Settling in.

Thursday June 27:1929

Getting back to normal and was able to arise at 7.30 AM and went down to the hotel and breakfasted. Got the mail and read all my correspondence and until lunch did some writing. Borrowed an iron this afternoon and pressed some things I yesterday washed. Had a visit from the aerial doctor who had a call to Brunette station 200 miles out. Dr Pincus went with him and I went up to the ‘drome to see them off. Am hoping to soon be fortunate enough to have a fly myself. Started tonight on getting rid of my much accumulated correspondence. Was able this afternoon to procure some fruit, apples and mandarins, both being three and half pence a piece ( 3-4c), but were very acceptable.

Friday June 28^th:

I do not know what I did on this day as it is now Tuesday July 2^nd. Too far back to remember. Nothing in particular anyway. One thing I did remember and that was to go across to the hospital and have afternoon tea with the Matron, Dr and the pilot of the air mail plane. At night I did quite a lot of writing by which many have been lifted up in soul. The ambulance plane today brought in from Brunette station, 200 miles in the territory, a man suffering acutely from Malaria. Went to the state school this afternoon and talked to the kiddies and starfted to teach them, Jesus bids us shine. The only hymn they know is Jesus loves me and that not too well.

Saturday June 29^th:

Had a pastoral visitation today. Wernt around all the folk in Camooweal and made the acquaintance of quite a number of hitherto strangers to me. A few characters. One old lady quoted Scripture to me , giving chapter and verse, from when I went in until I left. Was very fearful myself as I was afraid she would ask me where some of the quotations were . Got away safely though.

Sunday June 30^th:

A very quiet and for me a very lazy day. Had Sunday School in the morning, went to the hospital in the afternoon and talked to the patients, had afternoon tea with the matron and at night had service in the hall. The children are very keen on learning some hymns, so we had a great sing at Sunday School in the morning. No piano but why worry when my voice is so good. There were a nice number out to service at night and I felt that it was a good service. Noone went to sleep at any rate.

Getting acquainted

Saturday June 22 ...1929:

Had a loaf about the camp all day and decided to come back to Camooweal in the afternoon. It was my intention to go further west among the stations but owing to the unsettled state of all the folk at present and having heard of hlouse parties being held for the next few days, I thought bit expediant to await a more favourable opportunity.However this afternoon Mrs Schmidt of Alroy station , having heard I intende going further west, gave me a very pressing invitation to go there this evening. I was undecided, knowing tomorrow is the Sabbath and knowing that in all probability their place would be the first house party. However I finally agreed and after supper we left Rankine. Did not go direct ton Alroy but went around by the Alexandria homestead. A wonderful road from Rankine to Alexandria but not too good from Alexandria to Alroy and eventually arrived at Alroy close on midnight. Unrolled our swags and had a decent sleep, the first for three nights.

Sunday June 23^rd:

A Sunday in the interior of Northern Australia.

In thinking of this one has to keep in mind that the stations out here are on an average 50 miles from each other. That if the folk on the stations want any social life , Sunday is the only day available, as it is the only day they do not work. Also that nothing in the way of a nreligious service on the Sabbath is possible among these folk at least regularly and it has nebver been attempted. I was talking to one chap in the evening and up until then he had not known that it was Sunday. After breakfast, arrangements being complete, a tennis tournament was set in motion which continued throughout the day, broken only at intervals for smoko’s and lunch until it was supper time. Those who did not play tennis, played bridge. After a big spread at supper time, music was supplied in the dining room and at about 10 o’clock some started dancing while others commenced bridge and poker which continued practically throughout the night. I have to admit that throughout the day I was out of my element and kept very much in the background, except for meal times and then I was very much to the fore. I had seen enough though and wanted to stay no longer and when I knew that the party would continue for a day or so and the other station folk would not be settled in their own places for a while I again decided to return to Camooweal and leave the trip among the stations out there until later. The Dr and another chap wanted to return also so I offered my services to bring them. At about 10o’clock in the evening I had a lie down and a sleep until about 1 AM when I was awakened by the others ready to start on the trip back. We came as far as Rankine arriving here about 3 AM , unrolled swags and turned in undercover of a tent, erected during the big event of the past few days. While at Alroy I condemned myself for being there, but now am not sorry I went. It has given me an insight into the life of the people, among whom I hope to work for some time, that under ordinary circumstances I may not have gained for quite a while.

Monday June 24^th :

Enjoyed the hospitatlity of the two police stationed at Rankine until after lunch. They looked after us well and are good cooks. There are no womenfolk at all about the place here. I left a few books with them to fread to help them in their rather lonely life out there. At about 2 PM the Dr and I then left and had a good run until we arrived at Avon homestead. We stayed there and ate with them and at 9 PM left on the last stage of the trip home, where after rather a cold drive we arrived sometime after 11 PM completing a trip since leaving last Wednesday of 350 miles. Being very tired and weary soon turned in and slept until 11.20 AM Friday morning.

Tuesday June 25^th:

Arose in time after having a bath and clean up to go down for lunch, after which I changed camp and now am in the residence with the Dr. He has a house to himself here and suggested I join him. It is much better for me as I only had one small room down where I was. Was too tired to do anything more and retired early.

Wednesday June 26^th:

Another late morning and therefore n o breakfast but sleep was more necessary. Aftfer lunch had quite a busy time getting my room in order and putting books etc where they ought to be and gradually recovering from the last few strenuous days.

Rankine races

Thursday June 20^th:1929

Having arisen, showered, shaved and breakfasted had a talk to some of the men folk about the place, not many being about as most had gone to Rankine, and then looked over the bus and got her ready for the next stage of the journey. There are 3 little girls in the family and very nice kiddies they are too. After lunch was over and we had all had a yarn together with Mrs Lloyd, the Dr and I left about 3 o’clock. The bus now begins to give trouble and in the first couple of miles had to stop and adjust the timing which for some reason was slipping. After a while though she went alright. After passing through a couple of gates we came on to Alexandria Station, the second biggest cattle station in the world with an area of………

The feed here if anything is better and we came out on to a real open plain. As fas as we could see there was nothing but open flat country , rising away to the horizon. The only thing that broke the sameness was an occasional tree and in places a sub-artesian bore. After about 30 miles of this we at last sighted some trees and knew a river was near and eventually pulled up at Rankine on the Rankine River. Rankine consists of a police barracks with 2 police stationed there and a store. The store mostly sells petrol to people passing through and happens out here to be 35 shillings a case. Rankine at present reveals a gay and lively scene and I learnt on arrival that all that are left on the various stations practically in the N.T. are a few blacks looking after the place. The Rankine meeting is evidentally the event of the year Tout here taking the form mostly of horse racing, where there is keen competition between the various stations. They all have about 15 horses which they bring in and compete against each other. The horses are only grass fed and very scraggy but they get as much fun I suppose, perhaps more than others do from their trained beasts. The various stations have their own camps and I fell in with the Alexandria crowd and camped down in their vicinity at one of the bores. Had supper, though up at the bore where all the catering was done at 4 shillings a head. Rough and ready too with tin plates and pannikins and everybody for themselves. There was pictures and a dance at night in a hall on the sports ground but patronising neither. I unrolled my swag and under a full moon by the side of the car I turned in. Notb to sleep very soundly as folk were walking about all night, some merry and others returning from the dance and by the time the last arrived home, others began to arrive, bring in the horses and get breakfast on.

I breakfasted with the crowd and this of course being the 21^st day of June, a Friday. I heard of a motor mechanic in the place and so found him and we spent the morning on the bus. Discovered why the timing was missing and righted it, readjusted the timing and one or two other things and got the bus in good going order again. After lunch I went about among the folk and made myself known as best I could and got to know the various folk there. The people though are too interested in the performance of their horses to have time for anything else, except a refresher every now and then. One thing is very noticable out here and that is that it is no disgrace to be drunk and there is plenty of it done. Not that everybody does get drunk, not at all, but those that do are thought none the less of. Every place, every home out here though has its decanter of whisky on the table and the first greeting one gets is practically ‘have a nip’, and nips are frequent throughout the day. This though is the usual and accepted manner of living of the folk out here. There are of course here as well as anywhere else, the real boozers that are a nuisance to themselves as well as everyone else, they were well in evidence at Rankine. The Country Womens Assocn out here is a live body and doing a good work in the interests of the social life of the people. They had an evening on the Friday, mostly a dance with items and competitions. I put in an appearance for a whilee but soon retired again not to sleep too much, as it was a repitiomn of the previous evening.

Getting on with the job.

Monday June 17^th:

The joys of an amateur motor mechanic. The bus has jibbed and will not go. Have spent all day on the flopping thing but no good. Have fiddled with the carburetter until I do not know how it should go, but still the car goes not. This afternoon a chap who says he is a mechanic has been looking it over but his pursasion so far is no better than mine. So there she stands just outside the door, a model of pigheadedness. To rid myself of the feeling of depression occasioned by the apology for a car, went tonight and dined with the police sergeant, a real tough old sergeant major of the army. He batches here , although has a gin or two to do the housework. The tea was had in real bachelor style, he is his own cook. One course but it was sufficient. A plate piled with a composition of boiled beef and bacon , potatoes, pumpkin, cabbage, peas carrots and parsnips. It was good too only all I wanted to do afterwards was sleep. Came home, started to write, but music next day (Door?) was too attractive, so thither I went and it was night.

Tuesday June 18^th:

For the greater part of today the bus caused grave concern and solicitated anxious inquiries from all sides, but this evening she went, the timing somehow being out and when corrected made a vast difference. She is not in perfect running order yet, but she goes and so we are thankful for small mercies. Have been straightening up books and papers in my room before and since tea and now until bedtime will be writing.

Wednesday June 19^th:

Getting the bus in final working order and then loading up for a trip out west. Having made all necessary preparations, left Camooweal at 3.30 o’clock this afternoon, taking with me Dr Pincus fom here. There is a big race and sports meeting commencing tomorrow and continuing for 3 days at Rankine in N.T. 100 miles from here, to which the Dr is going. My arrangements can only carry me that far until I see what station folk are there. Leaving here at 3.30 we crossed the Georgina River, now dry, just outside the town. Six miles further on we came to the border gate, which let us through to the N.T. and out on to the Avon Downs Station on the Barkley Tableland. The country looks very dry although there is a fair amount of feed about and the cattle look well. We crossed a couple of dry creek beds, although near where we crossed in one there was a water-hole not yet dry on which were a few ducks. 48 miles from Camooweal we came to the station homestead of the Avon Station and there pulled in. Mr Lloyd is the manager but was in bed, with a bad knee. Mrs Lloyd was a good hostess and took us in and afternoon tea or ‘smoko;’ as is it called here was soon in our way. We talked then etc with different ones until tea time or supper as it is termed here. After supper we had a sing until bedtime when retired. Not to sleep though for a while as the Dr and I slept in one room and we got talking on Christianity and its value in life etc and it was early morn before we went to sleep. The Dr maintains that the Church is wrong when it gives anything but the ethical teaching of Christ, that this is what is wanted and nothing else. He has no place in his religion for faith, everything must be reasoned out.

Destination reached.

Thursday June 13^th: 1929

A happy birthday to Father.

Off to Camooweal. Final preparations taking somewhat longer than anticipated, the start was delayed until 10.30 am. Well-loaded with everything including nutties and honeycomb toffee etc from my numerous friends. Day was not the best, cloudy and a cold wind blowing. Cloncurry where I spent six weeks and on the whole very pleasantly was soon left behind. Three miles out my load was further increased by picking up 2 chaps with the swags who were going to Isa looking for work. Rather a good find as they were both company and gate-openers. Got off the road 18 miles out and onto a road going into ‘a show’. A great deal of carting had lately been done in it and the road in there is more pronounced than the main road. Went in seven miles found the copper mine and of course had to return. This was rather an unfortunate occurrence as it further delayed us more than one hour. Our first little town through which we passed was Mallon/Malbon ? 32 miles on the road. Was halted by a chap wanting a ride to Duchess, 43 miles further on and offering me 2 pound prepaid for the lift. Gave him the ride and at Duchess collected 1 pound from him for the Mission. He shouted us all tea at Duchess where we partook each of a great cut of steak and two fried eggs. It all went down too and tasted good. At 5pm the remaining three of us set off for Isa and now the bad road commenced. Ruts everywhere and all filled with white dust so that the depth is not known until one experiments in them. One is at first inclined to be disturbed by the numerous tracks going off in all directions, but soon discovers that they all go the one way. The job is to pick the best one and if I got onto the best every time, pity help the chap who finds the worst. Darkness overtook us long before reaching Isa and so travelling was rather slow but we wandered along and suddenly at 9.15 we hit the outskirts of Mt Isa settlement, found a suitable camping spot and stopped. We lit a fire, boiled the billy and then unrolled swags and rolled in. The ground was hard too and I could not find a hollow for my hip but being rather tired, I was soon asleep.

Friday June 14^th:

I think I was awake first but not up first. It was too cold so waited until one of the other chaps started the fire then I suddenly awoke and got dressed by the fire. We breakfasted on meat pies and sausage rolls that I brought from Cloncurry left over from the social. Shaved in front of the mirror on the back of the spotlight, had a bit of a brush up and leaving the two chaps at the camp where they intend to stay while seeking work, went in to Isa. Mt Isa the scene of glorious activity, the biggest thing in mining that Queensland has ever known and unfortunately I did not have time to have a good look at the mine. Will make a trip down that way before long though and see things properly. Met Dr Goode there, my ‘butcher’, and had a yarn to him, made purchases at the store, loaded up again and at 11am left for Camooweal. Rather a lonely trip through, although passed a couple of motor lorries in the 140 miles first half of the road, still very rough and dusty. Stopped at Yelvertoft? Station, halfway, for a few minutes and had a talk to Mr Dalling and some of the others and then set off on the final stage of the 300 miles from Cloncurry. A better road now ans so progress was much greater.

At 6.20 pm hit Camooweal right on the bare open plain at 60? miles an hour and hurt noone. Pulled up at Riley’s hotel, the only hotel, introduced myself, was cordially welcomed, had a wash and brush and went into tea. Met a few folk but was not long before the blankets claimed me.

Moving on.

Tuesday June 4^th: 1929

Back to the garage and this time the bus is in for a good overhaul and not before she needs it. I poke about to see if I can pick up any hints which my later prove useful. The weather up here at present is really hot and of an evening voices come from all directions where people are out on their verandahs keeping cool. Went out for while myself this evening, I am not saying where.

Wednesday June 5^th:

Down at the garage again and in the afternoon started to clean the bus. It wanted some cleaning too, and goodness knows if it had ever had a clean up before. Had the hose and Bon Ami on the job and got rid of the surplus. Did a bit of writing at night. Still rather warm.

Thursday June 6^th: 1929

Put the finishing touches today with plenty of elbow grease etc to the car and I believe it does look somewhat cleaner. Mechanic finished his job on it too and she is going very well. Gave her a try out on a quart of petrol and she is doing now about 18 to 20 miles to the gallon. At night I went across to the Presbyterian Church to the official opening of the wireless station, in connection with the A.I.M. It is only a weak station but has sufficient power to keep in touch with the stations out west who are to be supplied with a transmitting code signal in case they may need the aerial doctor. If the venture proves a success it will be a great benefit to those in the great open spaces who are not able to get in touch with civilization through lack of telephone and telegraph.

Friday June 7^th:

Spent most of today a home heredoing a few odd jobs about the place, there being a fair amount of broken furniture needing attention.

(My father in earlier years had completed some carpentry training.)

Late in he afternoon hopped in the car and went up to the hospital, took some books up for the chaps to read. A farewell visit as I will not be going up again before leaving for Camooweal next week. I have just been reading a letter that I received when in hospiotal from my sister Olive, hence the reason for this type of writing. I did not dothe shops o Friday night as there are no late nights in this state.

( This diary entry was in small neater handwriting than previously!)

Saturday June 8^th:

Another day at home on the odd jobs. Not a bad proposition though as one gets morning and afternoon tea while thus engaged. An over-ripe day on account of the heavy wind and the dust which it carries along. This I suppose though is one of the trials of the westerner which will have to get used to. After tea tonight the whole family though we would go for a spin so I acted as chaffeur (this spelling does not look right but the dictionary is in the other room) and after calling at a shop for cigarettes, for the Moores, went out the road a few miles and home again. Had a read for a while and retired.

Sunday June 9^th:

Another windy, dusty day and I was nearly blown out of bed this morning, sleeping as I do on the verandah. Thought I might have had a lie-in too but it was n ot comfortable enough out there. Sorted out all my correspondence this morning and had a hot bath through the agency

of what I discarded. Was invited to tea this afternoon and prior to tea went out for a spin in a new Ford. Was very good and went to Church and afterwards went back to Young’s for a while then home to bed.

Monday June 10^th:

Finished the odd jobs today, as many as I am doing, although there are quite a number still waiting to be done. It would not be fair to take all the odd jobs from the head of the house. Went for a run in brother Menears’ car after tea, he being out of town.

Tuesday June 11^th:

I have jumped a day. The outcome of writing up your diary a few days after events. Did not do much this day as was feeling a bit dopey. Shouted the Moores’family to the pictures at night, a farewell treat, for them perhaps, no more for me, not with the children at any rate. The little chap kept up a continuous fire of questions in a very audible voice, some of them extremely awkward. Then the baby awoke and both kids cried together, a beautiful duet. Still we all survived and eventually arrived home safely.

Tuesday June 12^th:

Birthday greetings to Murray. (my father’s younger brother who was later to lose his life during WW2 over the Middle East)

Getting ready for thr road. A busy day. MAfter social ntook all the old dears home by car and retired at 12.20 am. aking final ourchases, packing and loading up. Kept going at it all day. A social in the church at night. Was there for a while but had to go and say a few fond farewells and returned to the social later at supper time. After social took all the old dears home by car and retired at 12.20 am.

adjusting to queensland weather.

Monday May 27th: 1929

Spent most of today at the garage. Mail day and letters received from Victoria and Tassie which were much as always appreciated. Really did a bit of work today as took off an old Ford a tyre that was punctured and put on the spare after mending puncture in it. Had a bit of a lie down in the afternoon and got cleaned just before tea. Since tea have been reading and talking and writing.

Tuesday May 28^th:

Took an accumulation of washing to the washer lady. Through having neglected to do this before, have to wear a dirty shirt for the next 2 or 3 days. Met in town this morning an old chap by the name of Bennett, who has spent many years in Northern Australia. Very well off now, although one would not think so to see him. Very interesting chap to talk to and gave some interesting facts concerning the life out west. He reckons it is the only life and that Northern Australia is a white man’s country and the most healthy of any for him. Also met a Mr Sutton , manager of Lake Nash Station, two to three hundred miles from here, out in my territory. He gave me a very cordial welcome to the station whenever I am out that way. He said that the people out west are not religious and have not much time for religion. I gathered from his remarks though that this all depends on what they term religion. I went to the hospital this afternoon, took some papers and had a yarn to the chaps. After tea the usual reading , talking and writing.

Wednesday May 29^th:

Put the morning, in fact the day, home here being housemaid. Cleaned and pressed my own blue suit, also a suit for G.Moore. Looked after the baby at various intervals, fed him and put him to sleep two or three times, quite a good nurse. Went over to Young’s before tea and found them bottling beer (ginger). Had some out of bottles that had been standing for about 3 months. Had plenty of kick in it. Lots of the folk up here brew their own beer. Went to a concert at night, in aid of the local hospital, rather a crude turnout and a bit spicy in parts.

Thursday May 30^th:

Really did a bit of work today. Was all day down at the garage working on the bus. Took the great awkward heavy hood off. Tightened up all loose nuts etc. Went all over with the grease gun and eliminated numerous squeaks and rattles. Am putting on now a single seater hood, the frame of which I removed from an old Ford. Cannot do without the Ford, nohow. Feeling a bit tired at night so off to bed early.

Friday May 31^st:

Another day at the garage, pottering about the car. Fixed the framework of the old Ford hood so that it fitted the Oldsmobile. Felt a bit off colour in the afternoon so took it easily for a while, but suffered few after effects. A meeting of ladies here at night so I cleared out into the yard with the baby and put him to sleep and then listened to the choir practice in the church.

Saturday June 1^st:

Another chap very kindly came along this morning and offered to assist me in covering the framework of the hood. Needless to say his offer was not refused. He happened to know a bit about the game a made a decent job of it. I helped by looking on. Finished the job in the afternoon and did no more for the remainder of the afternoon and evening. It is beginning to warm up again here and I am indulging very freely in cold baths, although thte water is really warm.

Sunday June 2^nd:

Another lazy Sunday. Did nothing but sleep and read in the morning and went to the hospital in the afternoon and also called on some other folk who have been in Tasmania. Went to church at night, Brother Menear officiating. After church went with Mr Moores about 7 miles out to tow in a chap whose Ford had broken down. Came home and went to bed.

Monday June 3^rd:

Public holiday. King’s birthday and God Save the King. Sunday School picnic for the children belonging to the Methodist Church Cloncurry. Had a very good day too. Spent the picnic on the banks of the Cloncurry River. No children were drowned as it is not possible here at present as no water in the river. It is a very nice place for a picnic, shady as well as pretty for these parts. I had a good day and enjoyed myself and now believe that I am quite fit to take the trip to Camooweal, as I played rounders, gave the kids swings, ran in a race, was nearly torn to pieces by two kiddies who got me down on the ground, and tore around generally and survived. I drove a load of ladies out and back. The lady who owned the car was a passenger and drives around the town but felt a bit nervous when she thought of going to the picnic ground so asked me would I drive the car. It is a Whippet and not a bad bus. I felt nervous too when I saw who my passengers were. The picnic was a success and all seemed to enjoy themselves. In the evening Moores and self went for a cooler out along the road in the car and finished up with icecreams and drinks down the street. A very good day.