Xmas Day Friday Dec 25th 1931:
No excited awakening and eager peering at the foot of the bed. No loud and happy cries from other beds in other rooms. All alone in my small bungalow I looked out on the rising sun on Xmas day 1931. Xmas days of childhood are far away now in the distant past. I was not forgotten however, as a small parcel left last night was opened and contents much appreciated. Paid some Xmas calls at the hospital and around the town wishing the sick, aged and infirm as happy a Xmas as possible for them. The hotel had a big Xmas dinner with quite a crowd there to feast on the good things provided. One family in town wanted to go out to a drovers’ camp and spend Xmas day with the folk there, so I placed myself and my car at their disposal for the journey, only 1 mile away. After my big Xmas dinner I felt like sleeping but had to prepare for service at night, so had to brush aside such weak inclinations. A thunderstorm worked up during the afternoon when we registered ½ inch of rain. It cooled things off nicely but made the ground very mucky. Had 3 visitors after the rain had eased and whom I treated to afternoon tea. The folk who organized the children’s function of last night had neglected to remove decorations and clean up so I had to do it before service. Also went out and brought the folk back from the camp and the bus did slip and slide about in the mud. There would have been a large gathering at the service at night had not the rain made mud everywhere, so only had about 25 out. It was a nice service for all that.
Boxing Day Dec 26th 1931
Immediately after breakfast this morning, several of the hard working portion of the population went down to the tennis court and pulled the roller over the whole surface. Finishing this I then had to make final arrangements for our picnic and get everybody together and send them out. The first lot got away at 11 AM and I took the strays out at nearly 12 noon. The road was heavy and boggy in places but without mishap we all did the 10 miles to Bull Ring. After dinner I came back and gathered another load. Most of the town was out by 3 o’clock. Plenty of water in the hole so good for swimming. Erected swings and organized sports etc. A good day spent by all. Had tea and loaded up and got home just before dark. All very tired.
Dec 27th 1931:
Packed up, loaded up the car and got ready to leave. Had S.School and gev tge kiddies a farewell talk. They especially desired to sing “God be with you till we meet again”. Collected Heather, Ivy and Jack and at 12.30 left the ‘weal behind me for awhile. Had lunch at Spilt Rock and reached Mt Isa at 7.30 pm. A good trip in, although slow on account of the rain fallen recently. Got rooms at Smiths and after a clean up went to Dawsons and had something to eat and came home to bed.
December 28th 1931:
A busy day making private and professional calls in many places. A hot dusty day as only ‘Isa can produce. Went in for a while to Silver City at night but did not stay too long.
December 29th 1931:
Said farewell to the ‘west’ today at 10.25 am when the Great Western Limited pulled oput on its 600 miles run to the coast. Had several down at the station to see Heather and I off but we managed to prevent our emotions from getting the best of us. Settled down then to ‘endure’; the service of the Qld railways. A hot day, dirty uncomfortable carriages, foreign traveling companions. Heather very quiet all day.Met a few friends at Cloncurry station. Soon after dark made sleeping quarters with the ports and seats and slept at intervals.
December 30th 1931:
Endured another day and reached Townsville at 4.30pm. Just traveling all day. Stan met us her and drove us out home where a bath and a hot tea were gratefully accepted and appreciated. Back to the station and left in the ‘Southern Express’ at 6.15pm. A big crowd traveling and not much room. Fixed Heather up for a sleep but got very little myself. Had to sit up all the way.
December 31st 1931:
Another fearful day. Crowded carriages. Qld government will have a lot to answer for some day. Worst time I have had for a long time. Conscious until 10pm when dropped off to sleep and so left 1931 behind ans did not wake until 2am in 1932. Heather had a good sleep. A much cooler night. Nothing happened when the old year went out as I asked a couple in the compartment who had been unable to sleep.
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