Singleton to Combara
The journey undertaken by James Davis and family
For James Davis and Jane Elizabeth Smith, together with 11 of their children (Robert remained in Singleton) travelled from Singleton to Combara, to the area of their land grant located in the Coonamble district, was to take some six weeks to complete via the overland route through Bowmans Crossing, Muswellbrook thence to Denman and Collaroy Crossing. From there they travelled to Mendooran via Merriwa, Borambil near Cassilis, Uarbry, Dunedoo thence onto Gilgandra and Gulargambone. It was early in October 1881, when they arrived at the 240 acres of land that they had been granted. It was Sarah Jane Smith, the fifth child of James Davis and Jane Smith who became a teacher recorded the epic journey of the family from Singleton in 1881 to the Coonamble district.
A four horse drawn dray assisted the family move as well as a two horse drawn covered in cart and a single horse drawn carriage. Accompanying the family was a Mr. Dawes who supplied his own single horse drawn gig. Each of the horses had names being Forrester, Burrell, Polly, Brownie, Piebald, plus two others whose names are not recorded. The dogs who assisted in keeping the herd of cattle in check too had names being, Flossy, Nettles, Rocket, Skipper and Boucher.
The diary as written by Sarah is as follows;
Monday, August 29 th. 1881; Started from Singleton about 4 o’clock (am) and got up Dougal’s Hill in safety – camped at Stone Quarry about one mile this side of Rix’s Creek. Father dead drunk, amusing us vastly with his comical sayings. A calf visited our camp, she left about 11 o’clock and Marion had said it was no laughing matter. Father not recovered from his drunkenness. Bib visited our camp and left about 11 o’clock.
Tuesday 30 th. August; We were unable to continue travelling, Fred was obliged to return to town and purchase another horse. Mr. Davies and Emma arrived about 11am and took Nellie and self for a drive to see Price’s Terrace and Dights Crossing. Nellie, Marian, Arthur, Alfred and self carved our initials on a tree not far from camp. We passed that tall tree on our way to Price’s Terrace; Mr. Dawes asked us to get out and carve our initials. I got out first and Nellie when getting out got her dress caught in an upper step and she fell, the horse ( a young one ) started and a wheel passed over her legs: fortunately did not hurt her much. That night I felt very sleepy so retired to rest early. Fred made purchase of a young stallion from Mr. Campbell.
Wednesday 31 st. August; All arose at sunrise, performed our ablutions, got breakfast and then fed the horses. Then we began to harness up, ready to proceed on our journey. Mr. Dawes and Emma arrived about 9am. Mr. Dawes made Nellie, ‘Lily of the Barwon’ and a present of a concertina. She couldn’t play that instrument so that fell to my lot. Started from the quarry shortly after 9am. Emma drove the carriage and mother accompanying Mr. Dawes in his gig. When on the road I was playing the concertina and we were all singing some of our old songs. When we were approaching Rix’s Creek house we saw ‘Mip’ Tynen marching her children into school. Marion got out to see Mrs. Elliot. Nellie and mother changed seats, after this we got out and walked, then Mr. Dawes asked me to get up into the gig as well as Nellie, we enjoyed the drive much: very pretty view of Dulwick Estate on Glennies Creek. Drove through Camberwell on the Bowman’s Crossing Creek – much trouble in getting our load up hill. This side tried all the horses but fruitless, they would not pull together, at last the piebald was put in and the lead was pulled out (Burrell ) for the piebald. ” Hurrah ” for the piebald. Forrester though pulled his utmost every time. He is a grand horse. When all was over we stopped and very much enjoyed the mallows and jelly which Mrs. Dawes sent and started again at about 4 : 30 ( pm ). Nellie and I again driving with Mr. Dawes. When we a little tis side of Camberwell, Mr. Dawes had to turn back. We said goodbye to him and Emma and I started again and reached Chain of Ponds about 8 o’clock. Camped there for the night.
Thursday, 1 st. September ; Started our journey about 9 o’clock or 10 o’clock, saw two tramps at foot of Grass Tree Hill washing their clothes. Stopped at little shop and bought some biscuits and butter and started again. Came to foot of Grass Tree Hill, we all walked up the hill, very pretty viewing of mountains. At top, had dinner. I carved my initials on a spotted gum. Marian carved hers on another and I carved my full name on the same tree. Arrived at Muswellbrook about dusk – camped in a chinaman’s paddock, had beef steaks, cabbage and potatoes for tea that night. Nellie and I went into Muswellbrook – sent two letters down to Singleton, one to Bob, one to cousin.
NOTE: ( Grass Tree Hill is located halfway between Liddell and Muswellbrook )
Friday 2 nd. September ; Left camp about 10 o’clock, travelled on towards Denman, saw William Brown’s – the scenery on this road very picturesque. Little further on saw White’s residence Edinglassie, very good roads with the exception of a few hills and hollows.. Camped in Vickery’s paddock, pretty camping ground, only a long distance to bring water. Sent over to the house to enquire if they would sell us a little milk but they refused to sell but gave us a full can free, gratis for nothing.
NOTE: ( “Edinglassie” homestead is located on the Hunter River some four and a half kilometres southwest of Muswellbrook )
Saturday 3 rd. September ; Started at 9:30am. Saw ruins of houses and a very neat church built of brick and surrounded by a nice garden, this led us to believe that at one time a small township had existed there. Saw at a distance Merton, one of White’s residences. Reached the river. Fred saw us safely over the river in the carriage then unharnessed our horses to double back. All over safely, saw Frank Booth in a dray, as we were waiting for the team, had lunch, then Harry left us, went on to Denman, started on his road to Singleton to bring the cattle. When a little the other side of Denman we met Lizzie Churchland with Mrs. Firth’s two little children, had some wine and lemonade and then had dinner, saw Fred Sales, started again about 3 o’clock, called at little shop for some bread, when we pulled up, the old owner of the shop ( an old Scotswoman ) came out to get our order, bought four loaves at six pence and some biscuits and lollies. Went on again saw nothing of consequence till we got a few miles this side of Denman, when we saw a house, a little further on, we saw another house, then a drunken fellow came along too, driving a dray, nearly took father’s wheel off, came along again stopped a little the other side of Walong ( Wybong ). saw some wattles, got out to gather some, found they were in a very dangerous place so called out to Nellie to get her assistance in gathering some, crossed Walong Bridge – camped on the reserve not far from the creek, saw Mr. McKenzie’s house, nice residence, first piano we heard since our departure from Singleton, had a good time on the concertina then went to roost, some time that morning a very fierce wind arose, blew our canvas from back of cart and nearly blew us out too. Nellie said to me “Whatever shall we do!”, and I said “Oh we shall have to grin and bear it”. So we crouched down among the bedclothes and made the best of it.
Sunday, 4 th. September; Rose at about eight, and had breakfast. Marion and mother told us their tents nearly blew away and they could not sleep for fear. Nellie and I went down to the creek to see a bear ( Koala ) in a tree. Fred carrying a tomahawk when Flossy came running up behind and knocked his nose against the blade of the tomahawk and cut his nose rather severely. I went over to McKenzie’s to see if I could get a little sticking plaster, saw a young man who asked me inside while he went to look for some, he was unsuccessful however in finding any, expressed his sorrow and promised to try and get some for me. I had a chat with him ending in a cordial invitation to pay them a visit and try their piano. While I have been writing this Marian has been slaughtering green heads by the hundred.
Monday, 5 th. September; Wind did not cease, giving this place the name of Windy Walong ( Wybong ). Began washing after breakfast down at the creek, finished about 4 o’clock. Nellie and I cleaned ourselves and started about a quarter to five for McKenzie’s. The same young man answered the door, showed us to our seats, chatted a short time and then went out to bring his sister. We had a little music. Arthur is a very fair player though a little inclined to thump in some parts. They got me singing and playing to them. They took rather a fancy to ‘The Flower Girl’. Miss McKenzie sang ‘ In Those Sweet Bygone Times’ very sweetly. They invited us to stay for tea but we declined as we had something particular to do at home. They let us go however after having extracted a promise from us to come next day. After tea the wind force subsided a little, it being moonlight we went out opossum shooting. Returned to camp at 8 o’clock and went straight to bed.
Tuesday 6th. September; Just as windy as ever, Fred started out to meet Harry and to harness up Brownie and Polly to put in the carriage. One Brownie, very tall and the other very short, the only resemblance between them was their colour, which was identical. Why Fred put them together was because he wanted to ride his little mare on from Denman to Jerry’s Plains. Marian accompanied Fred with the intention of staying at her sister’s at Denman until Fred’s return. I wrote a couple of letters in the afternoon, one to Ann and the other to Bob. About 4 : 30, we started for Woburn taking our scrap books with us for the purpose of getting their names in, three of them wrote their names in each of our books then I wrote the address on the two envelopes for Bob’s and Ann’s letters. Had a little music, and then went to tea. After that was over we returned to the drawing room, had some more music intermingled with any quantity of talking and laughing, then they said they were sorry when we rose to leave at 10 o’clock. We could have stayed another hour only we heard some thumping sounds which we took to be father coming to get us, so off we went and Arthur said – ‘We must have another concert tomorrow night”. Bessie wrote a piece of poetry in each of our scrapbooks. She is a very nice girl indeed. I liked her very much, well educated.
Wednesday, 7 th. September; Windy as ever, rather rainy looking. Sent the two letters over to McKenzie’s to be given to the mailman, wind changed to the south. Had a coursing match before dinner. I held Toucher, Nellie Rocket, Mother Skipper, Ada Floorer. Floorer beat. Went to dinner, had wallaby tail and spiced beef soup – it was grand. Saw from a distance a bullock slaughtered at McKenzie’s today though wanted to, we thought three days in succession rather too much of a good thing. Stormy clouds, dispersed towards night leaving it bright and moonlight. Retired to rest early, slept soundly – always do camping out – very pleasant so nice to look from the front of our cart on the tall gum trees and the beautiful starlit sky and fair Lunar shedding her pale light on the whole.
Thursday, 8 th. September; Beautiful fine day. When we were in bed we heard the dogs barking, knew some stranger was about. It was Robert McKenzie who came over with a large piece of rump steak beef, very kind of him, I am sure. Had some for breakfast, it was the nicest ever tasted being so tender and juicy. After breakfast myself, Nellie, Arthur, Ada, Percy and Lovell went out carrying a can and tomahawk with the intention of robbing a bee’s nest which Arthur discovered the preceding day. It was about a mile from our camp and near the creek but we did not succeed in getting any honey as none of us had any experience in robbing bees. When we found it impossible to get the honeycomb I lay down under a shady tree and went to sleep and dreamt. The children meanwhile were playing about down at the creek. We returned at about 12 o’clock. Went on a long walk in the mountains with Miss McKenzie – enjoyed it much and we returned at about dusk so she asked Nellie and me to come over after tea. After tea, the cattle came along. Harry and Alfred driving them and Fred alone in the carriage. We asked him where was Marian – ‘Oh’ he said ‘her sister is going to drive her here in the morning’. When we had given them their tea and done all we could, Nellie and I started to go to McKenzie’s. We had music and singing and I never remember having such a laugh before as we had that night. Oh, we did enjoy ourselves; we made the most of it too, because we knew we should be going in the morning. Robert and Arthur got some flowers preserved for me. Arthur arranged them and put them in a piece of music for me. Harry came over for us at about 10 o’clock. We did not start at once, as Harry wanted to hear Arthur play. All three wrote our names in their scrapbooks, had some fun, then said goodbye and started home. Robert and Arthur said they would come and see us up the country. Carved my name on a spotted gum.
Friday 9th. September; All rose early worked about till 8 : 30 about that time Mrs. Firth and Marion came along. Mrs. Firth stayed about an hour then started for home again. Started about 11 o’ clock from Walong ( Wybong ). Robert and Arthur were outside their house waving shirttails at us. Harry’s mare would not follow us, so had to mount her. Had an uncomfortable ride, there was only an old packsaddle on her and no stirrups. We made a substitute on it however and got on pretty well. When we stayed for dinner Fred took down the sidesaddle and put that on the mare so that afterwards I had a fine ride. Passed through village of Hall’s Creek, very pretty, surrounded by mountains. At night camped at the creek near the over bridge.
Saturday, 10 th. September; Fred heard at Hall’s Creek the previous day that the bridge was not yet opened, as there was a disagreeable old man there whose property the road would go over and the government had not yet paid for the road. Fred enquired from a man working at the bridge if they would allow him to take his teams across but he refused. Did not travel far that day, only about six miles because it began to rain. I rode on ahead of the teams to give the boys their dinner; we had to wait about an hour for them. I was riding Harry’s mare that day, and we camped at about 4 o’clock and when they were unharnessing the horses there was a heavy shower. We were all in the carriage during the storm, did not get a bit wet. About 4 o’clock the weather cleared up a bit and they sent Nellie, Arthur, Alfred, Ada and myself down for water. We followed the tracks down from the camp about a mile and we came across some alum springs. Harry said he believed that it is the crater of an extinct volcano. The water in it, in the centre, appears to be always boiling and tall reeds grow in it. Cattle and horses appear to like this water though we were afraid to tackle it. Not far from these springs was a shepherd’s hut and near that a small solitary grave paled in and apparently well looked after. We surmised that it was the grave of one of the shepherd’s children. We went on and on, seeking water until we arrived at the church at Hall’s Creek and to our surprise and disgust found it dry. We walked up the creek in the hopes of seeing water but without success, we then turned to the right and walked till we came to water. I am sure it must have been between three or four miles that we walked, we filled our vessels then turned towards home about dusk looking forward to another three or four miles. We walked along until it got completely dark. Once when we got to top of a certain hill we put down our vessels, chucked ourselves down on some stones ( for the grass was wet ) and had a spell. Not many seconds, however, as we were in too much of a hurry to get home, we knew they would be anxious about us. When we got within about a mile from the camp we heard father calling, found it was about half a mile further on, we thought. Fred shouted and Arthur answered it, in a few minutes afterwards we saw Fred and Harry on horseback, they had come to look for us. They then dismounted from their horses, relieved us of our loads and all reached home about 8 : 30 pm. We had great fun watching the children playing pranks as there was a light the children were playing about with although they were in bed. Went to roost.
Sunday 11th. September; Rained all day lightly. Marian and Fred went to have a look at the soda water springs. I spent most of the afternoon reading ‘Fifty Famous Women’ – I played some music on the concertina and sang. Soon after went to bed.
Monday 12 th. September; Rain cleared up. Preparations for starting on our journey, roads very heavy, camped the night at Wappin Hill, saw a wagon stuck, put horses at back to pull it out, got it out at last after a great many trials about four miles from Merriwa. Marian took ill towards morning; she had a bad cold, which caused severe pain in her back and chest.
NOTE: ‘Wappin Hill’ would actually refer to the small locality of Wappinguy located some ten kilometres from Merriwa.
Tuesday 13 th. September; Misting rain did not venture travelling. Marian better but unable to leave her tent. Road too heavy to think of resuming our journey with horses in each team, so left the furniture at Wybong also large dray as it continued raining, was thought advisable to get Marion in so about 4 : 30 Fred started for Merriwa taking Marion and me to stay with her as Fred could not possibly leave the camp. Reached there about 5 : 30, put up at Gallagher Hotel.
Wednesday 14 th. September; Marian was almost well again so we took a walk to the town, a miserable place, something in its favour is that it was a break. After breakfast any amount of Music and singing as they have a good piano there. Marion wrote to her mother and I to Bob. Were looking out for the team to come along. After dinner went shopping at Egan’s, the draper who attended us, was very nice indeed, we had a good long chat with him, also good looking. After tea went into drawing room to have some more music and a yarn. Spent the evening very pleasantly. Team came about three in the afternoon, we did not go with them as they only preposed crossing the bridge that night.
Thursday, 15 th. September; Rose early – Marian and I started out about 7 o’clock for camp, Marian’s twenty second birthday, all wished her a happy day. Had a miserable drive, roads fearful heavy, saw Collaroy Station, a lovely place, stayed awhile on some high ground, the other side to have a good view, so engrossed in this place that we never thought of looking in any other direction. Afterwards Alfred told us that there was an immense old man kangaroo within a few yards of us to the right, Marian and Nellie were so annoyed they missed that. They had been looking out for kangaroos ever since we started. Camped that night near the Collaroy Bridge all amongst the thistles. Would have been a very pleasant camping place but for the presence of a dead bullock, which we did not notice till after the horses were unharnessed. That night we had some music and got father, Fred, Harry, Marian and self, the whole lot singing away to their hearts content – also spinning yarns.
NOTE: Collaroy Station is located near the Krui River.
Friday, 16 th. September; Saw a lady driving a pair of splendid horses in a light buggy with a servant on horseback behind, we supposed they belonged to Collaroy Station. Started about 9 am. Round the hill we saw the homestead of the Clives, nicely situated place, a little further on upon a rise we had a beautiful view of the mountains to the east. Fred said he thought they were the hills of the Sodeburn Mountains. Camped the night at Taggabri, pretty place, very heavy roads indeed a great uphill pull on their beastly roads. Two dealers camped not far from us.
Saturday 17 th. September; Started from Taggabri about 9 : 30 am, passed Heads Hotel, dreadful roads – saw men breaking stones for the road – reached Borambil or Two Mile Hollow at about 5 o’clock – camped.
Sunday 18 th. September; Very windy – I wrote to Ann, Nellie to Mr. Dawes, spent a rather lonely day wishing to go to church.
Monday 19 th. September; Started at about 10, called at the shop for necessaries. Fred came across a wood carrier who showed him a track that would avoid a sandy hill – had view of Cassilis. Harry went into town to post letters and something for himself. Nettle ( dog ) followed him till they had almost reached the town when she knocked up. He hurried over his business in the hope of meeting her on his return but missed her, he then went into town again, looked and enquired everywhere for her in vain, at the creek we stopped for awhile. Fred mounted Polly and rode back to town in the hope that he would drop upon Nettle. In about an hour’s time he returned but no Nettle, at that we all came to the conclusion she had eaten poisoned bait. We then had dinner. Harry seemed very uneasy about Nettle so he said he would go back and See her dead or alive. So he mounted, in about an hour and half’s time he returned and hurrah carrying Nettle in front of him. Crossed the Liverpool Range – met a policeman accompanied by a black tracker. Nellie and the children walked up part of the hill. Camped on the range for the night, one of the prettier camps we have had.
Wednesday 21 st. September; We rose up early and went kangarooing. I carved my initials on a gum tree, started about 11 am. Went on, came to two houses, one was untenanted and beside it a garden, Sara, Mother, Nellie, and Ada got out to have a look, they found it lived in and spotlessly clean. Passed through, to me beautiful country. Camped at Nibborough and told this is a government town…a blacksmith and a few other houses. Rather pretty not far from and plainly visible to the Tungi Station, the owner being Fitzgerald,
Thursday 22 nd. September; Rose early, first bit of news upon us was the death of poor little Boucher. It was supposed he died from the cold – it being a very chilly night and he was tied up under a tree some distance from the fire. Mother said she was the cause of his death as she had tied him up. Started from there – came to the Post Office. Fred had just turned up there to the right when an old man called to him and told him to go straight ahead, a short road was good and a private road. Then we did this we found that the following that road we came into a beautiful spot to be in and an impossible place to cross over. This man told Fred that the owner in adjoining paddock would probably allow him to pass through in order to come on to the road again. Rode up to this farmer’s place, asked him and got his permission very readily. We stopped at a dam and watered the horses and cattle, then had dinner. Started on again through pretty country, came to a nasty crossing, rather difficult in crossing, camped that night at Morogony Mountains – Brown’s Station. At about 9 pm at night we camped.
Friday 23 rd. September; Raining, unable to continue travelling, Fred, Harry, Bob and Arthur went out shooting after breakfast. An old shepherd came over to have a yarn with us, told us this Station ( Brown’s Station ) had 18,000 sheep. The children went to gather fruit – no fruit however, they said they had enough to do to carry themselves, as they got bushed and had some trouble in finding the camp, there being no sun to guide them. Nellie, Marian and I passed the morning doing washing, while mother and father were in their tent all morning. Retired to rest early. Sign of weather clearing up.
Saturday 24 th. September; Dull day, extremely cold. Started at about 10 o’clock, saw houses but no farm – concluded it had been knocked down. Ate all the bread for breakfast not a bit more and no flour. At about between 1 or 2 we all began to feel peckish but could not satisfy our hunger. Fred mounted Polly taking the food bags and went into Denison Town ( now known as Uarbry )for flour and bread. In the meantime we took a walk to the top of the hill to have a look at the grand town. We saw about a dozen buildings, among which was a police station, church, school, public house and store besides private houses. Never felt a colder day all through winter. Fred returned in about 45 minutes with a cwt. of flour and an old mare and something wrapped in paper under his arm, this we afterwards discovered this was a damper ( small ). It seems he purchased it at a private house, it was all they had so he would have undoubtedly got all. It was a splendid piece of bread mixed with milk in the making, my word though we very soon left none of it all. He noticed just about this place a great deal of granite and quarrying, in a short distance away the remains of some gold diggings. About four o’clock Fred let Rocket loose to have a chase after a kangaroo, we saw Rocket start that was all, then Fred mounted Polly and rode to see the end. After awhile Fred came along to us exclaiming ‘Rocket is the best dog in the world’. Then he told us that it was a monster old man and we would come to it directly. After awhile we again halted to have a look at this kangaroo, dear me it was a monster. Fred came back delighted it was the largest ever they saw. Fred then cut him open at his intestines, out of him came a pumpkin. Fred hung him on the rail of the wagon to roast. Camped the night at Mr. G.H.Col’s Station Barafon about 2 or 3 miles from Redbank.
Sunday 25 th. September; Not long before starting Nellie and I went to get water at the boundry riders place, his wife is a little old person and was very weak. He himself appears to be much younger. Passed Redbank, consists of public house, general store, blacksmith shop all in a heap. About 4 o’clock this afternoon we came to a dreadful piece of road, the regret by a long way that I ever saw. We surmounted that difficulty however and afterwards camped in a place about 4 miles from Merrigowen (Merrygoen) Creek. Rocket had another chase after a kangaroo, of course killed him. Fred skinned him, there is no water near us so must travel about 2 miles tomorrow for water – Patrick’s Dam.
Monday 26 th. September; Started at about 11o’clock. Reached some water near Merrigowen (Merrygoen) about 2 o’clock. Lost 21 head of cattle that morning. Arthur drove the remaining cattle on while Harry and Alfred went to look for the lost. With the cattle was driving were the grey mare and the bay filly with their harness on. When Arthur arrived the two were missing, he said he thought they – had gone with the teams as they weren’t far ahead of the cattle. Fred mounted Polly as soon as he had his dinner and looked for them. He returned about dusk after having had a fruitless search for them.
Tuesday 27 th. September; About 11 o’clock after having had an early dinner Fred and Harry started to search for the missing horses. Meanwhile we girls took advantage of a days spell and had a thorough good wash. Fred returned at dusk said he’d been looking all day long without success and when he had started home his mare had knocked up leaving Henry to go back to a certain waterhole about 20 miles from our camping place to have a look there. Not long after tea we all retired to rest except mother and father who sat up for a good while expecting Harry to come. At last when there seemed no likelihood of him returning that night they went to bed.
Wednesday 28 th. September; Shortly after breakfast we saw Harry coming along on foot and leading his mare, he said he looked in vane till about 12 o’clock the preceding night for the horses and then tied his mare up as he had no hobbies and lay down to try and sleep, he however, not giving it a thought when he started, on being out all night, had not taken his extra coat so he said he was shivering with the cold all night, no wonder, it was a very cold night and he had only his light navy blue coat. Not long after breakfast Fred went to look in another direction for them and returned in the evening but without the horses. They all concluded that they must either have been stolen or taken away in hopes of a reward for recovery. On reaching Mendooran it was put in the hands of the police.
Thursday 29 th. September; Fred mounted Rocket shortly after breakfast to have a look for the horses in another direction. We started at about 12 o’clock. Camped on a reserve – a beautiful place.
Friday 30 th. September; Left Mendooran about ten after each received letter, very heavy roads all day, crossed the river ( Castlereagh River ) and then after camped on barren high bank of river. Pretty. Not a great distance on we came to some houses, seems it is a pretty comfortable life. A good distance back we were parallel with rocks, then from the turn they were almost out of sight and about a mile away we became rather frightened for fear it may have been a turn off road so turning to the left and drove straight through the bush to them, we found them waiting for either us or their dinner – don’t know which. Had to cross a nasty place in the river, the road went down to the bed of the river – was rather sticky going down. Camped at night at Cockatoo Flat near the bank of the river, place is very steep so we had rather hard work drawing the water up.
NOTE: These houses referred to may well have been the origins of locality called Boyden located 12 kilometres west of Mendooran. In addition the road does cross the Castlereagh River just after passing through Boyden.
Saturday 1st October; Warm day started about the usual time, travelled through a great deal of fine country, over a small open plain, heat excessive on it, again through scrub, mostly it was the hardest, in the slow pace travelling I don’t know but I feel exceedingly drowsy, glanced at Nellie who had Flossy asleep on her lap and dozing herself, on looking around I saw mother asleep in one corner and Marion in the other and Clarrie asleep in the middle. Saw an enormous goanna up a tree and an opossum. Passed an orchard, which were growing some fine old apple trees, we drew up under one of these and had lunch – we were prepared for it. Harry and Alfred retraced their steps, the former taking his gun to have a shot at the goanna. In a short time they returned with it. Harry then cut it open, there were two beautiful looking cauls of fat inside, that not very long before we saw it killing also a large bone, this creature must have powerful digestive organs, camped at a place about a mile from the river, very good grass and a waterhole within about a hundred yards.
NOTE: From the basic description given including the given distance from the Castlereagh River it appears that they were camped in very close proximity to what is known today as the locality of Breelong. Breelong is also located on the Wallumburrawang Creek which itself feeds into the Castlereagh River.
Sunday 2nd October; Rather warm, but a cool breeze. After breakfast went down to the hole for a bucket of water. There I found Alfred whom I asked the distance to the river. ‘Oh’, he said ‘it is not far’, so we started and found it much further than I anticipated, found Fred, Marian and Arthur there. Marian was bathing Clarry, Alfred and I carried home the bucket of water, then I got ‘Fifty Famous Women’ and sat down underneath a shady tree and read till dinnertime. After that was over Nellie took the children down to the river and with them all I went down to the waterhole under a shady tree and read again. About four I returned and finished up my notes to the present. After tea we sang a few hymns with the concertina accompaniment and then
retired.
Monday 3rd October; Started at about nine, reached Gilgandra at about 12 and Smiths Hotel. About 12 : 30 father went into the hotel. So we camped, had dinner. We went to look at a graveyard. There were two graves, one with a great headstone on it with the name on it, but we had no idea whose the older one was. WE then left the graves and went towards the house. Mrs. Smith very nice person, stayed about a couple of hours. Mrs. Smith gave me a large jug of milk. I went over to the camp to get a can to put it in. Fred driving the cattle and horses to a paddock so then I knew they had turned out, we should be there for the day. We all went down the road to do some shopping. We then went and had a look at the….., this place nicely arranged and kept in excellent order. We stayed till about dusk, it being late we were invited to tea, we declined, they asked us to come over after tea and have a little amusing conversation and some singing – she told us that there was a man and her daughter the former player, the husband of the latter would be staying there that night and they would also play. Fred, Marian, Nellie and I after tea, went and had ourselves a very nice and agreeable time. The girls played and sang very nicely, we also played well also.
Tuesday 4th October; They came and stopped to have a few words with us. After they left we harnessed our carriage horses and then went over to Mrs. Smith’s to say goodbye. We stayed about half an hour. During that time they ( James Davis and Jane Smith together with the remaining members of the family and the livestock ) were headed towards our destination and we went driving fast to catch them.
Unfortunately the diary stops at Gilgandra
