The romance strengthens amid travel and work.

Monday September 2^nd  1935:

Helped Shorty rig wireless this morning and then acted as Inspector of the Childrens’ School lessons. Spent morning with them. After smoko all drove to Falls and spent a lot of time fishing and swimming. Showed p;ictures after tea and played billiards.

Tuesday September 3^rd  1935:

Left right after breakfast and had good run to Thorntonia where had lunch. Went out 3 miles and dug up bottle tree and loaded on car. Big tree. Found broken front main leaf. Fixed and yarn at Undilla. Too late to go Morestone. Straight in. Tea at Synnotts. Father Rush and Bro Richardson in town.

Wednesday September 4^th  1935:

 A busy morning attending to my multitudinous duties. All sorts of things to be done. Stiffy upset things by wanting a game of tennis and then out to Rocklands for swim. Eileen and Bro David came too. Drive after tea.

Thursday September 5^th  1935:

Spent most of today writing. Lots of it too. Baby Comp. take up a lot of time.

Friday September 6^th  1935:

Writing this morning and drove several out to shearing shed. Most of town there. Attended Church building meeting at night and a fair attendance.

Saturday September 7^th  1935:

Writing and getting letters away by ordinary mail. Packed Schmidts belongings to be sent down. Got several to give me a hand erect wireless pole. Had tea afterwards. Got wireless working. Listened in for a while at night.

Sunday  September 8^th  1935:

Got reading for S.School when car required take patient Mt Isa. Got it ready and T.J Cronin drove it in. Fair attendance at S.School. Baptised Burrs baby after lunch. Synnotts Stiffy and self went Campbells. 9 at evening service.

Monday  September 9^th  1935:

Spent morning at home. After lunch drove car load to shearing shed. Home for tea. Wandered round with Stiffy. Played cards at Synnotts.

Tuesday  September 10^th  1935:

Went dowm street with Eileen calling at P.O. Pedwells and Synnotts. After tea called for Eileen and came over here after walk.

Wednesday September 11^th  1935:

Camooweal’s monthly big day. Working on building fund and other writing. Have to walk as car still in Mt Isa. Fixed cupboard doors at hospital. Had tea down at hotel, first time this year. Attended hospital meeting at night. Over early. Called Synnotts afterwards.

Thursday September 12^th  1935:

Got some more writing done today although am still far behind. Car not yet back from Mt Isa. Eileen and I called and saw Mrs McKenzie this afternoon. Mac there and talked like an old woman. Went down to Wilsons for a while at night. Home and wireless.

Friday September 13^th  1935:

Plane arrived this morning 24 hours late. A letter card from mum. Uncle Hilton died. Got more writing done and after lunch went Rocklands with Mr Stiff. Had tennis and swim. Nice shower of rain while in water. Big waves on Lake. Wireless and talk after tea and then home to bed.

Saturday September 14^th  1935:

No car yet so spent 2 hours fixing Wilsons and discovered no spare so left it and went Rankine in Wilson Bates lorry. Burke Cant came too. I drove from Avon boundary. Lunch with Mrs Mac. Rankine at 4pm. Cleaned and tennis. Childrens’ party and concert at night. Bed at 12.30. Talked nearly all night.

Sunday September 15^th : 

 Up early. Breakfast and tennis for a while. Loaded up on Avon lorry. Avon for dinner. Camooweal at 4pm. Eileen down at Richmonds. Told folk about Church. Got car at last. Fair number at service. Talked J Synnott. Home and bed.

Monday September 16^th  1935:

Intended being very busy all day today but did not get too much done. Called round at Mosterts and then took washing round and talked for quite some time. Called and got Mrs Hart and baby at hospital and then took them home. Lit fire for her. Shopping. Lunch. Cleaning up and and writing. Taught Terry to Jump. Synnotts after tea. Mr Forrest and Cay Johnstone there.

Tuesday September 17^th  1935:

Intended leaving for Mt Isa today where Lanham Hobbin are waiting but baby McVean very ill in hospital decided me to remain. Spent several hours at hospital. Praying for baby’s recovery. Got some writing done: cleaned car after greasing and putting in new leaf.

 Wednesday September 18^th  1935:

Baby still very ill so still did not get away. Father and mother at hospital all day. Spent most of the morning there myself. Rang Avon and got Mrs McDonald to come in. Dr gives no hope but still praying. Terrible time for parents. Rand Hobbin snd told he and Lanham to come out here. Weather much cooler. Paid many visits to hospital.

Thursday September 19^th  1935:

Called early at hospital and baby much worse. Came home and did some work after breakfast. Called up at 11.30 and stayed until 2.30 when baby died. A terrible experience during last 3 hours. Did what I could for patents but that was little. Made coffin at Wilsons and saw to all funeral arrangemnets. Hobbin and Lanham arrived at 6.30pm.

Friday September 20^th  1935:

Finalized funeral arrangements early. Took coffin to hall. Held service there; big crowd and many floral expressions of sympathy. Mrs Riley fainted. Service at graveside and home. Crowd went out to border gate to see N.T. All went to Rocklands and had tennis and swim and then tea. Mrs S and Eileen and Matron came out after. Home at 10pm. Packed up and gotn ready for early start.

Saturday September 21^st  1935:

Up at 3.15am. Roused all out. Went over and called Mr Drain and then Eileen. Made tea. Delivered bag grain. Picked up Eileen. All had drink tea and both cars left at 4.30am. Hobbin went bush at Nouranie?? Good run in. Took Eileen to dentist but has to have general on Monday. Tennis and pictures at night.

Sunday September 22^nd  1935:

A good lie in this morning. Went round to Stantons. Conference after lunch with Hobbin and Lanham. Met train with Mrs Byers on. Church at night. Blasketts after Church.

Monday September 23^rd  1935:

Took Eileen to hospital at 8.30 this morning and left her there. A busy morning then around town. Saw folk off on train. Ran Lanham to mines for car part. Helped him fix it. Got brakes adjusted on car. Called for Eileen at 4pm. Very sick. Home to Stauntons. Saw Mr Cronin in hospital. Also several others. Prayed over dying baby. Stayed with Eileen until pictures out.

Tuesday September 24^th  1935:

A busy morning getting away which was not until 11am. A hot day for traveling. Mrs Byers very anxious to get home. Mrs Cronin not so well again. Saw her before I left. Arrived at 5pm. Dropped passengers and then Eileen. Lit fire. Tea at Synnotts. Early to bed.

Wednesday September 25^th  1935:

Up a bit late this morning. Cleaned around the home, bathed Terry. Collected clean clothes. After lunch got Schmidts car out and got it in going order. Cleaned up and after tea played cards at Synnotts.

Thursday September 26^th  1935:

Met the plane this mrorning with Schmidts car but Holloway did not arrive. Got letters away as well as program for sports. After lunch got more writing done and called on Hallins and Reilly on lodge business. Took Eileen for spin before tea. Aftare tea had practice on morse at P.O and later called at Synnotts.

Friday September 27^th  1935:

Got some more writing done this morning and ready for ordinary mail. Fixed up a/c’s at Synnotts for petrol. Saw Don about playing accordion. After lunch drove Stiff and Synnotts to Glenoble. Spent afternoon in shearing shed, took movies. Had swim in tank. Left after tea. Home at 10.30pm. Drove Hudson and very nice to ride in.

Saturday September 28^th  1935:

A busy morning getting more mail ready and posting same. After lunch went C.W.A hall and helped get ready for lodge. Cleaned and a game of tennis. Lodge after tea and called at Synnotts later.

Sunday September 29^th  1935:

A nice crowd at S.S this morning but no teacher. Essie and Flora took small ones. Went Grassy in afternoon and took Mrs Campbell news of her sister’s death. Poor congregation at night service.

Monday September 30^th  1935:

Had a clean up at the ranch this morning and took washing round to Mrs Mostert. Wrote a couple of letters. Went to C.W.A hall and wrote up minutes etc of lodge meeting. Called at hospital and did rounds with Matron. Mrs Cronin very sick again and word received she is to be operated on immediately. Called Synnotts late. Went for drive.

Tuesday October 1^st  1935:   ( Mileage 8980 )

As soon as breakfast over greased car, petrol in and by lunch had car all loaded up and ready for road. Got mail. Wrote a couple of letters and posted them. Banked Church money. Called several places. Left town at 3.30pm. Stopped few minutes at Mudgee. Arrived Austral 5.30pm. Tea. Feed of mulberries. Got pictures ready and showed after tea. Kiddies very pleased. Talked for awhile and then bed.

Wednesday October 2^nd  1935:

Spent this morning at Austral. Had talk to Mrs Day and others. Rewound all films. Walked around garden and took Terry for swim in the river. Miss Thomas went into Camooweal this morning with Mr Shaw to catch plane for Mt Isa. Mr Holloway piloted by Franklur (?), flew over at breakfast time heading for Avon. A barren desolate run from Austral to Lake Nash. Kath and Ted sleeping. Had tea, talk and later talk and c,ean up. Wireless after supper.

Thursday October 3^rd  1935:

After breakfast this morning went across to Station kitchenand then up to big house. Tea with Mr and Mrs Patch and walk about garden. Yarn to Mrs Simonsen who told me all her troubles. Talk to Mrs Huddlestone. After lunch Kath Ted and I went Arcadia. Tea there then watched shearing. Inspected lighting plant. Back and after supper showed pictures at kitchen. Wireless and bed. Italy started war with Ethopia. Bedouree coming up.

Friday October 4^th  1935:

Left after breakfast this morning and had trouble with leaves breaking in front spring and reached Headingley at lunch time. Spent whole of afternoon in making new spring out of old Ford leaves. Trouble in putting spring back. Showed pictures after tea. Several blacks in audience.

Saturday October 5^th  1935:

Fixed car this morning and went into Urandangi. Called on folk and had lu8nch at hotel.. Went on to Walgra and stayed. Went to hut and listened in to Grand Final of Melbourne football. After smoko played Hutton at tennis. Ping Pong after tea and bed.

Sunday Oct 6^th  1935:

Came into Urandangi this morning. Lunch at pub.Visited and held S.S  at 3pm. 8 there and all kids a bit troublesome. Tea at Elliotts. 8 at night service. Called on Mrs Reed. Back to Walgra.

Monday October 7^th  1935:

Played Betty tennis before breakfast. Afterwards went down to shearing shed for day. Sold only 2 votes. A hot dusty day. Showed pictures when got back to Walgra and then bed.

Tuesday October 8^th  1935:

Came to Urandangi after breakfast. Called on folk and after smoko on to Headingley. Delayed here until after lunchto baptise Sid Smith. Men had him very frightened. Called on pumpers at Sandwedgie and then stuck in sand. Used pull out. Called at Hughes. Had drink tea at No 6 Barclay and stayed night at Station.

Wednesday October 9^th  1935:

After breakfast called on Ian/Van? and later left. Stopped Buckley amd Weroona bores and reached home at 11am. Delivered parcels, letters etc and collected mail.. Lunch at Reillys. Cleaned up and went hospital. Smoko with Matron. Eileen and I went down town. Ted and Kath came in with black boy for hospital. Hospital meeting at night and drive afterwards.

 Thursday October 10^th  1935”

Got some writing done today and settled some a/c’s. Wrote up lodge returns and posted mail. Posted out programs of sports. Helped Eileen with the goats and then all got in car and went out to No 2 on Rocklands where we had a swim and then tea. Gramaphone and then packed up and home. Very hot day. Storms around but change S.E wind at night.

Friday Oct 11^th  1935:

Spent most of then morning getting the car ready for the road and loading up. Had Wilder up to see me and ordered some timber through him. Left town at 3pm and had good run to Gallipoli. Red Dock at No 5. Went oon and sw Dargan and Amelia at No 7. Stopped few minutes at Herbertvale and picked up 2 bag men. Arrived Springs at 9pm. Charles here. Supper. Bed.

Saturday October 12^th  1935:

On after breakfast. Called Lorne Crk. Only Ah Fat here. Stayed awhile at Adele’s Grove. Paw Paw and Watermelon. Mavis and Joyce here. Terrible life for them. Stopped a few minutes at Lawn Hill. Shot duckes at Archie Crk. Smoko at Punjaub. Rain here and big storm after leaving. Got through. Bagmen at race course. Home at Stadhams. Cleaned. Tea. Drive. Bed.

Sunday October 13^th  1935:

Called on folk this morning and had S.S at 9.30am. 13 present. Town went out to Wolfgangs and sport day. Dragged hole and got good fish. After tea home. Service well attended. Home. Bed.

Monday October 14^th  1935:

Cec and I took cars to lagoon and washed them before breakfast. Polioshed up afterwards. Bathed and cleaned. After lunch went to school. Called down town at store and hotel also Whelans. Went up and played championship doubles tennis. 6-1: 5-6: 6-5: 3-6: 6-3. Bill and I won. Pictures and social after tea. Very tired when bed time.

Tuesday October 15^th  1935:

Spent this morning in visiting around the place. Hospital and other places. Loaded up car and after lunch picked up passengers Mrs T Carrington and Mr Rickerdin from hospital. Called at all places except Almora to Planet and stayed night here. Hot weather.

Wednesday October 16^th  1935:

Left Planet. Came to Gregory. Stayed awhile at P.S. Gave Phil a telegram to send. Left for Lily behind Bill Miller. Caught him up and at Lily had lunch. Bill went on to Undilla. We went to Riversleigh. After smoko cut several heads of hair. Went out with Charlie and Rob for killer. Helped skin and dress. After tea played billiards and sing at piano.

Thursday October 17^th  1935:

Had a day at Riversleigh. A read for awhile. Took prayers for children at school. Later on heard them read. Did some soldering. Fixed pump after lunch and all went for swim to junction. After tea had yarm and games and bed.

Friday October 18^th  1935:

Left after breakfast and had lunch at Thorntonia. Picked Ernie up here who had cut face from horse falling. Stayed awhile at Undilla and then on to MOrestone. Rang Eileen but she was down at goat yard. She rang later. Cleaned and tea and yarn afterwards.

Saturday October 19^th  1935:

Came into town by bores and had smoko with tank builders. Near Bullring put stone through sump. Patched up with soap. After lunch .istened in to Caulfieldm Cup and then went to Wilsons and took sump off and repaired. Finished at 7pm. Cleaned and went to lodge. 

Sunday October 20^th  1935:

A hot day. Cleaned up at home. Call to take Don Ramsay to hospital. Burnt himself with fat. House nearly burnt. Good muster at S.S. Poor at night service. Held in C.W.A hall. Went on drive with Eileen in afternoon.

Monday October 21^st  n1935:

Am in thick of arrangements for Carnival on Saturday, and on account of sickness and absences, most of work has now fallen to my lot. Eileen and I went to Rocklands after lunch and saw about cattle and horses. Got Jack to fix me up with a U bolt but no time to fix it in.

In the swim.

Thursday August 15^th  1935:

Up early this morning and hopping in getting ready for the road. Mended puncture, changed oil, petrol etc. Attended meeting at hospital and then shire hall. Further packing up, writing, calling for parcels, delivering others, paying bills, gathering mail, picked up passengers and left at 4.30 pm. Arrived Avon at 6.30 pm and stayed McDonalds. Big crowd up at big house. Visitors and Alexandria folk.

Friday August 16^th  1935:

After breakfast bathed Terry’s eye and then went with Mr Spratt to bores No. 5. 9. 6 and 8. Left books with Hill and Shankland. After lunch took car to garage and greased up and then started on adjusting brakes. Left this to McMillan and went off and played tennis. After tea fixed pictures and all went up to big house where shoed them, had supper and home to bed. About 15 at the pictures.

Saturday August 17^th  1935:

After partaking of breakfast decided to do some writing and got letters away to White Rose Society Charters Towers and Rev Mills Brisbane. Wrote up diary. Mr Spratt broke down and came in at lunch time. I went out to 2 mile well and told Hedberg to bring in lorry. Left after lunch. Stopped Lawn Crk with Ted. On to Rankine. Had tea and loaded up with White family and David. Children’s concert and pictures at Alexandria. Played tennis. After tea held service and nice crowd there.

 Monday August 19^th  1935:

Spent this morning at Alexandria where until smoko time played tennis. Then wound films, wrote up diary etc, had eyes tested, loaded up bus and after lunch left for Brunette. Met Brunette mechanic and others at Crow’s Nest. Smoko at Brunette and yarn at house which is being repaired. Had tea. Left for Anthony’s. 30 miles out got puncture, got out and saw stone had gone thru petrol tank. Patched with soap and camped.

Tuesday August 20^th   1935:

Fixed up tyres and tubes this morning and ten had breakfast. Loaded up bus and came into Anthony’s. Passed Pioneer Tourist car. Called at store and Police Station where had lunch. Went up to Cattle station and started to mend hole in petrol tank. Big job. Hall came along later and helped. Finished, cleaned up and tea. Mrs McGoggin very nice. Yarned and bed. Peter Morrison cooking here.

Wednesday August 21^st  1935:

Fixed up tyres and tubes again this  morning and left, calling at Police Station and store. Stayed store for lunch and afterwards baptized youngest Biondi and married oldest to J.Dalley. had to repeat ceremonies from memory as had left book at home. They knew nothing about it. Left for Brunette and arrived in time to get cleaned up and have tea. Yarned for awhile and then down to wireless room, listened in and bed.

Thursday August 22^nd  1935:

Spent most of today helping mechanic reset springs o my bus. Lifted up the back quite a lot. Plane going to Singapore had Fox film man on who took several shots around the place. Left Brunette at 5.30 pm and just passed Armchair had another  blowout. Put on spare. Had supper at Crows Nest with Don Mulcahy. Arrived Alexandria at 10 pm. Talked and went to bed.

Friday August 23^rd  1935:

At Mrs Johnstons request drove her to Camooweal in Oldsmobile. Good run in. Did business and tea at Synnotts. Picked up Harvey and Carpenter and left at 7.30 pm. Bill in very bad humor. Excitement on way when Mrs Johnston thought car on fire. Mrs J not very well so decided to stay at Avon. Had supper and turned in.

Saturday August 24^th  1935:

Left immediately after breakfast. Called at Rankine P.S and store and bore on plain and Alexandria at 12 noon. After lunch fixed  tyres and tubes and loaded up and left for Alroy. Another blow out. Yarned at Alroy and then up to big house. Mrs Barnes here. Mr came after tea. Jack home too. Talked and bed.

Sunday August 25^th  1935:

Left for Rocky after smoko. Met Bob Lobb, E Stanton and Tom Hare and the Rager en route. George not home. Had swim. Went out to bore where tank building. Held little service at night.

Monday August 26^th  1935:

A day at Rocky. Went out 40 miles to where George working and men sinking bore.

E Kennedy came too. Kids in the back. Home after lunch. Had swim. Got pictures ready and showed at night. Talked afterwards.

Tuesday August 27^th  1935:

Loaded up and left after breakfast. Baptised Mrs Warrens baby and Lulu’s before lunch. After lunch put tomatoes etc on and reached Rankine at 5.30 pm. Intended going on but too late so stayed. Not feeling too good. Played Harold billiards and lost 2 out of 3.

Wednesday August 28^th  1935:

Up before daylight and had drink of tea at P.S (Police Station). Left with Mr White and reached Soudain at sunrise. Had breakfast and a yarn. Left and called at No 5. Picked up Bill Lawson. Called at Avon for a few minutes and reached Camooweal at 12 noon. Delivered mail etc. Sent wires and posted letters, fixed tyres with spares from Mr Schmidts. Eileen and I wet for a drive.

Thursday August 29^th  1935:

Loaded up bus and left at 9 am for Gregory. Had Shorty and wireless on board. At Morestone letterbox  found_________ who had missed mail. Tooko him back into Morestone. Stopped few minutes at Undilla and at Thorntonia. Rupert gave us lunch. Good run to Gregory. Arrived 5.30 pm. Met some of folks and made camp at river near Ramsays. Half night rigging aerial.

Friday August 30^th  1935:

Had swim and went up to hotel. Not a very big crowd about. Shorty tried out wireless but no answer from Camooweal. Went over to course. Met a lot. Great swim before tea. Went over to dance for a while at night. . Very poor crowd present.

Saturday August 31^st  1935:

Swim after breakfast and before went up to store and  morsed to Cloncurry. Had big tennis match, when Bill and I played 5 sets winning 4. Another big swim and over to course and swim before tea and up to dance at night, where slept in car until others ready to come home. Supper and bed.

Sunday September 1^st  1935:

Everybody up early. Saw all off. Went over to station  for awhile. Cleaned and car and swim. Lunch. Called P station and hotel. Left for Riversleigh. Arrived in time for tea.  Gramaphone and bed.

The work never stops!

Monday August 5^th  1935:

The day after Sunday.Cleaning up and getting things in a bit of order. Cleaned yard and carted two loads of rubbish away. Fred came and carted me off to tennis. Weather very hot.

Tuesday August 6^th  1935:

Just pottering around and nor getting anywhere. Have that much to do but do not seem to get it done. Fixed hall for novelty night and had big crowd there. Games etc, a few exhibitions with the gloves. Visited school for R.I.

\Wednesday August 7^th  1935:

Do not seem to be making any headway with my work at all. Suppose its my bad management. Eileen’s arm improving but not yet right. Wrote up some correspondence and before tea had a game of tennis. Magicians stint on in the hall at night but did not go. Thursday August 4^th  1935:

Kept going in one way and another with writing, going to hospital with patienteans attending to hospital needs, Lodge and school matters. Put pictures on at night and had quite a good crowd present.

Friday  August 9^th  1935:

Getting ready this morning to go to Isa, when asked totake Mrs McVean in as seriously ill. Made bed in back and at 2.30pm left with Alister, Sister, McKenzie and Mrs McVean. A good run and all passengers had good trip. Left McKenzie at May Downs, Mrs McV ean to hospital where admitted at 8.45pm. Had feed at Wynnes left Alister and Sister at Smiths. Called Mitchells. Drove Rose home and bunked in car at Church.

Saturday August 10^th  1935:

As soon as I arose cleaned out carburettor in car, then shaved and dressed and breakfast at Mitchells. Got all commissions executed and arrangemnets furthered for Baby competition. Married couple at 3pm. Collected all goods and other passengers, leaving Isa at 2.30pm. Boiled billy at Johnstones. Alister took wheel 12 miles out. Home at 12.30.

Sunday August 11   1935:

Called to hospital early this morning and stayed with Scott Stevens until he died. Went out very quickly. Aerial Dr came too late. S.S at 11am. Buff mtg at 2pm. Called Mosterts, Davidsons, Wilsons, Dawsons. Coffin to morgue and put body in. Only 5 at night service. 

Monday August 12^th  1935:

Had a busy morning until 11.30 with arrangements for funerals and carrying out of same. Left hospital at 1.15am. Big crowd following. Buffs marched in regalia in front of hearse, a Dawsons lorry. 3 ceremonies at graveside. Church, Masonic and Buffs. Robby read Masonic, self the other two. Returned and took Eileen to hospital. A wasted afternoon. Several callers and got into book, neglecting all else. Practised a bit on the morse after tea. Played cards at Synnotts later.

Tuesday August 13^th   1935:

A solid day at the writing desk and did not let up until 5pm when went down and had a game of tennis with Fred Murray. Mail in this morning. Got hall ready for games night and quite a good crowd present. Kept going until 11pm.

Wednesday August 14^th  1935:

As soon as breakfast over had to go down and clean out hall. Very dirty, peanut shells everywhere. No plane in today, running 24 hours late. Got more writing done, reports etc finished. Hospital report written up. Attended hospital meeting at night. First night of new committee. Called later at Synnotts and Eileen and I went down to creek and saw Charlie Swan who said he was quite alright but who is really a hospital case.

Out and about.

Sunday June 23^rd  1935:

Good number again at S.S. Had photo taken ofnthem all. Eileen and I went Campbells in afternoon. Passed Brothers coming in. We stayed for tea. Home at 10 pm. Very cold.

Monday June 24^th  1935:

Experiencing real winter now. Bitterly cold and strong south-easterly shows no sign of letting up. Clened the house up and visited the hospital with Mr Cronin on business. Got Sec to send telegram re new cupboard. Saw Norman re contractor living at school.

Tuesday June 25^th  1935:

Got some mail away this morning but bitterly cold still. Awful while sitting inside. Few clouds coming up. Visited a couple of places. Got the mail.

Wednesday June 26^th  1935:

Got some ore writing done and caught airmail with it. No sun at all today, clouds completely obscuring. May rain although seems to cold for that.

Thursday June 27^th  1935:

Rain set in this morning and continued all day. Attended court where Sonny Darcy convicted on both charges and fined 2 pound 10 shillings on each in default a month and bound over for 12 months. Having meals at Reilly’s today as too wet and cold home here. Good rain reports all round.Weather a bit warmer now rain started. Could seem though all mails held up. Plane late. Puncture on drome.

Friday June 28^th  1935:

Rain continued steadily all day and reports state it is quite general. Quite a crowd at Avon. Very depressing weather though. Mud everywhere. Did some writing but too cold to sit for long. Having meals out as too wet and mucky at home here. Helped shift Mrs Logan off the creek as river might rise.

Saturday June 29^th  1935:

And still it rains although easing off and clouds breaking. Expected plane in from Tennants with sick man but forced back to Avon by rain. No visibility. Got my car out to meet plane at drome but not necessary.

Sunday June 30^th  1935:

No Sunday School or Church service today. Too boggy. Plane came in and after repairs affected went in Mt Isa. Man has broken pelvis and fractured thigh. Done 10 days ago but very cheerful.

Monday July 1^st   1935:

Rain seems to have gone. Spent the morning in cleaning up the kitchenand getting nready for further batching. Visited the hospital after lunch with Mr Cronin and Mr Synnott in connection with jobs to be done. Called at the Shire Hall and Alisters. Wrote letter re wireless license.

Tuesday July 2^nd  1935:

Weather still very cold and windy and cloudy. Wrote letter and gave to mailman but he is not leaving until tomorrow. Mail train not into Isa yet. Line washed away near Julia Creek. After lunch went to school for R.I and then round to see Keith who was bitten on thte leg by a dog this morning. Avon crowd arrived in this afternoon. Eileen and I called on Keith at night and then to Synnotts. Mr and Mrs Schmidt here.

Wednesday July 3^rd  1935:

Got some mail written this morning in time to catch the plane. Called down and saw Schmidts and after lunch went up and saw them off on the plane. Came home and got most of my May returns done. Attended a hospital meeting at night to deal with a complaint against Dr. Listened in at Synnotts until 2 am to match between Crawford and Perry. Got too cold to sit it out.

Thursday July 4^th  1935:

Up late this morning. Fixed car door with 3-ply and replaced catch. Called for Shorty and went out 7 miles and listened in  to Mr Stiff broadcasting to get position on dial. Went out shooting with Fred Murray and got 6 ducks, finishing up getting bogged near garden and had to get Arthur Dawson to pull bus out. Tea at Synnotts at 8 pm and then plucked and cleaned ducks.

Tuesday July 9^th  1935:

Busy writing and getting hall ready for games night. A big success and big crowd there. Hoping it continues.

Thursday July 11^th  1935:

Getting ready for road and a long job too and did not get away as I thought to do. Meeting tonight about raising funds for Church building.

Friday July 12^th  1935:

Did not get away as early as expected and shot and skinned a couple of roos on way out. Supper time when arrived Gallipoli. After tea rigged wireless but aerial too low and reception poor.

Saturday July 13^th  1935:

Pulled wireless apart and left Gallipoli after smoko. Captain Bishop, Boiler buster, Bill Harvey arrived before I left. Found Burns getting ready leave Herbertvale. Asked me to run load of stuff Camooweal. Ormond came along in lorry so saved me. Put wireless up and listened on at night.

Sunday July 14^th  1935:

Riversleigh today at 3 pm. Nobody at Springs. Took governess and children to falls. Put up wireless but not good. Aerial too low.

Monday July 15^th  1935:

A day at Riversleigh. Spoke to children in morning. Read. Gave them half holiday and all went   javelin(?) fishing. Got a few. Wireless good tonight. Put pictures on too, a good night.

Tuesday July 16^th  1935:

Arrived Gregory at 5.30 pm, left for Riversleigh after lunch. Drover camped at Lily. Also Piebald Jack. Stayed hotel. Nicol came over. Called over at Station. Old chaps doing jigsaw puzzles.

Wednesday July 17^th  1935:

Stayed Gordon Smith’s at night. Called Planet, Donaldsons and Almora. Shot and scalped a few wallabies. Lost my knife. Mrs Smith on her own for a few days. Has Pegg’s baby.

Thursday july 18^th  1935:

Reached Burketown at 4 pm. Pulled up Stadhams and room ready. Called Oliver Souths. Arranged christem baby on way back. Put wireless up. Children’s dance in hall at night.

Friday July 19^th  1935:

Burketown all day. Called on several folk. Dr and I went up river and had shot at alligator, only frightened him. Played tennis.

Saturday July 20^th  1935:

Dr and I went out lake and shot pigeons and ducks. Home late, went over to course. Went hall for while after tea. Boil on my neck.

Sunday July 21^st  1935:

Burketown. Had S.S at 9.30 am. Nice number out. Played cricket. Gathering for Mrs Doyle. 35 at Church at night.

Monday July 22^nd  1935:

Had a wedding today at 3 pm. Played tennis after school for R.I. Picture and social evening at night. Announced Baby competition.

Tuesday July 23^rd  1935:

Wireless down, loaded up and left at 2 pm. Called McGoffins camp. Arthur here. In trouble. Went his camp after baptizing baby Smith and showing pictures. Stayed night.

Wednesday July 24^th  1935:

Talked to young chap and then went across to Mrs Smiths, had talk and then left and went on my way. Called at Donaldsons, Planet, Gregory, and Riversleigh after tea.

Thursday July 25^th  1935:

Left Riversleigh at 10 am. Drover huggins and…? on way to Camooweal. Called in at Findlays, Millers and home at 7.30 pm. Got turkey on way in.

Nearing the end.

Thursday June 13^th  1935:

Had to have another go at my stove chimney today and strengthened it  but still it smokes. Quite a crowd gathering in town for the races. Had a letter today from home, Kilgour and cheque. Eileen got her ring and quite thrilled. Got some more writing done and took wireless down to Shorty. Had Bill Stogg call in after tea. Went to the hall at night. C.W.A ball on.

Friday june 14^th  1935:

Was a bit late in rising today so that breakfast was also late. Post Office open for only one hour so had to hurry down and send a telegram home. Came back and did some writing, then went down to the store. Came home and got some lunch then cleaned and called for Eileen and Mrs Synnott and went over to the course. Had tea at Synnotts and then home, dressed and took Eileen to hall. Startled natives when they saw ring on Eileen’s finger.

Saturday June 15^th  1935:

A busy morning at home. Got some mail away and also telegrams. One to Marj and one to Works Dept Townsville. Took Eileen and others over to course. Went to hall at night and very soon after arriving had brush with Sonny Darcy. Mr Campbell intervened and later Darcy locked up for night. Eileen very upset.

Sunday June 16^th  1935:

Had the usual nice crowd at S.S this morning and after lunch loaded up bus and Eileen and self came out to Morestone. Arrived in time for tea. Afterwards tried to fix wireless.

Monday June 17^th  1935:

Left Morestone after breakfast and drove across to Undilla. Stopped for few moments at gate with Jack Burns. Smoko at Undilla and another when reached Thorntonia. Went on and arrived Gregory 5pm. Shot wallabies along the road. Mr and Mrs Muller at home and stayed the night. Eric came over after tea for awhile. Retired early.

Thursday June 18^th   1935:

After breakfast visited station people: Greg and Harry Watson up here, also George Watson. Came back to hotel and then went shooting wallabies and got 2. Cale across a chap camped near river. Left him some reading. After lunch Eric and self went fishing. Got three, also 3 wallabies. Early tea and all down to Planet: Mrs Schaffert too.Had service and baptised baby. Back to Gregory and bed.

Wednesday June 19^th  1935:

Left for home after breakfast. Pulled in at a couple of drovers’ camps. Also Thorntonia and Undilla. Had smoko at Morestone and then the both of us came home. Got puncture 1 mile out of town. Pulled in at Synnotts and Eileen got some tea. Listened to wireless and home to bed.

Thursday Jume 20  1935:

Got things straightened up a bit this morning and then spent an hour at Police Station in connection with summons for Ronny  Darcy. Called at Wilsons and Dawsons. Collected all Rankine and Avon mail, picked up Mrs Mostert and Libby and left for Rankine. Arrived at 4pm. Delivered mail etc and then picked up Mrs Fowler and all went down to camp. Back to store and had tea with Rocky folk. Called for crowd at camp, up to hall and all home later. Campeed in car.

Saturday June 22^nd  1935:

Loaded up after breakfast  and came up to store. Completed load comptising 5 passengers, one dog and numerous ports and swags etc. Left at 10.30am and Avon at 12.30. Mrs Mac gave us bread etc and went on to 1 mile gate where boiled billy. Home at 3.30 pm. Delivered passengers. Called Synnotts and P.O and after tea helped at store in stock taking.

Love is in the air....

Start of new diary and some entries not worth copying hence the gaps!

Monday April 29^th 1935:

Dawborns left by car for Mt Isa. I took them in.

Tuesdy April 30^th  1935:

Dawborns left Mt Isa by train.

Wednsday May 1^st  1935:

I came back to Camooweal.

Monday May 6^th  1935:

Picnic today at Rocklands. All the town there. Had two trips. Mrs Easy waiting. Late coming in. A bit of a row all round. Left town at 5.30pm. Arrived Avon at 7pm. Tea there and then on to Rankine. Stayed night.

Tuesday May 7^th  1935:

Left Rankine and on to Alroy. Smoko here and Mrs Crouch came on and we reached Rocky at 2pm. Stayed awhile and then back to ALroy and on to Rankine by 10pm. Stayed night.

Wednesday May 8^th  1935:

Late leaving this morning but reached town at 12 midday and caught airmail. CWA annual meeting in afternoon and hospital mtg at night.

Saturday May 11^th  1935:

Brother Townshend arrived today so Eileen and I went to Morestone for weekend.

Sunday May 12^th  1934:

Went out with Mr DeBois and met all the men in the camp.

Monday May 13^th  1934:

Back into town today arriving just after lunch. Called at camp where men building dam. Also at bore where Cameron got his cattle.

Friday May 17^th  1935:

Did a job today that I had been intending to do for a long while … build a safe. Did not finish as had no timber left for the doors. Childrens dance in the hall tonight so went along and played a few rolls on the piano for them. Not many adults present but children enjoyed themselves. Later called at Synnotts and suffered Vic Hall ( N.T mounted) relating experiences in which actions of all other members were condemned.

Saturday May 18^th  1935:

Mosterts shifted in here today. All in bed when I came from the from shooting party at Grassmere. All had a good time. Eileen particularly emjoyed the outing. Dr revealed some queer characteristics. Met Barnes from Brunette today. Tom Norton also in town. Put 3ply in door of bus where glass was broken. Had to put netting around verandah as protection for Mostert children.

Sunday May 19^th  1935:

Was up first this morning. Poor home well crowded out now. It is giving them a lift however. A very nice crowd at S.S this morning. Have now 33 on roll. Went Synnotts fror lunch and tasted ducks we shot. Great! Later Eileen and I went for drive along river. Very poor attendance at service at night.

Monday May 20^th  1935:

Gog into a few jobs at home this morning, fixed spouting and batting damaged during cyclone. Then into washing and washed bug mob. Rang Mt Isa and learned H Foster had gone in. After a clean up borowed iron from Eileen and did a fair bit of it. Dr made a nuisance of himself wanting to go to Yelvertoft and get medicine from mail ( I able). Younger set dance at night. Went for a while and had good time. All enjoyed themselves.

Tuesday May 21^st  1935:

Started on my correspondence today but was  not allowed to continue as Wilson Bates came up and asked me o drive him to Richmonds on business so went down after lunch and did not get back until 10pm. Richmond not home so had to wait and then Magoffin and the rest would not get down to business. While waiting I mooched sround amongst the various ones and then had a read of the Register.

Wednesday May 22^nd  1935:

Got into my correspondence with a vengeance today and wrote home, to the Colonel, and got all my  returns up to date. Was too late to write up my reports so had to leave them. Eileen and I went to pictures at night as I reckoned I deserved a little relaxation.

Thursday May 23^rd  1935:

Was up early this morning, the first of the family and kept going without a break until I was ready to leave at 2pm. Got all my letters and cheques away as well as getting everything ready I needed for the trip to Urandangi. Picked up Mrs Reilly and Betty and went along arriving at Harris’ for tea. At No 1 Barkly had a yarn to a pumper. Also at No 4 where Charlie Lambert pumping. After tea drove to Lake and stayed there with Ted and Keith. Wireless.

Friday May 24^th  1935:

Very late risers at Lake P Station. Was 9am before sat down to breakfast, smoko time at the station. After breakfast shaved  and went across and saw Mrs Huddlestone and Mrs Patch, morning gtea, roses lovely, bunch back to Kath. After lunch worked on car greasing etc and took me till supper time. A bit of trouble in a couple of spots. Listened in for awhile after tea and also had a yarn. ( Wireless a real treat I guess!)

Saturday May 25^th  1935:

Up early this morning and got breakfast ready but did not leave until 9.30am. Smoko with the men at station . Yarn to a few of them. Left Lake and had a good run to Headingley. Lunch in kitchen. Went down and saw Cwayes’. On to Urandangi . Pulled up at Elliots. Went and saw folk in hall, decorating for races, smoko in hall. Dumped swag at Thomas’. Cleaned and called Mullers. Tea Elliots. Hall at night.

Sunday May 26^th  1935:

Got up too early. Breakfast with Charlie and P.C. Called on Wrights. Arranged S.S. Met at 3pm, nice number. Mrs Fell attended. Smoko Elliots. Tea also. Nice number at service. Bookies. Jockeys as well. Elliots after. Home to bed.

Monday May 27^th  1935:

After breakfast at hotel, worked on car finding greasing point. Jim helping. Changed diff and gear oils. Rang Eileen. Lunch at Elliots.Drove to Spencers. Stayed awhile. Then to Walgra. Busy time oon a/c so dry. Passed sheep moving. Cattle shifted. No grass. Stayed night here. Yarned after tea. Cold night.

Tuesday May 28^th  1935:

Up early here. Very cold. Met sopme of the men after breakfast and returned Urandangi. Wallyb Godsell came up with me. Went around all the folk.  Cut Fred’s hair. Lunch Elliotts. Left after and called Headingly. Picked up roll of packing and took it into bore, lorry dropped it. Pulled in at Bullecourt. Both home. In trouble, black boy cleared out with horse. After tea played gramaphone and had a yarn. Old chap says world (?) needs a new Director.

Wednesday May 29^th  1935:

After breakfast left books and loaded up. Put in ½ bale wool. Gave Hughes hand with his car. Came on to hole for lunch. Ted Tregenza here and 2 pumpers. On to Barclay, yarn to Van Houten and Clancey family. Smoko. On and pulled up Buckley bore. Engineers here starting pumping plant. Left books with Bob Lobb. Passed Jack and Wille Miller going Urandangie Home for tea. Cleaned and plucked 2 turkeys shot.Called Synnots and took over one turkey. Passed chap on the road. Grass and water scarce.

Thursday May 30^th  1935:

Collected my mail this morning and was asked to take Bunning to Morestone. Not good enough as mail goes that way today. Told him not able to go. Got things ready for decorating hall and at night got crowd along and nearly finished. Beginning to look rather nice too.

Friday May 31^st  1935:

Up early and with Burke Cant finished the hall by 10am. School children having school in hall on a/c of work at the school.  They did not mind being held up through our decorating. Rang Scanlon Mt Isa . Took supper things Mrs O’Keefe. Did some writing. Went to hall at night.

Saturday June 1^st  1935:

Got writing done this morning and reports posted. Very thankful too. Was intending having quiet afternoon but called to go and build up end of tennis court. Kept going until 6pm. Attended hospital meeting and lodge meeting at night. 12 nomintaions for hospital committee.

Sunday June 2  1935:

After breakfast ready for S.S and 35 there. Great. Dinner at Reillys. Prepared for night and went drive along river with Eileen. Great. Good service at night. Not many there. Had tea at Synnotts.

Monday June 3^rd  1935:

No celebration in honor of the day. ( King George V  birthday.) Did some washing this morning and after dinner went down and played tennis. Had some good games. 

Tuesday June 4^th  1935:

Had a busy day getting the car ready for the road and getting some writing done. Intended leaving this afternoon but mail was late in and rain threatening decided me to await developments.

Wednesday June 5^th  1935:

Rain falling in various places stopped me making the Burketown run but at lunch time received urgent suumons to go Urandnangi and pick up black boy seriously ill. Had to go in spite of weather. Stormy looking everywhere. Picked up woodcutter at Weroona and took to Barclay and Bill Slogg at Buckley who came Urandnangi. Arrived at 9pm and rain very close. Picked up boy and also cook at hotel, called Elliotts and started back. Rain caught us 6 miled outand forced us to stop night at Headingley. Road very greasy.

Thursday June 6  1935:

Up at daylight and put chains on car before breakfast and left immediately afterwards. Patient seemed better. Ploughed through bog all the way to within 20 miles of Barclay. Heavy. Could not remain on road most of the way. Engine boiling. Picking up track foot wide. Stopped No 6 and lunch Barclay. Arrived 3pm. Sergeant and then hospital with patient. Rain at night.

Friday June 7^th  1935:

Had more rain today so fortunate to be at home. Did some writing and odd jobs about the place. Spent evening over at Synnotts. Family left me today. Place very quiet.

Saturday June 8^th  1935:

Got some mail away by todays post and after lunch went and tolled tennis court. Called on Mrs McDonald. Heavy rain for half an hour. Drove patient to hospital. Cooked a sponge cajke and very good too.

Sunday  June 9^th  1935:

Although boggy conditions exist big crowd at S.S and very nice to see. Lunch at Reillys. Afternoon at home. Only few at service at night.

Monday June 10^th  1935:

Had washing day today and big clean up of the ranch. Place much improved. Erected punching ball downstairs. Good exercise. Had an interview hospital and contractor. Rains seems to have disappeared. Town becoming busy as race crowd gathers.

Tuesday June 11^th  1935:

Did my ironing this morning, got loan Thorleys iron. Wrote letters during afternoon.

Wednesday June 12^th  1935:

Stove smoking this morning, chimney not draw. Breakfast thus delayed. Went hospital see and drafted letter to Hon John Mullan. Tried to fix stove chimney, unsuccessful. 

Long and winding road.

Thursday Aprl 12^th  1934:

We were up very early this morning as Mr Hosier was awake before 4am and had Jim and I out just as the morning star appeared. We boiled up and had breakfast and were traveling long before daylight. A couple of miles this side of Inverleigh we ran into a bit of bog but not enough to stop us and we reached the station  just as the cook as getting up. Here we learned that heavy rain on ahead had made the roads impassable so there was nothing to do but turn back which we did after our second breakfast.  We had a good run back although a storm or two had fallen since yesterday and after calling on again at Wernadinga and Armraynald reached home at 7pm. While coming back we caught a young brolga and a duck and took them both up to matron who goes in for livestock.

Friday April 13^th  1934:

As Mr Hosier still had a few days leave I decided to do a hurried trip to Wollogerang so after filling up and loading up after breakfast this smorning we took Jim out 20 miles to meet a drover who wanted some men but as it was only a short trip Jim decided to wait and try to get on with someone else. We took him on and left Jim at Touchstone to come back with Bert Booth. We went on then about 5 miles and stayed for the remainder of the day in the stock camp, waiting for Booth to bring out the mail. He assured us that he would be at Touchstone at 6pm.  Two storms worked up during the early part of the night but although we had to roll up our swags a couple of times and seek the shelter of the car, we only got a few drops each time.

Saturday April 14^th  1934:

After breakfast at the camp we ran into the station and a mile out went right into where the storm of last night passed. It was all we could manage to get through but we did. Booth however had not returned so we had to go on without the mail. We got to Bannockburn, the crossing of the Nicholson river about lunch time so we pulled up and boiled the billy. This crossing is about ½ mile wide and is difficult to negotiate being over rocks, through sand and water, winding and twisting in all directions and finished up with a very steep ‘jump up’ onto the bank through a narrow cutting. The old bus did not flinch however. While  the billy boiled we tripped off and had a swim and it was glorious. I did not want to get out but we had to go on. We reached ‘Turn Off’  andf stayed awhile with Mr and Mrs Murray and had smoko. Constable Wilson has just taken over here from Const Barclay who has gone to Cairns. We went on again and pulled in at West Moreland a bit after sundown. This is a very lonely spot, 125 miles from Burketown and 50 from Turn Off. Mrs Irwin was the only one at home which is generally the case as the men spend most of the time out on the run. She got us some tea after which we sat on the verandah and talked. A little excitement was caused when a snake glided on to the verandah amongst us but was quickly dispatched when I got the gun off the car. Soon we all retired.

Sunday April 15^th  1934:

Before breakfast this morning I went down to the lagoon and shot a couple of ducks for Mrs Irwins Sunday dinner and after leaving her some books etc went on and arrived at Wollogerang about 11am crossing the  border into the N.T. four miles from the homestead. Mac was home as well Billy Mallins the cook. We yarned then until dinner time. Mac has just bought a car, a second hand job that needs a fire under it. He knows nothing about a car and already it was owing him trouble so I went to have a look and see if I could fix it for him and was kept going all the afternoon and not much further ahead. After tea we all gathered together and with the help of the accordian and gramaphone had a big sing and both sacred and secular songs. The others went to bed then amd Mac and I sat up and yarned until early morn.

Monday April 16^th  1934:

Got to the car again after breakfast and had the satisfaction ofngetting it going alright just before lunch. Had then to mend a puncture on one of my tubes and load up ready for another start. Said farewell about 3pm and had a good run to West Moreland where we had smoko. Here another job prevailed me as their only rain water tank had sprung a leak so I patched that up as best as I could and on we came. We had hopes of getting to Turn Off but it was not to be. Carburettor trouble  again delayed us for awhile and running on top of a stump caused further delay so we pulled up and camped.

Tuesday April 17^th  1934:

Up at daylight and had breakfast and then a good run into Turn Off. We stayed here a couple of hours. Mr Hosier down talking to Const Wilson while I talked to  the Murrays and talked to the small son and gave him some papers and a hanging text. After a drink of tea we went on and stopped long enough for me to have a hurried swim in the Nicholson when we crossed it and by lunch time we were at the Touchstone stock camp. Stayed here awhile and had lunch and after making arrangements for Chong’s wedding, came on. Did some shooting over the last 30 miles knocking over a few wallabies and bringing home 3 turkeys. Retired soon after supper.