Easter and Anzac.

Friday April 18^th 1930:

‘Good Friday’, yet out here it was hard to realize the fact. Thought of leaving today to return to Camooweal but decided to put it off until the morrow and spend today quietly. Thought we might have a little service and at the suggestion the 3 other chaps seemed agreeable but later put it off until in the end nothing was done. The plane arrived this morning on its way back from Daly Waters. Spent the day in reading and writing. (I assume that all the reading and writing was part of his theological studies for the ministry.)

Saturday April 19^th 1930:

So as to be in Camooweal for Easter Sunday came right through in one day. 270 miles. Just called for a few minutes at each of the stations on the way through, having lunch on the road and tea at Avon and reached Camooweal at 10.30 pm and soon retired.

cSunday April 20^th 1930:

Had a nice num,ber out at Sunday School this morning after which I went around the folk and had a yarn to them all and I believe they all appreciate a visit from someone representing the Church. Called on one woman with several children none of whom attend Sunday School. She said that because they were not baptised she thought they are not wanted at S.S. I corrected that false impression and during the week will remedy the other omission. A great crowd at the evening service, although the men were noticeable by their absence, only one being present. Had a read afterwards before retiring.

Monday April 21^st 1930:

Spent practically all day in reading and writing. Had a couple of chaps call who are looking for work, but who have practically no swag, and as the nights are somewhat cold, sleep was being denied them. Could not procure any old blankets to give them but loaned them my swag while they are here. They seem honest so am trusting them that they will not clear out with it and I don’t think I will be mistaken.

Tuesday April 22^nd 1930:

The two chaps returned the swag today, as a mate of theirs arrived and brought several blankets with him. Had a yarn with them and gave them a couple of old shirts of mine and off

they went. Had my first airtrip this morning. Pilot Neil was taking the plane up for run about , so four of us went up with him and cruised about for quarter of an hour. It was very nice but no particular sensation to cause comment of any kind. The most interesting part was being able to see what the country looked like from the air and to know we were at one time travelling at 130 miles an hour, although you could hardly feel any motion. Spent the remainder of the day in reading and writing.

Wednesday April 23rd 1930:

Southern plane arrived today but brought nothing interesting for me. Writing and reading all day. Weather still warm and seems to be returning to summer.

Thursday April 24^th 1930:

Another quiet day in which practically ll the time was put in reading, studying and writing. Went out and called on lady who has several children to baptise and made arrangements to perform the ceremony at a later date when there will be addition of one or more. Mr and Mrs Easy and two children arrived in this evening from Rockhampton Downs, to see the Dr. Has a few games at the billiard room this evening before retiring.

Friday April 25^th 1930:

‘Anzac Day’. A very quiet day all round. Very few about during the day. Had a public gathering at night in the hall, in commemoration of the immortal landing on Gallipoli. Quite a crowd at the meeting at which several spoke. Being the chief speaker, I waxed eloquent holding the vast audience spellbound for a period of twenty minutes, while with unabated ardour and enthisiasm I urged all to seek, hold and reveal in all life’s activities the spirit of the men of Anzac. A rather noble effort on my part. At the meeting the Barkly Tableland Shire Honor Roll, although incomplete, was unveiled. This when complete will have over 200 names on it.