not get out of second gear. I wondered the car held together over all the bumps and shocks. Reached Burketown at 9 pm. Pulled in at Police Sergeant’s and stopped the night with no intentions of staying anywhere.
Tuesday April 21st 1931:
Had a very quiet day. Doing nothing. Went across the river and had a look at an alligator that some of the chaps had trapped but had shot that morning. Played tennis in the afternoon and at night spent the evening at the home of the Post Master.
Wednesday April 22nd 1931:
Did some writing this morning and visiting and making all arrangements this afternoon for the wedding ceremony. At 7 pm in the Shire Hall, united on the bonds of matrimony, two local young folk, the girl having just turned 17. A very pretty wedding. Breakfast afterwards had plenty of go as plenty of ‘laughing water’ available. A dance followed, held in the hall and the bridegroom was at work next morning at 8 o’clock.
Thursday April 23rd 1931:
Spent the morning working on the car and discovered my tyres will not see me much further. Will be lucky to get back to Camooweal without trouble. I played tennis during the afternoon as stayed at home at night.
Friday April 24th 1931:
Went out 25 miles to Armarandal (?) Station taking 2 ladies and 4 children. Another terribly rough road. Called in at the Murray’s home when returning.
Saturday April 25th 1931:
Anzac Day. Burketown has never had an Anzac Commemoration service so decided they should be put right this year. Arranged during the day for a service at night, as well for my own service tomorrow night. A nice crowd came out and we had four speakers including myself, but there were several others who could have attended. The minute silence was rudely broken by a child running around and crying out ‘Bubbah’. I did my best to make the folk realize their obligation on this day and not neglect the observance in future.
Sunday April 26th 1931:
A very quiet day. Did some visiting and trying to get the children linked up in Sunday School work again. A nice crowd out at service at night.




Monday April 27th 1931:
Spent the morning writing and working on the car, patching up the tyres. Played tennis during the aftrnoon and at night put on a social in the hall, when I again showed the pictures. Games and competitions followed and supper was partaken of at home by those who were lucky. Visited school for religious instruction.
Tuesday April 28th 1931:
Got the car ready for the road, said fond farewells and picking up Gran Shadforth and Gladys Foster, left at 10 am. 18 miles out pulled up and had morning tea and a talk by the wayside at a small home housing a big family. Road rough for a few miles along and then improved. 35 miles out called in at Brookdale selection. Had another cup of tea and talk here. Plodded on then to ‘Almora’ and sat down to a bachelors dinner. Left here about 3 pm and kept going until reached Donaldson selection, where again ‘tea-ed’. 5 miles further on reached Planet 70 miles from Burketown and called it a day. A crowd of children here. Went down for a swim and after tea, entertained the kiddies until bed-time.
Wednesday April 29th 1931:
Went on after breakfast and 12 miles ahead came to Gregory hotel, police station and cattle station. Visited all in turn. Had another passenger by now. Gran Beaumont from Camooweal. A squeeze to get them all in the car. Both ladies seemed to object to the other being a passenger but managed to keep them from scratching and biting each other.
Boiled the billy at the ‘Lily’ and ate. Reached Riverseigh at 4 pm and stopped. Car not going too well. Had some music before retiring.
Thursday April 30th 1931:
Spent the morning and part of afternoon on the car, at the carburettor and tyres. Went out in man ager’s car after ‘smoko’ and fished until supper time in both Gregory and O’Shannessy rivers. Caught 6.
Friday May 1st 1931:
Left after breakfast and had a rotten day. The car just went and that was all. Had several punctures and blow outs and just got home amd that was all. Passed several droving camps on the way and of course had a yarn at each. Only had Gran Beaumont on board today. Reached Camooweal at 8.30 pm. Ate! Got my 2 weeks mail and read it. Had a bath. Did some writing and retired at midnight.
Saturday May 2nd 1931:
Was busy all the morning around the town and in my ranch. Had to arrange and play a cricket match this afternoon. Weather rather hot too. ‘Bagmen’ had a win too. Our first innings only realized 23 but second attempt brought 129. Their scores were 56 and 102. A good game but was very tired and went to bed early.
Sunday May 3rd 1931:
Went to S.S this morning with a nice number of children present. Visited and arranged for service at night. Had a fair number out but a lot more could have been present. Had another early night to bed.

Whooping cough and Howard Kettle's Ordination

Saturday Jan 24^th 1931:

Weather continuing very hot and no sign of a welcome change with rain. River greatfor swimming now, although water is hot for the first few feet. Did some visiting. A few more cases of whooping cough.

Sunday Jan 25^th 1931:

No Sunday School this morningn although a couple of kiddies came up and got their cards and papers to do their work at home. No service at night. Weather very hot.

Monday Jan 26^th 1931:

Did some reading and writing and got down into the shed at the car. Perspiration pouring out of me, all the while inside. It is like working in an oven.

Tuesday Jan 27^th 1931:

Another day in the oven , losing weight all the time. Mail lorry broke down coming out and is still on the road.

Wednesday Jan 28^th 1931;

Mail got in this morning so had the morning off for reading and worked on the car this afternoon. Had a swim after tea.

Thursday Jan 29^th 1931:

Finished the car and got out into a bit of a breeze. Wind has got around to south-east, but still hot.

Friday Jan 30^th 1931:

All day writing and studying. Air mail closed this morning.

Saturday Jan 31^st 1931:

Cleaned up my ‘home’ this morning and did some reading. Went visiting this afternoon and had a busy time going the rounds. Took me until 6.30 pm to visit all and then I only called on those where there are children. Only one home in the town where children are, is free from whooping cough. Some are recovering, while others are just contracting it. Heard many tales of woe. As far as we can gather when school opens on Monday there will only be about 8 children present. Two little girls who are in hospital are now on the mend. Decided to hold neither Sunday School or church until the worst is over.

Sunday Feb 1^st 1931:

A very quiet day, spent mostly in reading with a little sleep and a swim before tea. Weather still very hot.

Monday Feb 2^nd 1931:

Into the books this week. Solid reading and studying.

Tuesday Feb 3^rd 1931:

Mail got in early this morning but very little for me. At the books all the time.

Wednesday Feb 4^th 1931:

Had a break this morning when in company of two others had to visit the hospital to enquire into trouble that has arisen between matron and cook. Books this afternoon and evening. Mum’s birthday and nearly forgot it.

Thursday Feb 5^th 1931;

At home all day and night, reading and writing, although had several visitors. Had the daily swim down at the Gardens.

Friday Feb 6^th 1931:

Studying most of the day. Did some visiting. Went for a swim.

Saturday Feb 7^th 1931;

Got the car ready for the road. Paid all my bills and packed up.

Sunday Feb 8^th 1931:

Hoped to get an early start but women again. Had Mrs Jackson and baby and Glen on board and did not get away until 10.30 am. A good run in though slow. Mt Isa about 6 pm. Tired and dirty. Took my passengers to the hotel and then quartered myself at the back of the

A.C.B (?). Got cleaned and bathed and then had some tea. Too late for Church, although noone turned up as it happened. Pictures, skating and band contest on in the town. Retired early.

( August 2011…..transcribing these diaries was not easy in the early stages as I attempted to decipher my father’s handwriting. But as I’ve gone along I have been able to figure out most of the place names. However the place I have previously interpreted as Wandangi I now know to be Urandangi! Two days ago I met up with 2 ladies working with Frontier Services and in talking about these diaries and my travels up north they asked had I been to Urandangi as it is such a beautiful place. Immediately I realized that was the place I had transcribed as Wandangi! My father’s U r looked like a W. )

Monday Feb 9^th 1931:

A day in Mt Isa. Did some shopping. Visited several folk.

Tuesday Feb 10^th 1931:

Left Mt Isa by train at 9.45 am. Mrs Jacson and Glen traveling too. On the train all day and night.

Wednesday Feb 11^th 1931:

Reached Townsville at 3.30 pm. Alf Pengelly met me and took me out to his mother’s place. Had a quiet evening.

Thursday Feb 12^th 1931:

Came into the town and paid several calls and shopped. After tea went down to the baths and had a wonderful two hours in the briny. Had music to accompany the swimming.

Friday Feb 13^th 1931:

Did some writing this morning and came into town this afternoon. Met Glen and Mrs J. After tea went for another swim.

Saturday Feb 14^th 1931:

A quiet morning at home. After lunch went over with a party to Magnetic Island. Was not sea sick. Went out to Maddens for tea.

Saturday Feb 15^th 1931:

Rode in on the bike to Church this morning and read and slept this afternoon. I took thte service at Stoke St this evening. Brought all the Pengelly’s with me.

Monday Feb 16^th 1931:

Packed up this morning. Came into town after lunch. Had afternoon tea with Glen. Caught the train for Brisbane at 6 pm. Dr and Mrs Lapthorne traveling in same carriage.

Tuesday Feb 17^th 1931:

Another weary day on the train. Nothing much to see, although plenty of green grass everywhere. Slept and read.

Wednesday Feb 18^th 1931:

Arrived Brisbane at 6.30 am. Met by Rev Pittendrigh who motored me out to Toowong to home of Mr and Mrs Jenkins. A nice couple elderly. Went into the city and called on Rev Mills. At night went out to Nundah Church and preached trial sermon.

Thursday Feb 19^th 1931:

Had exams all day at Albert St Church. Lined up with the rest of the chaps and faced the ‘Fathers and Brethren’.

Friday Feb 20^th 1931:

Attended Conference meetings and dodged about the city.

Saturday Feb 21^st 1931:

Went out to Sandgate and spent the day with Rev Hayes’ folk.

Sunday Feb 22^nd 1931:

Went to Church at Toowong this morning and aftervlunch went over to Wesley Church at Kangaroo Poiunt where I spoke in the afternoon on ‘Inland Mission Work’ amd conducted the service at night.

Monday Feb 23^rd until Friday Feb 27^th 1931:

In Brisbane wandering about, in and out of Conference. Glean came dwon from Townsville and met her several times in Brisbane. Brisbane a fearful place to have to stay in. Spoke at H.M ( Home Mission) Meeting held in the City Hall on the Thursday night.

Saturday Feb 28^th 1931:

Reached Sydeny at 8 am. Olwin met the train and piloted me out to the ‘Howard home’.

Met Jean Graham. Caught the train at 7.30 pm.

Sunday March 1^st 1931:

Reached Melbourne at 12 noon. Home again and very nice too. A family reception at the station. Drove home by car. Dad at the gate when got there. At home until Monday March 16^th, not nearly long enough but very nice while it lasted. Had a lovely happy time. Ordinstion took plasce at Wesley Church on the evening of March 5^th. Met a number of old friends while at home. Too much to mention in detail all that happened but am looking forward to time when will be home again for much longer stay.

Monday March 16^th 1931:

Left for Sydney by 5.30 am train from Spencer St. A nice crowd to bid farewell.

Tuesday March 17^th 1931:

Reached Sydney at 11 am. Met by Mr and mrs Dawborn and went across to Cremorne and lunched with them. Went out to ‘Howards’ had tea and Olwin came in to see me off on Brisbane train.

Wednesday March 18^th 1931:

Arrived Brisbane at 5.15 pm, met by Glen. Stayed night at People’s Palace. Until Tuesday 24^th in Brisbane. Business and visiting. Brisbane a fearful place. Not sorry to see the last of it.

Had two nights and a day on the train from Brisbane to Townsville and long wearying journey. Reached Townsville on the 26^th. Had a full day there, stayed the night at Pengelly’s.

Friday March 27^th 1931:

Went on to Charters Towers and had a pleasant few hours at the home of the Laws (?).

Saturday March 28^th 1931:

Left the ‘Towers’ on the ‘Isa mail train at 3 pm on the last stage of the return gtrain journey.

Sunday March 29^th 1931:

Arrived Isa at 5 pm thankful to be able to leave trains out of my daily reckoning. Drove over to the town and put up at the A.C.B. Mrs McINtosh from near by sent up a stretcher, mattress and sheets and pillow slip. Very kind of her. Took the service in the Church at night.

Monday March 30^th 1931:

After a busy morning nin Isa got loaded up and left by car for the ‘weal. Had two young chaps on as passengers. Had a puncture on the way and ran through a couple of storms but reached Camooweal at 9.30 pm. received a cordial warm welcome. Had a bath and retired.

Tuesday March 31^st 1931:

A quiet day sorting things out and getting everything in its proper place. ‘Home’ had been nicely cleaned and tidied. Two chaps I brought out adjusted the brakes on the car for me. A very windy muggy day.

Wednesday April 1^st 1931:

April Fools Day and was not fooled at all. Another ot windy day, wind still blowing from the north but no rain except a few showers. Mail got in today both air and ordinary.

Thursday April 2^nd:

Another hot day ending with a good storm and a light drizzle to follow. Cooled things down a bit. Started out visiting the town folk but rain sent me home. Did some study.

Friday April 3^rd:

Good Friday. A very quiet day, very few about. Finished my visiting. Did some sermon preparation. Had a service in the ha;; this evening. Crowd of 30 attending and very helpful service.

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.