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193808 [2015/12/09 12:01] – Complete. Ready for another pair of eyes. elddawt193808 [2015/12/14 11:58] (current) sbw
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 |No. 44|||  August, 1938.| |No. 44|||  August, 1938.|
-|Editor:|Dorothy Lawry.|Business Manager:|J.W. MUllins.| +|Editor:|Dorothy Lawry.|Business Manager:|J.W. Mullins.| 
-|Publication)\\ Staff        )|Misses Clare Kinsella, Kathleen McKay, Dot. English, Mary Stoddart;\\ Messrs. Brian Harvey and Stan Lumsden.|||+|Publication)\\ Staff        )|Misses Clare Kinsella, Kathleen McKay, Dot. English [Dot Butler], Mary Stoddart;\\ Messrs. Brian Harvey and Stan Lumsden.|||
  
 ===== Contents ===== ===== Contents =====
  
-| ||  Page  | +| | |  Page  | 
-|Editorial||  1  |+|Editorial| |  1  |
 |A Trip of Accidents|by Jack Debert|  2  | |A Trip of Accidents|by Jack Debert|  2  |
-|At Our Own Meetings||  3  |+|At Our Own Meetings| |  3  |
 |Footwear and Footcare|by "Footslogger" 4  | |Footwear and Footcare|by "Footslogger" 4  |
-|"Paddy"||  5  |+|"Paddy"| |  5  |
 |In Defence of the Pack|by "Tuggie" 5  | |In Defence of the Pack|by "Tuggie" 5  |
 |Debert's Last Walk|by Alex. Colley|  6  | |Debert's Last Walk|by Alex. Colley|  6  |
-|Federation News||  7  |+|Federation News| |  7  |
 |The Kowmung Revisited|by Jean Trimble|  8  | |The Kowmung Revisited|by Jean Trimble|  8  |
 |Club Gossip|by "Sunlight" 9  | |Club Gossip|by "Sunlight" 9  |
-|From Here, There, and Everywhere||  9  |+|From Here, There, and Everywhere| |  9  |
 |Holiday Trip, October, 1937 (completed)|by C.N.Pryde|  10  | |Holiday Trip, October, 1937 (completed)|by C.N.Pryde|  10  |
 |Pious Percy's Personality Pie|by "Pious Percy" 12  | |Pious Percy's Personality Pie|by "Pious Percy" 12  |
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 ===== Editorial ===== ===== Editorial =====
  
-Although this is issue No. 44 of this magazine, it is only our ninth number as a.m.nthly rolled off on the Club's own duplicator. Naturally, during the first few months, the Production Department of the Publication Staff was learning the ins and outs of that duplicator, and experimenting with different papers, etc., but they have now got into their stride. The Editorial Department takes this opportunity of congratulating its colleagues sincerely on last month's issue, even though there were one or two slips in it.+Although this is issue No. 44 of this magazine, it is only our ninth number as a monthly rolled off on the Club's own duplicator. Naturally, during the first few months, the Production Department of the Publication Staff was learning the ins and outs of that duplicator, and experimenting with different papers, etc., but they have now got into their stride. The Editorial Department takes this opportunity of congratulating its colleagues sincerely on last month's issue, even though there were one or two slips in it.
  
 For one thing, the new typist who was engaged to cut the stencils has not yet had time to learn to distinguish bushwalkers' ruling passions from their mere pleasures, so she did not notice when her fingers reversed an "S" and a "V", but at least one reader exclaimed in surprise - "Why, there are __no__ women on the __Conversation Bureau__!". We humbly apologise to the gentlemen who were stated to have been appointed to that Bureau by the Federation. We also assure them on behalf of the members of the S.B.W. that we expect a lot more than conversation from the __Conservation Bureau__. For one thing, the new typist who was engaged to cut the stencils has not yet had time to learn to distinguish bushwalkers' ruling passions from their mere pleasures, so she did not notice when her fingers reversed an "S" and a "V", but at least one reader exclaimed in surprise - "Why, there are __no__ women on the __Conversation Bureau__!". We humbly apologise to the gentlemen who were stated to have been appointed to that Bureau by the Federation. We also assure them on behalf of the members of the S.B.W. that we expect a lot more than conversation from the __Conservation Bureau__.
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 Then within an hour of Gordon's exhibition little Jessie, not to be outdone, showed what she could do. There is nothing mean about Jessie. When she stages a show she believes in providing thrillers for all. So, in full view of the rest of the party, she slid face downwards on a steep shale slope for fifteen feet, came to a smooth sandstone outcrop, and turned a few somersaults over it, and, by grabbing a gee bung, stopped further falling. She was badly shaken, had ripped her shorts from the waistband to the hem at the bottom and knocked a hole as big as a sixpenny bit in her left thigh, but she was as game as ever, and, carrying on with the good old traditions, continued walking. And the first day came to an end without any further accidents. Then within an hour of Gordon's exhibition little Jessie, not to be outdone, showed what she could do. There is nothing mean about Jessie. When she stages a show she believes in providing thrillers for all. So, in full view of the rest of the party, she slid face downwards on a steep shale slope for fifteen feet, came to a smooth sandstone outcrop, and turned a few somersaults over it, and, by grabbing a gee bung, stopped further falling. She was badly shaken, had ripped her shorts from the waistband to the hem at the bottom and knocked a hole as big as a sixpenny bit in her left thigh, but she was as game as ever, and, carrying on with the good old traditions, continued walking. And the first day came to an end without any further accidents.
  
-Now enter the villain, George Dibley. Four of the boys had gone to swim near Billy'Peak on the lovely Wollondilly River. Tim and Gordon had dived in, George followed them in; he was to swim to the other side, turn and swim back. Jack was on the bank and saw George swim across and push Gordon under the water. Tim swam over and was likewise ducked. George was having a wow of a time. He had ducked two and was apparently only waist deep in water. Jack, standing on the bank, was enjoying the horse play but thought George very game. Tim bobs up from under the water and strikes out for the bank, and as Jack questions him, Tim simultaneously manages to gasp out "You had better come in and get him, Jack". The Royal Life would not approve of the manner of bringing George back to terra firma but Jack had no chance to secure George in the approved fashion. He dived in the water and before he caught hold of George, George had thrown his arms under Jack's armpits and hugged like a grizzly bear. Holding George out of the water, Jack gave a few kicks as Gordon, assisting in keeping George up, kept quietly repeating "Steady old chap", in a.m.st soothing manner. Tim came down to the water's edge to beach the good ship Dibley to the sighs of relief from the rest of the party watching from afar. It seems George, trying to turn, was in difficulties in deepish water when he pushed Gordon and Tim under in trying to save himself. Tim almost had another scare when he returned to lunch to see a snake coiled round his Camp Pie tin. Joker Bill Mullins had killed the snake and placed it in position, but the water excitement somewhat spiked the fun. So much for the second day.+Now enter the villain, George Dibley. Four of the boys had gone to swim near Billys Peak on the lovely Wollondilly River. Tim and Gordon had dived in, George followed them in; he was to swim to the other side, turn and swim back. Jack was on the bank and saw George swim across and push Gordon under the water. Tim swam over and was likewise ducked. George was having a wow of a time. He had ducked two and was apparently only waist deep in water. Jack, standing on the bank, was enjoying the horse play but thought George very game. Tim bobs up from under the water and strikes out for the bank, and as Jack questions him, Tim simultaneously manages to gasp out "You had better come in and get him, Jack". The Royal Life would not approve of the manner of bringing George back to terra firma but Jack had no chance to secure George in the approved fashion. He dived in the water and before he caught hold of George, George had thrown his arms under Jack's armpits and hugged like a grizzly bear. Holding George out of the water, Jack gave a few kicks as Gordon, assisting in keeping George up, kept quietly repeating "Steady old chap", in a most soothing manner. Tim came down to the water's edge to beach the good ship Dibley to the sighs of relief from the rest of the party watching from afar. It seems George, trying to turn, was in difficulties in deepish water when he pushed Gordon and Tim under in trying to save himself. Tim almost had another scare when he returned to lunch to see a snake coiled round his Camp Pie tin. Joker Bill Mullins had killed the snake and placed it in position, but the water excitement somewhat spiked the fun. So much for the second day.
  
-Now for the final episode. The party had arrived at Couridjah and were preparing a.m.al when Gordon, who had previously complained of not feeling too clever and was evidently feeling some ill effect from his fall, literally staggered into their midst. As he walked into branches of wattle trees someone rushed to take the pack off his back. Gordon then collapsed and fell forward flat out on his face. In two shakes the boys had rubbed him down, dressed him in dry clothes, put him in a sleeping bag by the fire and were pouring coffee and hot tomato soup into him. Gordon revived rapidly and was sitting up taking notice long before the train arrived. +Now for the final episode. The party had arrived at Couridjah and were preparing a meal when Gordon, who had previously complained of not feeling too clever and was evidently feeling some ill effect from his fall, literally staggered into their midst. As he walked into branches of wattle trees someone rushed to take the pack off his back. Gordon then collapsed and fell forward flat out on his face. In two shakes the boys had rubbed him down, dressed him in dry clothes, put him in a sleeping bag by the fire and were pouring coffee and hot tomato soup into him. Gordon revived rapidly and was sitting up taking notice long before the train arrived. 
  
 Bill all but staged another incident by dropping a billy full of boiling water onto the ground. Boiling water splashed everywhere, but fortunately no further damage was done. Bill all but staged another incident by dropping a billy full of boiling water onto the ground. Boiling water splashed everywhere, but fortunately no further damage was done.
  
-The walk, in case you would like to know, was from the Wanganderry Road turn off to Bonnum Pic, down Bonnum Pic Creek to the Wollondilly; Down the Wollondilly River and over Travis Pass to the Nattai River; Down to Little River and along Blue Gum Creek and into Couridjnh. Really it was a.m.rvellous trip and, in spite of all the accidents, nobody died. George managed to secure some wonderfully good photographs of Bonam Pic and so he will consider it all worth while.+The walk, in case you would like to know, was from the Wanganderry Road turn off to Bonnum Pic, down Bonnum Pic Creek to the Wollondilly; Down the Wollondilly River and over Travis Pass to the Nattai River; Down to Little River and along Blue Gum Creek and into Couridjah. Really it was a marvellous trip and, in spite of all the accidents, nobody died. George managed to secure some wonderfully good photographs of Bonnum Pic and so he will consider it all worth while.
  
 ===== At Our Own Meetings ===== ===== At Our Own Meetings =====
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 Voices of unseen loveliness carol and sing Voices of unseen loveliness carol and sing
  
--- Walter de la.m.re.+-- Walter de la Mere.
  
 ===== Footware and Footcare ===== ===== Footware and Footcare =====
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 And what's this verse that meets my ete (( [sic] ))?\\  And what's this verse that meets my ete (( [sic] ))?\\ 
 A "Hymn of Hate" about a pack --\\  A "Hymn of Hate" about a pack --\\ 
-Shame! 'tis a.m.st unkind attack.\\ +Shame! 'tis a most unkind attack.\\ 
 Now, Walkers, I appeal to you,\\  Now, Walkers, I appeal to you,\\ 
 Without our packs what would we do?\\  Without our packs what would we do?\\ 
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 Perhaps some raisins or a chop --\\  Perhaps some raisins or a chop --\\ 
 I hope for many years to tramp,\\  I hope for many years to tramp,\\ 
-To climb a.m.untain, make a camp,\\ +To climb a mountain, make a camp,\\ 
 And wander miles of bushland track,\\  And wander miles of bushland track,\\ 
 With my good friend still on my back ! With my good friend still on my back !
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 ===== Debert's Last Walk ===== ===== Debert's Last Walk =====
-by Alex. Colby.+by Alex Colley.
  
 Willing hands assisted the old gentleman out of the carriage on to the platform at Katoomba. Others, anxious to make things easier for him, tried to help him on with his pack. But as they were unable to lift it, the old man had to bend down himself, and slowly raise it on to his feeble shoulders. Willing hands assisted the old gentleman out of the carriage on to the platform at Katoomba. Others, anxious to make things easier for him, tried to help him on with his pack. But as they were unable to lift it, the old man had to bend down himself, and slowly raise it on to his feeble shoulders.
  
-Soon the party was on its way down Katoomba St. As this is mostly down hill he found little difficulty in getting along. In fact, as he gathered pace, the local residents were nonplussed by the sight of one so advanced in years, yet so fleet of foot. Of course they did not realise, as we did, that he was unable to pull up on the down-grade, but nevertheless we all had to admit that it was a fine sight to see the old buffer (no, its not a.m.sprint), speeding down the street, his beard streaming behind him in the wind. We eventually lost sight of him for a time but came upon him again clinging to a telegraph pole at the bottom of the street.+Soon the party was on its way down Katoomba St. As this is mostly down hill he found little difficulty in getting along. In fact, as he gathered pace, the local residents were nonplussed by the sight of one so advanced in years, yet so fleet of foot. Of course they did not realise, as we did, that he was unable to pull up on the down-grade, but nevertheless we all had to admit that it was a fine sight to see the old buffer (no, its not a sprint), speeding down the street, his beard streaming behind him in the wind. We eventually lost sight of him for a time but came upon him again clinging to a telegraph pole at the bottom of the street.
  
 Though a little shaky he managed to make his way to Narrow Neck, and as we started on the rough stony track he began to reminisce. "Dear me - yes, yes - I can remember when Centennial Park was just like this - when I was a boy. Yes, I remember, it all comes back - it was the best walk I ever did - 100 miles round and round in 24 hours." We were used to him wandering a little, but one of the party said that he had really done 100 miles in 24 hours in the early days. We were surprised to learn that he had lost his reason so early. Though a little shaky he managed to make his way to Narrow Neck, and as we started on the rough stony track he began to reminisce. "Dear me - yes, yes - I can remember when Centennial Park was just like this - when I was a boy. Yes, I remember, it all comes back - it was the best walk I ever did - 100 miles round and round in 24 hours." We were used to him wandering a little, but one of the party said that he had really done 100 miles in 24 hours in the early days. We were surprised to learn that he had lost his reason so early.
  
-When we came to the end of Clear Hill he insisted on going down the ladders, though but few of the rungs remained - he said he had always gone down that way before and was not going to change now. We, however, decided to go round by the wallaby trail, (( [sic)) As we were about half way round we were surpriied (( [sic] )) to hear a considerable uproar emanating from the direction of the ladders, and on investigating found that he had, unfortunately, got his beard tangled in the wires. Had it not been for the strength of his vocal powers, which was (( [sic] )) still unimpaired, he might have remained suspended there for some little time.+When we came to the end of Clear Hill he insisted on going down the ladders, though but few of the rungs remained - he said he had always gone down that way before and was not going to change now. We, however, decided to go round by the wallaby trail [the wallaby track]As we were about half way round we were surprised to hear a considerable uproar emanating from the direction of the ladders, and on investigating found that he had, unfortunately, got his beard tangled in the wires. Had it not been for the strength of his vocal powers, which was still unimpaired, he might have remained suspended there for some little time.
  
-On Debert Knob he acted in rather a peculiar manner. He started wandering about, intently examining the ground and rocks. "I think," he said, "that it should be here - no, perhaps it would be more conspicuous up here" - and so on. Eventually we asked him what it was that should be here, or there. "Why," he replied, "my bust, of course!"+On Debert Knob [Mt Debert] he acted in rather a peculiar manner. He started wandering about, intently examining the ground and rocks. "I think," he said, "that it should be here - no, perhaps it would be more conspicuous up here" - and so on. Eventually we asked him what it was that should be here, or there. "Why," he replied, "my bust, of course!"
  
-During the afternoon he managed to totter up Mount Merri Merrigal, down to the Cox, and thence four miles up Kanangra River to our camp spot. That night it was very cold, so we all got into his tent with him to keep him warm. This was very unselfish of the rest of the party who had been looking forward to sleeping in the open, so as to enjoy the fresh air and moonlight.+During the afternoon he managed to totter up Mount Merri Merrigal [Mt Merrimerrigal], down to the Cox, and thence four miles up Kanangra River to our camp spot. That night it was very cold, so we all got into his tent with him to keep him warm. This was very unselfish of the rest of the party who had been looking forward to sleeping in the open, so as to enjoy the fresh air and moonlight.
  
 Next day we climbed up 3000 feet to the top of Krunglebungle Pass. The old fellow collapsed when he got to the top, and by the time the rest of us had got up to him he was in a bad state. One of the party had brought a small bottle of rum for such an event, but we found that it had been entrusted to Dave Stead, who had left us on the previous day. Hearing this Debert lost consciousness altogether, and we were afraid that he might pass out there and then. However we managed to pull him round eventually, and went a little further along the ridge for our midday meal. It looked as if we were in for a dry lunch, but the old man's knowledge of bushcraft proved very useful. He went down the other side of the mountain, interviewed a wombat concerning the local water supply, and returned with a full bucket. Next day we climbed up 3000 feet to the top of Krunglebungle Pass. The old fellow collapsed when he got to the top, and by the time the rest of us had got up to him he was in a bad state. One of the party had brought a small bottle of rum for such an event, but we found that it had been entrusted to Dave Stead, who had left us on the previous day. Hearing this Debert lost consciousness altogether, and we were afraid that he might pass out there and then. However we managed to pull him round eventually, and went a little further along the ridge for our midday meal. It looked as if we were in for a dry lunch, but the old man's knowledge of bushcraft proved very useful. He went down the other side of the mountain, interviewed a wombat concerning the local water supply, and returned with a full bucket.
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 The rest of the day was fairly uneventful, and we pitched camp that night on the Cox. Just as we were settling into his tent for the night a few spots of rain came down, and things looked rather black for a time. With the tent Abdulled (( ?? )) we were all able to fit in, but if we had to put the side down this would no longer be possible, and we hated to think of the poor old fellow being out in the rain on such a cold night! However he assured us that it wouldn't rain much, and, as we had seen him prowling round a large hole nearby, we knew that this information must have come straight from the wombat's mouth. He was right, it didn't rain. So impressed were we by his strange intimacy with these furry creatures that thereafter we dubbed him "King of the Wombats". The rest of the day was fairly uneventful, and we pitched camp that night on the Cox. Just as we were settling into his tent for the night a few spots of rain came down, and things looked rather black for a time. With the tent Abdulled (( ?? )) we were all able to fit in, but if we had to put the side down this would no longer be possible, and we hated to think of the poor old fellow being out in the rain on such a cold night! However he assured us that it wouldn't rain much, and, as we had seen him prowling round a large hole nearby, we knew that this information must have come straight from the wombat's mouth. He was right, it didn't rain. So impressed were we by his strange intimacy with these furry creatures that thereafter we dubbed him "King of the Wombats".
  
-We arrived at Carlons for lunch the next day and all agreed that, when planning a walk to Carlons for lunch, it is best to approach the place by a circuitous route - ones appetite is greatly improved by the added exercise. Not, of course, that we over ate - not much anyway. It was a.m.st enjoyable repast - even the old man was able to sit up and take a little nourishment. After lunch he fell into a reflective mood, at the end of which he announced that he had decided to have his ashes scattered by plane over the Carlon homestead. But the Carlons, though pleasant enough about the matter, did not seem really to appreciate his kind thought.+We arrived at Carlons for lunch the next day and all agreed that, when planning a walk to Carlons for lunch, it is best to approach the place by a circuitous route - ones appetite is greatly improved by the added exercise. Not, of course, that we over ate - not much anyway. It was a most enjoyable repast - even the old man was able to sit up and take a little nourishment. After lunch he fell into a reflective mood, at the end of which he announced that he had decided to have his ashes scattered by plane over the Carlon homestead. But the Carlons, though pleasant enough about the matter, did not seem really to appreciate his kind thought.
  
 After lunch we set off up the Creek towards Katoomba. Debert was leading. In a little while he started to increase his pace. Gradually he drew away. Faster and faster he went till eventually he disappeared over the top of the hill at a trot. That was the last we saw of him. We heard however, that an old gentleman, clad only in a pair of shorts, had arrived at Katoomba and enquired the way to Morella Karong. Probably it was Debert - his grand-children have poultry farms down there. But where was his gear? No doubt the souvenir hunters got that. After lunch we set off up the Creek towards Katoomba. Debert was leading. In a little while he started to increase his pace. Gradually he drew away. Faster and faster he went till eventually he disappeared over the top of the hill at a trot. That was the last we saw of him. We heard however, that an old gentleman, clad only in a pair of shorts, had arrived at Katoomba and enquired the way to Morella Karong. Probably it was Debert - his grand-children have poultry farms down there. But where was his gear? No doubt the souvenir hunters got that.
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 ===== Holiday Trip - October 1937 ===== ===== Holiday Trip - October 1937 =====
 (continued) (continued)
 +
 - C. Pryde. - C. Pryde.
  
 __Monday 11th.__ After breakfast we started out to climb Mount Wareng by an easy slope on N.N.E. side. The going was easy except for a very steep pinch near the top, and took slightly over two hours. It was a glorious day for the trip as the visibility was good and we were able to make out places up to 60 or 70 miles away and the range of views was a complete circle. This was by far the most comprehensive view I have ever seen. __Monday 11th.__ After breakfast we started out to climb Mount Wareng by an easy slope on N.N.E. side. The going was easy except for a very steep pinch near the top, and took slightly over two hours. It was a glorious day for the trip as the visibility was good and we were able to make out places up to 60 or 70 miles away and the range of views was a complete circle. This was by far the most comprehensive view I have ever seen.
  
-Maurie did some sketching while I located points by map and compass. Unfortunately our map did not cover the whole view particu1arly to the north and west, but we could pick out Barrington Tops easily. West was the Main Divide with Mellong Range in the middle distance -- Capertree, and Glen Alice then Mt.Hay, Katoomba, King George, the Grose Valley, Kurrajong, and south the hills about Broken Bay.+Maurie did some sketching while I located points by map and compass. Unfortunately our map did not cover the whole view particularly to the north and west, but we could pick out Barrington Tops easily. West was the Main Divide with Mellong Range in the middle distance -- Capertee, and Glen Alice then Mt.Hay, Katoomba, King George, the Grose Valley, Kurrajong, and south the hills about Broken Bay.
  
-Wareng should be of interest to geologists. The top is basalt and in shape it is roughly semi-circular as if it had been a volcano which had got one side blown out. We were greatly impressed with the huge bulk of "Big Yango" about six miles due South and would liked to have visited it, but time did not permit. There seems to be some error in the making of maps as Mt.Murrin which is shown is only a tiny thing compared with either Wareng or Yango. Mts. Yango, Wareng, and Papran are in a direct line about N.N.W.x.N.+Wareng should be of interest to geologists. The top is basalt and in shape it is roughly semi-circular as if it had been a volcano which had got one side blown out. We were greatly impressed with the huge bulk of "Big Yango" about six miles due South and would liked to have visited it, but time did not permit. There seems to be some error in the making of maps as Mt Murwin which is shown is only a tiny thing compared with either Wareng or Yango [Mt Yengo]. Mts. Yango, Wareng, and Popran are in a direct line about N.N.W.x.N.
  
-We built a little cairn and put our names in a small bottle which we had brought up with us. These were the first names on the top except thoseof locals and none of them had been up for years. We came down on the N.W. side and the return trip took just an hour.+We built a little cairn and put our names in a small bottle which we had brought up with us. These were the first names on the top except those of locals and none of them had been up for years. We came down on the N.W. side and the return trip took just an hour.
  
 Back to camp and had a cup of tea and wrote some notes for home and took them to the post office. No one was there but as we were going back to camp we met the Postmaster driving cattle. One of his dogs, a cross-bred Alsatian apparently did not like intruders. We had a long yarn and the postmaster pointed out a rock which was covered with grooves where the blacks had ground their tools. On a hillside was a little graveyard where some of the locals had been buried. While dinner was being cooked one of the local lads came along to have a talk and the result was that the sago got into a gluey mass. A horse which had apparently got loose came charging down the hill followed by a couple of dogs snapping at its heels. The horse reared on its hind legs and tried to squash the dogs with its fore feet. Fortunately a man came along on horseback and was able to get hold of it before any harm was done. Back to camp and had a cup of tea and wrote some notes for home and took them to the post office. No one was there but as we were going back to camp we met the Postmaster driving cattle. One of his dogs, a cross-bred Alsatian apparently did not like intruders. We had a long yarn and the postmaster pointed out a rock which was covered with grooves where the blacks had ground their tools. On a hillside was a little graveyard where some of the locals had been buried. While dinner was being cooked one of the local lads came along to have a talk and the result was that the sago got into a gluey mass. A horse which had apparently got loose came charging down the hill followed by a couple of dogs snapping at its heels. The horse reared on its hind legs and tried to squash the dogs with its fore feet. Fortunately a man came along on horseback and was able to get hold of it before any harm was done.
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 __Tuesday, 12th.__ It was a great morning with a cold wind blowing. I made a damper with the last of the flour. Maurie was greatly upset about the sugar running out __but__ he had a wonderful time cleaning the sago billy. Had a very early lunch and then followed the creek down a long distance and were amazed at the signs of wild life we saw along it. Wombats, wallabies, and dingoes or foxes seemed to be very plentiful. We then cut across country to the Putty Road and went as far as the MacDonald River Bridge. The river here is absolutely dry. When returning we passed a burnt out homestead and soon after two graves which seemed very new, and found out afterwards that the homestead had been burnt out a couple of years ago, when a big bush fire had swept the country and the graves were those of two old people who had lived in the homestead and had died shortly afterwards. There was a very cold wind during the evening and rain was threatening. To get over the sugar difficulty we boiled prunes in the sugar bag. Our main meal consisted of potatoes, onions, macaroni, bacon and cheese, mixed and stewed, but it went down well. __Tuesday, 12th.__ It was a great morning with a cold wind blowing. I made a damper with the last of the flour. Maurie was greatly upset about the sugar running out __but__ he had a wonderful time cleaning the sago billy. Had a very early lunch and then followed the creek down a long distance and were amazed at the signs of wild life we saw along it. Wombats, wallabies, and dingoes or foxes seemed to be very plentiful. We then cut across country to the Putty Road and went as far as the MacDonald River Bridge. The river here is absolutely dry. When returning we passed a burnt out homestead and soon after two graves which seemed very new, and found out afterwards that the homestead had been burnt out a couple of years ago, when a big bush fire had swept the country and the graves were those of two old people who had lived in the homestead and had died shortly afterwards. There was a very cold wind during the evening and rain was threatening. To get over the sugar difficulty we boiled prunes in the sugar bag. Our main meal consisted of potatoes, onions, macaroni, bacon and cheese, mixed and stewed, but it went down well.
  
-__Wednesday 13th__. Turned out at 5.30 a.m. and packed up after breakfast. Arrived up at the Post Office at 8 a.m. and in a few minutes the mail car driven by Mr.Spinks turned up. The Post Office here is the only one I have ever soon marked "__Post and Telephone"__ Office. Spinks is a character. He has done a lot of walking and canoeing in the Colo district and near by, and gave us quite a lot of information about the country we passed through and was really very interesting. Numerous calls were made at wayside letter boxes and at Bulgo Post Office. The immense flats round about Singleton struck us very forcibly. It was a great sight to see the mobs of cattle with green paddocks of lucern here and there.+__Wednesday 13th__. Turned out at 5.30 a.m. and packed up after breakfast. Arrived up at the Post Office at 8 a.m. and in a few minutes the mail car driven by Mr.Spinks turned up. The Post Office here is the only one I have ever soon marked "__Post and Telephone"__ Office. Spinks is a character. He has done a lot of walking and canoeing in the Colo district and near by, and gave us quite a lot of information about the country we passed through and was really very interesting. Numerous calls were made at wayside letter boxes and at Bulgo Post Office. The immense flats round about Singleton struck us very forcibly. It was a great sight to see the mobs of cattle with green paddocks of lucerne here and there.
  
 Spinks gave us some tips as to what to do in Newcastle, and dropped us at the Railway Station Crossing at Singleton. We left our packs in the Station and went for a walk up town, had some lunch, bought some groceries and then went back to the Station where we killed time until 1.40 when we took a train for Newcastle. Spinks gave us some tips as to what to do in Newcastle, and dropped us at the Railway Station Crossing at Singleton. We left our packs in the Station and went for a walk up town, had some lunch, bought some groceries and then went back to the Station where we killed time until 1.40 when we took a train for Newcastle.
193808.txt · Last modified: 2015/12/14 11:58 by sbw

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