Volume 2: Daily journal book, 30 September 1864-22 October 1870

1865 March 24th Friday Kate Scott is very idle, and unruly at school, the teacher had to send for the Matron again. she conducted her to Ivy Cottage, and left her there, untill her own clothes were got from the store, Mrs A took her, but she sent word if the Matron would forgive her she would behave better. she was exhorted to ask God to forgive her, and make her a good girl. we gladly consented to give her one more trial.

Margt OBrian came and remained during even workship. she expressed a wish to buy a Bible, sold her one of Mr Robert's for 1/- and advised her to read it evert day, she left 10/- to be put in the Saving Bank for her and also paid the Matron 10/- which she borrowed when out of situation. she is more comfortable now, her mistress having got a relative who came by the last immigrant ship to help in cooking &c.

Saturday 25th E ONiele came last eve after dark with a note from Mrs Thos Smith, she was very dirty & scarcely anything but a cotton dress on. she begd to be "allowed to stay in bed today, as she was so tired" Mrs Hay sent 10lbs plumbs for cakes for the inmates. Mrs Goodlet sent yearly part " British Workman" part no 10

1866 March 26th Sunday. Mr Robers brought Elizth Strickland, whom he found on his way home from the breakfast meeting. Matron askd where she was going when Mr R. met with her? To Piermont, what to do? "to sleep in the fields" She promises to behave better than when in before. Whilst talking with E.S. Mr Robins, C. Missionary called to ask if we wanted to take back Blanche Spreadbrow, she had been in the Infirmary - the goal and have had a straight jacket on because she was mad, she was now however in her right mind and anxious to reform. Matron went with him to the hovel where she lived. Mr Short had given Mr R 2/6 to hire a cab, but Matron thought best to try if she can walk first and as we were walking along Pitt St, saw a woman lying on a step with a shawl thrown over her face. M lifted it up, and there was Hannah Foster fast asleep. I woke her up and warned her of the consequence of such a life. after seeing Blanche into the Refuge went to St Barnabas Church, on the way saw Ellen Wright. She had just come by boat from Balmain. brought her to the Refuge after service & invited her to take dinner with the inmates. she went to see Mrs Wise returned to tea. Margt O.Brian came early in the afternoon stayed tea. Mary Hilton came at 7 in the eve and staid to service. she thanked the Matron "for the kind welcome to her old home".

1856 March 27th Monday. Mr Gully Missionary brought four women, all 4 wanted to come in, but one was too old, two had been drinking "only one glass of rum" each. the fourth was that poor Alice Grey. she was advised to go ask Mrs Goodlet's permission. Mrs Hay called to tell S Johson (an inmate) that she had visited her two children at the Randwick School that "they were quite well". Mrs Hay presented us with 6 vegetable marrows (a basket full). Tuesday 28th. Elizth Strickland has not improved whilst away - but grown worse. Wednesday 29th Mrs Brislatt has sent a parcel of clothes for Melinda, which are of great value to her. Tuesday 30th There are 29 inmates, all of whom we try to keep employed this a difficult matter because of their ignorance and apathy. Friday 31st Elizth Strickland delights in talking about her exploits in and out of prison to the young girls which is most lamentable she has been remonstrated with repeatedly. Saturday April 1st

1865 April 2nd Sunday. Revd Mills preached in the morning Blanche is very poorly , not able to attend service April 3rd Monday. All the laundries are at a stand still the water being off. Mrs Robinson called but was so very poorly & quite unable to go round to the inmates as formerly Tuesday 4th Ladies sub com. 15 ladies attended Wednesday 5th Melinda is very sick, in bed all day. offered to send for Dr. Nathan. she said its no use gave her sugar cand to ease her cough. Thursday 6th Melinda a little better today, but her cough remains troublesome still Friday 7th Ladies General com. 15 attended. Saturday 8th. The water is "off" again, much to our inconvenience.

1865 April 9th Sunday. Ellen Wright called. she was invited to dine with the inmates. Mr Rosby preached in the morn. after which service the Matron went to visit her sick daughter & returned in time for church in the eve. Blanche is gradually gaining strength and behaves better than when here before. Monday 10th All the inmates (26) in excellent health. There has been very little sickness for the last 6 months. Tuesday 11th A girl applied for admission, named Polly Harold, the daughter of a respectable man (a coach painter at Robertson Coach factory). she has been going astray ever since the death of her mother (died 4 years ago.) Wednesday 12th The inmates are finishing up all the sewing - went to 4 Park Terrace to apply for the washing advertised in the paper but was too late. they however promised to send at a future time Thursday 15th Betsy Young went into a desperate pafsion[passion] because she had not a new dress before Mary and demanded to go out, raised her voice and threatened to smash the window. her conduct was shamefull. Friday 14th The inmates had a holiday. they were quiet and orderly. Matron gave Mrs Andrews & Melinda permission to go out for the day I. Caldwell Esq called. said he agreed to all in the "requisition" and wanted send the articles at once.