January

New Years Day

( From here taken from written up diary.)

        Extremely hot.  As the motor car was out of order & owing to colds we did not go to Mass.  Mac & Frank went in the gig & arrived home with Con & Walter Hailes to lunch.  Afterwards Con went to Josephville for medicine for Pa, while Walter took our gig back to Balfour to meet Bern­ard & Aunt Maggie.  They both looked fine.  Walter chaffed Grace no end, re her meeting with Ber.  " The smack could be heard for miles etc".  Get the blush- It was great fun to see them & Girlie & I enjoyed it immensely.  We had fun in the loft too, & talk on the lawn, till Grace gave us peremptory orders for bed.  Then we had a "jelly" supper on the steps.  She & Ber stayed up for hours of course.  Ahem!!!! Con did not come home for hrs.& of course was chaffed by Aunt Bella. he did not seem to mind either.  "Looks serious".  They are nice fellows, and spoke up more than usual.  Fun seems to be in the air.  Old Mary caught the drift & teased the life out of me in consequence.  I retaliated by giving her a dose of "Darby." Then we had a heated argument about the ducks and ended up by braining each other.  Thus ended a "perfect day."

Sunday 2

        Car still in a helpless condition so we were unable to go to Mass.  I said a double dose of Mass prayers instead, one with the crowd and one with poor Pa, whose cold was terrible.  Aunt Bella got the Doc. up who prescribed a simply wonderful medicine; it did him no end of good.  Phil & Dowl arrived from Waikaia late in the afternoon.  They did well, Phil getting a gold medal & £5 also 5/- for engraving while Dowl got £4.  After a rest they both went down & milked;- (they have their use ) ­Grace & Ber went for a long walk ( hot water can in hand) & arrived home late for tea- Talk of blushes- That doesn't commence to describe it. Ber had to play up to old Mary to get some tea.  Then Dowl came in & old Mary told him he was no good for a priest: "Liked the girls too much." So he came back and told her she was the " vun & only", to paci­fy her.  After tea owing to an accusation about his blessed book, we had a row, so Girlie & I sailed away down the old road as far as Church's & home through the paddocks by the cow shed.  After various other wanderings including a trip to the loft, we were called to prayers by 'the objectional'.  We tried some fun in the dairy but were rudely disturbed by Phil, wanting a jug of milk.  We escaped to the bathroom but were ­found out, got a cup of water and one of the " best set" over us (not to speak of tooth paste) retaliated with Jeyes fluid, & retired in haste to bed.

Monday 3

        An absolutely stifling day- 85° in the shade.  After helping with the house, I started a letter to Bernie but the lunch bell rang so I finished it afterwards, also one to Ame.  Then we went down to the cook­house to see if Pat Green ( the grocer) had come.  Owing to the sports at Riversdale, he was not expected till tomorrow.  I saw old Dan for the first time. he is helping Nat. now.  They are great old chaps.  Then Girlie & I came back & had some (capering) "high-jink" in the loft, also the gard­en. After that I went with Dowl to the milking.  Then tea appeared & af­ter that we greatly assisted Frank with the separating & calf-feeding.  We talked during prayer time & afterwards looked at Bernard 's in­teresting P.C's of all he saw in France & England.  He told us the his­tory in grand style, Then we had a good mix up supper though not what we intended owing to several 'obstacles' and at last answered the repeat­ed calls to bed, As everyone, except one 'obstacle', was supposed to be in bed & asleep hrs. before we had to creep in quiet as "church mice".‑ 'No go.'

  Tuesday 4

        Horrible weather, showers etc. The boys came back from Riversdale sports over‑night.  They drove home in pouring rain.  Luck was against them on the field this time.  After the work was done I wrote some diary then had to play for Bernard until dinner time.  Frank also played the fiddle.  After dinner Girlie & I took our books & went up in the loft to read.  We did not take a watch; forgetful of the way the doors fastened we soon found ourselves locked in.  A horse was put in the stall so that blocked our descent by the ladder.  How ever by about six o'clock Mac & the boys D & P, came up for seed, so we were rescued.  They had fixed the car that afternoon, so that had kept them round about the house.  Dowl immediately wanted to inflict an unjust punishment for the "Jeyes fluid act,"and though Girlie managed to escape it took some violent action on my part before I could follow.  We "rearranged" ourselves hastily, but nevertheless had our tea in the kitchen.  When wash up was over we read our books on the front verandah till prayer time, after which we began again in the drawing room, but were astonished to find ourselves packed off for supper & bed at 20 min. past eight‑ Times are changing‑ I read on till Aunt Maggie came, then had to wait for the rest till morning.

Wednesday 5

        A beautiful day.  After breakfast on sudden impulse and as I had gallant Frank to saddle him for me, I went for a good ride on  "Roney" down the Balfour road.  He was not a bad horse and the air was beautifully fresh to ride in.  The country about looked fine.  Everywhere crops are to be seen in all stages of growth.  I met one man working a roller & another on a load of grain or chaff.  They both said good morning to me in the most respectful manner.  When I came home I helped with the work, & then put the clothes out for mother.  In the meantime old Dan came up from the cookhouse wished Pa & Ber the compliments of the season, then came to Mother in the wash house, introduced himself & made a great speech He also shook hands with me.  He is a great old fellow, but a 'bit on'.  After lunch Pa & I went for a long walk over the ram hill.  Pa was very knocked out with the cold but the fresh air did him good.  We observed many things including spear grass, ( good for trumpets when it's dry.) New Z. barley grass, and horowan or some such plant, ( splendid for colds).  We saw teams working in many directions, including Mac's & Phil's We also saw a train pass Josephville on its way to Inv.  After tea G & I went into the loft, from which we managed to escape with our lives.  We said prayers, then had a jolly whip cream supper in the dairy, broke a jam dish, & "skedaddled" off to bed.

  Thursday  6

        Phil went into Balfour to get a load of manure & brought (it) to the field.  He & Mac are sowing turnips; We bustled through our work & then looked up all our bridesmaids attire for the "great day".  In the after­noon we took our books, & a coat and went down to the trees near the spring intending to read there and found that our claim had been jumped.  We ran into the arms of the happy couple sitting in the shade, and al­though they answered us it was alright, we turned and positively fled up the path.  Then came the search for a new retreat.  At last we went up on a little hill, back of the cow shed, and sat down in the shade of some scraggly trees.  The spot was rather hard, but we got so wrapped up in our books, that we forgot to come home for tea even.  One would think we had been 'the couple'.  However we returned through lovers‑grove despite the happenings earlier in the day.  After tea we spent our time as usual planning supper.  We had prayers fairly early as Papa's & Mother's colds were still far from well, and when G & I had satisfied ourselves in amusement as well as ‑‑‑‑‑‑ we decided to toddle off to bed too.

Friday  7

        Bernard & Dowl went away to Gore by the early train which leaves Bal­four at 8.10 a.m. It was rather a nice day although a bit hot.  We hur­ried through our work & after lunch went into the garden to pick goose­berries, but strange to say, more were eaten than picked I am afraid. indeed we had serious thoughts on the subject of gastritis, as the main of them were about a quarter ripe, that is, if you were lucky enough to pick the best.  We also had a taste of every thing else there, from cherries ( bitter little beggars) round to the red currant trees on this side of the garden so were feeling just up to it, when we did manage to tear ourselves away.  To our astonishment we found that Dowl & Ber. were back; they had come by one of the earliest trains, Dowl with a new hair cut etc. just It.  Like a boob I had left my diary ( where I had been writing some down) on the dining room table, so that by the time we reached the house, the entire population were being gently informed of its contents, beginning with Frank who was feeding the calves at that moment.  Eventually I rescued it.  As Ber & Grace had a journey before them on the morrow, everyone went to bed early.

Saturday

        Bernard & Grace went to Invercargill to get all the Wedding things.  Ber's wedding gift to her was a beautiful £14‑10 gold expansion band wristlet watch on which her monogram is to be engraved, while she presented him with a handsome gold mounted Onoto Fountain Pen, with his init­ials engraved.  They also bought the ring & presents for us.  When they were gone we did the usual work, then G & I washed out our room, Mother's room, the Hall, & our side verandah.  We had some great sport doing it.  We oiled our old sofa too & made it look like new.  In the afternoon Frank went into Balfour and returned with Pa's wedding suit, from the Invercar­gill Tailor.  Ber & Grace got home very late that evening.  We were having a little rest after our "labours", but were disturbed for a mysterious reason.  When we reached the dining room we found that it was to see the nice things.  They were beautiful, but nothing gave us such a thrill as the sight of the wedding ring.  It brought the day up close with a jerk.  Phil tried a trick of age telling with it & a hair but owing to wrong tumblers it would not work.  As all were tired we said prayers & hurried into bed.

SUNDAY   9

        It was a lovely day.  Frank & Walter went to Mass in Lumsden while the other boys went to Balfour.  We did not go as there was a lot of sickness in the house, & the car was not in proper working order.  After Mass Wal­ter & Con came to dinner and stayed for the rest of the day as usual.  All the boys with Mac, took the gig & car & went down the road to the New River where they had a dip.  They did not come home until tea time.  G & I took our books and went down the bottom of the garden.  We read till we were tired then I fell asleep & had a nightmare.  When we woke we were late for tea & Con was calling us from the side verandah.  There was no time to tidy so we had to hurry in just as we were.  I felt very sleepy as we were doing the dishes.  Grace was quite over her cold & Pa's was im­proving so we were not afraid of making a bit of noise.  The boys found each others society particularly entertaining, so G & I were free to amuse ourselves as we pleased.  By the time we were thoroughly tired prayers were called, so we were not very sorry to find that rest was near.

  Monday  10

        Ber, Grace, Mother, Papa & I went to Lumsden in the car, Ber driving, We met Father O'Neil at the hotel. he was going up that day to give Five Rivers Mass.  Ber got his marriage certificate and gave it to him in readiness for Wednesday.  They arranged with him the time on which Mass was to be said that day.  Then Grace made all her arrangements with Mrs Crosbie, the Hotel keeper, re the wedding breakfast.  Mrs Crosbie told me that she would get some flowers & that we were to put out extra vases between wedding time & Mass.  After that we went up to the church & I tried the organ for the beginning & wedding March.  When coming up we forgot to bring flowers from cousin Polly's but decided to do so on the wedding morning.  In the meantime Papa had a good talk with the Doc. who told him he had a touch of "Flu".  The drive in the sun did Papa no end of good.  As the car had not been working too well lately Aunt Bella had sent for a man from Invercargill to fix it, and it was for him that we hurried back; but he did not come till evening & could do noth­ing till the following morning.

  Tuesday  11

        Bustle & excitement.  Every body going "eyes‑out" getting ready for the Wedding.  It was a fearfully hot day 89° in the shade. Aunt Bella hired a car to help carry in the loads from here on the day and also to take the couple away afterwards.  Grace finished packing all her clothes & also her trunk for Queenstown.  Mother finished off our dresses( she made Girlie's) and aunt Maggie trimmed the sashes and helped with the hats.  In the afternoon we all dressed up in festive kit, G & I in ours & Aunt Bella, Aunt Maggie & Mother in theirs.  Then the prospective bride appeared, looking charming, in her bridal attire, despite the fact that every little detail had not received the particular attention, which it was to receive on "the day".  When we had returned to normal, & deposit­ed our rubbish on a chair in readiness for a hurried dressing in the morning G & I set the table for tea, while the ladies had a little, much needed, rest.  After tea we had prayers at an unusually early hour to let everybody toddle to bed to sleep off the "first excitement, & be ready for the commonplace occurrence of a wedding of note".

= The Momentous Occasion =

Wednesday    12

        We got up at ½ past five ‑ dressed completely, except for our hair.  Had a hasty breakfast then Phil, Ber, Grace, Aunt Maggie, Girlie, & I drove over in the car to Lumsden.  Dowl tied the customary "old boot" to the back of car & it caused great fun, & many second glances, especially in Lumsden.  We arrived about 10 to 8. Ber.  Grace, Aunt Maggie & Frank ( who rode) went to H.Com. & Mass, while we did our hair at Crosbie's.  After Mass we went to the church to put extra flowers on, while Grace changed & they had breakfast.  Then Polly & Felix Hailes turned up in good form, & soon after all the family party arrived, also Mrs MacDougall & two friends.  Then Ber turned up and after some waiting, Grace came flying along with Pa.  He gave her away.  I played a march then Girlie & I went up & took our places beside her.  She looked splendid.  The cere­mony was soon over and after I had signed, Girlie & I went down so that I could play the march, but Father O'Neil called me back to walk with Phil behind the bride.  "G" did not come but joined us at the door.  Amid showers of confetti we drove down to the Hotel.  Had a grand Wedding Breakfast, with 'three tier' cake.  The usual toasts were proposed & Pa, Ber, Father, Walter, Dowl, Phil & Con made speeches.  Afterwards Grace changed to Navy Costume white furs etc, and looked lovely.  They drove away to Garston by motor to catch the train there for Kingston & the "Lake", an old boot & kerosine tin tied behind.  We drove home had lunch and lay‑down till tea time.  We slept in Auntie Grace's room that night & had ripping fun, especially with the nuts etc.

Thursday 13

        After hurrying through the work, we found that it was time to set the table.  When we got the meal & dish washing off our minds, we went up to the loft and barricaded both entrances.  Then settled down to read our books and forgot all about 'time'.  We were disturbed( Girlie from a sound slumber & me from the 'most interesting part') by the sound of the bell.  Breathlessly we scrambled down, only to find that the bottom door had been closed from the outside.  I had to put my arm up between the wire netting to get at it.  However we did at last reach the dining room, although in a dishevelled condition.  After tea & the usual "dish washing", we whipped some cream, had an awfully funny accident with it but arrived with half together with the other necess­aries.  Then we went down in the garden, had some strawberries & cherries ( aw!! half ripe) and bumped into "it".  We soon departed to the trees by the spring to continue our books, but were followed by "it".  We had a brisk argument ending in "its" defeat.  After prayers we retired for the supper etc, etc, etc.  In the middle of it all Phil ( who with Frank & Mac, had been over to Glenmure buying a dog) came home and knock­ed us up at our window.  There was a " halli‑ba‑loo". According to Mac we were to hear more of it.

        No after effects however.  We are still going strong.

Friday   14

Our trip to Lake Manipouri & Te Anau.

At last we got up, after repeated knockings on our window, wall & door, but before we were ready to appear for breakfast the grand news was an­nounced viz., that we were to leave for the Lakes, ( Te Anau & Manapouri) at 10 o'clock, but it was nearer 11 before we departed.  We had a great old rush for the work, then sandwich packing etc, not to speak of getting ready.  It was an ideal day & we had a glorious run up to Lumsden.  There we visited the garage, got our tyres pumped, & a fresh supply of benzine and I changed to the front seat.  After leaving there we almost immediate­ly came to the dangerous part & crossed the railway bridge.  We sailed past Castle Rock & through a lot of tussock country, passing another station called Murray Creek.  We stopped at Mossburn to have lunch & take a fresh supply of water.  We had a walk round the sleepy little place & saw some old " identities".  It is there that the railway terminates.  Af­ter about half an hours rest we resumed our Journey.  The road was very pretty for awhile as we skirted the New River by a long narrow bridge.  After that it got steadily worse, in places resembling a very rough switch‑ back.  We crossed several gravelly creeks en route, and descend­ed the hill( where the dreadful accident occurred) passed "Burwood" & on to the "Key of the Lakes", a small old fashioned half way house set in trees, from which place we asked directions.  Soon we branched off on the road to Te Anau ( the other Road goes to Manipouri) and crossed the big swift Maroroa R. Road steadily worse, had good view of "Takitimos" snow swept.  Wilderness.  Old river bed.  Pulled ti tree.  Came to Lynnwood Blatches? Many gates road in farm.  Saw Mt. Earnslaw.  Milford Sd track, Sailed into Te Anau . Put up; went for a row; had tea.  Walked to a point good view of Lake & Mts.

Saturday  15

                From Te Anau via Manipouri home.

        Morning tea arrived at the annexes & after we had partaken we three talked for awhile, then G & I,,had a fight over bed clothes, etc, till mother arrived ended that & made us dress in a hurry. After breakfast as we intended to stay all day, G & I strolled down on the beach & climbed on a nice oil lunch there. Next thing Phil came down to say (to our astonishment & disappointment) that Aunt Bella had decided to re­turn home via Manapouri immediately, on account of threatening clouds.  Before we hardly realised it, we were looking back at sleepy little Te Anau on the bank of that beautiful lake, for the last time.  We turned off on Manapouri Rd. ( which is in a shocking condition,) & had some exceedingly slow rough travel through very poor country, although the majestic Mts in the distance made up for the bareness of the hills around us.  It rained for awhile but luckily cleared before we reached the Lake.  As we neared the Cathedral Peaks, which we had admired from afar for some time we found that they surrounded beautiful Manipouri, the scenery of which far surpasses Te Anau.  It is enough to make an artist rave.  We stopped at the Accom. House there & took a snap.  We wandered about, played the organ etc. till lunch was ready; had a peep at the pretty scenic reserve, then reluctantly climbed into the car & took the road for home.  This road was decidedly better ( though bad) but it was raining hard & freezing.  We crossed the Whitestone River, then were back in the old road again.  We passed several cars, but cross­ing the Railway Bridge had a mishap.  The car spun round, almost capsiz­ing, & stopped in the centre of the rails.  Mother was sick so she & Aunt Bella got out.  Phil turned us round again & followed till they were ready to get in.  At Lumsden we stopped for bread & meat, then sail­ed home( to the surprise of everyone) for tea.

     Dowl had just returned in the gig from Balfour.  After tea as all were tired we went to bed early.

Sunday    16

        Aunt Maggie called us, as the car was going in, to tell us there was room, so we, with herself, Mac, & the boys went to Mass.  Afterwards as we had to wait for him.  Dowl took us round past the cemetery to see Uncle Walter's tombstone, then down the road a bit, much to the "little fel­lows" annoyance, as he thought he had turned the car off.  His conceited little self was fairly bursting with temper.  He drove home at a rattling pace, ( great fun) but bad on the car & our hats, as we hit the roof of the hood.  Girlie's hat was practically ruined.  Con & Walter did not come to dinner as usual but turned up for tea.  We lay down for awhile in the afternoon, then got ourselves & the table ready for tea.  Mac & the boys played cards.  He had cooled.  After tea we had some music & fun.  Then went to prayers, including a lesson by Phil.  Afterwards we got the supper for the men, then had our own, (     ?) When( as we thought) all had gone we slipped out to the kitchen in our nighties to get some milk, but we were "nicked".  There was a scatter.  Then we had some sport resurrecting walnuts from a tin etc.  No wonder Girlie had a nightmare about railway lines.  She greatly amused me by suddenly sit­ting up and staring at the dressing table, expecting a train to go past.  We mustn't have those 'suppers' again in a hurry.  Bad for the nerves.  So is sitting up late watching the moon etc.  Ahem!!!! Ten o'clock is the time,not two......

                Monday    17

        Old Mary threw a bucket of cold water over G & I, while we were sleeping, wetting our nighties & sheets etc.  In no amiable frame of mind we rose.  We vowed vengeance & got quits with her in several ways before the day was out.  Mother & Aunt Maggie washed while we did the house and spring cleaned our room( formerly Aunt Grace's) After lunch as everything was through, G & I, went up in the loft to read, but some how could not do so comfortably on account of "obstacles"( Give? over) So we settled down to fun throwing chaff ( over each ), & hav­ing an occasional ( struggle) between the continuous prance till eventually our books disappeared down the chaff chute.  Then Aunt Bella called us to afternoon tea.  Pat Green the grocer came just before that & he was supposed to have left the paper but Auntie could not find it anywhere.  Afterwards we found that old Mary had put it on Mac's bed to be afterwards transferred to her room for her special benefit. ( A great old girl she is).  After tea we amused ourselves at the piano till teased too much, then went to early prayers in Aunt Maggie's room.  Afterwards G & I read till the light of day " failed", then she went to bed and snored while I stuck to mine till nearly eleven.  " Lights out".

Tuesday    18

        We did the rooms while the ironing was going on apace.  Just before lunch I started to wash some dresses but as dinner was ready sooner than I expected I was obliged to leave the rest till afterwards.  G & I got a cup of cold and hot water over "it", so as I was finishing my wash­ing in the wash‑house, I was not surprised to feel the effects of a saucepan full not only over me but deliberately down my neck.  Beautifully cool. Girlie got a broken finger, for which she swore violently.  After the washing operations ( under the cool conditions) were successfully over I wrote some diary, while Girlie ( now calmed down on the finger subject) read placidly on the bed beside me.  Tea bell rang all too soon, so trotting in & out became all the go.  When work came to an end we had play in the shape of some very delightful music before prayers.  In the meantime the boys had been in & taken our pie dish of black‑currants & eaten them.  Fun of it was we had our own plate & pie‑crust, with de­licious cream.  We had only taken the pie dish out of old Mary's way to appease her anger.  No wonder the three faces were as long as a fiddle when they saw the "have".  Aunt Bella enjoyed it no end.

        We drank all Dowl's milk into the bargain.

Wednesday  19

        We got through the work as soon as possible then went to work on the clothes but were unable to do much owing to a fit on old Mary's part, resulting in cold irons.  In the afternoon as we couldn't do any more, I wrote up some more diary.  Mac went to Lumsden to get some rabbit poi­son.  Phil went too & when they came home, they with Dowl, went out to poison for the rest of the day: but the rabbits are going strong‑ 1100 to the 1000.  They are a terrible pest.  Dowl caught one & brought him in for a pet the other day. he was a dear little thing but we had to turn him out again.  After tea we read our respective books for awhile then had early prayers as poor Aunt Bella is anything but well and was very tired.  We all talked for a bit.  Phil told us about the accident to his dog etc. and called him up to show us his leg.  It was a ghastly rip, the poor dog looked mournful.  Before we got into bed Aunt Bella came along & told us Grace & Ber would be home on Friday.  We will have to leave "our" room now. ( Boo‑hoo).  We had a good supper ( cake & milk ) & after talk ( more or less ) settled down to sleep.  Mother brought me in a letter from Bernie.

  Thursday  20

        Rather a miserable day break & "autumn‑y‑fied".  Mac & Phil had an ear­ly breakfast & took their lunch.  After breakfast we turned out every room, and did " strokes" everywhere. ½‑cedared all the furniture etc, and made everything look fine.  After lunch we had a little rest, then I did some ironing.  Again the irons took a fit although Mary was more reason­able.  I soaked the scorch in lemon & tartaric acid but it did no good.  I will have another go at it.  Dowl was not well today.  He did not have any breakfast.  He has a boyle(sic) on his neck which gives him no peace.  Aunt Bella gave him some very good stuff for it, but he would not allow her to do it for him.  Aunt Maggie was not too well today.  I think she has this cold.  Papa & Mother are getting better.  Mother and I went for a long walk to the end of the private road before tea.  She told me "Go? as by fire".  After tea Girlie & I lay down for awhile, but I felt something move under me.  It turned out to be a baby rabbit & we found two more on the floor.  Papa killed them.  Frank put the phone on before tea.  Papa en­joyed "the German".  We had a delightful, jelly and cream supper.  The last we will have in our room for sometime.

    Friday  21

        Aunt Bella got a wire from Grace ( otherwise Mrs Ward ) to say that they were not coming back that afternoon, but to expect them next day, so although we had changed rooms etc, we again made hers up for Girlie & I. Then we did some ironing before & finished up after lunch.  Then G & I went for a very long walk, over ( or rather along the side) of the ram hills to Seniors, across two of his paddocks to the road, & down past Uncle Felix's to the New River.  On the hill side met a rabbiter ( about 16 ‑ sandy, etc).  He walked part of the way back with us as he was going back to Lumsden where he lived.  He told us his bag was 42.  Coming back from the River we met Uncle Felix, who was going down the line for his milk.  He told us that Aunt Polly was not too good and had never properly got over the fainting fits she had on the Wedding day.  Uncle Felix does not look as well as he was either.  Poor old pair: they are breaking up.  He wanted us to come in but as time was short we had to turn our heads for home & plod steadily.  It was a six to 7 mile tramp.  When we arrived tea was over so we had the table to ourselves.  After tea we had a read, then to bed, with a jelly & whipped  cream  supper,  and a nice sleep ( not to speak of dreams ) in Grace's lovely soft bed‑ this time        for the last time'.

Saturday  22

        G & I left our downy couch early and after  the  breakfast  was  off our hands, we changed Graces room to Bella's so that the couple would have the big room in which to stretch their legs.  Aunt Bella was not too well at all; the excitement was proving too much for her.  Mac took the cars out but returned in time for dinner.  He took ill in the afternoon ( a slight sunstroke) so Phil had to take the car to meet them in Josephville.  Dowl went with him as Aunt Bella said he could drive back.  Grace rang up from Balfour and said they would come along to Josephville by the 4 train.  They arrived about 5, after a grand holiday at the lakes.  Bernard showed me some snaps and told me all about it.  The boys here together with the Hailes & Dan, were going to tinkettle, but Aunt Bella had a fainting bout, and was terribly bad, so when the Hailes arrived, they were just entertained quietly.  They, we found out, had not intended to make a noise, but simply on their return from Josephville to call in & Welcome Ber & Grace back.  After prayers I made some Arrowroot for Pa & Aunt Bella and then when the other supper was over we hurried off to bed, a thing the boys could not be induced to do.  Such is the effect of tin­kettling with a demijohn in the back room.

   Sunday   23

        Poor Aunt Bella was very bad, had no sleep all night.  We sent for the Lumsden doctor, but he could not come till he had done several rounds in Lumsden.  He said that Aunt Bella wanted rest‑ no end of it‑perfectly free from the slightest worry, and good nourishing food, but did not ad­vocate an operation.  Mac was also bad when he came so he had a look at him & gave him some medicine. Dan also came up to see about his leg, & Dowl had to have an abscess lanced on his neck, so we had enough patients but poor Aunt Bella is only very slowly improving.  As the car was going to Lumsden for Mass, Papa, Ber, Mother, Phil, Girlie & I went in it ' We got there early & had to wait ages as the time for Mass was changed from 11 to ½ past.  Father Monaghan was as weary as we were.  When the elder members had gone into church, Phil, G & I went for a joy ride, at a "hummer" pace.  Glorious.  After  Mass we got the bread etc. from Crosbie' then drove home.  Dowl & Frank rode to Balfour to Mass.  In the afternoon I wrote up some diary & read a good deal and when tea was over we had prayers early so that G & all could go to bed without disturbing Aunt Bella.  The boys were not present but came in just as we were finishing, then we left them talking to Papa & Ber, until supper was over and it was time for the Hailes boys to leave.  I read on our side verandah 'till the light gave out.

Monday   24

        Aunt Bella was a little better, but still weak.  The others were im­proved.  It was an oppressively hot day, with a feeling of rain about.  In the morning we hurried through the work but as old Mary in a tantrum made us leave her kitchen it saved us dish washing.  In the morning we had been endeavouring to get a dose of "Lanes", belonging to Dowl, but Mary, in a furious twist she gets that way now & again ‑ let us have the contents of a bowl containing sugar & water; she ruined my dress, & fix­ed G's too.  In the afternoon I finished a book by C.N. & A.M. Williamson, entitled 'The Car of Destiny'.  A Spanish yarn.  After tea as there was no noise allowed I was just settling down to another production when Phil came in, to say that there was a bonny picture on in Balfour.  I ran along & asked permission & in a few secs. all was settled.  We got out the car, & Phil drove Ber, Dowl, Frank, G & I. We had to wait some time before the show started, & I tootled away on the 'old Piano'.  It was not so bad; the picture was called the Flagship & the hero was bonny.  All dimples & eyes.  It was followed by a particularly idiotic comic.  It was somewhere between ten & eleven when we came back, and as all were abed we had to creep in quiet as church mice.  Next morning in consequence we failed to appear until old Mary's "gong" sounded!

Tuesday  25

        Owing to the late night we were all inclined to stick to bed.  However old Mary got so angry at breakfast being kept behind that we had to a­rise in a hurry in the end.  After breakfast we rushed through work as usual so as to have the afternoon for amusing ourselves.  Aunt Bella got up but was far from well.  She has had a very big shake, and intends go­ing to the Bluff as soon as she feels equal to the journey.  Papa and Ber looked through all accounts in connection with the trustees work.  They intend going to Gore tomorrow.  The day has been very fine with no thought of rain.  Mac was better so got up & dressed.  He was still feel­ing weak and queer, but hoped to be about in a day or two.  Phil is still working eyes out at the cultivation work etc.  Under Mac's rule he is im­proving in muscle , and knowledge.  Dowl is cowboy and odd job doer yet.  Girlie and I are helps in the morning and read or plan our suppers in the afternoon.

Wednesday   26

        Papa, Bernard and Frank went to Gore this morning.  They got up fright­fully early to catch the morning train, as they wanted to get everything through and return tonight.  Papa & Ber intended interviewing Poppelwell & Gray, but Pop. took so much time, that Gray's office was closed ( half day.) Frank went to get a new suit and other things for school.  Aunt ­Bella and mother went down to the Bluff today.  Dowl Girlie & I went to Josephville in the car to see then off.  Aunt Polly came out, and no sooner had heard of Aunties illness, that she started on hers.  Poor old thing She is really funny.  Girlie & I had great fun on the tarpaulin of a truck there.  Then the train came along.  It looked funny ‑ like a travelling box, sailing through the open country.  We waved them out of sight through the gorge.  Then we went to Lumsden.  I read, till the book was rescu­ed. We drove through Lumsden & crossed and recrossed the Mossburn Bridge.  I rescued pamphlet & threw it away.  We went round the back of hills to Balfour.  Had a walk round the roads, asked directions, went down side roads, at last hit the trail for Balfour.  Waited for the mail then drove home.  It was unseasonably windy.

  Thursday  27

        The night was very rough just as yesterday had been.  Towards morning we had a heavy shower with wild wind, but the day cleared up fine and calm, so the rain will no do end of good in the district.  It has blown so continuously that the wind was looked upon as a natural everyday occur­rence at last.  Mac said in a witty mood, "It has blown everything off the plains except the mortgages." Funny wasn't it? The land valuer turn­ed up & valued most of the unsold part of Chartlea.  He turned out to be Balton's brother who used to work with Uncle Charlie, at Merrivale, and knew Papa very well, at the Cattle Flat.  We wired to know if Mr. Anghie McLeod would be at Glenlappa tomorrow, as Papa & Ber wanted to see him re business.  He answered this afternoon saying he would be there to meet us. He is a very nice fellow and by accounts is a capital manager.

    Friday  28

        Papa & Ber decided to go over to Glenlappa so I had to bustle to get ready.  I forgot where my camera was & went to the motor in despair.  Then Ber said Grace had a Plate camera so went back to have it loaded.  In the meantime I went back for another look and found mine in Grace's room.  After sometime he returned with his, though he did not exactly under­stand it.  We left Chartlea about nine; Ber posted some parcels & arranged about his boots in Balfour, then we drove straight out to the Station.  Papa showed me where Mrs Dillon was living, also the place where old Jack Kewan murdered the ex bailiff Stewart.  We had a good view of the great Waikaia Plains & saw the old homestead.  After coming down the cutting Pa showed me the old road leading down past Ardlussa ( which we saw) to old Cattle Flat.  We of course took the other road to Glenlappa.  We passed up through the big " natural valley" road & eventually came to the stat­ion . McLeod was not home but came back from Gore about three.  Cook gave us lunch then we went for a walk.  It is rather a nice place, overlooking the splendid flats.  We saw Cattle flat house & farm, also old "By golly" Sweetman's house.  Papa pointed out the spot where Fan & Jack left the sheep & got a whacking ( the first & only ) for their carelessness.  Saw willows Papa put in to change river course.  Took two snaps.  Ber took two but lens open all the time; plates spoilt.  I took one of Glen."Steadings" from distance.  Ber gave good catch when walking home.  Napoleon & one armed soldier.  Waited at house; took one view close including Chartlea car.  Mc Leod came ½ past 3. His car is an Overland.  Nice people, Mrs very tall, looks very delicate.  Mr walked out with Ber & Papa.  Frank & I strolled round, had look at stables, woolshed etc.  Had afternoon tea.  Men finished business in front room.  Frank & I sat in car read Tablet etc. played with parrot.  Then we had tea & made tracks. Reached Balfour about seven.  Got mail, boots, bread & benzine.  Then home. bitterly cold & raining.  Got things ready for Queenstown.  Then said prayers & to bed.

Saturday   29

        I got up early as we thought of going by the 10 train, but after break­fast changed our minds & decided(to go) up (by) the 2.10 train, so I had plenty of time to put my things together.  We had an early lunch Phil drove us to the station.  I had my first glimpse of the murderer there.  Both the down & up trains were late & we did not leave Balfour till about 20 to 3. We had a bad engine & crawled past St Patrick's & Lintley to Lumsden, where we had a long wait.  Then we continued to crawl, We had a good view, of the Dome, saw Five Rivers Estate Homestead, the Dome Run Homestead, also private sheds belonging to Five Rivers, at the F.R. railway station formerly built & owned by Ellis Bros when F.R. was a complete run.  We passed the Eyre Peak station & crossed Eyre creek, Papa pointed out the Glencoight Run., owned by Rogers, just before coming to Athol.  We had a downhill run after leaving Eyre Peaks, & managed to get past walking pace ' After Athol we crossed the Mataura then on to Nokomai where the Camerons live.  After that Garston where Ber & Grace got on, on the wedding day.  There is a new Hotel etc.  Then we came to Fairlight & saw the Fairlight Run.  Afterward we crossed the Mataura again & came on to Kingston & from there to the wharf.  Most of the count­ry around was rocky & mountainous but with good tablelands.  The T.S.S. Earnslaw, N.Z.R. was alongside.  We left the wharf about ¼ past 6. It was misty & rainy, with snow on all the peaks, but we could not see much.  The boat pitched a little.  Called at 2 places.  We had tea on board & reached Queenstown about ½ past 8. We wired for rooms at Eichardts Hotel No 36 & 31. We went down the street bought some matches & found out that Mass was at ½ past 8 next morning. had,a few minutes warming then went to bed.

Sunday    30

        I got up early before called by Papa at 7.  We had breakfast then went to Mass 8.30. We strolled up to  cemetery, &  had  goose‑berries  &  fushia berries.  Then had a look at the tombs.  One in particular "God rest Jimmy Hogan & Johnny McCarron" We walked round beautiful roads & streets & had good view of lake but Mts covered by  drift.  Picture of rain.  We  missed  the Rapids as we did not know when the boats were leaving. ( Departure 10 a.m. Arrival 12.30 P.M.) We walked home along the beach. ( Had dinner).  ( Tough fowl etc.) Afterwards went for a stroll through the gardens which were extremely pretty.  We saw the Rotunda, Fountain, Bowling green & Bandstand, scotts monument etc.  I got four snaps of the Lake & Remarkables from the gardens, which are extremely pretty.  We went for a stroll along the road round the arm of the lake on the way to Kawarau Falls, & had a view of Frankton & Crown Terrace in the distance.  We came home round by the Church, Ben Lomen still in fog.  Had tea ( ham in hiding) then went to Benediction.  Unusual performance.  Priest said one decade, people the next; & the choir sang the "Blessed be God etc".  We came home, found out at the motor office what time boat was leaving for the "Head" also time of breakfast at the Hotel, then strolled round by the wharf, home to bed.

MONDAY  31

        We got up at 6 & had breakfast at ½ past 7.  Hurried to boat at 8. Left 10 min past.  Fair day.  Boat pitched a bit going across entrance.  Most of the hills were in fog but where seen, looked rugged.  We passed the "five mile" diggings, then came to "Closeburn" Cameron's place where Grace & Bella were, We saw several other nice stations as we sailed along, and presently passed the "twelve mile" gorge where Papa carried sheets of iron for camp roof in digging times.  After that "Bob's Cove", then McKenzies Station, Mt. Rika or some such name.  We had a good talk to Capt.  Robinson just as we were passing into the Earnslaw reach of the Lake.  Had a fair view of the beautiful Mt.  Got two snaps of him.  Others taking views too.  Beautiful bold hills all round.  Called at Elfin Bay & put off some people for a picnic there.  Then on to Glenorchy at the extreme head. off there, on to coach & four, for Paradise.  Started at once; about the first coach.  Cars M.busses & coaches behind; one or two ahead.  "Hope" type as driver of ours.  Had good view of the great rivers Dart & Reece, also both valleys.  Crossed the Reece & its branch­es, axle deep in one place.  Road very pretty right round the "cone hill".  Good plantation.  Saw shee-light mine & power wheel.  Further on came to gorgeous bush heard first mocking bird.  Went through heavens Gate, past Peter's tomb & the bridal veil, to Paradise.  Rock faces perpendicular for over a hundred ft. Passed what used to be " Arabia" to present accom. house.  Cars been there an hr. said, 'Where have you been all this time." Had lunch (beautiful lamb etc.) Went for a walk.  Eat first red berries.  Took three views from hills.  Walked home through superb bush.  Went down nearly to lake.  Pa waited on top.  Came back & took view from accom. house site.  Bus left 7 to 3. Car behind could not pass so said, " How far hearse ahead?"etc.  Great rivalry.  Had race with other busses.  Near Glenorchy stopped to let lady off for a minute.  Got in ½ past 4. Left 5/5.  One man left on board . Think he got off Elfin Bay.  Mt. Earnslaw covered.  Had tea while at Elfin Bay.  Slow trip first reach, fast second.  Paddle boat from Kingston.  Pitched heavily up to beacon.  Reached Queenstown about 20 to 8. Took snap on boat at wharf.  Then went to shop bought good snaps.  Sent telegram.  Bought more snaps coming back . Home to bed.