John Murray's Diary 1914-1918: Australia in the Great War

Murray

John Murray’s Diary Part 1

Letter to Gordon March 1914

Mr. Gordon S. Murray

Solomon Islands Development Company Ltd.

C/- Burn Philp

Port Moresby, Australian New Guinea

March 27, 1914

Dear Gordon,

I take great pleasure in providing ‘Happenings at Home #9, December 1913 – March 1914’.

My dear brother, it has been some months since my last journal and I fear I may leave off news of all that has happened in this part of your absence. More so, I missed opportunity to meet the departure from Sydney of the steamer Malaita so will need to hold this volume till she returns from her passage to the islands which will be some months away.

Events at home are for the most favourable and my tardiness in compiling the news driven mainly by my hours at Bravely & Sons and my Citizen Forces duties with the lads of the 21st Infantry. There was no word from you with Malaita so I can only assume and hope you are well and surviving the wilds of the islands and trade is good. I find it hard to believe that it is now 18 months since you were at home.

On my personal endeavours, my wanting to become a journalist with the Sydney Morning Herald has not eased but Mr Manning who seems to control all editorial jobs at the paper says persistence is the first mark of a newspaperman. I applied again in January. I think he takes some joy in refusing me but I should continue to apply at each intake. I cannot understand why I should be made to wait; I feel my writing exceeds the abilities of many at the paper. Whilst journalism is my desire, Mr Manning pays considerable attention to my illustrations and says maturity of years only enhances the artist’s view. I would consider the life of an illustrator if that were my door to the newsroom. Nonetheless, I will keep trying and for the time will continue at the stock and station agents, which, although tedious, does afford me insight to the heart of our country, and the people I encounter are rich in stories of the bush and land. I will be 20 at the next newspaper intake and should I fail I fear may be too old to start what will be four years as a junior. Perhaps I will be mature enough for Mr Manning to consider me as an illustrator. You will notice I have taken to typing my letter. This is a most exciting development. I have wanted a machine for some time. Father secured an almost new Corona 3 portable machine from an American tobacconist in George Street. The fellow supplies Father’s tobacco stock and recently visited America. He paid 50 American dollars for the machine, some £11, but found it completely unsatisfactory for compiling ledgers upon his return. Father, sporting my journalistic ambitions, offered £8 which the fellow jumped at. It is a splendid machine and accompanies me everywhere. I will repay Father at a rate of 5 shillings each pay.

I have included a cutting from the Herald of March 25 which I hope brings a smile. The 18th Infantry Rifle shoot (seven shots over 500 yards) was won by Corpl. Holmes with 33 points. I recall his indignation with your last two shots at the Area Shoot. You would have thought the wager was £1000, not a couple of quid. When he marched off muttering lucky bugger we were all folded with laughter. You are still regarded as the finest marksman.

The Smallpox epidemic noted in my earlier journal continues to cause concern, and I urge caution if meeting passengers arriving from any port in Australia. It continues to spread and it is our good fortune only that the disease is considered by the health experts as mild. All in the family have now been administered the free vaccination.

I look forward to again seeing you, and in the meanwhile trust you will find the journal enjoyable and informative.

Your loving brother,

Happenings at Home #9, January – March 1914

Matters of Family

Father’s store is flourishing.  Summer arrived with a vengeance this year and Coogee Bay is drawing more and more people. It is getting positively crowded at weekends with sunbathers from miles away seeking out the sands and the cool waters.  Father talks of expanding the store further or opening another at the southern end by the seaside. He has already added a range of household merchandise to his emporium which seems to attract good custom, although Mother is still concerned about the hours he keeps, working seven days beginning each at 5am and closing only in the late afternoon. He only recently elected to open on Sundays and is the only store to do so for many miles. I think he was heartened by a recent article in the Herald which suggested only a small minority of people would want to enforce restrictions on Sunday trading in these modern times. Father is buoyed by the trade, with people travelling from neighbouring areas to get produce, some even by motor car from as far as Petersham, as well as the steady stream of bathers wanting a cooling drink.

Mother convinced Father to import two new General Electric toasters under the guise that he could offer them for sale and perhaps use one himself. But Father insists on stoking the cooker in the mornings to brown his toast over flames. The house is hellish hot after he leaves and stays that way all day. Poor Mother.

As you know Albert turned 22 this past February.  He left his job at the glassworks soon after.  That is three jobs in the past year. He is helping Father in the store and doing more than his share of service with the Citizen Forces’ 21st.  I would not be surprised if he were to enlist in the Permanent Forces soon.  He was promoted to Sergeant in January and talks only of the life of a soldier and service to King and Country.  Now he has achieved your rank, Mother decided he could have your old uniform as a spare. I freely admit he is a fine soldier and perhaps regular soldiering is what he needs to realise himself, although I ask on your return that you have words with Albert about treating me fairly when on parade.  I seem to take the worst of jobs and despite his assurances to the contrary, I think he enjoys seeing me toil.  I freely admit I am not as strong as he or you but it serves no purpose to prove that to the other lads of A Company.

Walter has now almost two years’ service in the Citizen Forces. I think our youngest brother’s posting to H Company, and out of Albert’s reach, has been most beneficial and Walter seems much in favour with the Command. Like Albert, he too is considering a career in the military. He spoke at dinner of putting forward for officer training at the new military college at Duntroon, which is inland near where they intend to build our new capital Canberra. I think having his little brother training as an officer would quite disconcert Albert – General Walter Murray, imagine! Walter will need to maintain favour and work hard to secure his place at the college. The Royal Military College prides itself on accepting only the brightest and the best. He will need to sit an examination against hundreds of lads from all over Australia and New Zealand. Only 30 cadets are selected each year. Father seems favourable to the idea, perhaps as much because Walter would get a first class education but also because unlike Sandhurst, there are no fees. In fact, Cadets at Duntroon get £30 for uniforms and the like on appointment, and a daily allowance of 5 shillings and sixpence to meet expenses. Mother is less excited about the prospect. While four years of paid study is attractive, she holds no joy at the prospect upon graduation that young Walter would serve two years overseas, most likely in India or perhaps England. As you will recall she was not delighted at your departure for New Guinea. Walter’s CO is supportive and is confident Walter would excel in the examination. Walter will enquire about the examination toward the end of summer.

In the meanwhile he continues happily in the office of Messrs White & Barn Engineers, although his offices at Randwick have moved to Newtown. It is now some distance each day but he has taken to riding a bicycle which Father secured for him at great cost.  The ride seems to favour him but I cannot imagine why. Father offered Walter better terms than with me, requiring only 2 shillings each pay to reimburse the principal. (I am too happy with my machine to raise the discrepancy, nor do I want to tempt fate that Father might retreat from the deal and sell it on.) 

Little Lizzie is doing well in her studies. She and mother have conspired to promote the notion to Father that Elizabeth would be suited to further study at University. She talks of Law as a career. I think Father secretly supports the cause but he takes every opportunity to stoke Lizzie’s ire, most recently deriding the new University Women’s Union at Sydney as an abomination.  Over supper he suggested Lizzie might also play Rugby for the university.  She huffed off without cake which caused Father enormous mirth. Although only 16, she and Mother are kindred spirits and share much discussion on events.  I think Lizzie is older than her years and I am not certain if Mother influences Lizzie or vice versa.

Upon your return I urge you to take seriously the changing mood in terms of feminine actions and demands, particularly in our own house. Mother and Lizzie take any and all news of the suffragettes, particularly in the Mother Country, quite earnestly and I have unlike father learned to concede to their points rather than offer question. Father’s digestion has suffered for his humour. I enjoy mother’s cooking too much to engage in such folly.

At first I was perplexed by their solidarity with the women of Britain on this issue. After all our country has long enfranchised women, granting equal voting rights for most when we were young boys. But mother is adamant the disparity in Britain is a blight on the Empire. She is not alone. Reports of Australian women travelling to England in solidarity and support are commonplace. In England protests on the rights to vote and equal pay have led to great public disorder and Australian women have been standing beside their ‘sisters’ from the Old Country. I must concede, having grown up knowing of female suffrage in our own land, it does seem odd they would deny such a simple right. The issue of equal pay however is another story. Mother and Lizzie are adamant that Australian women doing the same job as a man should earn the same money – not just half. They do not take kindly to the argument that work is a temporary diversion for women who will ultimately abandon their employer for husband, home and family. Consider this a warning if you again want Mother’s shepherd’s pie.

All cousins are also doing well and no news to convey.

News of the day

As always I have noted those events and happenings I feel are of value in conversation.

Army’s first flight

In my earlier news I made mention of the establishment of the Flying School at Point Cook south of Melbourne. Only weeks ago on 1 March, they made their first flight. Accounts in the newspapers said the Airman, Lt. Eric Harrison, had to contend with 30 miles per hour winds as his Bristol Boxkite bucked like an unbroken horse. It surely would have been a splendid sight.

Your old friend Hendy at C Company, who by way of interest is now Lt. Hendy, has an acquaintance at the Flying Corps who says the success of the flight was offset just hours later when Lt. Harrison’s English counterpart, Lt. Petre, snared his Deperdussin in telephone wires and crashed to the ground. It is interesting that Lt. Petre was himself brought from England three years ago especially to establish the Flying School, and he alone selected Point Cook as the base rather than the site near the College at Duntroon. It could be imagined he should be fully aware of the lines in the vicinity. Nonetheless, Hendy said the school’s mechanics were soon working on the craft and Lt. Petre was none the worse for his ordeal. Hendy said the school still has two B.E.2 biplanes, the Boxkite and another Deperdussin monoplane, and that the pilots enjoy using the Boxkite for training as it is by far the easiest to control.

As much as the notion of flight stirs one’s imagination, I, unlike many others, am not drawn to joining the Australian Flying Corps. Harrison’s flight was reported at 900ft which is not a height at which I would find comfort. Hendy on the other hand spoke in rapture of the prospect, believing flying machines would be, as he put it, the future of Army. No doubt they will provide a great vantage for observations but the flimsy frames seem too delicate to hold much offensive promise. I informed him of my journal and he asked I pass on his best wishes and insists you contact him upon your return.

Douglas Mawson returns from the Antarctic

You will recall prior to your departure, the Australian explorer who accompanied Shackleton to the Antarctic in 1907, Douglas Mawson, set off on an expedition of his own to the Antarctic. In January, after just more than two years, he returned. We have all here followed his adventures with interest. I imagine you have no word of his deeds nor the perils faced at that most bitter place in the world. I will not recount all as it is such a story it would surely take pages. I had saved for you a page from the Herald of 27 February which gives an exciting account of his expedition and the discoveries he led but unfortunately Mother used it to wrap potato peel. Mr Mawson’s Australasian Antarctic Expedition will surely be renowned for its achievements for he proved himself a man of great and exact science rather than a fanciful explorer seeking riches or fame. It will also be recalled for the tragedy of loss as two of Mawson’s companions were lost. Englishman Belgrade Ninnis rode his sled and dogs into an ice crevasse taking with him much of the trio’s supplies. Mawson and Xavier Mertz, his Swiss colleague, were left with only a few days food and had no choice but to turn back. Poor Mertz died within 100 miles of a hut and certain salvation. Mawson alone made it back but the toll was evident on him. As he disembarked the Aurora whaling ship, he was by account sullen and drawn. In truth, his arrival in Adelaide was with little fanfare.

On the land

As noted earlier, summer was torrid this year. Many of the pastoralists attending Bravely & Sons say it was one the hottest they recall. Last year was hard for many on the land. Had it not been for timely spring rains much of the wheat crop would surely have failed and stock feed would have been scarce. This year started very hot and dry. Fires raged across much of Victoria through February and March. Concern about the conditions extends across the whole country. The Government must also be wary, wool sales account for much of all exports. The confidence of graziers, despite some good recent sales and fair rain in March, is not high. Many talk about the Federation Drought which killed off half of all sheep and cattle and from which they have yet to fully recover. Some say the dryness of the last few years is reminiscent of the start of that terrible drought.

Wheat farmers are less pessimistic after the recent rains and have crops in the ground, although none anticipate a return to the 1910 season – the crops flourished that year and wheat looked for a time more lucrative than wool.

I feel for those people who work the land and who are at the mercy of nature’s whim.

If they were in Sydney this week they would be less concerned about drought. It is absolutely teeming down and the streets have transformed into flowing canals. I hope the rain makes its way to where it is needed most.

Citizen Forces update

Albert’s promotion has had a marked effect on A Company. I think he assumes ‘A’ stands for Albert and he has certainly inclined all to drill with greater effort. We are all benefiting from his observations and counsel, even those of us who do not see a career in service. Our Area Officer, Cpt. Wilson-Brown dropped in during night drill a couple of weeks back. So inspired was he by the progress Albert had made he asked if Albert could spare time to talk to the Senior Cadets who would join the Citizen Forces next year. Without a breath of hesitation Albert volunteered me to the task, saying it would benefit both the Cadets and me. I think the Cpt. was as taken aback as I but by reflex patted my shoulder with a well done lad. Only I could see Albert’s smirk.

On the walk home I told Albert I would only prepare for the talk on drill nights, arguing it is part of my service. I still have some weeks before the occasion and have made enough notes, although Albert need not know any of that. I visited the Library and have copied much from The Defence Act, much of which I did not know. Here is some of what I am considering to deliver by way of my introduction:

Gentlemen, boys, soldiers all.

"A mere two years back I too was a boy Cadet in this very company before my graduation to Soldiering in the Citizen Forces with the 21st Infantry Battalion. Those who will be 18 next year need know you have much to prove ahead of you.

"By virtue of your age you missed on being Junior Cadets who drill only in the schoolyard. Your introduction has been as Senior Cadets. But know this, your graduation to the Citizen Forces is as marked a change as that from Junior Cadet to Senior Cadet. In the Citizen Forces you will undertake the equivalent of 16 full days of training through the year. You will master your fighting skills in training camp for eight days, and you will continue night drills, half day drills and whole day drills – the CO will decide when and where you drill. You will be turned from boys to men, men who can rally for King and Country at a moment’s notice. When your service is up at 26, you will take all you have learned into your futures.

"Our country holds the virtue of being one of the only civilized English-speaking nations to have the foresight to insist all young men should be trained so as to be ready to defend our nation. Hold this privilege close to you and appreciate that you will be entrusted with this responsibility.

"I have the honour of serving in A Company at Woollahra, as does my older brother. Our elder brother also served here. Our younger brother serves with H Company at Randwick. You will serve where you are needed. Consider your service with pride.

You will hand in your .310 Cadet Rifle and get a soldier’s Short Magazine Lee Enfield .303 rifle and a soldier’s uniform & etc...

Gordon, having penned this I feel it may need more effort if I am to hold the interest of the boys but it is late and I am ready for sleep.

Gordon, I will conclude the journal here and promise not to be as tardy in compiling the next issue. My aim is to forward this and the next issue with Malaita when she sails. I so wish you were home. John.

John Murray’s Diary Part 2

Letter to Gordon July 1914

Mr. Gordon S. Murray

Solomon Islands Development Company Ltd

C/- Burn Philp

Port Moresby, Australian New Guinea

28 July, 1914

Mr Dearest Brother Gordon,

I take great pleasure in providing ‘Happenings at Home #10, April-July 1914’.

I cannot express how thrilled we all are to receive news with the steamer Mindini that you will be home in a matter of months. I am sure you will have wonderful tales to tell of life in the jungles of New Guinea.

I am not certain as to where I should forward this journal as you say in your letter you are visiting company operations in the Pacific on your passage home but fail to give details of a collection point for mail. Nonetheless, I will draft this in anticipation of finding a suitable way to get this, and the previous issue to you, or will take even greater joy in placing the journals in your hands.

I have delayed compiling this issue of ‘Happenings at Home #10’ so as to afford more news on exciting events in Europe which began in late June and which are of such significance I feel this news must be included if this journal is to serve purpose.

Much is changing. War looks likely in the Balkans or possibly Europe; our national Government is in tatters; we are again in drought; our Navy has submarines; Albert is in love; and I have been summoned by Mr Manning at the Herald. It is all positively exciting.

In regard to my journalistic aspirations, Mr Manning at the Herald himself penned me a letter this very week to inform me that the Herald would be conducting editorial interviews in late August and that I need not concern myself with the advertisement. Rather he will write again to provide a time when I can, as he put it, meet the editors to discuss my future. I am beside myself with excitement. I am loath to allow myself to assume the best but his tone was almost familiar and decidedly friendly. To be on the Sydney Morning Herald is my dreams realised. Perhaps these past two years of application and denial has proved to him I have the relentless pursuit required of a newsman. Having you at home as I embark on this, my greatest adventure, will only make it all the better.

I note from your letter you intend to seek lodgings upon your return. I have scanned the Herald To Let columns and can advise that rentals are not inexpensive. Father suggests the outright purchase of property would be a wiser investment. Most sales offer terms of deposit and balance as rental. I have included a clipping to illustrate your options but my hope remains you will find accommodation close to home.

In the meanwhile we assume you will lodge here until a suitable alternative arrives. It will be such a joy for Mother and Father. Albert will no doubt miss being the oldest in our room but he will be more than pleased to have you home for the time. I too will be glad to have you here. Lizzie was most disappointed you would not be moving back permanently but has plans afoot to entice you to stay. In truth we all want you to stay at home.

But I will not badger. You have likely grown much in your time away and have your needs. I will support any direction you take. I trust you will find the journal #10 enjoyable.

Your loving brother,

Happenings at Home #10,

April – July 1914

Matters of Family

Mother and Father are well. Mother has taken to involving herself in matters of the Store and the two sit for hours at the kitchen table over an endless pot of tea discussing opportunities. I have not much interest in the Store, nor matters of business but by accounts it is quite lucrative and Father has a knack for anticipating peoples’ wants, if not needs. Father has enquired about several properties beyond Coogee which might be suited to retail and is now considering a new emporium in or near the City. The cost of City property is high - George Street frontages are fetching as much as £500 a foot. Father is not the least put off. He asked as to my thoughts on the name John Murray & Sons Australasian Emporium. I said I did not have a mind for such things and would always trust his judgment in such matters (In truth, I see no need to tie myself to an issue which Mother and Lizzie will no doubt have a voice on).

Albert’s promotion to Sergeant in the Citizen Forces must have bolstered his confidence in all matters. He is spending time with young Mary Callaghan (you will remember her as the frumpy tomboy from my class at Coogee Public School). She is neither frumpy nor boyish anymore, and in truth I am absolutely astounded she would consider Albert’s attention. Unbeknown to all, they spent the best part of summer at the Bay and have since continued to spend time together. Mary has been to the house on a number of occasions for supper, and Albert dines with her family regularly. The matter of religion has not been raised as yet by either family, although I feel Mother is more interested in educating poor Mary to the suffrage of women than in discussing matters of church. And Father beams every time Mary visits. He has taken to allowing Albert the Ford for outings... (I could be courting King George’s daughter and still not be granted the Ford.) Walter is also taken by Mary. I would not be surprised if there was an announcement in this regard soon. I do not think Mother or Father would object to such a union and if Albert was to wed in a Catholic church it would not be of concern, such is their regard for Mary.

Lizzie too is well. With Walter, Albert and I again training for the Rugby season Lizzie has won favour with a makeshift masseur’s table and rubbing lotion. She is quite good and her manipulations are such a relief. She charged us each sixpence for the first treatment and quickly inflated her price to a shilling when we sought more. In the first week of play she was about a £1 the richer for our suffering. The boys and I have agreed since to no more than two treatments each a week as we feel Lizzie may be exploiting our discomfort. Alfred made mention of Lizzie’s service at training and to a man the Randwick lads urged we ask her to offer service to the Club. We will have none of it. Her studies continue to win applaud and Father, Mother and she now discuss openly her study of Law at the University next year. I confess to feeling great pride in her.

In regard to young Walter’s ambitions to become an Army officer, to his word he made enquiries about entry into the Royal Military College. The examination is to be held in October and he has since buried himself in literature. His CO forewarned him the examination might entail a range of general knowledge and military history questions. The seriousness with which he approaches his studies gives indication that the intent is not whimsical. Our brother really does want to be an Officer.

On matters of the Citizen Forces, in the past few days lads from the 21st Infantry have been called to stand guard, with rifles loaded, at public amenities across Sydney. Albert and a few others from H Company will be at the docks from next week. I have no detail as to what they are doing in reality but I can only assume it is in some way related to the events in Europe. Albert is quite excited to be selected to guard the docks.

His approach as sergeant continues to surprise all at drill. Not content with simply marching us, he has taken to, as he would describe, shaping our minds that we might be better soldiers. At drill two weeks back we arrived to find Albert in the company of Mr Pratt from the arms factory at Lithgow. Albert arranged for Mr Pratt to explain how munitions are produced so that we might better appreciate our kit (I believe Mr Pratt was in Sydney on business anyway). It was in truth an interesting discussion and one which I know you would have also enjoyed. Mr Pratt explained that the factory, which we must remember is less than 2 years old, had turned out almost 14,000 Short Magazine Lee-Enfields in the past year and would in the future be able to manufacture some 20,000 rifles each year. He had with him photographs of the facility which is vast, and apart from the straightening of barrels, which is managed by craftsmen, most all components of the rifle are produced by boys operating automated machines.

Of greatest interest to me was Mr Pratt’s discussion on our troops’ failings in the Boer War. It seems we arrived with an assortment of weapons and equipment different to that used by the British, which meant supply of ammunition and field repair of weapons was a major issue that affected our boys’ abilities in battle. The .303 is fully compatible.

Mr Pratt suggested if we were to visit the factory at any opportunity he would allow us to fire off rounds from one of the new rifles in development. I feel Mr Pratt was quite impressed with Albert. I know I am.

News of the day

As noted earlier, there is much happening. This selection will again provide insight into topics of interest to many and are thus of value in conversation.

More news on Mawson the Arctic Explorer

Further to my passage in #9, Douglas Mawson married Miss Paquita Delprat on 31 March and set off for England to be knighted by King George. Our intrepid explorer is now both Sir and Husband.

Is Europe poised for war ?

The following account is of great interest. It appears the Balkans could soon be engulfed in war yet again. Just one month ago on 28 June the Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and his wife Sophie, Duchess of Hohenberg, were murdered in Bosnia. While a tragic event and cause for much sadness, this in itself would not ordinarily be news required of this journal given it should be of little direct interest to Australia. However, each day news and speculation unfolds which suggest the act of killing the Archduke has thrown into turmoil the balance of Europe.

Reports from Sarajevo say more than one attempt was made on the Archduke that day. The first, a bomb placed so to kill the Archduke and entourage as they drove, exploded after the car had passed. Another bomb was located on the Archduke’s route but did not explode. The third and successful attempt was made by a gunman who ambushed the Archduke’s car and fired the fatal shots. Several arrests have been made and it is now clear the plot was connected with Servia’s dissatisfaction of Austro-Hungarian rule of Bosnia-Herzegovina.

The Archduke in particular bore much of the Servian resentment, both from Serbs in Bosnia and in Servian ranks across the southern boarder. The Archduke’s machination of greatest concern was his plan to further amalgamate the Slavic nations under Austro-Hungarian rule.

The Austrians have sent an ultimatum to the Serbs demanding they cease actions against the Austro- Hungarian rule but the Servians seem resolute. The Servians are of course closely allied to Russia, while the Austrians share the same consideration with Germany. While most believe any war between Austria and Servia would be a shortlived affair–Austria being a stronger force –the speculation of an escalation is ever present. If Russia supports Sevia and Germany rallies to Austria the war might embroil much of Europe. Britain is, as always, proudly standing for peace and has been much involved in negotiations between all parties. I think this talk of war, even though it does not yet directly involve Britain or Australia, is the reason the Citizen Forces is now on guard duty.

Another election looms

An election for the Commonwealth Government has been set for 5 September. It seems Prime Minister Cook finally conceded government with a margin of just one seat in the House of Representatives, and no sway whatsoever in the Senate, is not tenable. But rather than simply call a fresh election in the House, as is his entitlement, he enlisted the Governor General to dissolve both the Senate and House of Representatives. This is the first time a ‘double dissolution’ has been enacted and both the Prime Minister and Labor Leader, Andrew Fisher, have been seeking any forum to extol the virtues of their side and to articulate the failings of the other.

It seems that no matter what Mr Cook proposes Mr Fisher successfully finds fault in the present Government’s management. The Prime Minister has said he wants to further develop our navy and military but Mr Fisher has turned this into a disadvantage, saying Mr Cook’s plans depend on borrowings from overseas. Labor’s position is that in times of peace and prosperity we should fund defence from revenue rather than credit or, as Mr Fisher said, have no reserve nor resources in time of danger and attack. Mr Fisher claims to have left millions of pounds in trust funds available for loan expenditure when he lost office as Prime Minister last year. I find the vitriol of both difficult to digest and if I were of age to vote would be undecided at this point. Although on personalities I do feel for more favourable toward Mr Cook given he has not had an easy term in office and perhaps could achieve greater good if he had a clear majority. I do however have an opinion on the voting age, given at 20 I feel far more considered in matters of politics than most 21 year olds. I should imagine most will vote with the last Headline they read on the way to the polls.

AE1 & AE2 – a most amazing addition to Navy

I thought last year when I reported on the new Fleet of the Royal Australian Navy arriving at Sydney Harbour (a momentous occasion in our nation you sadly missed poor brother) that there could be no greater naval sight; but I am corrected. The AE1 and AE2, our new submarines acquired from England, arrived on 24 May and despite being miniscule by comparison to our Flagship battle cruiser HMAS Australia, they are a marvel of mans’ endeavour. These craft are capable of sinking to great depths and manoeuvring under the water for hours on end, and of launching torpedoes silently from the depths. They have too the added surprise of being equipped to fire torpedoes from their flanks, rather just aft and forward. The craft reached Farm Cove after 83 days and a journey 13,000 miles - an unprecedented feat in any submarine. They are surely the crowning glory of our young Navy. I have no doubt they cost a pretty penny such is the ingenuity of them. Our Navy now boasts nine new ships of war.

I have made a number of visits to Farm Cove since the Submarines arrived and think my fascination will never cease. Each boat carries only 35 crewmen. If I was to consider a military career it would be in these magnificent vessels. I should ask Albert to arrange for me to stand guard at the docks also.

On the land - drought

Regardless of talk of war in Europe we have our own issues here in Australia. The relentless heat of summer has eased but there is no celebration on the land. Pastoralists visiting Bravely & Sons are wearied and more than a few have enquired as to the prospect of sale. Most holdings across eastern Australia, even the better country, are starved of good rains. Landowners inland are already talking of moving stock to coastal areas where the drought’s bite is less deep. Wheat farmers in every state will need rains soon or the crop will be vanquished to the dust. The cattlemen to the North are also feeling the hardship. Stations covering lands bigger than England are dry and withered. A black stockman from the northwest, Jim Shodd, says the drought will last for years yet. He has an insight hard to explain and I would trust his judgment on this and many other issues.

Jim says the dry is worse than most expect and he holds no hope of rain. His black stockmen have shunted thousands of stock across each corner of their station to meet the feed but he says there are too many cattle on hard ground to keep, meaning they will either lose stock to starvation or slaughter big numbers to ease the burden on the land;– a prospect many of these poor blighters must face.

I will one day introduce you to Jim. He visited Sydney with his station owner a year back and again this year. I have no real idea as to how but he and I have, without exception, become good friends – you too would like him for he is good humoured, clever and can read people as if they were open books – although he says nothing to most about his observations. I think his station owner trusts his insight, which is why Jim is always near when business is discussed.

He is the first black man I have had opportunity to really get to know. I think he is only a few years my senior but he has an oldness about him. Last year I found myself absolutely enthralled by his stories of the stockmen and his people, who for the most live on Station land. He says his people are lending their land and helping whitefellas more from pity than anything else. He says we wouldn’t survive out there on our own. In years such as this I wonder if he might not be right. The black men are a big part of cattle farming and such is their worth, stations that have their own blacks sell for far more than empty land.

Jim gave me a boomerang which he fashioned himself. He showed me how to throw it so that it would arc around in the sky and come back. He says there are a number of different boomerangs, from big heavy ones that don’t turn but would certainly take off a Kangaroo’s head, to small ones such as the one he gave me that are good for hunting birds. I did a sketch of Jim and drew in the City as a backdrop which he says he will use to tell stories about his trip when he gets home. I don’t think Jim has actually seen the City as