| Freda Wards Diary | ||
| Lead Up Introduction Relatives Mentioned Our trip to Chartlea December1920 January 1921 February 1921 March 1921
|
We got up and left Taumarunui at 10 min. to 2 a.m. It was very
dark at the start, but being summer, daylight soon broke.
I missed seeing the spiral, except for a hazy view of Raurimu
in the gully below, showing we were climbing.
Shortly after it became light & turned out simply a
beautiful day. We came to
Waimarino & had one of the best possible views of the three
beauties Ruapehu, Tongariro, & Ngauruhoe.
They looked magnificent, with their snow clad summits.
Ngauruhoe was not smoking as usual, but looked perfect as did
all three. We had several
other views of them especially Ruapehu, which looked more majestic as
we swept round her, particularly when the sun shone on the snow on her
summit. We did not manage
to see the others in actual sunlight as it was too early when we
reached the top of the spiral & after that Ruapehu blocked our
view, though he amply made up for the others. The next place of importance was Ohakune which looked nice
& is situated in good though heavily timbered country. There is a species of palm (not cabbage tree
) which grows there but in no other place. Very pretty though damaged with the wind & cold since
shelter cut away. We saw
Waiouru where you can go by coach to Lake Taupo.
Next big place was Taihape, which is a fine town, with splendid
land around, and miles South of it.
We also saw hundreds of acres of South Island Silver Tussock,
before coming to Taihape. From
there we came on to Fielding passing several places including Marton
Jn. Fielding is a good little town & it was not far from there,
where Aunt Maggie lived for years.
The next important place was Palmerston North, which is not
only a big town but extremely pretty.
It is from here that a line branches off through the Manawatu
Gorge to Woodville & Napier. From this Manawatu line you can see the Tararua Range.
We passed Levin where Uncle Pat Joe lived for awhile, &
came on to Otaki a place where the Lynch's lived. (Forgot to
mention) Pokako was the highest place, 2651 ft above sea level.
We saw the Ruahine Ranges in the distance & passed through
about 25 tunnels on the way. As we neared Wellington we had a good view of Kapiti
Island, where Raupara the Maori chief lived.
It was from there that he came over & "cleaned up
" his enemies right & left.
At Khandallah we had a delay for nearly a ¼ of an hr. while
the Auck. bound Express passed us.
When she had gone by one wag said, " I suppose we
will have to wait till the line cools now." However we reached
Wellington almost up to time. We
had one stoppage a time before up in the hills between Hunterville
& Marton, owing to no grips.
We had to stop & "back" in order to get a run on.
As we were going back for the third or fourth time, the same
wag said, "We had better run back to the spiral for a
grade." However we went like blueskin to make up for lost time
when we did get to the top. We
passed Paekakariki, which is a kind of resort near Wellington.
We saw Ngaio trees, growing on the sea beaches; also had good
views of the sea. We
sailed down the long hill to Wellington at a very fast pace, making
time to account for Khandallah delay.
We had a fine view of the harbour as we came in also of
Oriental Bay & the house where Mother & their family lived.
After leaving Wellington Station, we took the tram for the
Occidental Hotel from which place, after a very hurried but extremely
necessary scrub( not to speak of dinner beforehand) we journeyed
through the gardens in front of the new Parliament Blds to the Hill St
Convent. Mother showed me
the old buildings & the very window of her father's office.
We saw Mother de Sales & Revd.
Mother also old Peter Trolove, & had a talk with them while
waiting for Vi to come in from Nai Nai.
Peter was up to hear Sir Conan Doyle on spiritualism. Vi looked
splendid but of course different in the dress.
She was terribly excited,& took me over to ( which is a
privilege) play for the Novices & Postulants. I am going to take a
photo of her going back. After
we left her we had a look at the Basilica.
Rather massive & splendid.
We went back to the Hotel, had tea( which was a fabulous price)
then collected, & marched for the boat.
We came over in the "Wahine" a huge & well fitted
liner, though perhaps not quite as pretty inside as the
sister‑ship "Maori", according to Pa's idea.
We left the wharf amid tremendous cheering but as I was putting
Mother to bed I did not get another look at the Harbour.
When I came on deck, we were well out to the heads.
Papa had a bad cabin so tried to change it but couldn't.
As it was pitching badly we went to bed. Tuesday 14th 1920 ( Dec)
I got up & dressed as we were rolling towards
Lyttelton Hds. Pa was up
since four. He & I
had a grand view of the entrance to the heads.
Mother didn't get up until we were almost at Lyttelton.
We managed after a terrible rush to get our luggage aboard the
train for Ch.Ch. We left immediately & were soon going through the
tunnel which is about 2 miles long, & was very disagreeable, owing
to a badly fitted carriage. We
soon ran into Ch.Ch. where there was another rush for tickets &
seats. We managed to get
both but that left us no leisure to take even the smallest look at
Ch.Ch. as the train left at once. We were soon out on the great Canterbury Plains‑ miles
& miles of beautiful level country with plantations dotted
everywhere, and long straight metalled roads running for miles in all
directions. To water this
vast plain they have an irrigation system, by which they bring water
from the far distant hills, down through the flat lands, thus enabling
the farmers to water their stock in the driest seasons.
We passed through many small stations Rolleston & Hornby
Jns. being the chief ones as from these places lines branch in all
directions. From here we
came on crossing the Selwyn River to Dunsandel.
The next big place was Rakaia, to get to which we had to cross
the Rakaia River, over which is built the longest bridge in New
Zealand. The river at the
present time consists mainly of shingle bed, but in flood time, having
such low banks, it simply plays havoc with the surrounding country.
We crossed the Ashburton River and got a glimpse of Ashburton,
the place where Aunt Mary lived for so long.
Then we crossed the big Rangitata River ( Which is mainly
shingle bed) and the Orari River at Orari, from which place a coach
goes out to Geraldine where mother and all lived for some time.
The next place was Temuka, where there is a beautiful Catholic
Church on the steeple of which a big town clock has been placed.
We crossed the Temuka & Opiao Rivers, and passed through
Washdyke Jnc. before coming to Timaru.
It is a particularly pretty place, with a beautiful view of the
sea and snowy mountains; they have a beautiful "esplanade",
"Tea Kiosk", Bathing sheds, swings etc.
We passed St Andrew's & Makekihi, before Studholme jn. from
which place the train goes out to Waimate, where I was born.
Then past Glenavy, we crossed the big Waitaki River, the
boundary between Canterbury and Otago.
The next place was Pukeuri Jn, & then Oamaru, which is not
as pretty as Timaru, although very nice.
After leaving Oamaru we passed through Teschemacher's where
Girlie used to get off. We
got a glimpse of the Convent in trees. We passed Maheno, Herbert, Hampden, & Kartigi, before
reaching Palmerston South, a Jn for Dumback.
Then we came on past Goodwood, & Waikouaiti, to Seacliff
where the mental hospital is. After
leaving there we sailed round Blue‑Skin Bay, & saw Sir
George McLean's fine house & beautiful grounds near Waitate.
Then we came on past Mihiwaka to Port Chalmers which looked
good, nestling under the high cliffs.
There was a good deal of shipping in the port.
From there we rounded several Bays, & passed many minor
stations, at last reaching Dunedin, which is a fine old town.
The buildings look exceptionally massive, & are mostly all
built of stone. Our
Cathedral has not yet had its spires put on, but is a magnificent
building all the same. We booked rooms at the Leviathan Hotel, which is near the
railway station. The
latter is the finest in New Zealand.
After a spruce up we took a stroll, and Papa showed me the
Octagon & all the sights we could manage to see in the short space
of time, including a trip to the Cathedral.
We rang up Balfour & Grace answered we had a talk &
told her we were coming down the following day.
She told us Girlie was in Dunedin & would be coming too.
On our way back to the hotel we bought fruit etc. for the next
days journey. At dinner
Norah Nash served us, & was awfully surprised to see us there.
Mary also came out and had a talk.
She said they were going back to Auckland soon as their parents
had retired. After dinner
I wrote up no end of notes for my diary, in the writing room while
Mother had a bath. Then
as we were all dead tired we went to bed. Wednesday 15th 1920 ( Dec)
We rose early in the morning & caught the train for Gore at
about eight o'clock. We
had some Blue Cod for breakfast ( also last night for dinner) & it
is not to be had anywhere above Dunedin.
After getting our tickets and our seats, I walked through the
train, and searched the platform but could not see Girlie.
She must have boarded it afterwards.
The first important station was Wingatui Jn. from which place
branch lines go out past Wedderburn & Omakau.
Then we came to Mosgiel Jn. where the great Mosgiel Woollen
factory is, also a college at which Father Buckley wanted Dowl to
attend. We passed
Allanton Waihola, where there is the big Waihola Lake, before coming
to Milton a Jn. for Lawrence. The
next places of interest were Stirling & Balclutha on the Clutha
River. ( Note . We crossed the Taieri River near Waihola).
Then we passed Warepa before reaching Clinton where we had a
cup of tea; while doing so we saw Girlie doing the same.
I knew her immediately by her likeness to her photos.
We followed her & introduced ourselves in the carriage.
At Gore where we changed for Balfour she came in with us.
After leaving there we reached Waipahi Jn. where a branch line
goes to Pomahaka. We
passed Pukerau & McNab, before reaching Gore, where we changed to
the slow train for Balfour. The
latter changes engine drivers at Waimea.
The first remarkable thing was KNAPDALE written in trees. I failed to see it at first owing to my being misled, and
told to look for M.C.NAB- the name of the owner of Knapdale. We crossed the swirling Mataura River at Gore, & passed
the Hokonui soon afterwards. Then
we came to Otamita, with its queer old P.6 & long chimney.
We crossed the Otamita stream, saw the quaint old Flour Mill,
& passed "Wantwood", Bell's place, before reaching
Mandeville, the terminus of continuance area.
Then we came on to Riversdale where we saw Pease's house, the
Church, Father O'Niel's & Mothers old house, with railing she
painted & trees she planted.
We passed a large swamp on the way, & Papa pointed out the
place in the ditch where he once saw an eel worrying a lamb. At Waimea we found the Lakes train waiting for us.
We exchanged drivers and guards, and then moved on.
We also saw Valentines Waimea property, & the old house in
the trees on the plateau, although not the present residence of
Valentine. The day was
very fine & the country looked splendid. Girlie was very nice but fairly quiet all the way.
We reached Balfour about 3.30 P.M. & McL & Phil met us
with a car & trap. Mac
drove us out, while Phil waited for the mail & brought the
luggage. There was a
crowd of us in the car. Mary
Windle, the cook, came back, so she Mother & Girlie sat at the
back & I sat on the side of the car, while Papa sat with Mac in
front. It took us no time
to drive out. Aunt Bella
& Grace were fairly well & seemed in good spirits, When we
arrived Frank & Dowl came in and talked; then we had afternoon tea
& Pa & I strolled round and looked at the vegetable patch,
& gooseberry & fruit garden.
It is a lovely old place.
After tea we all went to bed early as we were very tired with
the long journey. Thursday 16th 1920 (Dec)
The weather was ideal. Girlie
& I went into Balfour twice in the car for a ride.
In the afternoon and evening we had some singing & music.
I played & Auntie was pleased with it.
Mother Papa & Aunt Bella had a walk round the buildings in
the afternoon. Friday 17th 1920 ( Dec)
The day was beautifully fine.
Papa & I wrote some letters, he - to Aunt Mary &
Violet, giving them a description of the trip, & I letters to
Sister Germaine, Bernie and Aunt Mary, doing the same.
A great storm fell over Dunedin today but we missed it here. Saturday 18th 1920 (Dec)
There was a change in the weather this morning & a sharp
shower at about 10 o'clock & looked like setting in, but cleared
up, with hot North wind. Uncle
Felix came up from Josephville. He
looked very well & has a fine jolly way with him.
He was more than delighted to see Papa again. Sunday 19th 1920 ( Dec)
Aunt Bella , Grace, Papa, Mother, Girlie & I went in to
Mass in the car McL. driving, while the three boys rode.
We all went to our duties.
The weather was cold and showery with strong westerly wind.
Con & Walter Hailes came and spent the day at Chartlea
& did not go home until about 9.30 p.m. They seem nice fellows. We had a lot of music & singing in the evening.
Weather still rough & windy.
A new coat of snow an the Eyre Peaks.
They look lovely from the top of the ram hill.
Father O'Niel came up this afternoon with his nephew Nial (
Dr.O'Niel's son) He is a fine well trained little boy.
They stayed the night & we had a pleasant time in talks
& music. After we had
retired Father talked to Papa for hrs about his war experiences. He was on the Somme Battlefield & had spoken to Jack.
Papa was awfully pleased to meet him. Tuesday 21st 1920 ( Dec)
Father O'Niel gave us Mass this morning, with Nial & Frank
serving. We all received
Holy Communion again including old Mary.
After breakfast he went on to Lumsden in his car.
The wind was very strong but the day was fine.
McL. drove Aunt Bella, Grace, Papa, Mother & I over to
Lumsden. We saw Cousin
Polly & Felix for a few minutes but did not stay. in jumping out
at Crosby's I sprained my ankle.
My foot was asleep because I had to sit half on Papa's knee all
the way. It was very
painful & Mc drove me round to the Dr. He was away but his sister
rubbed it with Iodine & bandaged it.
That eased it & I managed to walk a few yds. on Papa's arm.
Afterward I drove up to the Church & tried the Wedding
March, as I had come over for that purpose.
Then we went home arriving about 7.30 p.m..
We had tea & went to bed. Wednesday_22nd In the morning we put work through then got
things ready for our trip to Invercargill. ( our last with Miss
Grace Dunne) Auntie, Mother, Papa, Grace, Girlie &
self went. The distance is 50 miles, & we left Josephville at
about ½ past one arriving in Invercargill at ¼ to 4. The country
is splendid & the crops looked magnificent.
From Josephville to Caroline we skirted the New River, which
is a nice rocky stream. The
first important place was Dipton, a fair sized village which in the
early days was one of the places where Pa made speeches, during his
parliamentary career. We
passed Benmore Station,-( once owned by some poor fellow not all
there.) Then we came on to Centre Bush, where there are some Lime
Kilns. We sailed through
fine farming country between Jacob's & New Rivers, and had a good
view of the great Takatimo Ranges in the distance.
Further down we passed some more "Lime Hills" ( in
which Sir J.G.Ward, is, or was interested.), also a station of that
name & one by the queer name of Lady Bartley.
The next and perhaps(the)most important station on the line was
Winton, which is a junction of the Hedgehope Branch. it is rather a
big & very pretty place, with a nice Railway St. & good Race
Course, also a big cemetery. Some
of the houses are of exceedingly queer build, but the gardens in front
of each are good, & the numerous shrubs, cut in the most artistic
manner. There is a fine
Church, Convent & school there, and altogether it is a nice little
town. The next station
was Lochiel ( very Scotch). In
the course of our journey we saw white clover in one field, also a
great many splendid crops, particularly a cornfield.
We also saw several big factories.
We had a good view of the Aparima Mt. in the distance, where
the Ap. River rises & comes out at Riverton.
Pa also showed us the direction in which Otautau lies at the
foot of the Sloping Hill. We
saw some very picturesque native bush in the Forest Hill District,
where Pa had been years ago. As
we passed one farm we saw a man using( what they call a "
grubber", drawn by five horses, ( a queer machine).
Next station was Makarewa Jn. where a branch line goes out to
Thornbury Jn, from which two branch lines go to Nightcaps &
Otautau. There are some
fairly large buildings at Makarewa, including the Wallacetown
Freezing Works, in which Pa was once interested.
We also saw the Makarewa River.
Further down the line the road has been built under the rail in
one place. Next stop was
Wallacetown, which marks the end of continuance area.
In and around Invercargill prohibition reigns supreme.
We then came on to Waikiwi a suburb of Inv. A Father O'Niel is priest there, & strange to say there
is one at Winton & at Balfour of the same name & none of
them related. As we
dashed through some more suburbs, Pa showed us Gladstone, where Fanny
& Ida learnt to walk. Then
we came alongside the beautiful Inv.
Show Grounds with the huge grand stand, & Garrison Hall,
for exhibits of produce etc. It is the finest show gr. in N.Z. The annual took place the
day we landed at Chartlea. The
last interesting thing we saw before arriving, were the .... ( here the 'written up' diary comes to a sudden
end, but the rough draft continues) ...gasometers, big, medium & small.
Then we sailed into the Invercargill Station which is queerly
built in a semicircle fashion. On arrival we went round to the Grand where rooms had been
kept for us. They were
lovely but the table was anything but good.
We saw the room where the Prince had his meals but were not
allowed to go in. We had
afternoon tea etc, then went for a nice walk before dinner through the
garden to the Church. The
streets are the widest and best I have ever seen, & the gardens
although very long are picturesque, especially with that little stream
running through them, bridged in many places.
We went through several blocks, passing tennis & bowling
greens, also the flower house & the mounted guns one of which had
a pistol inside one end. I also went up on the concrete Rotunda.
From there we drifted on to the Church which is a beauty for
pretty finish, height, & width, though it could do with being a
little longer. The
massive dome can be seen for miles around.
We said all our prayers then came home to dinner after which we
went to the pictures at the Albion Theatre. (A
page of the rough draft is missing.)
Thursday 23rd (From rough draft.)
Girlie & I got up intending to go to Mass with the others,
but somehow missed them. So
we took a cup of tea then I sat down & wrote some more diary while
waiting for their return. After
breakfast we began our extensive ( shopping) commencing at the
Tailors. It took us until
lunch time, & Aunt Bella & Grace until late afternoon, getting
Xmas goods. Aunt Bella
took us up to the roof at Lewis's? and we had a grand view of
Invercargill, the Bluff & ( Stewart) Island.
After lunch Pa, Mother, Girlie & I took a walk through some
pretty suburbs to the water tower. we went to the Power house for the
key, but it had been given to some Donkey five minutes before, and as
there was no sign of him & the door was locked we couldn't go up.
It is a beautiful building & fine machinery.
When we came back we had strawberries & cream etc. then
gathered our belongings & went to the train.
Aunt Bella & Grace had an anxious time to find two parcels.
However they found them in the end & we kept their seats
for them. There was a
great crush of people at first but towards the end we had the carriage
to ourselves. Poor Grace
could not speak for a cold & they all said their prayers, so
Girlie & I talked for awhile.
Frank? met us with the car at Josephville & Polly &
Felix came out to wave to us. We
had to push the car for awhile to get her started then we were
alright. There was a
beautiful silver entrée dish waiting for Grace & some pretty silk
dresses (blue & green) & silk blouses.
Those together with the rest of her things including Pa's
silver tea set made her particularly happy.
After tea as we were all tired we went to bed. Friday 24th Xmas Eve
We did a thundering amount of ironing in the morning while
Grace & Mother baked (a) cake & made the puddings &
jellies. Phil, Frank & I tried to finish the plucking of some
ducks ( awful job‑ laughed no end). (Old Mary was in a fit) The
boys cut some greens & we got flowers for decorations.
At afternoon tea time Rex Dunne arrived. He came up from Polly & Felix's place and stayed right
over the Xmas time, He told us that he had never heard of his father's
death. As all were very
tired we went to bed early that night. Saturday 25th Xmas Day.
We went to nine o'clock Mass, and afterwards the car broke
down. We had to walk some
distance up to where she had stopped, and found that Mac could do
nothing with her. As
Phil, Dowl & Con Hailes had driven in, Phil drove mother &
Girlie home in the gig & we waited while Con & Dowl went back
to see what they could do about getting a conveyance.
Mr Bedford came out & tried, then another fellow came up in
a little car, tied a rope to ours & by towing it along got our
engine to start. Then we
all piled in. Con Dowl & Mac in front & Bella Pa & I at
the back & fairly sailed home but it was after twelve before we
had "dinnerbreakfast".
Poor Grace did not go because she had an awful cold.
Then we laid down for awhile and after that we got ready for
tea, which was great fun especially the bonbons with my ducky ring
accompanied by the coddy words Do you believe in love at first sight .
After tea we had music & dancing in the Hall, then..... ( end of
rough draft) Wednesday-29th Dec - Chartlea to
Pomahaka
( From rough draft.) We got up and did some ironing
etc. then prepared our trunk. As
Rex was leaving that day Aunt Bella told him he could come to Balfour
with us in the car. We
had an early lunch then left about 12.30 p.m. in order to catch the
1.32 train. We left
Balfour well up to time, and soon got a splendid view of Cattle Flat
& Glenlapapa Hills, running up to the foot of the Domes.
We saw the Waikaia and Matuara Rivers which come together at
Gore forming the big yellow swift flowing Mataura.
We also saw the creek where Pa saw the eel worrying the sheep.
Then we sailed down the long hill to the Waimea Station in the
great Waimea Plain, from which point we had a good view of the
"Mark you" Donald's country,though not his
"Private" residence.We saw the cliffs marking the big
Waikaia Gold Diggings, also the "Remarkable Gap Peaks" and
some snow clad Ranges in the direction of Wakatipu.
We had a good look at Mother's old home & the white palings
she painted, as we sailed into Riversdale, on which station we saw
Father O'Neil & Nial. From
here a very queer little train runs up the line for Waikaia.
Riversdale has some very good buildings & station, and as
we were leaving it we passed another very fine house considering its
age) which at first belonged to Mr.Pease & then to Valentine.
Further up Pa showed me "Wantwood" the beautiful
Station near Mandeville, owned by Mr. Bell, an exceedingly handsome
man. We crossed the
Waimea Stream which comes down from Chartlea, and passed "Beecot's"
Store & the old flour mill, which according to Pa 's idea, don't
look one bit different from what they were 20 yrs. ago. later we
passed the lovely Otamita Stream & the R. Station of that
name. We saw the
Hokanui's and at one point the Mataura R. flows at their foot with the
Railway line between. Then
we came to Gore along the new embankment, built to keep floods out. It is a lovely place. The
buildings ( especially the church) are magnificent, considering their
age. It has a good
sounding chime, a nice R.Station, and a pretty garden alongside the
line. We changed there for Waipahi, catching the Dunedin express.
As we left Gore we crossed the big Mataura River, and later on
the Waikaka. Further up
we saw a peat‑bog which is a curious growth rising out of the
swamp. We saw and later
crossed the Waipahi, the greatest trout stream in Otago.
We changed at Waipahi, taking the slow train for the Pomahaka
siding. We skirted the
Waipahi Stream for some time, till it joined the Pomahaka, the latter
name holding good for the combined rivers. We saw the Great Govt.
Plantation which will help to solve the timber problem in yrs
to come. We saw the
Lignite fields, from which coal has been, and will yet be taken.
We saw the Conical Hills, and further up the beautiful home
& what is considered one of the best farms in N.Z. Its area is
1200 acres and it carries 4000 sheep and some cattle.
We passed through one tunnel on our way up , and over a bridge
in course of erection. On
reaching the Pomahaka Siding at about ½ past four we were met by
Everard, a very tall & big fair fellow.
He was very nice but strikingly big for 16.
He apologised for not bringing a trap, and told us that
Constance had tied one of the ponies to it for a sec. thinking he
would be alright, but evidently he took fright and dragged the rig
with him breaking one of the shafts in the earth, so we walked out about
a mile & a half- and he carried the bag.
Constance came out to meet us.
She is a nice girl & very practical.
Then her mother came in looking like Queen Victoria, but also
particularly nice. After
that we met the others. Dale,
Alannah & Ethelburgh, & later in the evening Marie came along
in a wrapper, as she was ill with a bad cold & foot.
They are nice looking girls especially Marie, and can account
for themselves splendidly. We
had afternoon tea when we arrived and tea at 10.
After that we had music. Dale
played the piano & violin & sang as also did Ethelburgh &
Everard. I played &
sang too and we had a fine evening (up till 2 o'clock) not forgetting
the important part of supper & prayers.
(Aunt Louie " blowed me " but as she apologised (to
the great delight of the girls) I forgave her.) We had quite a
discussion over the Prince so I turned his face to the wall. Thursday 30th Dec:
In the morning Pa went for a tiny walk with Everard while I
took a snap of Pomahaka house, of Con, and then of Dale Ethel Con
& Allannah, & Con. took one of Mother Pa & I, & one of
me alone. After that we packed our goods and all with the exception of
the mother started for the siding.
We had a tiny wait before the wild cat arrived, then a pleasant
ride back to Waipahi where we sent a telegram.
From there we caught the overcrowded Dunedin express & had
to stay on the platform. As
it was only a short way we did not mind.
Pa & Mother sat on the box . We arrived at Gore in about
½ an hour & changed again for Balfour.
At Riversdale we again saw Fr.O'Neil but not to speak to . We
reached Balfour after two & had a nice cup of tea.
As the car had broken down Aunt Bella had rung up Scobie &
he was waiting for us with his little one.
Pa & I sat up on the hood . It was a great ride - the
wind nearly blew our hair off. After talking for awhile I went to the cows with Dowl, after
which job I watched him put together the separator. Then we had tea. I
wrote up some diary then went to bed. Friday 31st Dec.
The last day of the year - 1920. 1 got up and after breakfast
helped with the house. Then
did some ironing. There
was a terribly big wash which Grace and Aunt Bella did when we were
away. After lunch I did
some more ironing - read for awhile & then helped to rearrange the
rooms & polished the piano. Auntie had a telegram from Ber saying he & Aunt Maggie
were on their way. They
rang us up from Dunedin tonight.
After tea I tried over some music, then we had supper & I
am now on my way to bed. Dowl
& Phil left on horseback for Waikaia this afternoon.
Phil is going to try his luck at the sports there.
He is a good runner.
Goodbye to the old year
Bright hope for the New etc |