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.

Mustering..a new skill?

Wednesday April 12^th 1933:

Got things straightened out at home again this morning. Had to visit the hospital to inspect the kaustine pit. A busy day in town today on a/c of many country folk being in. C.W.A had their first meeting for the year. Went to the school this afternoon for R.I. Went down the town and got my mail. Mrs Bonney arrived tihs afternoon on her way home to England. Had some tennis after tea with Todd. Had a lengthy hospital meeting at night.

Thursday Aparil 13^th 1933:

A busy day at home. Always have a heap of correspondence to attend to and only get a small portion done. Mrs Bonney went on her way today. Got things ready in the hall for Easter.

Friday April 14^th 1933:

“ Good Friday” A quiet morning at home. Helped this afternoon to get the tennis court ready for tomorrow’s match. Mt Isa players arrived before tea. Held a service in the hall at night: a big gathering. Mt Isa visitors helped swell the numbers. Some special singing, solo and quartet. All stayed to communion at the close.

Saturday April 15^th 1933:

A big day of tennis in which Mt Isa team were victors. Not a very pleasant day, too much wind. All enjoyed themselves however. Visitors were entertained in the hall at night.

Sunday April 16^th 1933:

Did not have a very large gathering at either S.S or Church today. Yesterday must have tired everybody out. Had a good loaf myself this afternoon at home.

Monday April 17^th 1933:

Mt Isa folk got away this morning. Some of us had tennis before they went. Geoff and self then played during the day. Had afternoon tea t the C.W.A Hall. To bed early.

Tuesday April 18^th 1933:

An ordinary Camooweal day. Quiet, very few about. A little eating, a little sleeping, a little walking, a little talking. Quartet pratice in the hall at night. School for R.I.

Wednesday April 19^th 1933:

Mail day today so had a happt time amongst letters and papers gathering all the latest news. Had a conference to attend at night between hospital c’ee and C. W.A.

Thursday April 20^th 1933:

Rolled my swag this morning and went into Mt Isa with Stan Fowler and party. Stan not too good at the wheel so was relieved when he put me in charge. Had a good run in arriving at tea time. Camped with the boys and went to Elliotts at night.

Friday April 21^st 1933:

A busy day attending the dentist and other business for diiferent folk. Firty and dusty in this place. Developing a bad boil on the side of my nose, very painful, face swollen, eye nearly closed. Made things worse by trying to squeeze it.

Saturday April 22^nd 1933:

Got on to J logan’s lorry and came home as Stan detained in there. An awful drive. Face not improved. Home soon after dark. Had some supper at Booths.

Sunday April 23^rd 1933:

Went to Dr this morning and got the nose attended to. Have face plastered up now. Held S.S as

usual with fair attendance. An inch of rain this afternoon and night rendered impossible a service at night.

Monday April 24^th 1933:

Down at the hall this morning making a Cenotaph for Anzac Day celebration tomorrow. Finished and cleaned up the hall after lunch. Had the final quartet practice tonight. Face still plastered up.

Tuesday April 25^th 1933:

Anzac Day: Commemmoration celebration went off nicely. Held a service in the hall at 11 am and had the wreaths placed on the Cenotaph. Attended the C.W.A luncheon at 4 in the afternoon. A crowded hall at the public meeting at night. The ‘star’ attraction at night was the rendering of the quartet “ Comrades in Arms”.

WEdnesday 26^th, Thursday 27^th, Friday 28^th………….

Saturday April 29^th 1933:

Visiting around the town this morning and cleaning up at home. After lunch carted 3 loads of rubbish so as to empty half a tank and then brought it home to use it for a tank stand. Attended lodge at night.

Sunday April 30^th 1933:

Got the plaster taken off my nose today, much to my relief. S.S and Church servikce both well attended. Had my usual quiet Sunday afternoon at home. Have Stan Fowler camping with me.

Monday May 1^st 1933:

A very busy day. Annie’s wedding day. Everythng left tell tge last minute. Priest was coming out but now I am doing the job. Helped to get everything ready as well as keeping the bridegroom and best man up here from going bush. A very pretty wedding and a happy time spent in the hall afterwards. The party left at midnight then en route for Mt Isa.

Tuesday May 2^nd 1933:

A few drops of rain fell this morning but no more followed. Kept going all the morning cleaning up after the wedding. After lunch had to run a chap 50 miles down to Barclay to meet a drover. Back home for tea. Went down then 30 miles to Richmond’s and turned in.

Wednesday May 3^rd 1933:

Up with the men this morning and into the yard where we branded 50 calves by smoko. Rode around the bullock padock after lunch and looked at the bullocks that will soon feed the hungry folk of Mt Isa.

Thursday May 4^th 1933:

Mustered another corner today and drafted and then branded another 50 calves. Drover arrived just on supper time. Went over to Glenoble after tea. Eye very sore with sty in it.

Friday May 5^th 1933:

Went out today to muster a few more bullocks and some fat cows for the butcher. Brought a mob home and then drafted out the ones he wanted. Brought the other mob down then and cut out 70 bullocks and 10 cows and handed them over. Got a killer then. Had tea and then packed up and came into Camooweal.

Saturday May 6^th 1933:

Straightening things up a bit at home this morning and after dinner marked the tennis court and had some sets. Had a big party for Mr Quinn in the hall at night as a send off. Big crowd there.

Sunday May 7^th 1933:

Had a nice number at S.S this morning when the S.S said farewell to Mr Quinn. Took the Beaumonts home and some others for the drive after dinner. Nice number at Church service at night.

Monday May 8^th 1933:

Got ready to go to Mt Isa this morning but had to wait until nearly 12 noon for Mr Quinn saying farewells. Sig Oldham called up this morning giving me a big surprise. Have not seen him simce I left Queens ( College Melb Uni. ) He is out in charge of the Buffalo Fly operations. Called in at Yelvertoft on the way in and reached Isa at 7.45 pm. Called at McPhails. Took Mavis to Elliotts after having had a clean up.

Tuesday May 9^th 1933:

Intended coming home today but dentist kept me in until late in the evening so did not leave there until midnight. Pat Anderson came with me. Came out 30 miles and camped. Called at Yelvertofts before most of tgem up. Came on and reached home at 10.30 am on…

Wednesday May 10^th 1933:

Got cleaned up after lunch and tten went out and found the ‘Georgina Devil’ Bob Howell. Is very sick so brought him to hospital. Attended then the annual meeting of the C.W.A. Had a drawn out, weary hospital mtg at night.

Thursday May 11^th 1933:

Went over this morning and helped some of the ladies clean up at both halls. Visited around the place in the afternoon. Had tea up with Mr and Mrs L.L Reilly.

Friday May 12^th 1933:

A busy day with one thig and another. Harry Foster came in today and went into hospital with a bad knee. Jim staying with me. Had to fix up an new change / charge ? in the kaustine tank at the hospital. A dirty job. Billy and Glen called up after tea for final instructions. ( wedding? )

Saturday May 13^th 1933:

Fixed things up at the hall this morning for the wedding. Final touches this afternoon. A quiet wedding and breakfast. Was very nervous myself at the start but soon settled down to the job.

Sunday May 14^th 1933:

“ Mothers Day” Missed Mr Quinn at S.S this morning but Mrs G Riley has stepped into the breach. Spent a quiet afternoon at home. “Mothers’ had an afternoon tea in the C.W.A hall. A fair number at service at night. Cold night.

Monday May 15^th 1933:

Cleaned up at home here and after lunch called for Mary and Mrs Robertson and went down to Undilla. Rough road. Shot 2 turkeys. Arrived there at sundown. Had a great talk after tea until nearly midnight.

Tuesday May 16^th 1933:

Went out after breakfast with Elwin and mustered horses. Left for home at 11 am. Cut 3

Ten feet blocks on the way and brought them in. Mary came back with us.

Wednesday May 17^th 1933:

Spent most of the day until 3 pm on the car down at Wilsons. Locating and remedying trouble with the lightimg system. Visited the hospital then and attended to some business for G Whiteley. Both mails got in today.

Thursday May 18^th 1933:

Had a quiet time at home today, getting some writing done.A chap named Clarke called up this afternoon and asked me to take him out to Soudain to Jim Laffin for whom he is going to cook. Promised to take him tomorrow. Paid a visit to the hospital during the aftewrnoon. Did some shopping for some of the patients.

Friday May 19^TH 1933:

Picked up my man aftwr breakfast and left town at 10 am. Reached Avon where we had lunch. Set out then for Soudain but when reached No 17 Palmer Brushe sent us back by saying that Jim Laffin was out somewhere on the run with the Soudain musterers. Had a wonderful time then looking for them, mostly off any road and that rough that I wondered the car did not fall to pieces. Decided just before sundown would after all have to go to Soudain so set out and got there at 7.30 pm and found Jim had been there all the time. Tom gave us a late tea and then I had to fix the lights as a wire was broken. Rear spring shackle was broken too so had a very trying drive back to Avon reaching there at 11 pm. A light was in my room and bed all ready so was soon in it.

Saturday May 20^th 1933:
Was awakened before daylight with a cup of tea and a biscuit. Would sooner have been allowed to sleep on. Got up and was in for breakfast at 6.30 am. Had to fix the rear spring then, so went up to the blacksmiths shop and did the job. Had smoko and then left and got to Camooweal at midday. Played tennis in the afternoon and had tea at Rileys. Listened in and got the Melbourne football results. Went to the hospital.

Saturday May 20^th 1933:
Was awakened before daylight with a cup of tea and a biscuit. Would sooner have been allowed to sleep on. Got up and was in for breakfast at 6.30 am. Had to fix the rear spring then, so went up to the blacksmiths shop and did the job. Had smoko and then left and got to Camooweal at midday. Played tennis in the afternoon and had tea at Rileys. Listened in and got the Melbourne football results. Went to the hospital.

Tennis and free meals.

Saturday March 18^th 1933:

Spent this morning cleaning up the Hudson and then went up to see the dentist and rang Camooweal. Had a sleep after dinner and then called for Mrs Cronin and went across to Mines Hosiptal. Went down to the tennis court then and watched some tournament games played. Called around and saw the boys at Johnnies place. After tea the western folk made a party and went to the pictures.

Sunuday March 19^th 1933:

A quiet lazy day in which I spent most of the time around at Johnnies. During the afternoon Hector, Miss Hack and I drove out to the Leichardt crossing to make sure Todd was not stuck there as he is supposed to have left Camooweal yesterday and has not yet arrived here. His friends in here are rather anxious. Called around for awhile and saw the Moore family and also Mrs Beauchamp at the hospital. Schmidt family arrived by train so I lost my flash car. Had tea at the hotel with them. Went to Church. Not many there. Y ( Young ) Men’s service.

Monday March 20^th 1933:

The three cars well loaded left Mt Isa this morning as the sun made its appearance. Hector, Lila and I came in Easy’s utility. 30 miles out our bus had a blow out., so we all pulled up and boiled the billy and grilled chops and steak. Slow going until we got to Johnstons Lagoon but better from there. Boiled up again at Split Rock and reached Camooweal at 5 pm. Cleaned and bathed and had tea at the hotel.

Tuesday March 21^st 1933:
Had a lazy day at home today as was not feeling the best. Had a couple of callers on hospital business during the morning. Car not going too well. Having trouble with the battery. Visited the hospital patients at night and found a full house.

Wednesday March 22^nd 1933:

Was kept going today on the car but still have not reached the seat of the trouble. Put the magneto on today but it is not much better. Travelling dentist and optician arrived today and staying a couple of days.

Thursday March 23^rd 1933:

Still pottering around the car, spending a lot of time on it but not getting far. Visited a camp down the river after lunch.

Saturday March 25^th 1933:

Hospital now overcrowded and I had to look around and get the loan of an extra bed and bedding. Business very brisk up there. After lunch went out and looked up some of the folk along the river. Ivy came with me. Took books and papers. Had tea with Peter. Came home and then had some tennis. Went to lodge at night.

Sunday March 26^th 1933:

A quiet day. Took Mrs Lobley and children to the hospital this morning and then had S.S. A few misssing today, some sick. Spent the afternoon at home reading and sleeping. Had service at night with not as many as there could have been present.

Monday March 27^th 1933:

Easy’s from Rockhampton Downs arrived back from their holiday today. Hetor and Len also came back from Mt Isa. Called this morning and took Marj and Mrs Mosterd to the hospital. Still a big crowd up there. Cleaned up parts of the car today in hopes of remedying fault in lighting system. Not successful.

Tuesday March 28^th 1933:

Mail got in today nearly on time. Quite a lot of excitement in town as a result. Don brought my tank today too but it looks as if it is too late for any rain this season. Jim Grace is back on the mail run wioth Don now. Easy’s went west today. Took my patients up to the hospital this morning. Visited the school for R.I this afternoon. Played some tennis with Hector and Len and others. Umpired the semifinal match in the tournament.

Wednesday March 29^th 1933:

Spent this morning on the car and part of the afternoon too, getting it ready for the road. Fixed hood, doors, lights etc and cleaned her up a bit. Went to the hospital as usual. Had some tennis too before breakfast. Had some quartet practice in the hall at night, getting ready for Anzac Day.

Thursday March 30^th 1933:

Rolled up swag and loaded up the car this morning and put on my passengers Mrs Watson, Marj and Dottie and left for the Isa at 9 am. Road rather rough. Had a drink of tea at Split Rock and boiled the billy at Johnstons. Old Jim looking better than when I was along last. A slow journey. Got into Isa at 5.15 pm. Had a cool one. Left my passengers at Smiths. Rang Ivy. Went to the Mcintosh’s. Had tea, bathed and cleaned and got Marj and Dot and went to Elliotts. Rather tired when turned in.

Friday March 31^st 1933:

Found STan in charge of Chambers garage. Les away in Townsville. Got him to take the starter off and have a look at it. Took my first ‘family’ over to the Mines hospital and Marj had her knees X-rayed. Worked on the car then for the rest of the day. Fixed the starter, put in a new battery, the lining on the brake drums and adjusted brakes and shock-absorbers. Fixed the exhaust pipe connection and the spot light. A good days work. Had tea with the boys. All went across tgen and saw Mavis. Came back and put the car away and then went in to Smiths.

Saturday April 1^st 1933:

Was not caught unawares at all today. Mt Isa is a terrible place to get out of. Everybody seems to want to delay you. Instead of 9 am as intended it was 11 am when we left. Well loaded too. Met Peaks at about 30 miles out, so pulled up and boiled the billy and grilled chops and steak. Called in at Yelvertoft and stayed a while. Arrived home at 8 pm. Had tea at Watsons. Delivered letters, parcels etc and came home.

Sunday April 2^nd 1933:

A disappointing day. Very few at S.S and less at service at night. Had a sing instead of holding the regular service. Quite a number of children are sick at present. Had a visit this morning from the Swiss. ( Surname or nationality? ) Had a quiet afternoon at home.

Monday April 3^rd 1933:

Started in the home today on a general cleanup. Sorting out papers and making shelves for the different ones. Many of the papers were no good so went into the fire. Did not finish but did a good bit. Had some tennis. Weather warming up but nights wonderfully cool.

Tuesday April 4^th 1933:

Finished the clean up this morning with another grand bonfire. Place looks very much better. My writing desk and pigeon holes only left now for a good sorting out. Went to the school for R.I this afternoon and called on the Davidsons afterwards. Took Marj to the hospital where she had her knee put in plaster. Played some more tennis and then went for practice at the Shire Hall.

Wednesday April 5^th 1933:

Worked on the car this morning, fixing tyres and tubes, tightening wheels, filling up with oil and petrol and getting ready for the road. Had some tennis. More practice at night.

Thursday April 6^th 1933:

Had a busy morning writing and loading up the car for the road. Took Marj up to the hospital again for Dr to llok at her leg. Left the town at last at 4 pm. Went south and called at Campbells. Then on to Richmonds. Felt great on leaving the town behind for awhile. Country looks well. Wonderful feed. Grasshoppers in millions. Stayed the night with Alan Richmond.

Friday April 7^th 1933:

After breakfast went for a ride with Alan out to a dam to look at some rams. Found one caught in a dingo trap. Came home, had smoko and then I got in the car once more. Drove on then and finally reached Harris’. A bit late for lunch but had some just the same. Nice mutton. Stayed awhile here and then went on to the Lake. Mr Patch not home. Mr Lewis the stock inspector came just before tea so the two of us had the place to ourselves. The cook looked after us well. Geoff came over after tea and we yarned on the verandah until bed time.

Saturday April 8^th 1933:

After breakfast went around and looked up the few that were about. Stock camp is out. Left about 11.30 am. Had a good run to Headingley except for a blow-out. Mr Thomas and Mr Terry all that are here. Stayed awhile and then went on reaching Wandangi at 3.30 pm. Pulled up at Covey’s store and then went in to Thomas’. Was asked to stay here and was very pleased to accept. Got cleaned and then went across to the tennis court and met old friends and some new. Also had a couple of good sets. After tea played ping-pong for awhile.

Sunday April 9^th 1933:

Held S.S this morning and quite a nice number were there, in fact all the available children. Visited the 7 families in the town then before and after dinner. Held service at night and was greatly encouraged by the good gathering of men and women. 25 all told.

Monday April 10^th 1933:

Intended leaving for home today but had to spend the morning on the car mending a puncture and other jobs so decided to stay. Visited thte school for R.I in the afternoon then had some more tennis. Had a bit of an evening at Thomas’ after tea in the midst of which Mr Thomas came home.

Tuesday April 11^th 1933:

Nearly never got away today as Mr Thomas wanted a game of tennis before I left and then ping-pong. Then I went around the folk again so it was 2.30 pm when I left. Came up the straight road only diverting to go into Bullecourt. Took in their mail etc which they had not had for 5 weeks. Gave them as much as I could in the short time I could stay. Reached Barclay after dark and had tea there. Came straight on and hit Camooweal at 10 pm. A good run of 150 miles.