Making tracks.

Wednesday Oct 18^th 1933:

Back in town today after being away for 3 weeks. Collected a big budget of mail. House full of dust and dirt so went to hotel for meals. Yesterday I came along as far as Gallipoli, pulling in for awhile at Herbertvale and No 7. Black was at No 7 as well as the pumper. Jack and Bruce were just going out to Bill at Gallipoli so I went out with them. Showed them the pictures at night.

Saturday Oct 21^st 1933:

Have been kept going in one way or another since getting home, in cleaning up and visiting hospital and others and writing and this afternoon G Riley and self put up the aerial and have had the wireless working tonight and very good too. Have been going to the hotel for dinner at night.

Saturday Oct 28^th 1933:

Had a week in town with the usual routine. Had a few of the ocals up some nights to listen to the wireless. Called a cricket meeting for one night but could not get a quoram. Did a few jobs on the car. Sunday Oct 29^th 1933:
Had a nice gathering of children this morning. Very hot day. Went down for a swim late in the afternoon and held a service at night.

Tuesday Oct 31^st 1933:

The end of the month and still in Camooweal but will be going west in a couple of days. Have just been down to Undilla to bring Wandangi folk up, also Peggy who has gone into hospital, a probable appendix case.

Friday Nov 3^rd 1933:

Am now at Avon, having reached here last night and am putting in a quiet day reading, writing and looking up all hands. Was going to hold a service tonight but a bore breaking down took the men away hurriedly so put it off. Const Smythe and wife and Daph arrived this afternoon. A very hot day.

Sunday Nov 5^th 1933

Rankine River.

Arrived here yesterday and stayed down at the Police Station. Broady and Hector are working on the new police station. Only Mr and Mrs Lloyd at the store. Had some tennis yesterday. Going on soon to Alexandria.

Wednesday Nov 8^th 1933:

Brunette.

Arrived here from Alexandria where I stayed Sunday night, and Monday afternoon. Monday morning I went out and gave the men a hand to get Ted Lennox’s car into the station from where he had busted it up on an ant-hill. Tuesday it rained, only light though and today has been threatening but no rain. Had some tennis here.

Friday Nov 10^th 1933:

Mallapunyah Springs.

Got this far this morning, coming around by Anthony’s and Creswell. Terribly rough roads. Spent last night at Walhallow in Cliffords camp. Baptised nine children.

Sunday Nov 12^th 1933:

Alexandria.

Arrived here at lunch time today bringing Mr Johnston with me. Stayed Brunette last night. Going to blacks corroboree tonight for Plamer Brushe.

Wednesday Nov 15^th 1933:

Rockhampton Downs.

Arrived here last night. Met the Easy family on the road. Len here alson Jim and Terry. Weather very hot. Going back to Alroy tonight.

Friday Nov 17^th 1933:

Avon Downs.

Reached here tonight, coming around Soudan. Jack Toohey with me. Yesterday came to Alexandria from Alroy and then across to Brunette and back for the air mail, tho plane had messed up. Having a bit of a storm here tonight.

Sagturday Nov 18^th 1933:

Camooweal.

Got into town this morning and got things cleaned and straightened up this afternoon.

travels and mustering

Wednesday Sept 27^th 1933:

Nearly ready for the road again. Have had a busy couple of days since returning. Went out yesterday afternoon and had tea at Rocklands. Leave tomorrow for Bourketown. Rev Menear and party arrived yesterday and all came up here for lunch. 15 of them, brought and cooked their own however. Menear showed his type by his not having shaved since he left Brisbane about 5 weeks ago. Conducted a service at Alice Springs for Griffiths in such a disgusting appearance.

Saturday Sept 30^th 1933:

Arrived in Bourketown yesterday having had a good run, only one hold up with a puncture. Came to Gregory on Thursday and camped with Millers and Findlays. Brought Curly and Billy Beaumont with me to there and Roma to Thorntonia. Brought in a lot of palms for the wedding from Brookdale. Bill and Jim Edwards came in too. Staying at Hosiers as usual. Mrs Hosier and Gladys are home again. Was busy this morning getting ready for the wedding, decorating the hall etc. At 4 0’clock Alice and Phill became one. A big crowd present and the reception was held on the hall verandah. They finished up with a dance at night.

Tuesday Oct 3^rd 1933:

Have had three very happy days in Bourketown since the big wedding. Sunday saw all except a very few of the visitors leave for their respective houses. Bride and bridegroom and party all went to the Gregory. The town looked very dejected as it saw car after car leaving and I gathered the few available cildren in the afternoon and we met in the hall for S.S and at night held a service at which practically everyone was present. Mrs Stewart was back at the piano again. Jim and I after Church went across and stayed awhile at Stewarts. Yesterday and today I have been around the folk, visiting them all and making my presence felt in one way or another. Mr Kemp has been laid up with flu for these two days. Mrs Dunn came home unexpectedly today. I had a big job yesterday morning on the car putting in a new bolt through the back spring. Mr Hosier, Mr Askin and self have been doing some fishing but landed only one decent fish between us.

Wednesday Oct 4^th 1933:

Got the car ready and loaded up this morning and said farewell to all. Left after lunch bringing with me Bill, Paddy and Jack and we arrived here at the Gregory at sundown. I left my passengers at the hotel and I went across and had tea at the Police Station. Later came over here to the homestead, my house for the next few days. There seems to be a fair crowd of people about, most of them in their own camps. All from here are over at the dance at present.

Sunday Oct 8^th 1933:

The Buffalo ( race ) meeting is over for another year and it was a very quiet one, although enjoyed by all. A fair crowd gathered here coming from over a wide radius but more of a picnic crowd than a racing crowd. Swimming in the river was by far a more popular attraction than the racing. I moved about amongst the folk meeting many I have not seen for a long while. Toothache worried me considerably for one day but has gone now. The auctioning of the hotel was a failure as only 250 pounds was bid and it was the one and only. The only unsettling item of the meeting was that the cook at the hotel got drunk and refused duty and was put on the chain. ? A new cook was quickly forthcoming however. I went across after lunch today to the Police Station and we went up the river for a spin and I remained with them for awhile after tea, they being the only ones active about the place now.

Wednesday Oct 11^th 1933:

Arrived here at Lawn Hills this afternoon and decided I had traveled far enough for one day, coming from Brookdale only 80 miles but part of it was very rough and weather very hot. Mr and Mrs Munro and self have been down for a swim in the creek and it was great. These people are making a big difference to the place here and it is regaining some of its former glory. Mr Flynn is still here and has not altered. Pearl is settling down in the position of cook. After leaving Punjaub this morning where I had a drink of tea with Jack and Fred, I caught up with Clarkes taking loading to Adele’s Grove. I went on ahead to pick the dinner camp and have the kettle boiling but disovered when I pulled up that I had no matches having given them all away so had to wait until the others arrived.

Saturday Oct 14^th 1933:

Am still here at Lawn Hills although have not been at the homestead but out in the stock camp at Mt Oscar. I went out on Thursday with Mr Munro in the car and went out on Friday mustering and shifting cattle and this morning mustering horses. It was a good break and I enjoyed it and broke the monotony a bit for the men. Both going out and coming in we did some fishing withna spinner and landed a couple of good fish about 10 lb( pound) each.

I forgot to write up that I had a Christening at Brookdale on Tuesday afternoon and showed the pictures at night. I left Gregory on Monday afternoon and came to Carringtons where I stayed the night and showed the pictures and then came to Brookdale on Tuesday calling at places en route. Did well too this day as had five smoko’s.

Sunday Oct 15^th 1933:

Came here to Riversleigh today and arrived with a very stiff neck and shoulders, however I contracted same. Got some bananas and paw paws at Frenchy’s. All well here.

Monday Oct 16^th 1933:

Harry and the camp went out this morning don the river mustering. I was laid up most of the day with my bad neck but before tea got the children together for a talk and showed them the pictures.

Wednesday Oct 18^th 1933:

Back in town today after being away for 3 weeks. Collected a big budget of mail. House full of dust and dirt so went to hotel for meals. Yesterday I came along as far as Gallipoli, pulling in for awhile at Herbertvale and No 7. Black was at No 7 as well as the pumper. Jack and Bruce were just going out to Bill at Gallipoli so I went out with them. Showed them the pictures at night.

Family affairs

Sunday Sept 3^rd 1933:

Came across to Alroy this afternoon gringing Len with me. Held service at Rankine this morning with a nice crowd attending, mostly men. Retired early.

Thursday Sept 7^th 1933:

Exciting happenings eventuated here during the last few days. We are now at Rockhampton Downs having arrived here Tuesday just before lunch. George is not home. Tuesday night just as we were about to have tea we saw a car coming from Tennants way and it proved to be Jim Synnott returning. He was full of the big gold find over there and got us all worked up, so much so that we decided to go out and see George and perhaps go over ourselves. Going across to No 3 we met the Rocky lorry returning with Mr Mutton, Pike’s traveler driving and it was learned he had burned his car and all his stock at No 14 and had to walk across to

No 3, 12 miles. He turned around then and came back and we talked over everything with George and then came back here arriving at 2am. At that time we had practically decided to go across to Tennants and peg out a claim or two. In the morning however we were not so keen and finally ended in not going having found many reasons why we should not. Mutton was the only one very keen to go. Len and I went out and shot a couple of turkeys after lunch and I also gave the 2 boys a S.S talk and at night showed them the pictures. Had a swim in the tank too which was very nice.

Saturday Sept 9^th 1933:

Back in Camooweal today, having a good run from Alexandria. Came to Alroy Thursday and stayed the night, where we met the ministerial party who were touring the Territory. Mr Brown the sec of the dept of the interior seemed a decent chap and so also was his sec.

Mr Carrington, the Gov resident from Alice Springs was in charge of the party. Went across to Alexandria yesterday and stayed the night giving them a picture treat. Mr Forrest is out there at present. On the way home today met Senator Payne at Rankine who had come across from Alice with Carrol the Govt Board of Works inspector. Had a yarn with the Senator who informed me he was a good Methodist and also gave me some interesting Tasmanian news. Harold came as far as Avon with us. Sunday Oct 10^th 1933:

Held S.S this morning but not a very big crowd out; do not know what was the matter. Went for a drive out along the river after lunch where Ivy and I had smoko under the shade of a coolibar. Had a service at night although not too many present.

Satirday Sept 16^th 1933:

In Townsville once more although have seen very little of it as have been in bed with flu since arriving on Wednesday. Over the worst of it now however and went out for awhile this morning. Had a crowd on the car coming into Isa as had Mrs Spratt, Mrs Griefham, who had a bust up with Mrs Schmidt, Mutton and Harold. All stayed the night at Johnnie’s place where we met Mrs Ransome. Had a fair train journey, Mrs Griefham, Mrs Smith and Peggy Davidson and self having a compartment to ourselves. Stan met the train and brought me here and was Dr and nurse, rather rough at times too. Saw Mrs Sidney, Mrs Griefham, Arthur and Mrs Dawson at the train. Mrs Griefham went on to Brisbane Wednesday night.

Thursday Sept 21^st 1933:

The Nellore is due in early tomorrow morning so will see the dear sister very soon now. Have had a few quiet days down here,. Visited a few folk and went across to the Island a couple of times. Met Bart Doyle. Went to the pictures twice. Not much to do in this place. Would not mind a few days over at Alma Bay. Saw Rev Tulip over there. Went with Arthur and Mrs Dawson over to Parsons. Feeling good now.

Saturday Sept 23^rd 1933:

Saw Olive ( his sister) off on the boat this morning when with others at 8am she said goodbye to Australia for a few years. Stan and I met the boat yesterday when it berthed at 7.30am. Olive came home and had breakfast with us. We toured the town then in a borrowed car and called on Rev Dingle and went up Castle Hill where the car failed us on a very steep and narrow spot but everything ended alright. Got Olive’s 2 friends after lunch and we all went around the town where the girls did some shopping and saw the sights. I had dinner on the boat with the six missionaries and had a very pleasant time and afterwards a sing on deck. Olive looks well and seems very happy as do all the others. May they all have much happiness and blessing in their great enterprise. Will soon be catching the western train myself. Have been and called on Mrs Smith and Mrs Crisp.

Monday Sept 25^th 1933:

Back in Camooweal once again. Had a good journey out. Brought Mrs Gordon and Frank and Mrs McVean out from Mt Isa with me. Mrs Gordon’s visit was a big surprise for everybody. Visiting dentist and optician also came out today.

More travels and flu.

Tuesday August 8^th 1933:

At home most oftthe morning and then went down and ngot my mail. Went up to the hospital and saw the patients during the afternoon. The bishop Held service at night and I went along but not many there. He seemed very disappointed.

Wednesday Aug 9^th 1933:

Put all this morning working on the car and tightened up all the front wheels and steering. Went to the hospital this afternoon and cheered John up as best I could and saw the others. A lot in town today for the Council, CWA and Hospital meetings. New hospital committee started tonight.

THursday Aug 10^th 1933:

Quarterly returns and hospital visiting.

Friday Aug 11^th 1933:

Got some airmail written this morning and after lunch got to work on the tyres and tubes of the car and fixed them all up tpgether with 2 spares. Ray Findlay down with the flu today and I took him down to Robertsons. Visited the hospital. Weather terribly cold and windy.

Saturday Aug 12^th 1933:

Was up bright and early this morning, well before the sun. Cold too. Got packed up and at 8.30am left for Mandangi. Right from the start had carburettor trouble. Clled in at Beaumonts but car seemed alright there, so did not do anything. Had to take the carburetor to pieces a few miles further on but no better. Got to Barclay just at lunch time. Fixed things here and this time alright. Went on and had a good run, except for the very loose steering, to Bullecourt. Old Hughes out on the run and because the old lady at home was so terribly distressed at Harry not being home and so able to get into Mandangi with me, where it was vitsl he should go immediately, I bumped across the ‘downs’ for miles looking for him. When I found him he said it was not important and there was no need for me to have looked for him. So much for that. Went on and had tea at Headingley and reached the ‘dangi at 8.30pm. Pulled up at Thomas’ and rolled out my swag there.

Sunday Aug 13^th 1933:

After breakfast this morning went around the very few homes now remaining at Mandangi. Found half the folk down with the flu. Got 5 kiddies out for S.S in the afternoon. 3 care pulleed into the town while I was at S.S and when I went back to Thomas’ there were 9 seated for afternoon tea, after which all went on. I went over to Reids and the ‘temporary’ then for a while. Had all the available folk out for service at night. 7 in number. Had noone to play the piano. After service packed up and went along to Headingley and there unrolled my swag and slept.

Monday Aug 14^th 1933:

Up bright and early again. Mr Thomas brought along a cup of tea at 5.30am. Headingley car with Old Mr Thomas, Mrs Charlie, Teddie Sommers came along to Camooweal today. I led off and set the pace and kept tgem going. Passed J.Nelson going south. A good run to Barclay. Stayed here and waited for lunch. Collected 2 turkey hens a donation to the M.I.M. Took some snaps of Mrs Warren’s baby, a bonza youngster. Came on in the afternoon, stopped for a while with the men at the Buckley bore. Camooweal at 4pm. Smoko at Reilly’s. Came home, bathed and cleaned. Tregenza still here. Had a good read after tea, after coming home from the hospital.

Tuesday Aug 15^th 1933:

Countryb folk beginning to drift in today in readiness for the races. Town beginning to liven up. Mail was in on time today. Went down to the hall at night and gave a hand to help decorate.

Thursday Aug 17^th 1933:

Crowds of people in town today. 1^st day of races. All very orderly though. Town deserted this afternoon when all went over to the course.

Friday Aug 18^th 1933:

2^nd day of races. People everywhere in the morning but in the afternoon nobody about. Roby won the cup with Fresher.

Saturday Aug 19^th 1933:

Got a game of cricket going today. Rounded all the chaps up this morning and a few of us had some practice and after lunch we had a match in which the town played the country and the town had an easy win. Made 50 myself and retired. The school kiddies had a fancy dress dance at night in the hall.

Sunday Aug 20^th 1933:

Did not have S.S or Church service today on account of the condition of the hall and the minds and spirit of the people after a week of dancing and races. After dinner drove down to Moorestone and Undilla. Took several with me and had to bring Norman and Burns back to catch up with their droving plants. Finished installing the wireless when we reached Undilla and heard the service from Pirie St Methodist Church Adelaide. Dosed myself up with quinine as felt like the flu coming on.

Monday Aug 21^st 1933:

Had a bad night last night and felt very much off this morning. More quinine and aspros. Left for home after breakfast. Grace and Mary did not want to come. Home at lunch time. Flu getting the upper hand again. Several in hospital. Matron very ill. A.I.M plane brought out a sister from Cloncurry to take charge here. Ivy in bed with the flu too. Think I have checked mine though as feel much better tonight.

Saturday Aug 26^th 1933:

The town is now back to its normal state of stagnancy. The flu is still very prevalent although most ofte victims are on the mend. I went out and saw the Rockland folk one day during the week, all of whom are sick. They kindly loaded me up with vegetables and meat and I collected my pup. Went to the school on Tuesday and gave R.I and on Thursday went along and took the photos of the kiddies in fancy dress. Tregenza still with me and has no prospects of work yet. Mutton ( Mr ), Pikes traveler is in town again and a few of us had some sets of tennis.

Tuesday Aug 29^th 1933:

Have been busy getting ready for a run out west. Have had to do several jobs on the car and patch up the old tyres and tubes on the front wheels. Held a C.C meeting last night. Sunday was a quiet day with not too many out either at S.S or service. In the afternoon several of us drove down to the bore and spent the afternoon with the folk there.

Thursday Aug 31^st 1933:

The end of the month finds me at Avon. Arrived yesterday afternoon. Passed Jack Gardiner with the team who has since reached here. Captain Bishop here too. Put the pictures on tonight and all enjoyed them. Blacks as well. Hollins and Falconer arrived late and had a fight.

Saturday Sept 2^nd 1933:

At Rankines, having arrived here last night. I left soon after lunch and brought Jack Shankland along with me. We called in at Soudan, where we had a yarn to Tom Sullivan the cook and after smoko, when I left Tom some reading matter, came on. Tom loaned me his rifle and on the way across I fired a few shots at some turkeys but only succeeded in wounding them. Last night retired rather early after a bit of a yarn and left the others playing cards. This afternoon quite a crowd arrived here from the surrounding stations, the men coming for the annual meeting of the race club. While they had their meeting the rest of us played tennis. After tea I showed the pictures and had quite an interested audience. The Alroy and Rocky folk went home after the night meeting of the club. Jim Synnott, Garrett and Vernon went through tonight to Tennants Ck. They are very secretive and it seems as if they scent something rather big.

Flu epidemic.

Friday July 7^th 1933:

Back to Wilsons with the car today and fixed it up alright this time. It took quite some time however to do it all. Did one ot two other jobs as well.

Saturday July 8^th 1933:

A very cold morning but before breakfast went out and got a load of wood. The Astrea arrived this morning so went up and had a look at it. Looks as if it would be alright to ride in it. First Imperial Airways plane to land in Australia. Four engined Armstrong Whitworth AW15 Atlantis, G-ABTL. Took Andy down the side curtains of the car to be mended. Finalized our M.I.M effort tonight and 30 pounds was the result. A splendid result.

Sunday July 9^th 1933:

Another cold day and attendances at both S.S and Church rather poor as the result. Had several callers this afternoon who all stayed to afternoon tea.

Monday July 10^th 1933:

Got ready this morning to go to Mt Isa and got G Whitely from the hospital and before I left got another passenger in J.Darcy who came in last night from Anthony’s with a bad shoulder, the result of a fall. Has to go in for X-Ray. Got to Yelvertoft and stayed awhile. 20 miles from Isa had a puncture which delayed us awhile so did mot reach Isa until 8 pm. Went to Morcoms and had steak and eggs and then left John and George at Smiths. Pulled in to the ranch then and was soon in bed. Too tired to bother going and looking for the Colonel then.

Monday July 17^th 1933:

It has been a full week since I was last able to write up my diary and much traveling has been done in taking Colonel over as much of my area as I could in the limited time at my disposal.

( A representative of Methodist Inland Mission from Melbourne or Sydney.)

It is very foolish however for him to come out here not prepared to spend more time amongst the folk. It creates a bad impression. The car caused me a fair amount of worry as she possessed to my knowledge a few weak spots but she let me down with a weak spot I knew nothing about. I had trouble with the rear wheel coming from Isa on Wednesday after all the work I did on it on Tuesday which delayed me a bit and covered me in grease but after that the car went well until Riversleigh on Saturday when returning from Bourketown, the pinion went and there we had to leave the car.

Decided it was better to accommodate the Colonel at the hotel so did so when we got here Wednesday night. That night I attended my last hospital committee meeting. We had a good run through to Bourketown arriving there on Friday afternoon, having stayed with Eric Thornton at Gregory on Thursday night. Could only stay a few minutes with all the folk along the way. Stayed with the Serg in Bourketown and had a service there on Friday night. Had the Colonel early on the road on Saturday morning as we were up at 3.45 and left at 4.50. Were going well too when misfortune met us at Riversleigh. Harry Foster proved a friend indeed, by driving the Colonel and myself into town after tea, where we arrived at 3 am Sunday morning. The Colonel had the day to rest then while of course coming to S.S and service at night, giving the addresses. I tried to get a spare pinion on town but was unsuccessful so Harry went back to Riversleigh. This morning I busied myself with the result that I got the loan of the Rocklands Dodge and soon now am starting west with Colonel and expect to meet Griffiths at about Rocky. Colonel wired him this morning.

Friday July 21^st 1933:

Well am back home again after being across nearly to the O.T line ( Overland Telegraph )

70 miles past Rocky where we met Griffiths at midday on Wednesday and who then took Colonel on. Had wonderful travelling all the way out and back with only a bit of carburettor trouble as I neared home again. We stayed at Avon on Monday night, Rocky on Tuesday night, the same on Wednesday night for me. The Colonel stood up to the traveling very well. Came back into town last night and found Ivy very sick iin hospital although better than she was. Broke the hospital rules and stayed there last night util 10 pm. Saw her again this morning, afternoon and tonight and she is on the mend now.

Wednesday July 26^th 1933:

Have been waiting for an opportunity to get down to Riversleigh with the spare parts and fix the car and now am going on Friday with J.Synnott. Have had a quiet few days in town with the afternoons and evenings spent at the hospital. Ivy will be out tomorrow however. An epidemic of ‘flu’ has claimed many local victims of both old and young, which made a marked difference at the attendance at S.S and service on Sunday. Have had no word from the Colonel but suppose he got through to Mandangi alright. He is due there tonight.

Thursday July 27^th 1933:

Was very busy this morning writing out my annual report for the hospital meeting on Friday night. Ivy came out of hopital after lunch as well as other patients. Just on dark Rev Griffiths and his wife arrived from Mandangi where they handed over the Colonel to Longthorne. They are returning to Alice via the territory road, too rough to go back the way they came. Have fixed them up a bed in my front room and they will be staying here tomorrow.

Friday July 28^th 1933:

Am waiting for Jim Synnott to call for me. He is later than he intended, after tea now. Helped riffiths with his car all the morning. Ivy came up for dinner. Mrs has been doing some washing.

Thursday August 3^rd 1933:

Back in town again with the old bus. The job was quite a big one but I finished on Tuesday night and came home on Wednesday. Willie Miller came in with me from Undilla. I will have to attend to the steering on the car however before I can take on another long trip.

Friday August 4^th 1933:

Spent this morning writing and getting done the long delayed letter for home. Then this afternoon had to get the hall ready for my pictures at night. Not many out on account of the ‘flu’ still prevailing.

Saturday August 5^th 1933:

Had more mail to attend to this morning and then went and did some work on the cricket pitch and got it ready for a game. Had quite a few out in the afternoon and all enjoyed it.

Sunday August 6^th 1933:

Flu still has many in its grip so our attendance today not too good. A few of us went down to the bore this afternoon and left Billy Pedwell there for the holidays.

Monday August 7^th 1933:

Quite an influx of men into the town today on account of the horses coming oput of the paddock. I had a quiet day at home with the pen. I detest having to sit inside and write too.

Love is in the air.

Bourketown June 21^st 1933:

Arrived here last night after a fairly good run from Lawn Hills where we stayed on Monday night. The road from Lawn Hills is not too bad now as it has recently been fire-ploughed. Had a puncture coming in but Prt from that had no further trouble.

Sunday at Riversleigh was a quiet day with S.S for the kiddies in the morning and some writing and a visit to the council camp in the afternoon and a little service at the house at night. Taking women folk and children along is not a good proposition as they cause too many delays. It was nearly 3 pm on Monday by the time I got Mrs Foster and the 3 kiddiues and Julie on board. We stopped only a few minutes at the Springs, Louie Ck, and the Frenchman’s an got to Lawn Hills at 5 pm. New people are here by the name of Munroes and Mrs Munroes sister, Miss Fletcher. They are very nice and want to make you feel at home but they are not really westernized yet. ( meaning Western Qld! ) They gave me a sugar bag full of lemons before I left. Only Mrs SCholes and the baby at home at Punjaub, Jack being away with bullocks. We had lunch here yesterday.

Just after I arrived here I met Mr Hosier and readily accepted his invitation to stay with him. Mrs Hosier is away with Gladys but Evelyn and Jim are home. A few of the locals alst night gave Mrs Stewart a surprise party on the occasion of her birthday at which party I also presented myself and spent a happy evening. It is very nice to be back amongst the Bourketon folk and only wish I could remain for a longer period.

The radiator on the car is leaking very freely and will have to be patched up before I turn homewards. I visited around the town today and called at the school for R.I and arranged for a service which we held at night with quite a nice crowd out, after which the kiddies had a bit of a play about. Evelyn played the hymns and very niocely too.

Thursday June 22^nd 1933:

Weather came up very cloudy today and cold with some light rain. Spent most of the day at home as too cold to go out. Went across and saw the kiddies at the moissio house and very bright and happy they seemed. ( Assume these were aboriginal children. ) After tea got a book and sat in front of the fire until got sleepy.

Friday June 20^th 1933:

The rain has gone but very windy today. Spent tge morning non the car, mending a puncture and endeavouring to fix the radiator. Made things a bit better than they were. After dinner drove the Randall, Stadhams and Foster families in Cecil’s lorry outn to Murrays and spent the afternoon there. Three of us went fishing after tea butisfactoryt too cold to stay long and caught no fish. Got several kiddies linked up with the S.S correspondence work. It is not a very satisfactory course but there is noone locally to take on S.S work.

Camoowal Wednesday June 25^th 1933:

Arrived home last night about 8 o’clock, should have been in before dark but 20 miles out had a blow ougt which put us back a bit. We left Bourketown last Saturday morning and had a good run as far as Carringtons where we stayed the night. Stopped at all the places as we went along and at Brookdale had dinner and also got them all to join up with the S.S work and also the kiddies at Planet. Got the gramaphone out here and played the lot of records I had and finished up with a little song service. It was late before we got away on Sunday morning and only got as far as Gregory for dinner. Seamer is broken down here with a broken axle. Went over and stayed awhile at the station. Travlled along then and at Gallaghers camp picked up a chap with a very bad hand. Road terribly rough here where cattle have been on it in the wet. Near the Lily found the Hall party broken down with a flat battery, could do nothing for them. Well after dark when we reached Riversleigh. Radiator again giving trouble and carburettor leaking badly. Monday morning was spent in soldering carburettor and fixing radiator. Picked up Burke Cant here. Tregonniong with the bad hand, took a bit of time looking after him but his hand was less painful after being bathed and dressed. We reached Thorntonia and pulled up with the stock camp just at supper time. Did not go up to the house. Had supper and then all sat around the camp fire and had singing, gramaphone and accordion and stories. Council men camped here too. Had cocoa and toast for late supper. The boys had some cattle uyarded ready to brand so could not go on without spending a couple of hours in the yard, after which witnessed a couple of races between rival horses and ten had lunch at the house and came on to Undilla for smoko. Trued to shoot some turkeys coming in from Undilla but had to blame the gun as neither Burke or I were successful. Had a crowd here last night as George and Elwin came along later and with my two passenegers who also stayed my sleeping accommodation was greatly taxed. Fed them all with sausages for breakfast this morning which seemed to satisfy them. Got my mail today and that kept me quiet for awhile. Put my patient in the hospital.

Friday June 30^th 1933:

Picked up Mrs Reilly this morning and left for the Rankine. It seemed as if I was doomed not to get there as I had tyre trouble right from the start and only got a few miles past Avon when I had use up all my spares of both tyres and tubes so came back to Avon. Could get nothing here so decided to return and when we met Norman going out Mrs Reilly went back with him and I came on home. Not sorry in a way as I was not very anxious to go out there but would have liked to have met the people all together. Had no trouble on the way home.

Saturday July 1, Sunday July 2……….( Domestic duties and services.)

Monday July 3^rd 1933:

A busy day getting ready for the jumble stall and night organzed by the ladies in aid of M.I.M ( Methodist Inland Mission). A very successful night with quite a number of country folk in and result will be 20 pounds.

Tuesday July 4^th 1933:

The cleaning up day but had everything restored to normal by lunch time.

Tuesday July 5^th 1933:

Took the car down to Wilsons today and took the radiator off, soldered up many leaks and also put extra leaves in the front spring. Put the radiator back on but found more leaks higher up. Had no time to do anything more today.

( Before proceeding further with these diaries I need to note that there appeared to be no mention of my father meeting my mother in his travels. Or of her moving to Camooweal after her fathers death prior to my parents marrying. But I had been pondering the mention of Ivy ….I remember my mother telling stories of a much-loved aboriginal woman who worked on McArthur River Station as a house keeper. This name was occurring more frequently and the following diary entry confirms my suspicions that he was actually referring to my mother, Eileen, whose birthday is July 6^th. A beautiful discovery! )

Thursday July 6^th 1933:

Ivy’s birthday. (She would have been 19. My father was 31 )

Was kept busy in getting ready for the surprise party at night. Had Ivy up for tea, after which went for a drive and on returning all the guests were here. It was a real surprise for her. Mrs Robby made a bonza cake and the moonlight night enabled everything to go off really well.

Ongoing car trouble...good fishing!

Sunday May 21^st 1933:

Had a very nice number at S.S this morning, the best attendance for some time. Need another teacher or two for the kindergarten kiddies. Took a car load down to Mudgee selection after dinner and spent the afternoon with the Beaumont family. Came home and got ready for Church but in numbers not a very good service.

Monday May 22^nd 1933:

Spent practically all day on the car doing odd jobs and generally oiling and greasing up. Mr Foster is out of hospital now and staying with me.

Tuesday May 23^rd 1933:

After breakfast loaded up the car and got everything ready to transport a sick man to Mt Isa. Picked him up at the hospital and left at 10.30 am. Called in at Yelvertoft and had lunch there. The sick man very hungry for eggs. Reached Mt Isa a few minutes after five. Looked up the boys and then went and had tea. Called and delivered a parcel to Isabell and then took my patient to the hospital. Came back to the ranch and shaved and changed after which visited the dentist and had a top plate installed. The boys a pulled me off with them to a party given by the Young Mens League to one of their members who has just returned from Adelaide with a bride. Would sooner have been in bed.

Wednesday May 24^th 1933:

Had the usual busy time prior to leaving Mt Isa. Shopping for everybody and calling on different folk. Left at 12.30 pm taking a bagman along with me. Called in again at Yelvertoft and also pulled up for a while at Jim’s hut. Four miles out had a puncture. Arrived here at 8 pm. Got cleaned up and felt a bit better. Had a late tea down with Ivy.

Thursday May 25^th 1933:

Delivered all parcels etc this morning and got my mail. A parcel of pastry arrived from Maud for my birthday. Had smoko at Cronins. Started on na good clean up of the ranch then, which kept me going until tea time. Did some decorting at the hall at night.

Friday May 26^th 1933:

Kept very busy all today getting ready for the Buffalo night in aid of the hospital. A fair crowd in town, including three car loads from Mt Isa. Financially the night was a great success.

Saturday May 27^th :

A morning of cleaning up at the hall. Rain started at lunch time and continued all the afternoon and night. Too muddy to venture out at all. So stayed home and did some writing, so566rting out and tidying up.

Sunday May 28^th 1933:

Weather continued showery all day. Roads terrible muddy. Only 9 at S.S. Spent a quiet afternoon at home. Had 2 callers. Three children at hall for service at night so after a talk we all went home.

Monday 29^th, Tuesday 30^th, Wednesday 31^st………Rain, mud, staying home, visit to Rocklands.

Thursday June 1^st 1933:

After smoko came home ( from Rocklands). Mud and water made driving very awkward. Rain came on again this afternoon. Dull days not good for happy spirits.

Friday Junew 2^nd 1933:

And still it rains. Getting tired of it. Going down to hotel for meals. Too lonely shut up here all the time.

Saturday June 3^rd 1933:

Seem,s as if the rain may have stopped. Awful roads yet with mud. Went to a coin evening in the CWA hall.

Sunday June 4^th 1933:

Good roll up of kiddies at S.S this morning, roads drying up, spent a quiet afternoon at home. Ivy here for afternoon tea. A fair number at night service. Communion at the close.

Monday June 5^th 1933:

George McGregor stayed the night here last night. Came in for rations. Drove him to within a mile of camp before lunch. Road heavy and boggy. Spent the afternoon in CWA grounds with the kiddies. A holiday for them.

Tuesday June 6^th 1933:

Most of today at Wilsons on the car.School for R.I. Visited the hospital.

Wednesday June 7^th 1933:

All today making a wardrobe. Finished it by tea time.

Thursday June 8^th 1933:

Intended leaving town today but was unable to get everything fixed up so have decided now to wait over the weekend.

Friday, Saturday, Sunday……quiet days, normal Sunday.

Monday June 12^th 1933:

Left town for Bourketown today.

Tuesday night June 13^th 1933:

Well, here I am at Gallipoli, and have just got cleaned up and changed. Have been all day working on the car as the result of yesterdays experiences. The roads were terribly cut up on account of the mail lorry and cars traveling in the wet. My troubles started last night 25 miles from here with a heavy knocking in the back wheel and I discovered that only one nut was holding the wheel on, the threads on all other studs being stripped and so letting the nuts go. It looked hopeless at first, especially as when after several attempts I could not get the hub off. Got other nuts from the spares however and packed them with fine wire, which to my joy held. It was nearly dark by now and this fact led to further trouble as in dodging one lot of bog, in the long grass I got into soft ground and nearly went out of sight. Could not get out even after numerous attempts and hard work with the shovel until I unloaded everything. It was quite dark by now but loaded up and dodged along slowly without further mishap and got here at 8.30 pm. I had passed Jack and Fred McCaw going into town. Jack with hiccoughs going in to see Dr and Fred leaving because he would not take a union ticket. The rest of the chaps were in bed but Owen got up and got me some supper which was very acceptable. Put my swag in Jack’s bed then and was soon asleep. Today I got the car over to the shed and with Bruce helping me at times, got the wheel and hub off and took out the studs and ran a smaller thread on each. Had to shape nuts to fit the wheel but made a better joib than Henry Ford could. While on the job, I took the switch out and cleaned it, also the carburettor, plugs and adjusted the timing and the car seems to be ‘goodo’ now. It would not pull yesterday but should now. Am waiting now for supper which should soon be on and wll be nice as they killed here this afternoon. Bruce Stanton is cook here now and knows his job. Wonderful weather and wonderful country out here, and it feels good to be alive and am very glad to be out of town for awhile.

Riversleigh June 18^th 1933:

Much has happened since I last jotted down the happenings of the way. Much of my good work on the car at Gallipoli was not so good after all, as the threads did not hold out until I reached here on Wednesday night and I arrived with a very loose wheel knocking loudly. I left Gallipoli after smoko and the road to No 7 was very heavy, the car boiling in a few miles. She was missing badly on one cylinder too. Herbertvale folk were very nice and I stayed until late afternoon there. He kindly gave me a tin of petrol when I left. “The Springs” does not now seem the same as Billy Walker after 15 years has moved on. It was dark when I got here to Riversleigh but I got a good supper never the less. There is quite a crowd here too. Charlie Freckleton doing the books and Mr and Mrs Hall and family and Pat O’Connor. This lot were camped on the river and came in to cartetake while Fosters were away and now Mr Hall is doing up Mr Fosters car. I have met Pat before in Mt Isa. Halls come from Alice Springs and have met with our organization over there. The council road party are also here camped down by the yard.

Thursday I got to work on the car again and think I have done a better job this time. The council lorry was in dock today too with a broken king pin. Before tea Sonny Darcy, the boys and self went to the falls fishing but were not too successful. Did some more work on the car Friday morning and found the wheel still holding. Pat, the boys and self went fishing again, this time below the falls and got a fair haul, had fish for Saturdays breakfast. Saturday morning we all took part in getting a killer. I took the car out and brought the beef home at 30 miles an hour.

Mrs Hall nearly came to grief when mounting her horse, who was a bit fresh and she was very awkward getting on, but fortunately she got off before she got on.

Sonny and the boys and self had a big afternoon fishing yesterday and found a good place and brought home 63 fish. Bob caught a 9 lb saratoga and Pat landed a 4 lb bream. Have had toothache since leaving town and was tempted to let Mr Foster have a go at pulling it out. Seemed to get a chill in my back too as for two days it has been very weak and painful. A rubbing with Solomon Solution helped it. Got the kiddies together this morning and talked and read to them and gave them tickets, papers, pictures etc. Have had a read also and now waiting for lunch. It is trying hard to rain today but hope it will not succeed. Was disappointed yesterday when the boy came back from the Lily without my mail as the mailman had passed before he got there. Will have to wait now until I get to Bourketown.