Item 17: Miles Franklin pocket diary, 1924

1924 January

20 Sunday

Uncle drove me & Thelma & Nona to Yallowin. Dinner at Phillips, ran up to John's & tea at Henry's & home. Black Perry - Blackthorn of fairy loveliness. Crossing the river as of old with horses stepping high and incommoded and rattling on boulders - all so beautiful.

January 1924

21 Monday

In morning Uncle Theo & Nona & I rode out with salt to old Station & ate figs - Woodlands & Boraig & home via new stockyards & Mill creek where Uncle killed a snake. Nona & I went swimming in afternoon. It was not so gloriously warm as Saturday. Ah! those lovely little streams like laughing crystal fountains over the beautiful rock and bordered by fairy ferns and the warm fragrant sun - rayed bush all round with sage (old man) blooming. Some of the hills denuded of timber seem disfeatured & near. Heard the Kookaburras laugh in the feathery peaks oppisite till long after dark.

1924 January

22 Tuesday

Rose betimes and Ruby took me into town. Called at Bowlers Flat & Springfield. Morning tea with Ethel & Mary & Ruby. Walked around town meeting people. Lunch with Ethel and Jessie. Went to Kinreds at 4. After supper Mr Hogan came & drove Lily & I around to old spots & dropped us at Alf Wilkinson's who brought us home in sulky. Day of glorious warmth. The Kurrajong seeding in streets was beautiful & the mayor to whom Ethel introduced me gave me a little branch.

January 1924

23 Wednesday

Alfred W. shewed me over school where I met Mr Teasdale & others Then went to Mrs Bertie K. back to "Sulby" had lunch & Lily took me to train. A day of glorious warmth. Heard & saw the Kookaburrahs near sundown and saw some beautiful red earth. ploughed around some stacks for a fire brake in a neat ring it was beautiful.

1924 January

24 Thursday

Arrived after sleepless night met by Mother & Aunt Lena. Found Jack & Irene. Had a rest and tackled correspondence. Grey morning