Sat. 1st May.
Went to auntie Jessie Ashfords funeral at Thornthwaite cemetary
Dad, Mum, auntie Em and I drove down to Scone and
Thornthwaite to attend funeral. In afternoon I watched Cliftcourts play match at Ludingtons. Esme, Verna and Everard [Ashford] played in Cliftcourts team. Home late. Lucas came up
and stayed, and we set off some fireworks.
Mon. 10th May.
Audrey, Esme and Verna rode over here to take their mob
of cattle home tomorrow. Ern Brecht shod their horses while they were here. Ron rode to "Booral" and brought their cattle over to Warrah Creek. Alan and I drew 4 loads of fire wood. I took Audrey, Esme and Verna to talkies at Warrah Hall. "Princess O'Hare".
[I'm guessing "Talkies" is motion picture movies with sound?]
Wed. 12th May.
Silver Jubilee celebrations of Warrah closer settlement Area, held at Jacks Creek Sports ground. Foot races, High jump etc. I won high jump with a jump of 4 ft 11
inches. Grand Ball at night in Jacks Creek Hall.
Received some photos from Bess for my birthday.
King George VI crowned today!
Dad
purchased a new 1937 model V8 Ford sedan at £376. Old car traded in and have to pay £207 for new car. Delivery in about 10 days.
Sat. 15th May.
Alan and I sawing firewood this morning.
Afternoon went down to Warrah school and had working bee to help get childrens tennis court in order. Erected some old netting around court.
Dad, Mum, Ron and I went up to Toms for the evening.
Mon. 17th May.
New maid, Leila Burns arrived from Terrigal.
Ron and I cleaned out "Boolawa" shed of straw. Shifted some bags of lucerne charf. Put Alans ford over there. I mustered ewe paddock and put the "Levondale" plain paddock ewes in there.
Fri. 21st May.
Dad, Alan and I commenced work of erecting a hut over at "Yarran" sheep yards. Cut off 12 blocks and erected 8 of them at site of building.
Opening of Park and Memorial gates to King George V in Willow Tree. C.W.A. Ball in Willow Tree after. Dette, Ron and I attended. Tremendous crowd!
Thur. 27th May.
Dads new V8 Ford sedan arrived home today. Colour, green, price £376. Dad, Mum, Alan, Ron and Sheila Burns drove in old V8 to Quirindi. Left old car At Bousteds, and brought
new one home. Mileage old car 25,800. I chopped firewood.
Sat. 29th May.
I took Alans car to Quirindi. Took Noelene
Fitzpatrick to dentist. Also Moll Murphy home to Quirindi. I had 3 teeth filled at Storeys. Porcelain. Noelene had tooth pulled.
Alan and Dad working on new shack at "Yarran". Mum went up to uncle Ivans.
Wed. 2nd June.
Alan and I put all the iron on roof of hut at "Yarran". Finished putting up guttering. Dad started nailing down
the floor. We fed the plain paddock ewes in the morning. I posted letter to Bess.
Sat. 5th June.
Dad, Alan and I
drove in utility to "Yarran" and fed "Yarran" plain ewes 5 bags of corn and 4 bags for farm paddock. A bit more finishing off to the farm hut. Home for dinner. Dad, Alan, Dette and I played 3 sets of tennis.
Sun. 6th June.
We played all day tennis match against Quirindi club, in Quirindi. Our team was, Dette, and Joyce Hall, Dad, Alan, Ron, Bunty and Earl Hall and myself. 35 sets played
during day. We won 20 sets to 15. Lunch provided at Tinsons.
Fri. 11th June.
Ron and I drove utility out and fed
"Yarran" plain and farm, and "Levondale" plain, and "Booral" paddock. Home for dinner. I pruned the "Boolawa" grape vines.
Dad left ignition turned on in his new car and battery flat. Got service battery from Bousteds.
Thur. 17th June.
Ron and I drove out to "Levondale". Erected two posts, 6 foot high for gateway into Hectors. Overhead wires.
Police Coronation Ball in pavilion hall Quirindi! Athur drove Joy Palmer and me to the ball. Had marvelous time. Joined party with Hector, Nancy, Jean, Alma and Charlie Avard.
Sun. 27th June.
All day tournament in Quirindi courts arranged by Marjorie Holloway. Ron, Dette, Edna Bolland and I drove up. Ron, Dette, Edna and I played
on no. 1 court with 4 other best pairs. No. 1 court Tom Hall and Lucy Holloway won 27 games. Edna and I got 25 games.
Tues. 29th June.
Butchered a steer calf for rations.
Church of England Ball in Royal theatre Quirindi. I drove Dads new car up to the ball. I took Alma Avard. Athur took Jean, and Charlie Avard also went. A splendid ball
and we all had a great time. Finished at 3.45am.
Leila Burns [Their current house maid] had to go home on account
of her sick mother.
Thur. 1st July.
Alma Avards 18th birthday today.
The
four of us went out to Morriseys pine scrub. Cut 30 more pine poles. Total of 90 cut. 18 for Ron for fence around house. Max Saunders out in new Chev lorry. Brought the 2 loads pine poles to "Quondah". I few "Belmont" and "Boolawa" ewes. Alan and Ron fed all
the rest.
Fri. 9th July.
Col Saunders brought 12 bags corn up to "Boolawa" shed. He brought lorry load of 60 bags
out to "Yarran" and "Levondale". I drove out and helped unload corn. I fed "Boolawa" ewes. Alan and Ron fed "Yarran", "Levondale" and "Booral".
Sat. 10th July.
Big tennis match in Tamworth. All of us in Dads car met all Cyril Ashfords, and Everard and Derek, Fred, Daisy and Adrien in Willow Tree. Dette, Alan and I played in Ashfords team. We won 17 sets to Tamworths 15. Audrey
and I verses Mrs Hodges and Singleton 6-3, 3-6. Then verses Mrs McKensie and Albert Pryor 5-6, 6-5.
Sun. 11th July.
Renie
Wise came to help in house. Wallace and Hector brought Renie here after tea. Wallace then went in to catch train to go shearing. Victor went out with me to have look over "Yarran" and "Levondale". We fed ewes over there. Vic, Cyril, Alan, Ron, Dette, Dell
Fitz and I had game of tennis.
Wed. 14th July.
Archie and Nita Kelaher and their three children moved to WillowTree
from "Levondale" after living there for three years.
I dug holes and erected 4 ironbark posts at back of shearing shed. Dad is trimming posts.I fed "Boolawa" ewes. Alan and Ron did the others.
Sat. 17th July.
I finished erecting netting around new orchard at shearing shed. finished at 4pm. We all did the usual feeding of sheep.
Dette, Ron and I attended dance at Warrah Hall in aid of Presbyterian church fund.
Sun. 18th July.
All day tennis match at out court against Quirindi club. We three boys and Dette and Edna Boland played Quirindi team of Mrs Vigers and Flo Barnes and Chas Gardiner, Geo Carter, Jack Porter and Goodman. We won 13 sets to 6. Edna stayed
out for supper.
Tues. 3rd Aug.
22 points rain fell during day. Heavy hail storm.
Meeting at Warrah Hall regarding extension of electricity out here. Minimum of £14 per household per annum for 20 years.
We all fed the ewes.
Wed. 4th Aug.
Dad, Alan, Ron and I drove out in utility to "Yarran". Took out young pepper and sugar gum trees in tins. We planted 31 trees in enclosure at callaghan wind mill.
Planted pepper and gum trees alternately. Also planted 5 kurrajongs and 2 lemon trees. Dad and Ron fed "Levondale" sheep.
Sat. 7th Aug.
Bess Colman came up for a short stay with us. Mum and I met the Tamworth passenger train and brought Bess out. Wallace came home from shearing and took Rene away for weekend.
Sun. 8th Aug.
Bess, Dad, and I went in utility up to "Ashcroft". Picked up Arthur, Lucas and Victor and drove up for the afternoon. Walked from Arthurs hut up track. Round to the new fence and had afternoon
tea. Home after dark.
Tues. 10th Aug.
Bess went out again with Ron and me to feed ewes at "Yarran" and "Levondale".
Ron, Dette, Bess and I spent evening at "Burnside". Auntie Lu is still away in Newcastle.
We all went and had a look at shearing at "Retreat" shed. Everard and Derek [Ashford] who are shearing Gradys sheep.
Fri. 13th Aug.
Bess went over again
with Alan and me to "Yarran" and "Levondale" feeding sheep. In afternoon I took Bess up to Harolds to see the shearing up there. Everard and Derek still shearing there. Marked 40 more lambs "Belmont", and 137 at "Boolawa".
I took Bess in to catch the North West mail at 9.56pm for Sydney. Bess had 6 days here.
Sat. 14th Aug.
Ron
and I fed all sheep at "Yarran" and "Levondale". Dette. Ron, Alan and I had 4 sets of tennis.
Gift evening to Agnes Clay and Dallas, 'Bud' Rose in Jacks Creek hall. Large crowd. Voluntary music.
Sun. 15th Aug.
All day tennis tournament at Warrah tennis club. In aid of hall funds. Drew for partners. Alan won gents prize. 7/6. Joyce
Hall won ladies prize. Wallace came over in afternoon to see Rene. Stayed for supper.
Mon. 16th Aug.
General shearing
commenced. Ron and I shore 48 springing X-bred ewes.
Fri. 27th Aug.
38 points rain overnight. Aunt Tillie and Eric
came by Tamworth passenger train for holiday with us. I rod eup to Harolds shearing shed and helped for the day up there. Veronica and Jack have gone to Newcastle. Jack to have treatment on his nose.
Sat. 4th Sept.
Mum, Dette, Ron, Alan and I drove out to Tom Halls at "Glaston" for afternoon tennis. We played 11 sets for the afternoon.
Lucas stayed another night with us. Noelene and Delle Fitz and Sheila played tennis with Lucas at our courts.
Fri. 10th Sept.
We shore 92 more "Belmont" ewes. Finished at 3pm. Arthur and Lucas came up and watched us shearing before dinner. Antie Vi came up here and spent the night.
I went to a dance at Jacks Creek with Arthur,
who also took Ivy Palmer, Betty, Madge and Vic. Dance in aid of union church.
Sat. 11th Sept.
We went and attended
sale of Warrah farmlets on main road this side of Willow Tree. Blocks brought £35 per acre!
First load of our wool went away. Lucas, Delle and Terry Fitz had game of tennis at our court.
Fri. 17th Sept.
Ron and I shore 136 "Boolawa" ewes.
Dance at Warrah Hall in aid of parents
and citizens. Good crowd. £10 taken at door. Music by miss Purcell. Len was at the dance. He's on the mend after treatment.
Sun. 19th Sept.
I finished digging round "Boolawa" grape vines. Dug around cuttings of young vines down in "Quondah" garden. Dette, Ron, Alan, Cyril and I played tennis. Derek Ashford drove Arthur and Lucas up here. Derek inspected out shearing shed.
Sat. 25th Sept.
Childrens athletics day on Willow Tree recreation ground. Children competing from schools from all parts of our
district.
I went on to Quirindi with Arthur in their V8. Stayed on to dance in Willow Tree. Came home with Bill Meredith.
Sun. 26th Sept.
All day tennis tournament on Quirindi public courts. Mixed doubles, american system. I played with Edna Boland. no. 1 court. Edna and I got 28 games out of possible 42. We won by 2 games from
Bill Vigers and Flo Barnes. Edna and I beaten in quarters by Nall? and miss Hall. Wal Porter and Mrs Snape won the tournament.
Mon. 27th Sept.
Ron took our 90 fat dry ewes in to be trucked. He also took in the 68 dry "Yarran" plain ewes which we sold to the butcher, Gardiner. Dad, Alan and I dressed the new marked lambs in ewe paddock. A lot were fly blown.
Tues. 28th Sept.
90 fat dry ewes at Flemmington averaged 23/4.
Dad, Ron and I mustered the
back paddock ewes and lanbs to yards. Drafted off 72 dry cross ewes to be shorn first. Alan spent day at "Yarran" and watered the trees in the plantation.
I wrote letter to Bess.
Sat. 2nd Oct.
Dad, Ron and I drove to "Yarran". Mustered plain paddock ewes and lambs to yard. Dressed a few marked lambs. Lambs have scabby ear. Went to "Levondale". Mustered out there,
some flyblown.
Dette, Ron and I attended send off social to Mr Tom Adams, the postmaster and family. Dette, Ron, Alan and I played 4 sets of tennis.
Sun.
3rd Oct.
We all went to "Burnside" for the afternoon. Marie and baby Rosemary and Bill staying with auntie Lu.
Tues. 5th Oct.
We completed shearing for 1937. Ron and I shore 91 X-bred ewes from back paddock.
Dad ordered Hallstrom refridgerator though Devines.
Mon. 11th
Oct.
Dad came home from Bunnan after taking Mum to uncle Arthurs for holidays. [she went for 2 weeks].
I had forge going and shaped up set of shoes for 'Snip'. Ron shifted most of ewes and lambs from ewe paddock to back paddock.
Wed. 13th Oct.
I left home at 9.20 in Alans car and drove to "Duxford" to stay for a week. Met uncle George, Cyril and Jack in Murrurundi. Cyril came with me back to "Duxford". Had look at new shearing shed and plant. Vic started engine and tried plant for the first
time. They shore ten sheep. Music after tea, and dancing.
Thur. 14th Oct.
Shearing at "Duxford". I shore a few sheap for the boys and helped Cyril and Jack
shear some. Game them some tips. Plant going well now. Vic, Cyril, Jack and I shore 59 merinos today.
Fri. 15th Oct.
The boys and I shore 53 today. Sheep
pretty rough and grass seedy. Using 2 Cooper EB handpieces which are going well. Engine hard to start.
Wings of the morning ball in Murrurundi. I took Gladys and Veronica to the ball in Alans car. Great time. Forrests
orchestra.
[Edgar spent another 5 days at "Duxford", shearing and helping out with general farm work and playing a bit of tennis in between work]
Wed. 20th Oct.
I shore 16 sheep in "Duxford" shed today. The shed total was 67 all up. Uncle George shore a few with the blades. I drove aunt Tilly, Veronica, Sylvia,
and Marjorie down to visit Marcus's place. Also called at Bob Hawkins. I left "Duxford" at 7.30pm. Home at 9.30pm. Alans car climbed Liverpool range in second gear!
Thur. 21st Oct.
We used our new Hallstrom refridgerator for the first time.
Dad, Ron and I drove utility to "Yarran". Sprayed grasshoppers with crude oil. Killed millions on "Yarran" plain.
Fri. 22nd Oct.
Ron and I drove utility to "Yarran". Sprayed grasshoppers with arsene spray. Used two bucket pumps. Hoppers on plain just below yard to road.
Alan and Dette played Ron and me 3 sets of tennis. I went to dance at Jacks Creek with Wallace and Rene in his baby morris.
Thur. 28th Oct.
First two trucks of our lambs sold by Australian wool brokers, 216 suckers averaged 21/5.
We dipped 1037 after breakfast including X-bred ewes and lambs and BL rams.
I brought Audrey, Verna and Esme up from Brechts for game of tennis. The 3 girls, Dette, Alan, Ron and I played for a few hours.
Sun. 31st Oct.
Hospital
tournament on Quirindi courts. Gents and ladies doubles. Alan and I played together, and Ron and Ton Hall on no. 1 court. Bill Vigers and Tom Tinson won. Dette and Edna Boland won ladies doubles final. They played on no. 1 court.
Fri. 5th Nov.
Dad bought 600 X-bred ewes, 2 tooth at 22/6 per head from A.A. McDonald. Dad, Alan, uncle Alf and Leon Saunders arrived home after trip to Sydney. Called at Scone and bought
ewes on way home.
Willow Tree bushmans carnival. Mum, Elsie, Ron, Dette and I drove in.
Sat. 6th Nov.
Bushmans
carnival again all day. Very good.
Sun. 7th Nov.
Terrific storm at head of Warrah Creek. Frightful damage to fences up at Ivans and Knees. Alan, Arthur
and I had swim in "Retreat" just before storm. I spent afternoon at uncle Harolds. Had tea there.
Tues. 9th Nov.
We got 216 "Belmont" suckers ready for
trucking. Beautiful lambs, very big and prime fat! Ron and I took the 216 "Belmont" and 228 "Yarran" suckers, via Borambil Creek to Willow Tree camping reserve.
Posted letter to Bess.
Fri. 12th Nov.
Alan and I cut down hollow tree and brought in 2 loads of firewood in the truck. Cut up some firewood.
Alan and I went up and
had swim with Les, Cyril, Arthur, Leon, and Max Saunders in "Merrieton" swimming hole. After the recent flood, the hole is much longer and deeper. 7 feet deep for 50 yards!
Sun. 14th Nov.
Mixed doubles championships played in Willow Tree. Edna Boland and I won the comp!. Edna and I verses Greg Boland and Mrs Gus Sevil, 6-0, 6-1. Semi-final, we beat Earl and Joyce [Hall] 8-6, 6-4. in the final we beat Mervyn
Jepson and Bertha Considine 6-3, 6-1. I had supper at Bolands. Met Jean boland for first time. Home at 11pm.
Sun. 21st Nov.
Willow Tree district tournament.
Alan and I played in A grade gents doubles. We beat Bud Rose and Charlie Avard 6-3, 6-2. In the final, Mervyn Jepson and Earl Hall beat me and Alan 7-5, 4-6, 6-4. Dette and Edna won ladies doubles. They Beat Nancy and Joyce in semi-final and Mrs Harvey Sevil
and Bertha Considine in the final.
Thur. 2nd Dec.
I shod 'Peter' all round with new shoes. Ron rode my new bay horse for first time. He rode it to "Belmont"
and also around back paddock. Alan Ron and I scrubbed walls and ceiling of kitchen. Alan and I had swim at "Merrieton" with Ern and Lucy. Vic turned up soon after.
Fri. 10th Dec.
I cut a heap of apple tree sticks into firewood. Elsie went to Tamworth to attend the wedding of her sister Edie and Roy. We three boys helped the Avards dip 1000 sheep in our dip.
Sat. 11th Dec.
96 points of rain early this morning. I finished cutting up firewood. Vic rode up on his motorbike in afternoon.
All of us attended the 'Christmas
Tree' event at Warrah Hall for all the children. Dance afterwards.
Sun. 12th Dec.
Mum and Alan went to an afternoon service in at Willow Tree. I shot some
rabbits for the dogs.
Afternoon I drove to "Merrieton" swimming hole. Lots there. Arthur has made a tin boat and we launched it today.
Tues. 14th Dec.
We drafted off 109 suckers from X-bred ewes in "Boolawa". Took those and the 120 back paddock lambs over to "Belmont". Got 11 more lambs from "Belmont". Ron took the 240 suckers down to Warrah Park yards. Dad brought
Jack Barwick out from train to stay here.
Wed. 15th Dec.
Jack and I left Willow Tree at 11.45am on stock train bound for Flemmington. Charlie B and Jeff
Palmer also travelling in drovers compartment. Our train struck a lorry on level crossing at Ravensworth. Lorry thrown clear. Driver not badly hurt. Arrived Flemmington at 3.20am.
Thur. 16th Dec.
Breakfast. Saw lambs sold. At 1.30pm Jack and I went out to Rushcutters Bay. USA verses Australia Test Match. Marvelous tennis. Bromwich beat Maco 6-3, 6-3, 6-1. Budge beat Luist 4-6, 7-5, 6-1, 6-0. Jack and I in 2/stand on
eastern side. We are staying at Peoples Palace.
Fri. 17th Dec.
Out to White City tennis courts at 1.15pm.
Jack
and I went out to Colmans. Played ping pong. Home at 1am.
Sat. 18th Dec.
Back at the tennis at White City. Australia won 4 rubbers to one. Bess Colman,
Jack and I went to the pictures at Regent Theatre. Jack and I walked over Harbour Bridge.
Sun. 19th Dec.
Jack and I stayed again at Peoples Palace. We
caught ferry over to Taronga zoo. Arrived Central station at 1pm. Lunch in dinning room. Caught Brisbane mail for home. Uncle George picked Jack up at Murrurundi and Mum and Alan met me at 9.55pm.
Sat.
25th Dec.
Afternoon Alan and I had swim at "Merrieton". Crowd here for supper. Uncle Harold, auntie Vi, Arthur, Sheila, Len, Bessie, Betty, Pam, uncle Ivan. Had great feast. Dad got 2 gallon keg of ice cream and
2 dozen bottles of cordials. Bit of music.
Sun. 26th Dec.
Alan, Ron and I pumped some water at "Boolawa" well. Mum, auntie Em, Alan and I went to church
in afternoon. Went and had swim at "Merrieton". Rene, Wallace, Hector, Nance, Ross, and the 4 Avard boys up swimming. Later, all Fitzpatricks, all Smiths. Dick and Mrs Winnet.
Thur. 30th Dec.
Annual Cedar Brush picnic. I took a load up in the utility. Glad, Veronic, Sylvia, Marjorie, Eric, Nolene Fitz. Arthur took a load up. Charlie drove up. 22 from this side. 25 came up from other side. All Cyril Ashfords lot,
Bonnie Albert, All the Prings, "Hawthorns" lot, Everard, Derek, Adrien, Sid and Percy Barwick. Played fun cricket and swings.
Fri. 31st Dec.
New years eve
dance in Warrah Hall. Miss Barnetts orchestra. Very large crowd. £18 taken at door.
1938.
[1938
was fairly dry with just 19 inches falling, however there was no real wet or dry period, just lighter falls all season.]
Sat. 1st Jan.
Swimming
at "Merrieton". We took soldering tools and fixed up Arthurs tin boat. Arthur, Vic, Gladys, Veronica, Sylvia, Marjorie and Eric also there. Cyril came up home and he and Dette, Alan, Ron and I played tennis.
Wed. 5th Jan.
Alan and I spent most of day packing up ready for our camping trip to South West Rocks. Vic arrived per his motorbike to stay the night. Arthur and Cyril came up during afternoon and we packed
all our ports and camping gear in the utility ready for early start in morning.
Thur. 6th Jan.
Alan, Vic, Cyril, Arthur and I left home at 4.55 am and drove
to South West Rocks. Breakfast, 7.40am Bendameer. Apsley Fall. Inspected falls. I drove over range. 1000 bends to Warchope and 3.15pm. Ferry, Port Macquarie, South West Rocks at 6.40pm. 297 miles.
Fri.
7th Jan.
We shifted our big tent. Alan, Cyril and I sleeping in it. All had swim before Breakfast. Erected Arthurs tent for Vic and Arthur. Put up tarpoline for eating house and covered utility with tent fly. Surf
before dinner. Surf very calm. Fish for supper.
Sat. 8th Jan.
At South West Rocks. The 5 of us had surf before breakfast. All walked round west along beach
to break water at south of Macleay River. Tried a bit of fishing. I caught one little fish. Back to the camp. Lunch and more swimming during afternoon. Alan and Arthur caught a few fish. Arhtur and I attended dance in the pavilion. Great time. Didn't miss
a dance.
[They all camped for the next 9 days on the beach at South West Rocks. Met a lot of different people, a few who they knew, and some who
knew people they knew. Edgar rescued a girl one day who got caught in a rip. Didn't play a single game of tennis or cricket! As far as I can tell the five of them were all in Edgars ute! With all their gear! Not a single mention of another vehicle. I have
no idea how that worked?]
Tues. 18th Jan.
We all pulled down tents. Packed into utility. Left at 10.40am. Ferry at Jerseyville. Lunch at Macksville.
Through Coffs Harbour to Grafton. Over Clarence River bridge to North Grafton. Back over bridge and travelled west for 31 miles. Camped night at Buccarumbi Bridge. Put up tent and all slept in it. Rained during night.
Wed. 19th Jan.
We packed up the tent. Everything very wet. Left at 6.15am. Travelled up river through ranges of mountains, through tunnel. 82 miles to Glen Innes. Lunch there. 63 to Armidale. 180 to home.
Total 275 miles today. Had to travel under my cover nearly all the way. All day in light rain. [Edgar recently made a cover to go over back of ute].
[Reading Arthur Barwicks memoirs gives a bit extra info as to this camping trip. Arthur says,...
............."I began 1938 by having about a fortnight at South West Rocks again. This time the party consisted of Alan, Edgar, Victor and Cyril Barwick and myself and we travelled in the "Quondah" 1936 Model Ford V8
Utility. We had a big load with all the camp gear and five of us, two having to travel on the back with the gear. This, of course, is illegal nowadays. I remember Uncle Ern looking at the load before we left and telling the drivers, Alan and Edgar, that 40
m.p.h. would be fast enough. This was adhered to for some of the journey, but some of us were amused at the way the speed increased as the day wore on and it was realised that darkness might overtake us before we had the tents pitched."]
Thur. 20th Jan.
Commenced feeding "Yarran" ewes on corn. Ron and Vic and I drove out and gave them first feed. About 550 ewes and 250 lambs on
"Yarran". Max Saunders brought 58 bags corn to "Yarran" hut. I watered my 'Uncle Henry' grape vines. Vic is staying here a few nights.
Sat. 5th Feb.
104
points rain early this morning. [On top of 3 inches few days earlier]. Nice green shoots coming everywhere. Dad, Ron and I drove to "Yarran" and fed the ewes
and lambs. Gave them 16 tins of corn. I chopped a bit of fire wood.
Ron and Cyril played Alan and me 5 sets of tennis. Dette came up and played a few too.
Sun.
6th Feb.
I joined Arthur at 7am and drove with him in "Old Kate" up to "Ashcroft". We walked from there over to "Lemongrove". Cyril and Noel [Ashford]
away at Everards and Dereks place. We walked up creek with Audrey, Esme and Verna and picked some peaches. Had tea there. Left at 7pm. Home about 9pm.
Tues. 15th Feb.
Bought 16 Border Leicester rams from "Windy Station". 15 B.L. rams at 15 guineas per head and one given in. Dad, Ron and I drove utility to Windy and Brought in the 16 rams in two loads. Bogged in sand on trip out. Lunch with Mr and Mrs Ogden. Ron,
Dette and I attended C.W.A. dance in Willow Tree.
Sun. 20th Feb.
Alan, Ron, Dette and I drove out and up McDonalds Creek for tennis tournament. Half played
on Ron Sevils court, and other half on Arnold Martins. Draw for partner. Mrs Harvey Sevil and I beat Edna Boland and C. E. Barwick in final. I got large tin of cigarettes. [Winning prize???]
Fri. 25th Feb.
Alan, Ron and I drove over to "Booral". Had look for young grasshoppers. A few scattered about. Cleaned up the ewes. Very dry over there. Green pick
nearly gone.
Charlie Gardner came here for game of tennis. Alan and I played Gardner and Ron. I drove to dance at Jacks Creek. Took Bill Meredith.
Sun.
27th Feb.
I drove to "Margewar" and had afternoons teenis with Alma, Charlie, Frank, and Alan Avard. Also Ned Sevil, Bill Clay and Hector Ham. Went to T Avards senr for supper. 13 at table also Mrs Tom junr and
2 kiddies. Played ping pong after supper. Alma beat me three sets. Played Charlie 3 or 4 sets.
Mon. 28th Feb.
Ron and I mustered back paddock sheep. Got
70 lambs to be trucked. 51 lambs from "Boolawa" for trucking. Dad and Ron brought 12 lambs in utility from "Booral" to "Yarran".
Harvest festival at night in our church. £5 worth of produce sold. I took down
26 lb of grapes.
Thur. 3rd March.
Our general autumn shearing started today. Ron and I shore 154 "Yarran" farm paddock ewes. Started at 8am. Shore 3 two
hour runs. One and a half hour last run. Jack is helping in the shed. Heat terrific. 102 degrees.
306 lambs averaged 17/10.
Sun. 6th March.
I drove the utility to "Booral". Took 'Dumpy' and Pepper'. Brought the 370 "Booral" ewes over to recreation reserve.
Edna Boland came our for afternoon tennis. We all and Edna
played. Edna stayed at Rons for supper. I gave her some grapes.
Tues. 8th March.
Ron and I shore 151 "Booral" ewes today. Started at 8.50am.
Arthur and Sheila came up in 'Old Kate' after tea. [Old Kate is Arthurs model T ford. He bought it for £15 off Teddy Sevil from Little Jacks Creek.] Uncle Harold and auntue Vi are
holidaying at Port Macquarie.
Fri. 11th March.
Scone Carnival Ball!!! Athur and I drove up to "Ashcroft" in Old Kate. Walked over Scotts mountain. Audrey
drove their car in to Scone Olympia Theatre. Took Esme, Verna, Arthur and me. Marvellous ball. Good trip. Albert and Bonnie Pike also in our party.
Sat. 12th March.
At "Lemongrove". Storm of about 60 points in afternoon. I played Esme in ping pong. We all then played a game of hockey. Cyril [Ashford] and the rest of us played 500 after tea.
Sun. 13th March.
Had lazy morning at "Lemongrove". Afternoon Everard and Derek turned up. Also old Jim Vine and Hilton, Neville and Roy. Arthur and I left at 6.30pm. Got to Harolds at 8.30pm. Had tea there.
Jack and Ron drove up for me. Edna Boland and Bob Graham at our place for supper.
Sat. 19th March.
All day tournament in aid of Church of England Church
at Warrah Creek. Draw for partner. Dette won ladies. Ron Sevil won gents with 20 games. I got 19. Dance at night.
Sun. 20th March.
Tom Hall, Mrs Hall, Ron
and June here for afternoon tennis. Cyril and Jack also here and playing. Wallace and Ren came over during the afternoon and brought water melons.
Fri. 1st April.
Ron, Jack and I mustered the back paddock before breakfast. Commenced shearing at 10.15am. Shore 50 before dinner. 120 for the day.
All except Dad went to Warrah Hall to gift evening for Alice Palmer and
Jimmy Holmes.
Sun. 10th April.
Jimmy Holmes and Alice Palmer were married today in our church yesterday afternoon. Dad drove Alice to the church. Dad and
Mum were guests at the reception.
Light showers fell today. Edna Boland came out for tennis but only a few games played. Eileen Kiernan passed away in Merriwa hospital.
Sat. 16th April.
[Edgar spent the Saturday, Sunday and Monday at the Quirindi Easter tennis tournament. No one had much success. Then they went to the
annual easter dance at Warrah Hall Monday night].