1943

Summary

Irwin went in to camp in January of this year that now makes 3 of our sons in the Army Ken, Reg and Irwin. In May I cut my arm badly with a circular saw I was working with in my own workshop. I walked up to the house with blood everywhere the cut was about 6 inches long from just below my elbow and in to the muscle along my arm and I was taken in and admitted to hospital for several days. I suffered a lot of pain and never got the full use of my left arm and many nights not getting any sleep because of the pain in the a rm. I thought I might never get the full use of my left arm. After five months of this I was admitted again to hospital and on 29th September in readiness for an operation on this arm for the following day. The doctor operated for 3 solid hours trying to repair the damage. I was discharged from Hospital on 4th October and the stitches removed on the 11th October. My arm was slow to recover properly so I did what I could and tried making toys to help to supplement the income. I made childrens toys s uch as hobby horses, cat chairs, rockers, doll cots etc I also was kept busy making toys for Toy land shop before Xmas. Herb and Iris did the selling of the vegetables for me. In July the variety they sold were flowers, lettuce, cabbage, beet, carrots, radishes, peas, beans, oranges, lemons, eggs, rhubarb, shallots, tomatoes, papaws, and pumpkins. In September they were still selling eggs, strawberries, jam, beetroot, carrots, onions, lettuce, rhubarb, flowers, papaws, peas, beans, tomatoes. 11th June the biggest army convey went past this morning that I have seen pass here. There must have been over 200.

1-1--: Opened with light showers Rennie came over and had a look at us. Afternoon I rode the bike up to Kennedys, got 3/- for Herb because he brought out the blinds. More showery weather.
2-1--: Rain came on again last night and things are somewhat wet, it seems an early wet season. I planted out papaws up above the house there was no chance to do much as it was too showery.
3-1--: Opened up showery, but the sun shone later, I read all day. Sanitary pan made.
4-1--: I rode the bike to town and back before 10 oclock, did v arious business. After dinner Herb, Lily and I went in and took galvanised iron for Hoare to make sanitary pans. I also got the timber for Teds steps and we got our order from Denhams.
5-1--: I spent the day cutting out the steps for Mt Morgan. I got 1 set cut out and started on the other. To day has been finer and cooler.
6-1--: I finished cutting out the steps for Baileys home. Rode the bike to Griffins, Greens Arthurs and Moffats. The rain cleared away but now it looks very promising for more bad mess to it.
7-1--: I went up the hill and dug out posts and humped them down and put some in. Also made a sawhorse to enable us to make some blocks. It came out pretty hot today.
8-1--: I sharpened the cross cut saw and sawed wood for Moffats. It was so beastly hot that I couldnt stand up to the work. Frank can t use the saw at all he is simply worse than useless. I suppose it will get hotter and hotter till it rains again.
9-1--: Very hot today I brought a post down and put in the horse paddock line. Afternoon I took a load of wood to Moffats and got 5/- of pines from Buxtons.
10-1-: Herb took me in and I caught the Park train. Saw Daggs in to the cottage, received the rent and Clarkes all but 10/-. Awful hot day. I rode the bike out from Roleys, pretty tired by gum. Big train loads to the Park too well right.
11-1-: Frogs seem to think it is going to rain. It was awfully hot at the back of Griffins, I came home for dinner and lied about the house during the afternoon.
12-1-: I sharpened the crosscut saw and 2 handsaws, went up to Griffins. Had nearly all the family helping to saw the blocks. It is awfully hot weather, not fit to work, makes a fellow tired all the time.
13-1-: Went for wood. Frank and I took a load to Mrs Greens and Herb brought a load home. The weather is simply awful. Knocks folk out completely.
14-1-: I worked at an old dresser top during the morning. Afternoon I went and worked at Griffins. My word it is hot weather we are having just now.
15-1-: I went and worked at Griffins during the morning. Caught the Mt Morgan train in the afternoon. Simply awful hot day.
16-1-: Ted and I went 9 miles to Struck Oil for wood and blocks got back for dinner. Afternoon we put up the front steps. It was very warm and I was fairly tired by the time we were done.
17-1-: I was at the job at 7, knocked out the back steps, which I finished by dinnertime. In the afternoon I had a dip in the Dee and Ted and I went and saw Milford and the A truck at Mc Leans.
18-1-: I caught the train home, called in and saw Mary Morrell. After tea Herb and I went up and carted stuff for Mary and Charlotte and brought back our linoleum. Lino 30/-
19-1-: I went to Harth and bought pumpkins. Put in the day at Griffins got knees burnt and came home very early.
20-1-: I rode the bike to town and saw Lysagths stuff. Went to Wests and had a talk then to Williams and sold shallot bulbs. Afternoon we went out and got Kennedys wood. Rather tired when I got home.
21-1-: Herb and I shifted furniture before breakfast. After that meal I went up to Griffins and put in a day. Herb and Frank called and brought me home. They had got pumpkins from Harths 7/- per sack.
22-1-: Opened up a muggy morning I went and worked at Griffins until 12 and came home and had dinner.
23-1-: Ted, Beryl and I went to town, saw Lysagths and went down town and saw a baby car bought meat etc. Very hot day and came home late for dinner.
24-1-: Ted, Herb and I went to Yeppoon got to Bobs 7.30 and after staying there for a while went on to Emu Park. It took us 4 hours to come home from the Park the car went well on the way down but awful coming back.
25-1-: I felt crook after yesterdays stunt and put in a day at making a bottom structure for a dresser. I got it on well on the way to completion.
26-1-: I went up to Griffins and worked at the job. I called and paid Mary Cifuentes for the lino and bought more for 12/6. Work does not go very well with me just now, too hot by far.
27-1-: I went up and put the day in at Griffins. Awful head wind on my way home, a fair terror pulling up the hill from the creek to the memorial. Mrs G. owes 1/- for beans taken today.
28-1-: Opened up cool and windy I rode my bike to Olives and had a look at the dunny. I also went to town and got the last spring head nails Burns and Twiggs had, went and bought Lysaghts stuff and called in at Charleys and had a yarn.
29-1-: Commenced to rain last night and is what is called a wet day. I got a kitchen safe shaped up, it wont take a lot more to complete it.
30-1-: Turned into a very boisterous day, a very real gale. I did some more to the kitchen safe I am making. Herb and Frank did nothing, as they are both crook.
31-1-: I went up to Kennedys and then on to Griffins and back for dinner. The weather has cleared for which I am thankful. I am so awfully busy that I cannot cope with the work. Some time this month Irwin went to camp
1-2--: Harry West worked with us all day and we got 8 loads of stuff from Lysagths. We were all rather tired by 5 oclock when we got home. We have a very mixed lot of stuff, I think it will pay all right.
2-2--: I went up and fixed the lavatory door for Olives. Saw Mrs Woodgate and got home about 10 oclock. Afternoon I was up at Griffins, put on the iron and stays and 1 stud left for home about 10 to 7.
3-2--: It knocks me out completely and I have to ride the bike home, which puts the finishing touches to it.
4-2--: I went out for wood for Moffats. I got wet twice and bogged for over an hour but got home at last I had been wet too long Mrs Hansen gave me a cup of tea and biscuits a kind girl.
5-2--: I was crook from my endeavour yesterday. I did very little, my sore gets no better either.
6-2--: A sweltering day. We have put a bench together under the verandah. Herb had to wait a long time for Ted and Beryl. By gum it was a hot day today, it was quite a knock out.
7-2--: I rested all day it was awfully hot Baileys were here and we were all more or less out of sorts.
8-2--: I sawed wood in the fowl run. After early dinner Frank and I took wood to Cifuentes and went on and got a load for Mrs Wheeler. My sore leg is still pretty crook.
9-2--: I put in the day at Griffins I was very tired by the time I got home.
10-2-: I got strips of pine cut to go round safes. I went to town on the bike, did various bits of business got damp and home by 4 oclock. The weather is very unsettled.
11-2-: I was up to Griffins well before the rail motor went. Did a good days work and got home tired. Showers of rain fell throughout the day.
12-2-: Rainy day I planed all my strips of pine and fixed a cupboard door also fixed a window.
13-2-: Very wet today. I couldnt get a go at any thing, I went and had a look at the pumpkins etc and made holes in draughts ready to be used for wheels for toys.
14-2-: I went to Wests and fixed up the tool chest for Herb and for West for helping me for the day etc still raining and looks like keeping it on for ever. It is miserable wets every thing entirely.
15-2-: Rain had stopped for a while any way. We put out a few tomato, strawberry and papaw plants. I knocked up the pony toys and cut out wheels. Put out the Hawkesbury and strawberries and papaws, brought up wire netting for Lily.
16-2-: Sun came out well and warm. I worked at a fowl yard and did a couple of batches of cement to the bath I started making some months ago. I reckon it will be right when it is done.
17-2-: I spent the day at Griffins. It was very hot until evening. I was very tired by the time I got home. Mrs Griffin paid 3/- for beans. Ken arrived home.
18-2-: I went up to Griffins and worked the morning through. The old sun warms things up too much, he is too severe all together. Ken and I went up to Mt Morgan.
19-2-: Ken and I went and saw the A. Utility and walked about the Mount, got fairly damp and tired. Came home in Baileys truck I got springheads and nails from Chenerys.
20-2-: I did some cementing to my bath and knocked up another toy. Ted, Ken and Herb went off to Yeppoon and Emu Park. I got nearly all round the bath and am very satisfied with it.
21-2-: I was up early and cut a piece of old wood and had a shave before breakfast. I went up to Griffins but they had put the wash trough in last night. Ted and th e lads got home for dinner. After tea Baileys, Ken, Herb and Iris went up to the Mount, it looked like a shower.
22-2-: Rain has set in again like a wet season. I did a bit of cementing to the bath and worked at a kitchen safe I am making. Rennie called and I had a look at his bike. Rained cleared about. 4 hope it goes.
23-2-: Ken and I jig sawed 10 discs for barrow wheels and some sides for toys and a pair of rockers for a doll cradle. I also checked for a place to put a rail across for a bathroom wall. Afternoon I went to Griffins.
24-2-: Clear and cool this morning, in fact it feels quite nippy. I spent the morning at home. Afternoon I worked at Griffins, hung a door and 2 shutters, it was quite hot too by gum.
25-2-: I sharpened the saw and got weather boards ready to go to Griffins and fitted windows, shutters etc. Altogether I put in a good day. It was hot and later came up very windy.
26-2-: I went up to Griffins and put in the morning. Afternoon I ploughed a piece of ground. Roany goes awful and I am jolly tired, as I have just finished very glad.
27-2-: I poisoned white ants and restacked timber and covered it with iron. Made the frame for a gate for fowl run and knocked off for dinner. Afternoon I did a bit of ploughing and knocked off for this month.
28-2-: I finished a letter to Reg and also wrote to Ted. The sky is somewhat over cast. Afternoon I went up and spent a couple of hours at Kennedys. Met a chap named Leo Nobel from Mount Morgan.
1-3--: I went out and got wood for Moffats. Herb also brought wood in for Mrs Bray. It is very tiring work, I went out about 8 and got back at 4. Roany is so slow it seems to take forever to get anywhere.
2-3--: I hung a gate and otherwise did a bit of fixing to a fowl run. Afternoon I went up to Griffins, finished the weatherboarding. Put in the last window, fixed up other small jobs.
3-3--: I went to town and got orders for strawberry runners and papaws. Bulletin at 4d per lb and W. Weekly 3d. Paid lodge dues and insurance. Rather hot again, I feel knocked up by the time I got home.
4-3--: After a lot of trouble we caught the horse and Frank and I went out for wood. Left a toy at Beards and got 3/- for it. Took 7/6 of wood to Chardens and went and picked up sweet potatoes at Griffins an d to Harths for pumpkins. I was tired after this oh yes.
5-3--: I went to the city. Atwell and Co sold 88 lb of mixed nails for 45/- too much for me. I went up to Jack Abels and got the job of putting up a set of steps, also saw Power and his house. It was awfully hot to day.
6-3--: Spent all the morning in town with Baileys, took ladder in to Powers house and got 2 wheels and tyres from Wests £11. Afternoon I cut all the treads for Abels steps.
7-3--: I lighted the fire at 5 past 4 and after breakfast Baileys and Herb and Iris went to Mt Morgan. I marked out the stringers for Abels steps.
8-3--: I called and saw Mrs Mac Donald and went on to Griffins and put up the doorstops. Came home and worked 1 1/2 hours at steps. Afternoon I worked 2 hours at t he steps and then went on to Griffins spouting. I got it laid out but it needed riveting.
9-3--: Rained during the night and it made things rather wet again. Morning I planted 2 rows of beans and 2 of peas, did a batch of cementing to bath and made 4 stops for windows. Went up and finished the dunny for Mrs Woodgate.
10-3-: I did a bit of cementing to the bath, sowed beans round near the shed. Afternoon I went and worked at Powers house next to the Lionleigh Hotel. Rather hot for the month of March.
11-3-: I spent the day at Griffins. Shifted the back step, called and saw Ada Robertson on my way home also met Mrs Green.
12-3-: I gave Myrtle a letter for G. Clarke. After breakfast I rode my bike to town and paid Wests £11. Did various bits of business and came home in time for dinner, I put heels on my shoes.
13-3-: Frank and I had Roany and the cart ready before breakfast and went out to Flynns, carted 3 loads to saw and one to Cifuentes. Got home after 6 so we had a long day among the wood.
14-3-: Roany had managed to get out of his paddock and on to plants. I had a bad time of it before he was in again. I felt quite knocked up, he is a rotten cuss of a horse.
15-3-: I chased the horse around the paddock until he allowed me to catch him. I drove out to Flynns and got a load of brigalow to the saw, we cut up our wood and Frank took a load to Robinsons.
16-3-: I attended to the cartwheels and hoed along a row of pines. Fixed up for Griffins bath and woodwork for their house. We went round by G. S and left things and on for wood. Took a load of wood to Greens got back very tired. Too right.
17-3-: Started to put a verandah on to the shed so that the cart can be run under also put the outlet in the bath and did a bit more cementing. The sun shone far too bright by for me today.
18-3-: We finished the roof for the utility to go under and after a deal of trouble we caught Roany and Herb did a bit of ploughing. I did a bit to the bath and finished up very tired.
19-3-: I went to town and bought a dusting unit at Foulkes £1/17/6. Went out to Powers job and put the rods in the stairs. Called at Abels and got half a bunch of bananas and humped home on my back. Sun awfully hot.
20-3-: I went out to Flynns and got a load of mostly old brigalow for Chardons. I did not get back until 2 oclock, I was too knocked out to do my work and rested.
21-3-: I got the steps ready to take in to Abels. After a lot of delay we got off with them. Got a lot of papaw plants and passion fruit plants 4 bamboos and came home for dinner. The days are too hot for plants yet.
22-3-: I put in the corner post of the shed and got the plants in before dinner also dug 2 holes for a fowl enclosure. Planted a passion fruit at the shed. Fire broke out on the hill it burned a bit too.
23-3-: I went out for wood for Moffats. On the way out just this side the right hand wheel came off and I had a lot of waste time before I got the cart going again. I got a nut off an axle at Griffins.
24-3-: I went to Abels and got the steps up by 12 oclock, had dinner and went out to Powers house. Attended to a door and put 2 brackets in and got spouting put together for the back and shifted my scaffold.
25-3-: I worked at a fowl enclosure and shed during the morning. Afternoon I worked at Griffins, put in the dashboard on door and a shade over door.
26-3-: I put iron on the verandah roof at the shed and dug a bit of ground. Afternoon I went to Powers house and put the spouting on the back of the house.
27-3-: I went to town and saw Power. Got a pair of hinges for the kitchen cabinet at Powers house. Came home in time for dinner. Herb and Baileys arrived about 12.30 with the towed car. Awful hot day.
28-3-: Bailey went over to Newmans and afternoon they and Lily and co went to Koongal. I was home, it was far too hot for me these days.
29-3-: I dug ground. Afternoon I went and took a load of wood for Griffins. The weather is simply awful the heat has got me fairly knocked out.
30-3-: Herb and I went to Powers house. Had dinner in there and went and saw Power and then came home.
31-3-: Frank and I went out in the cart, got 3 lots of wood to the saw and I brought a load to Beards and Herb and Frank brought a truckload in for Herb to take to his town customers. It was again warm for the time of the year.
1-4--: I made holes for 2 rows of peas and broke lumps on ground where the old fowl run had been for 2 years. I rode the bike to town, took oranges and lemons to Mrs Bailey. Went round town on various bits of business.
2-4--: First I sowed 3 packets of onion seed. Pumped water for Frank and Lily to water their plants. Had a fire and burned a fair amount of grass. Sun comes hot yet.
3-4--: I drove out to Flynns and got 4 blocks of wood and wood for home use, jolly tired when I got home.
4-4--: I took Mary Cifuentes lamp back and had a good yarn to her and Charlotte. As I was on my way home I called and had a talk with George Thorsen.
5-4--: I worked at the blocks for the town job. Afternoon I went and got wood for Mrs Cifuentes, it took me a long afternoon it being nearly 6 oclock when I got home.
6-4--: I cemented a post in the fowl run before breakfast. After that meal I got ready and went to town with Herb to Powers house. Herb and I worked all day at Powers house. We got the blocks done and knocked off at 1/4 to 5 and came home.
7-4--: I bought a pair of shoes at Syd Mays 24/6. I did a bit to the bathroom. After dinner I went in looking for a nut for the cartwheel. I had no luck but bought 5 bags of cement for 18/- from Brazil. Got £ 4/5/- from Jack Abel and came home tired.
8-4--: Frank and I drove out and we took a load of wood to Robertsons, it was awfully hot.
9-4--: I finished the affair for the fowls. I had to go up the hill and cut and carry a sapling down. I also gave the bath another coat of cement it is cloudy and rainified looking very funny season.
10-4-: Herb and I went to Brazils and got the cement and I got a piece of 3x2 timber. Got tomato, cabbage and lettuce plants from Abels. I put up 2 studs for the door of the bathroom and planted tomato plants. Herb planted cabbage and Mum the lettuce.
11-4-: I rested during the morning and in the afternoon I went and saw G. Thorsen and Kennedys. The weather is very warm for the second week in April.
12-4-: Frank and I went out all day for wood. We took a load to Moffats and Wheelers. We managed to lose the cap I go off Griffins axle when coming home.
13-4-: I went over to Brazils and a dark chap farther away, Barnes. Barry Cruickshank, Fire Station, Andersons, Mulholland, Brekels. Bought an axle for £1, as I couldnt get a nut with out.
14-4-: Frank and I went out, I felled an iron bark tree and we took it to the saw. Herb went out and we sawed a couple of blocks. Frank and I took a load to Chardons. Mrs Woodgate paid for fixing the dunny.
15-4-: First thing after breakfast I took a plant to Kennedys and then on to Marks and got the nut off the cartwheel. W. Marks picked it up near Briggs after losing it, we had been to Wheelers and on to our plac e and the wheel was still half on the axle. I did cementing in the bathroom and almost got the wall up back of the steps. It was hot again today.
16-4-: I worked at the bathroom all the morning. Afternoon Frank and I went and got a load of wood for Robinsons. It was late when we got home. Baileys were here when we arrived.
17-4-: Cooler last night than it has been since last winter. Went in with Baileys and got the axle. Afternoon we went out and got a bed for Baileys and the 2 H. P. Engine and a bit of wood. Found white ants in a timber stack.
18-4-: A warm change has come again. I rested all day. Bailey took a snap of me with their 2 kids in the wheelbarrow. I think he over exposed it.
19-4-: I pronged 2 rows of peas got the tomatoes fertilised and shovelled out a row for rhubarb, got 2 chair frames put together, this was before dinner. I went up to Gracemere got 2/- from Thorsen and 7/6 from Wheeler. Terrible hot weather.
20-4-: I sowed a row of beans. Roaney was out of his enclosure and so w e started fencing a piece of land in for him. I dug nearly all the holes myself and we got all the posts in and I cut the places in the posts for the stays. Today the heat is terrific. I simply cant stand it. Plants don t do any good yet, it makes a late season. It is 94* in the shade but the humidity makes it much worse than the plain heat would be. It is very late for such heat and it is hard to understand the cause.
21-4-: Herb and I went in early, took wood to Brays and went on to Powers house, finished the job. I was so tired that I rested the rest of the day. I only made out the account. I expect Power will think it a big amount for the job.
22-4-: I rode the bike to town and fixed up with Power also arranged with Cruickshank about welding the axle he is charging 15/- for the job. Lily and I had a rotten trip down the train being awfully slow.
23-4-: I took Fred Thwaite his strawberry plants. Afternoon I went and got kerosene, Pumpkin and lollies. Came back and read and rested. A little rain fell and it looked promising for more.
24-4-: This morning is a lovely clear one. All indications of rain have passed off.
25-4-: I went and had a yarn with Herds came back for dinner and read and rested. Horrible windy spasm has arisen.
26-4-: Wind blew all last night and is still busy, I had jaw ache and have it still, it is awful.
27-4-: Lily and I were up early, had breakfast and caught the train home. My jaw is swollen and my teeth and gums are jolly sore.
28-4-: I still feel crook but Frank and I drove out and carted firewood. Got home about 6 oclock. It was hot during the day but cools off for the night.
29-4-: We went out after wood. I took a load to Greens and also one to Chardons. The sun shone out brightly and caused quite a warm feeling 2 trips with wood makes a pretty hard day.
30-4-: I rode the bike to town bought ticking from Williams for pyjamas also got pump and hose from Livingstone council £1/13/6. Also spoke to the clerk about putting a verandah on the Park cottage.
1-5--: I drove up and got a 10/- load of wood for Moffats. It had been a rather windy day and my jaw feeling somewhat sore all day.
2-5--: Four of us went out to Teakels 3 miles out of Stanwell and got sweet potatoes. We had various delays and it was almost 1 oclo ck when we got back for dinner. The folk seem nice and gave us tea and apple tart. Ted and I made good use of the refreshment, oh yes. Griffins came and got spouting.
3-5--: Came out a fine day again. I hoed peas, sharpened a panel saw and tenoned some pieces for chairs. Afternoon I went up to Griffins, Mc Donalds and Thorsens. Jolly tired by the time I got home.
4-5--: My knee is crook so I stayed home. I put a vent pipe on the line near the reservoir and worked at the chairs.
5-5--: I did a little to the chair job and sharpened the ripsaw. Went up to Morrells and measured up to see what timber to take up. Reg arrived.
6-5--: Reg and I drove in per the T model. Had a feed of fish and a drink. Mooched around the town a good deal run out of petrol coming home and was lucky to get a lift with Harry Broadhurst. Threade d pipe with Johnny Griffin. Got 100 cauliflowers.
7-5--: I pronged tomatoes, watered rhubarb sowed parsley and lettuce seed. Got pipe ready for Griffin. The 100 feet is now ready. I dug a bed and sowed it with parsnip seed. Cooler days are now with us and a little wind. Sent letter to Woodgate.
8-5--: Last night we arrived at the Park Reg and I walked out to the trap and got some fish that we enjoyed for tea.
9-5--: Reg had a bathe but it was too cold for me. I got a good crab for 9d and Reg, Frank and I cleaned up for dinner. It was a good full one and was enjoyed very much.
10-5-: I took weatherboards up to Morrells house and then went and got wood for Mary and Charlotte. I also took them 2 pie melons. It was nearly 4 oclock when I got back home.
11-5-: I went up to Morrells and then round to Armstrongs, Post Office and got paper. Afternoon I dug ground for carrots.
12-5-: Morning I was at Morrells house, I worked there in the morning and came home for dinner. Afternoon I rode the bike to town, took plants for Fred Thwaite and bought nails and called at Cruickshanks.
13-5-: I worked up at Morrells all day I got ready for the weatherboards.
14-5-: I went up to the job and got all the weatherboards on. I went up a bit late so stayed till nearly 1 oclock. Slight showers fell throughout the day.
15-5-: It has rained nicely today and things are becoming a little wet, I rested all day.
16-5-: Still very muggy but didnt rain much today. Nasty smash at the bridge utility went over in to creek 2 women hurt.
17-5-: I put out papaws, onions and other bits of plants. I again have a swollen jaw and other wise feel crook and so came in early.
18-5-: I rode a bike up to Morrells and took measurements to enable me to cut out tomorrow. I spent the day cutting them out I got all the leaves cut out and half roughly pivoted and knocked off a little before 5 oclock.
19-5-: Foster had a run away and I spent some time with him. Reg. Herb and I went to town I got 7/6 of timber from Skyrings for Morrells job. I sowed 2 beds of onion seeds. Reg went at 4 oclock to catch his train.
20-5-: I worked more at the louvres and did some ploughing also planted a row of rhubarb.
21-5-: Did more to the louvres and hoed and dug and ploughed also had a fire and made things a bit clearer. The weather is nice and cool now, mosquitoes are not.
22-5-: We finished ploughing the couch out in front of the house and I started to plow above the shed, Roany says it is too hard.
23-5-: I went in by train and got Reggies bike from Adzmees. Went across the river and had a fish meal, got home before 1 oclock. The back tyre was flat and wouldn t stay tight so I had a hard trip home. Quite a cool change has come on.
24-5-: I did a few rounds of ploughing finished hoeing the strip of couch I was at and got out couch.
25-5-: I dug and went round with wire for the fence. Put in a couple of hours at the louvres. I finished the holes in battens for the louvres to turn in. We also got the wire round the fence.
26-5-: Hoed and dug out grass. Planted some onions round the hill. Pruned custard apple trees. I also ripped out the 6 pieces for the working rods for the louvres. I knocked up about 4 oclock and had to come in.
27-5-: I had just finishing sawing the rods for working the louvres, when I got in contact with the saw, had to go to the Tannachy Hospital and have my arm stitched.
28-5-: I spent a quiet day in hospital. Iris called and saw me and got me some tea and books.
29-5-: Another day in hospital, read most of the day
30-5-: Another day reading and dozing away the time.
31-5-: After breakfast and having my sore dressed I walked to Rolys and rode his bike home.
1-6--: Spent a quiet day at home.
2-6--: I rode the bike in and went to the barber and Doctor and out to Mills again. Roly gave me a lift nearly to the Bull Head and I rode nearly to Nelsons when Arthur picked me up and dropped me at the gate.
3-6--: I walked up to Kennedys and had a cup of tea and a good talk. The weather is quite cool.
4-6--: I went in and got my arm dressed. Came out with Herb and Iris. We are now feeling the cool change.
5-6--: I stayed in most of the day, it was rather raw.
6-6--: Kennedy brought me some books and I had a good read and rest.
7-6--: I had no sleep last night owing to my arm being painful. I went to the surgery and got dressing attended to. Took bus over to Krewtzers and had dinner I also had a cup of tea at Mills and rode bike home.
8-6--: My arm seems no good and I am afraid I am going to be not too fit so far as the left arm is concerned.
9-6--: I got a bit of a letter off to Ken. Rested and read the rest of the day. Herb is ploughing a bit of land by degrees he simply hates it.
10-6-: Mum is planting tomato seeds and Iris is hoeing away like billy. It is my day for the surgery and I feel very unlike going. They took the stitches out of my arm. The little finger seems quite dead. It is very cold to feel. Stitches were in for 14 days.
11-6-: Biggest convey went past this morning that I have seen pass here there must have been over 200.
12-6-: It rained last night and things are now rather wet again. Ted and Herb have gone to town in Teds truck. Frank is grubbing out grass.
13-6-: It rained a bit again. I lied about and read. My arm is painful all the time, keeps me awake at night. I am afraid the hand will not be much use to me for a very long time if ever. The weather is awfully muggy.
14-6-: I read and poked around the place.
15-6-: I went to town and called in at Mills and got him to ring up about the radiator and th en I went to Hoares and left my bike. I then went over to the sale of G. Attwood but there was nothing there for me, so I went on to the surgery and got my arm attended to. I went to Abdullahs and had cups of tea and got an order for lettuce. Went back to Hoares and got my bike and rode to Mills and got some meat and then I came home.
16-6-: My arm kept me awake pretty well all night. I wrote to Langbeckers about orange trees. It has turned much cooler since the rain.
17-6-: It was a lot cooler last night. This is the first touch of winter; I sowed a row of sugar peas. Harry Broadhurst paid me for the iron he got a while ago.
18-6-: I went in with Herb and got my arm seen to, got home for dinner, jolly thing is awfully sore yet.
19-6-: I rode bike and left it at Arthurs and walked out to Flynns and back to Arthurs when I had dinner. I was with Arthur at the Moffat farm that was Jaminsons old place. I then went out to Griffins and had a good yarn and a cup of tea. Got back in time for tea at home.
20-6-: I went down to Mc Carthys and afternoon I walked to Kennedys.
21-6-: Frank and I went out and got wood for Mary and Charlotte, Frank delivered it I rode the bike.
22-6-: Cold wind today. I mooched and lazed about the house. Irwin came after tea.
23-6-: I fixed the wheels on 2 toys and gave Mrs Griffins hers. Irwin and I helped Herb a little with the utility. There was a nasty wind blowing today and it made things unpleasant.
24-6-: Very raw day indeed Irwin went off on Regs bike. He didnt say where he was off to. I marked out wheels and bored holes for axles. My wound is still pretty crook.
25-6-: Ken and I rode bikes to town and were all over the shop. I got a liniment to rub into my hand. It was very cold this morning and seems as though it may be cooler, still in the morning.
26-6-: I went in to Wests and got a side of a horse rocker for a patt ern. Ken and I sawed out a fair number of wheels and patterns and got the rocker affair cut out for Harths Toys. The saw is not satisfactory, but we we will have to make the best we can of it
27-6-: I had very little sleep last night. It was a very raw morning early. Ken went to the city and Irwin to Schirmers.
28-6-: Ken and I rode bikes to town in the old Lizzie. Got films and developer, tomatoes etc. Got home for dinner, I gave a nice toy to the Doctors daughter, a little girl looks to be getting on for 2 years old. Irwin loaded some cartridges and I think he has gone out to Browns.
29-6-: Ken, Irwin and I went to Mount Morgan. Spent a tiring day. Got 2 photos 1 of the dam and 1 in the old play ground. The train home was very late and we were all tired.
30-6-: Spent a quiet day at home. I did a little to the rocker for Harths.
1-7--: I cut out a bit of jig saw and put the rocker together, my hand is very gradually getting better. Irwin stayed away all night and Ken has been away all day.
2-7--: Iris is unwell so Irwin and Herb went in with the bit of stuff. I took a dressed bud up to Kennedys. Ken was trying to fix a part he broke on the Kodak. Baileys came down.
3-7--: I knocked up a toy and lazed about all day. I didnt feel very well. My arm is paining continually.
4-7--: Ken, Ted, Beryl and kids with Herb went out. Grace and her man came out and gave me £1 for the Park cottage for a week.
5-7--: I worked at Harths rocker. Knocked off in the morning about 11. Mum and Herb drove Ken and Irwin in to catch their train. It is quite warm this day. My hand is aching all the time and is not getting better very quickly.
6-7--: I rode the bike up to Kennedys and to the post office, rasped the rocker and painted it a bit. I also went to Fairy Bower and George Feddersen and Harry Newman.
7-7--: I went out to Harths and bought pumpkins and then on to Arthurs and had a look at his place, came back for dinner. Afternoon I picked a few tomatoes and did a little painting to Harths toy.
8-7--: I went to the doctor and knocked about nearly all day. The sun was rather warm. Got a pint of brown paint 5/3 it seems an awful price over £2 per gallon.
9-9--: Sent in 24 books to Eddingtons. I spent the day about the place. Burned a bit of rubbish and planted leeks.
10-9-: I went to the city and saw about trousers, also went to Jack Abels and got cabbage plants.
11-7-: I went up to Kennedys and had a cup of tea and a good yarn. I also took the parts of the rocker to Wests, otherwise I had a quiet day and felt rather knocked up owing to riding the bike against the wind yesterday.
12-7-: Frank and I went and got a load of wood for Greens and brought 3 bags of pumpkins from Harths. I was pretty well knocked out by the time I got home and I felt crook somehow.
13-7-: I fixed a verandah chair and made a start at an old rocking chair. A warm change has came again, which should be a help to the flu victims.
14-7-: I got the rocking chair pretty well mended and Iris gave it a coat of paint.
15-7-: I went up for the paper, dug carrots. Pruned 2 mandarin trees, picked the first few rhubarb stalks and lazed about the rest of the day. The sun was warm today too.
16-7-: I was feeling rather out of sorts and didnt get up till 9. I started the pump and made a trench for celery and started to water rhubarb. Baileys got here for tea. H erb and Iris went in to sell flowers, lettuce, cabbage, beet, carrots, radishes, peas, beans, oranges, lemons, eggs, rhubarb, shallots, tomatoes, papaws, and pumpkins.
17-7-: I went in with Baileys and knocked about town. Got home for dinner.
18-7-: Ted, Herb and I went off to Yeppoon to fix the white ants in the abode of Teds seaside estate. Everything went off pretty well and we were home again before 4 oclock.
19-7-: The weather is a bit warmer again. I went up to the Mount with Baileys, mooched about the town. Bought squash seed and also squash to get seed out of.
20-7-: I lazed about the Upper Dee Estate of A. E. Baileys, came home by night train. Got home about 9. It is awful the way trains are run now days.
21-7-: Awful cold wind blew today I saw to a few things about the place. Wrote to Mrs Thompson.
22-7-: I went to town and got measured for a pair of pants. Went over to Daisys and Brazils. Got some 5 x 4 Velox paper, had a cup of tea with Hoares and came home.
23-7-: I went to Elwings with Fowls. I made myself tired about town. My arm is very sore, it kept me awake last night.
24-7-: I cut out wheels and horsy heads. Sowed about 40 holes with marrows. The weather is getting pretty dry.
25-7-: I was crook and couldnt eat and I am getting practically no sleep. I had an attack of vomiting, brought up the pork I enjoyed so much.
26-7-: I cannot eat and again I vomited and brought up bile. Harth called and we fixed up for the rock away and pumpkins. Mary Cifuentes called and saw me about work. I wrote to Ken.
27-7-: I am very crook in my innards. Herb and Frank went out and got a load of wood. It was 7 oclock when they got home. Iris got me some medicine which made me feel better after the first dose.
28-7-: I have still pains in my innards and now I have piles bad. So Mussolini has been deposed.
29-7-: I couldnt get any sleep last night for painful piles. I am rather crook in health all right.
30-7-: Reg Buxton paid me 5/- for sharpening his saws. I have a bit of a cold now and head ache and giddy feeling.
31-7-: Herb and I went in and got paid for the fowls and bought timber and petrol, beet seed and iron bars. I have a very bad cold in the chest.
1-8--: I had a very bad night and feel no good today. The piles are giving me an awful time.
2-8--: I had the best night last night that I have had for a week. Piles are still painful and I have an awful cold on the chest. I feel much better but am no good for work.
3-8--: Frank and I went and got a load of wood for Greens. It was a very irksome job for me.
4-8--: I ripped a piece of timber by hand and did some more mucking about. About 3 oclock I felt sick and had to come in.
5-8--: I spent the day in town seeing the doctor and mucking around all over. Declared off the lodge and got paid up. Frank took Cifuentes fire wood 7/6.
6-8--: Cool morning and it seems as if dryness is going to prevail now. I worked a piece of timber for the utility and went and started the pump. I feel crook in my chest and had to kn ock off and come in. A nasty cold wind blows and makes me cough. Rats made a hole in my safe and ate my seeds. I got out of marrows at Mt Morgan.
7-8--: I put out 100 tomato plants. I am feeling no good at all.
8-8--: I stayed at home. Ted and a good following went over to Sharrocks and called at Abels and got the orange trees,
9-8--: I went up to the Mount with the Baileys and got the pattern of the trip marked out.
10-8-: I caught the train and came home. I made some holes for sticks to go in for the sugar peas. I had to come in feeling crook.
11-8-: I planed boards for the floor of the truck and also ripped a piece of very hard wood. I am unable to do much work.
12-8-: Rain fell during the night. It seems that it is going to be fine now. Put out tomato plants, sowed cucumbers, peas and beans. Staked the orange trees.
13-8-: I put out the rest of the tomatoes that were big enough also squash seeds etc. The cold is properly on my chest and I feel rather crook no good for work.
14-8-: I set Frank on digging holes for custard apple trees. I worked at getting boards out a big press for the truck body. My chest is crook.
15-8-: I went up to Kennedys. The size of the pot cupboard she wants is Height 4 ft Width 3 ft Depth 1 ft 9 ins. Clouds about again.
16-8-: Went round and ripped timber for Kennedys cupboard. I worked all day at the thing and was jolly tired by knock off.
17-8-: I did a little to the cupboard and planted 8 custard trees. After dinner I went to town and banked 23 Quid and went to several places. Bought the book of the Life of General Mac Arthur. Got home for tea very tired.
18-8-: I jabbed a few holes for sticks for the sugar peas and worked all day at Kennedys cupboard. It was rather warm today by gum.
19-8-: I worked a bit at the cupboard but I was off colour and couldnt stick to any job all day.
20-8-: I went to the city and bought 2 pumps with tube, also several different goods at second hand shops and auction sale.
21-8-: First I went up and recorded my votes and worked a half-day at the cupboard.
22-8-: I had a quiet day at home reading.
23-8-: I worked all day making a pair of doors for the cupboard. Very warm during the day.
24-8-: I hung the cupboard doors and made the template ready for making the stay for the seats of the utility.
25-8-: I rode the bike in for orders for tomatoes etc came home for dinner and then Herb and Iris and I took the stuff in. Got home at 4 oclock.
26-8-: I just about put the finishing touches to the cupboard. Rennie came and helped to put the engine in the truck. I helped to dig a bit of land and pronged tomatoes. £5 in plate box.
27-8-: I made 4 stays for the utility body. It took me till 11.15 and I was hot and jolly tired, they are not too good but I think will do.
28-8-: I finished the cupboard, picked 5 tins of tomatoes, prepared for 2 rows of long beans. Baileys came down his gas unit is crook again.
29-8-: I went up to Kennedys and over to Newmans and had a look in at Childs, got home for dinner. Afternoon all but me went over to Newmans.
30-8-: Took Kennedys chair and cupboard up. Herb and Ted went to Lakes Creek and got 3 bags of blood and bone. I humped water to various plants.
31-8-: I dug around plants. Worked a little at the bathroom, fixed the fence for Roany.
1-9--: I rode the bike to town and got orders for tomatoes etc. Herb brought the stuff in. We did a little job for Elmes and I had dinner with them.
2-9--: 2 Weeks more and I am supposed to go and see the doctor again. Frank and I went and got wood for Greens.
3-9--: I went in with the truck and did various bits of business. It was a muggy day and seems likely to turn to rain. 17 Points in box.
4-9--: I planted out tomato plants and picked tomatoes. Slight rain fell and it seems to be favourable for more.
5-9--: Rain fell well last night. I went up to Kennedys got paid for the furniture and brought home my pie melon.
6-9--: Planted out the rest of the tomato plants and I rode the bike to town, head wind all the way. After I came home I went round and pruned a mandarin tree.
7-9--: I started Frank fertilising pineapples and then Herb, Iris and I went in with tomatoes etc, got home for dinner and after that meal we went on fertilising. We sold tomatoes at 1/6 per lb and up to 25/- for a case, this is the highest price we have ever got for tomatoes. Billy Schirmer came and bought the pony cart, paid me £5 for it and took it off in glee.
8-9--: I sowed long beans and planted tomatoes. Sowed long beans and pumpkins and set 3 rows of tomatoes. Sawed out 3 horses.
9-9--: Finished putting blood and bone meal on pineapples, cleaned around 3 rows of tomato plants, picked tomatoes and Herb did a strip of ploughing. News came of Italy surrender. Very muggy. Read in th e paper that Mrs Roosevelt was coming to Rockhampton today and staying until Saturday. Today is Thursday.
10-9-: I went to town with Iris and Herb. Did a lot of running about, saw the doctor about going in and about getting my arm fixed up. This is the variety we had to sell today, eggs, strawberries, jam, beetroot, carrots, onions, lettuce, rhubarb, flowers, papaws, peas, beans, tomatoes.
11-9-: Frank and I went out for wood for Cifuentes. I called and had a yarn with Arthur. It seems inclined to rain.
12-9-: I went to Emu Park got there at 10 to 12 had dinner at Thwaites and a good yarn, then went in to the train. Syd gave me a lift home.
13-9-: I hoed tomatoes and packed tomatoes and put the rocker together.
14-9-: Went in with tomatoes etc.
15-9-: I made a trap door for Wests bagging holes, hoed tomatoes. Herb sowed a few melon seed. A big fire came from Ernies and gave us a hard fight. Got a cheque for £20 from Marlborough. Very hot today.
16-9-: Got Greens a load of wood, got paid for the next load too. Very warm and seems very much like rain again.
17-9-: Lily, Ted and I went to town and after doing business we went on to Emu Park.
18-9-: We went out to the trap and got fish and a crab.
19-9-: Had a quiet day at home.
20-9-: Went out to the trap early and got 3 fish and 4 crabs. Had a very good feed of fish.
21-9-: I went out to the trap and got a nice salmon cost 8d and was about 2 lb. After lunch we made for home and after several delays reached home.
22-9-: Ted and I went up to Morrells house and put 2 sections of louvres in position. It was a nasty hot day.
23-9-: We got the louvres in position in a sort of way. We went out and got some fire wood Ted, Herb and I brought in 5 papaws.
24-9-: I rode the bike to town to do various bits of business. Arranged to go in to the hospital next week.
25-9-: I made a door for the bathroom shack, sawed the ends off the hinges of the trap door for West.
26-9-: I went out and saw G. Brown folk. Mc Carthy came and got his chair and I went and had a yarn to him during the afternoon.
27-9-: I started Frank off fertilising tomatoes and then got things ready to go up to Griffins. I got the spouting up and got home just after 11. Afternoon I felt tired and mostly lazed about the house.
28-9-: Yesterday I made up another verandah chair. To day I worked during the morning at Harry Wests bogging holes, he owes £1/5/9. Very muggy day I was too tired to work afternoon.
29-9-: I went in to the hospital and got my arm etc fixed up ready for morning.
30-9-: The doctor had a go at me for 3 solid hours. I certainly had a very interesting time. Doctor seemed satisfied with his job.
1-10-: I seem to be doing all right.
2-10-: Hospital.
3-10-: They had a look at my arm and the doctor said it was going well.
4-10-: I came out of hospital and home by train.
5-10-: I read and rested.
6-10-: I went and got my arm attended to, walked about a lot in fact too much bought a bike £7/10/- coat 10/-and expect an old dresser for £1.
7-10-: The weather is nice just now but too dry.
8-10-: I caught the rail motor to the Park. Fred Thwaite boiled me a crab and prepared it and sent Betty up with it, I had a very good feed for tea.
9-10-: I went down and did some shopping and rested.
10-10: I went out and saw old Dad Thwaite and with Fred to the trap. He had a groper 300 lb weight in his trap. I went back to his place and sharpened a knife and sent Norman out and he cut up the groper and sold it to the Greek.
11-10: In Bulletin October 11th Silky Oak louvres to fit 7x4 and 8x4 spaces £10 G.B.Shaw. I caught the train for home. I had the stitches taken out of my arm. I was very tired by time I got home.
12-10: It tried to rain last night but has gone this morning. Afternoon we went in and got the dresser at Mulhollands, knocked to pieces. Had to go to Denhams and Lily went to her doctor. Awful hot weather.
13-10: I walked up to Morrells and got a brace and to the post office and got mail. We tried cutting out some cats, but the jigsaw is out of order and we had to stop.
14-10: I went to town by train. Did various bits of business and rode the Bryne bike home. Got my trousers from Woulfe. Went to Elmes for a while. It was very hot.
15-10: I did odd jobs about the place, very muggy weather.
16-10: I rode the bike up to Gracemere, got paper and mail. Herb set out 100 rosellas. My word it was a muggy day, surely must be going to rain.
17-10: I rested about the house.
18-10: I was very hot and I put in the day in town. Rode the bike to Gracemere and caught the 9 oclock train to town. I managed to lose my return half of ticket and had to purchase another ticket to come home.
19-10: Splendid rain fell last night. There was evidently a big storm somewhere that we may hear some thing about it.
20-10: Letter came to hand from the cat woman it went astray. Big storm last night creek came down. I feel very off colour.
21-10: I put my cat chair together before lunch, sowed some long beans and pumpkins.
22-10: I went to the city. Got 1 dozen tins from Rickarts, also did other various bits of business. Came home by train.
23-10: I sawed out the cats and a pair of rockers.
24-10: I went and had a talk to Mc Carthy, lent him the book titled The Life Of General Mc Arthur he lent me one too. I read it in a couple of hours.
25-10: Frank and I got a load of wood for Greens. After I came home I put 2 more cats together. By gum it was a hot day.
26-10: I rode the bike to the city saw the doctor and walked about town a fair lot very hot day Ill say
27-10: I put the rocker on the chair for Elmes also put the finishing touches to 3 more and then cut out some legs for tables and wrote to Ken.
28-10: I went to town and then to the Mount.
29-10: I went in to the town and bought some timber etc, also oranges at 6d per dozen.
30-10: Beryl and I went in to the town and we bought some various things screws and nails etc and went back home.
31-10: I caught the train for home, wrote to Reg and had 3 letters to read from the boys. It is funny weather cool at night but hot in the day.
1-11-: I cut out 4 table legs 6 cats and 3 seats. Got a letter off to Reg.
2-11-: I rode the bike to town. Took 1 dozen cucumbers to Elmes for 3/-. Did various bits of business and called in at Charleys on the way home, sold him Ruby for £4/7/5.
3-11-: Wrote to Ken. I ripped some boards for the truck. Afternoon I went to Newmans and Feddersens to see about potatoes.
4-11-: I worked at the truck a little my hand was on the crook side and I could not work much. Mr and Mrs Griffin came down to see us. We went and got potatoes from Feddersens after tea.
5-11-: Ted, Beryl and I went to town and I caught the rail motor and went to the Park, had a cup of tea at F. Thwaites.
3-11-: I had a bathe. Afternoon I went over to Yeppoon and got out to Morgans. Went in to town again with Bob and got 1-pint tin of paint for 10/- and a tin of green for £1. Bob and I played draughts until 11.
7-11-: Bob drove me in and I got to the bus only to find it too packed and had to wait until about 12 for the next one to Park 2/6.
8-11-: I went out to the trap with Fred and got a bream. Came home tired.
9-11-: I walked on to Cifuentes place but found that she had gone home. I bought a tin of meat and a bottle of boiled oil 2/6 1/2d. Came home and had a lemon squas h and then walked out to the trap and got 2/- worth of fish, gave Hope 6d. I went down and got a crab for 6d at least I think he said it was 6d.
10-11: I spent a quiet day, finished painting the door.
11-11: I caught the train to Rocky and spent the day mooching around the town. Paid the chemist and Hospital bills and caught the train home. Got £6/13/- from Semple.
12-11: I read and rested. Went in to the Park for bread and spuds and kerosene.
13-11: Spent the morning at Thwaites front door. Afternoon I went out to the trap and got a crab. Last night was awfully windy but has now died down.
14-11: I got Elmes a chutney bottle of oysters 3/-. Griffins and Billy Schirmer came out and had a cup of tea with us Iris came down and brought a letter from the 3 boys I spent a rather tiring day.
15-11: I tried to fix a chair and got sand also went down and puttied the door at Thwaites had a good bathe and came home.
16-11: I went out to the trap but got nothing. Afternoon I went again and got 3 fish. I owe Fred 2/- with todays fish.
17-11: Had a very good fish breakfast.
18-11: Went out for fish and got none.
19-11: I mended a chair and got sand, had a good bathe with Ted and Frank.
20-11: I went with Ted and took Cifuentes tins and got some bananas and mince.
21-11: I took the cat chair to Mrs Cowaps and their dog went for it. Lily and I had a good bathe and a nice dinner and came home jolly tired after humping our ports from Gracemere.
22-11: I rode the bike to town, paid my rates and insurance, had dinner at Elmes and fixed up with them, bought material from Williams for truck and came home the free wheel clutch slipping made it hard peddling home.
23-11: I worked pretty constant and got 3 more cat chairs put together also wrote to the cat woman. Jolly warm here and I feel it after the Park weather.
24-11: I painted at the body of the utility and cut out 4 pieces of timber for legs of the table for Hilda. Mary Cifuentes came and saw us for a while.
25-11: I painted the body of the truck till 8.30 and then went and worked at making the table for Hilda.
26-11: I rode the bike to town and caught the rail motor to Emu Park.
27-11: I had a lovely bathe and went out to the trap with Fred and got a flat head that I sold for 1/6 to Mrs Thompson. Had nearly 3 ins of rain. I did my little jobs.
28-11: I had a good bathe and a game of ball with the Thwaites kids. I rested the rest of the day except for the washing up and getting ready for home.
29-11: Got up early at 12 and caught the train. I rode all the way home holding the port without a stop until I got to our gate.
30-11: I rode my bike to town and did a lot of running about and we got home late for dinner. Afternoon I cut out 4 more cats, it has been awfully hot today.
1-12-: I put the last 2 chairs that was ordered together. Charley called in and put me back a fair lot. It is very hot here.
2-12-: I went to town and did a lot of business. I got off the lodge. I feel the heat awfully. Measured for Lonnies steps.
3-12-: I went up with Herb. I did a lot of walking about and got home late for dinner. Afternoon I prepared 7 cats ready to be jig sawed and got 2 seats ready.
4-12-: Got piping for Ted, cut out cat and broke the saw blade. Went to Abels and gathered 133 ft of piping and came home for dinner 1.15.
5-12-: 4 Men came and took the T Ford away paid £20, 2/6 for transfer and 2/- for spark plug spanner, 10/- for an old axe, went away pleased. I caught the train to Mount Morgan.
6-12-: I spent at Mount Morgan. Saw to the truck business and got a film and packet of post cards came home in time for tea.
7-12-: I got an early start and went round and cut out 5 cats and a horse and came round and made a hobbyhorse and knocked up a long cat it is more then half finished. I also had to attend to Childs who came and got 5 sheets of iron for £ 1. At 4 oclock I felt knocked out by the heat and ceased.
8-12-: I worked at the chairs etc. It is so awfully hot that I cant get on with things at all.
9-12-: I built up a cat chair and gave it a coat of paint, also did a bit to barrow wheels and made a hobbyhorse.
10-12: I went in with Herb and Iris got my sick pay. Went over to Livingstone Shire Council with my application of permission to put a verandah on the Park cottage . Bought 4 auger bits for 1/- each, good ones too.
11-12: I worked at the toys.
12-12: I went to Emu Park and got the lengths of the blocks wanted for the verandah.
13-12: I worked at the toys again.
14-12: Worked at a barrow and a cut out more timber. Had a good bit of hail and some rain.
15-12: Too hot to do much. I worked a while at a piece of furniture for Joyce and got a dolls chair made. Too hot for me.
16-12: I worked up at pair of rockers and fastened them together, also put the finishing touches to a wheelbarrow, cut out 4 small cats and made 2 dolls chairs.
17-12: Went to town and took 2 hobby horses to surgery and 2 chairs to Turners got orders for toys at Toy land, made horses.
18-12: I got hobby horses made, to make 24 for Toy land also a dolls chair for little Miss Martell. Daisy Johnson came and spent a few hours with us, went home in bus.
19-12: Last night a great rain fell and now things are rather wet.
20-12: I worked at toys, I made a toy. Shaped out a cart and made another cart and 7 little pony affairs from Fred Thwaites pattern. Took 2 photos of toys.
21-12: Herb and I took in the toys £9/9/- worth and 15/2 for 2 fowls and vegetables left at Mrs Allens. Then we took a case of mangoes up to the station to go to Mrs Kelly of Mungango.
22-12: I started letters to Ken and Reg, made places for cucumber seeds, hoed around pumpkins. I also got Joyces cupboard finished except hanging the door and nearly made a doll cot.
23-12: I sawed 2 blocks off before breakfast. After breakfast I hoed along a row of pines I then came in and made up a hobbyhorse and made a dolls cot for some boy doll 11 oclock.
24-12: I went to town with Herb and Iris, bought a pair of shoes and left them at Baileys. Took the cat affair to Doctor Martells little girl. My word it is hot again. Bill Brown left 3 more melons, this makes 5 now he has left us for Xmas.
25-12: I went down to Mrs Carthys twice. I had a job trying to get photos of Baileys kids. After tea I developed the film and I think the photos will be fairly satisfactory.
26-12: I went to Mrs Mc Carthys and had a yarn. After tea Iris and I printed photos. The paper takes too long to expose.
27-12: I made a little easel for Charley Mc L. Rest of day I lazed about, wrote to Irwin. Very warm day this was too right, you bet.
28-12: I sorted out iron and set out banana suckers. It was awfully hot. We also got the piping disconnected that we are going to use this side of the house.
29-12: I planted 2 rows of long beans and as I felt crook I came in. Herb went in to see Ken but was too late, he has gone up North.
30-12: I cut a patch of grass etc with a sickle also picked out timber. Bob Morgan sent a magneto for us to fix.
31-12: I went to town, banked £40/2/1 and I felt crook and did not get much done what I had expected. I saw Hoare about making an inside for an icebox and also about bringing our tin of honey.

This material has been transcribed by Connie Johnson, of Bundaberg; who has provided the transcription on the condition that any further copying and distribution of the transcription is allowed only for noncommercial purposes, and includes this statement in its entirety.

Any references to, or quotations from, this material should give credit to the original author(s) or editors.

Last modified on: Wednesday, 1 May 2002