Journal 7
- Profile
- Images
Journals Index
J.H. Watmuff Profile
Prologue
1 1856-05-01 (Bendigo, Dunolly, Sandy Creek (Tarnagulla), Loddon , (Mt. Hope Hoax), Ararat, Chinamans Flat, Moonlight Flat, Mt William (trek with Aboriginal guide), Pleasant Creek (Stawell), Melbourne).
2 Bendigo Melbourne 1862 Otago N.Z. (1859-07-17)
3 Otago (1862-09-11)
4 Otago (1863-07-26) to Melbourne 1865
5 Melbourne 1865-11-12
6 Melbourne 1866-03-04
7 Melbourne 1869-03-28
8 Melbourne 1870-06-12 to April 1876
9 Melbourne 1876-06 to 1880-09-07
10 Dribs & Drabs 1881-02-16 to 1882-06
11 Sydney & Misc. 1884
12 Lusitania Voyage 1887-05-27
13 Lusitania Voyage 1887-05-30
14 Lusitania Voyage 1887-06-26
15 Lusitania Voyage 1887-07-01
16 and 17 England, letters and Journal 1887-07-14
18 Garonne return Voyage 1887-09-27
19 Resignations 1888-05-28 to 1892 Nov.
See Bert Watmuff's letters about the family
20 (Journal 19) Mildura 1893-05-06
21 Genealogies from 1738 to 1889
22 New Zealand Essays
J.H. & Bessie Watmuff's Photos
Olive Watmuff's Photos
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Journal Kept By
John Henry Watmuff
Melbourne
From March 28th.1869 to June 5th.1870
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March 28th.1869
Weather very hot & oppressive & it is found that if the
weather keeps so much longer that the country will be in
a serious state A Govt proclamation has been issued for
the population to observe the 2nd April as a day of fast
& humiliation & prayer for providence to favor us with
rain. I do not believe in set occasions for such purposes
The ways of God are inscrutable & ordains everything for
the best & I have no doubt that the present drought is of
some good to man if we could only discover it
This being Easter week & holiday time I have little to
recount of interest except the manner I have spent my
time when not engaged in business Monday evening I
partly spent at Stewarts & in company with Miss Stone
On arriving home I found my Bro’ Fred very ill with
spasms. Dr Hewlit in attendance, I sat up with him
all night towards morning he got a little better, but he
remained very weak all the week & was unable to resume
his work, he intends to make an effort on Monday morning
Tuesday evening I spent at Mrs. Florauns Wednesday
staid at home Thursday evening I went to Stewarts for a
practice on arriving home commenced preparations for a
picnic for the following day “Good Friday, morning very gloomy
looking, toward noon turned out lovely, our party consisted
of twelve ladies & the same number of gentlemen all
old friends & acquaintances. We engaged Boats at Richmond
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& landed at the Survey Paddock & after regaling ourselves
on the good things we brought with us we spent the
rest of the day in the most jolly manner possible –
playing a variety of out door games, singing & flirting
was enjoyed & indulged in to a dreadful extent. We
had tea at Roberts Tea Gardens, & having engaged some
Italian fidlers who appeared on the scene at 6 Pm we
adjourned to a croquet ground where we danced till 10 Pm
when all being pretty well tired, we embarked in our
Boats & being a lovely night we enjoyed our pull down
our pleasure was somewhat marred by a young lady
Miss Stoddart fainting no less than 3 times on the way
down, I fancy she must have over exerted herself -
Miss Beezely stayd all night at our house & the following
day, Saturday, with Bessie & Miss B. we went to town
Spent the afternoon reading Tennyson’s “Idyles of the King”
In the evening I met Miss S & enjoyed myself
very much in a strool with her for an hour or two -
Sunday morning I went to hear Mr Henderson -
Mary & Clark spent the afternoon at our house
after tea I went to St Peters Church, enjoyed the
choral service, but was rather disgusted at the manner
in which the Revd – Handfield intoned the service. I left
before the sermon was finished, having had enough of
High Church & Ritualism I called at the A.S. Baptist Chapel
& met Miss Stone & walked home with her –
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April 4th.1869
Weather been lovely the last few days, considerable
quantity of rain having fallen doing a deal of good to
the country. Monday last was a holiday. I knocked about
town until dinner time time hanging rather heavily
on my hands through not having made any arrangement
for spending it. Spent the evening with Miss Stone.
Wednesday evening Miss Campbell & Miss Pitts with Joe West
called Bessie being away they would not remain I saw
Miss Pitts home to Jollimont. Thursday evening I partly
spent at Stuarts & with Miss S. Friday was observed
as a Holiday, not being a general one most of the retail
places of business being opened, services were held in most
of the places of worship, it was intended to pray for
rain but there was no occasion to do that having had
such a quantity the last few days as to satisfy the most
thirsty. I spent the day quietly, visited Harry Dights
found him absent stayed about two hours with Mrs. D
In the evening I left home to go to Et Melb to bring my
mother home who had been spending the day at Mary’s
Met Louisa Bourke on my way, strode about with her
for an hour, poor girl she was very low spirited having
been so far, unsuccessful in her efforts to procure some
employment suitable for her. Saturday afternoon in
company with my sister & Geo Bond I went to see the
Athletic sports held on the M.C. Ground, not many there
I knew. Bessie & Bond went to his mothers & had tea. I,
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in the evening called for Miss Stone & we took a
pleasent strool together, on my arriving Bond &
Bessie had returned from a concert they had been
at & my sister informed me that Geo had proposed
for her, she was very much affected & had not given
him an answer but I sincerely trust she will give
him a favourable reply for he is a fine young fellow
steady & likely to get on in the world. Bessie is
22 & tis time she thought of getting settled, but she
is a little peculiar & I fancy she loves someone
else, however I think I have partly induced her to
accept him. Sunday morning & evening. I went to
Church. Mr Henderson has commenced a series of
lectures (for Sunday evening *discourse) on character
that of this evening was on “Faith” being the basis
on which our moral & mental structure rests upon, he
spoke for an hour & a quarter upon the subject in the
most eloquent & impressive manner. The church was
crowded to excess & the night being very hot, it was
anything but pleasent -
April 11th.1869
Fine weather, very busy at the office several
large vessels at the pier. My time spent much as usual
Monday evening, Thornton & I went to Stewarts choir,
at St Andrews Church where he is precentor. Tuesday
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evening I went to his house & had some singing
Wednesday evening our house was deluged with visitors
spent it very pleasently Thursday evening after leaving
Stewarts house, where I had been practising scales, I went
to St Georges Hall to one of Madame Anna Bishop’s concerts
I enjoyed the singing very well, especially one item a
duet called “Sunset” sang by Mdms. Bishop & Wilkin. Friday
evening I called for Miss Stone & accompanied her to Revd I News
chapel where she sings in the choir, being practice night,
I waited till the Rehearsal was over, & saw her home. Saturday
afternoon I spent Reading. In the evening Miss Campbell &
Miss Hoskins with Saunders & Bond (rivals) called & had tea
I left them as I had promised to take Miss Stone to hear
Mdm Bishop sing. The concert was an excellent one
& I think my companion enjoyed herself. 11 pm
when I got home found the visitors gone. Sunday
I went this morning to St Francis chapel (R.C) to
hear Mdm A.Bishop sing “Gratius Agimas” with an
organ & clarinet accompaniement, it was the finest piece
I ever heard her sing - The Choir sang Haydns. No 1
Mass in a very creditable manner. In the afternoon I
visited the Cemetery. In the evening I heard Mr
Henderson preach a sermon on “Christian Manliness”
as usual he was eloquent & logical, the church was
crowded to suffocation, on leaving & on my way home I
called at News Chapel & was in time to meet Miss Stone
& see her home. On arriving home I found G.Bond
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& I am happy to state that my sister has agreed
to become his wife, sometime next September -
[1869-04-18 Sunday]
April 17th.1869
Been lovely weather, still continue busy at
the office, Time spent much as usual. Tuesday
evening I went to Stewarts, had a practice, on arriving
home I found Kidgell, he had just returned from
Queensland (Gympie) where he has commenced
business & I think from what he states he is likely
to be successful, he is looking very well & is the
same jolly little fellow he always was he remained
all night with us. Wednesday I staid at home
Thursday evening, Bessie & I went to a party
at Mr Gotchs. found many friends & acquaintances
there all bent upon enjoyment singing & dancing
Etc, discussing *riar-ds & luxuries of all sorts & of the
best description until about 3Am next morning when
we broke up. Friday evening I visited A.St. B.C choir met
Miss S. & saw her home. Saturday afternoon on leaving the
office I went to Grant St. Emerald to see if I could assist
Hamilton in getting his furniture Etc to rights, he having
returned that day from Carlton found everything settled
& as I could be of no use I took a strool up the Yarra River
to see some boat racing. The sport provided was excellent
in its way, on my way home I called at Mrs Florauns
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found she had been married that day to a gentleman
named Horne a well to do Cattle Dealer who resides at
Castlemain I had been invited to the wedding but declined
not being able to leave business, the Bride & Groom had left
for a tour, but several people were there I knew so I
stayed about an hour I should have remained the evening
but I had promised to meet Miss Stone so did not
care about breaking my appointment. Sunday
morning I start in company with my mother
to hear the Revd Charles Clark] preach, he has just arrived
from England to take the Reverend I. New place, who is to be
superintended. Clarke is a young man in fact looks a boy
in the pulpit but I suppose he is without exception
the most eloquent preacher in the colony he possesses
a beautiful clear bell like voice, his language is choice, full
of beauty & rich in simile, he manages to clothe the
most commonplace subjects in lovely garbs, he is exceedingly
elegant & graceful in his manner & will prove a most
attractive preacher. I was quite fascinated, but was not
much impressed with the matter of his discourse, he
is fanciful & imaginative, not logical nor argumentative.
I question whether he will make many converts I
may be mistaken, I hope I am, he does not convey the
idea to me of a man who has chosen his profession in
the spirit that is generally expected of a minister of the gospel
of Jesus Christ, but more with the view of airing his
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talent as a speaker I am led to this conclusion
partly from what I have heard of him & from my own
observations. In the afternoon I took a walk, in company
with Miss Stone to the Cemetery & in the evening
we went to Mr Hendersons to hear him deliver his
sermon, or lectures on “Knowledge”, got wet coming
home, the rain pouring down in torrents.
April 25 1869
Pleasent weather during the week. Rather
slack at the office, waiting patiently for vessels to
arrive at the pier that are overdue. Monday night
I took Miss Stone to the “Art Exhibition” which is now
being held in the New Exhibition Building, open for ten
months charge 1/- night is a bad time to view
pictures, but I think with the large quantity on
view, most of which have been kindly lent for the
occasion by private individuals, judging the quantity
& quality on view it goes far to prove the love the
Victorians have for works of Art in this line, there are
many originals & copies of the works of the best masters
those being the most noteworthy of the latter are
of Rubens, Tituns, Guido & Rafaelle – some of the pictures
by the modern painters would not disgrace the finest
gallery in Europe, “Rotterdam at Sunset” by Webb is a
grand picture, “The First Snow” by Otto Weber, The Depart des
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Fiana” by Koller & several others I enjoyed myself
very much & I think my companion did ditto, but
as a rule very few ladies are connoisseurs they generally
[like] the worst pictures providing the subject happens to be one
they have a sympathy for, some wax & paper flowers
on view appeared to attract her the most I think
the taste for pictures requires to be cultivated before one
can fully appreciate painting in its higher flights &
perfections, it is difficult for an amateur to arrive
at a just estimate of the merits of a picture unless
he knows something of the Art either by long & careful
observations or to have studied it in some shape or another –
it was 10pm when we left the building & nearly 11
when I arrived home – Tuesday evening I went
to Stuart’s after practising scales for an hour I returned
home. Wednesday evening I accompanied Mary & Clark to
a Soiree given by the Freemasons at their Hall, Lonsdale St,
Mesdames Sanderson, Young & Misses Donaldson, Amery
Schatt and Seide being the principal performers, at the
[conclusion of the] concert 10 pm the benches were cleared away & I stayd
another 2 hours dancing Thursday evening I went to
Stewarts on leaving I went to the Induction Service
of Revd. C. Clark as pastor of the Albert St Baptist Chapel
at the conclusion of the affair I met Miss Stone & saw
her home – Friday morning I accompanied my Brother
on board of the S.S. “Tasmania” bound for Tasmania where
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he intends spending a fortnight for the benefit of
his health. I sincerely hope the change may do
him good he has not been well for a long time
especially since his late illness. In the evening
(which was very wet) I went to the Collins St B.C.
where Willy Ford is Organist & who very Kindly plays
for me anything I wish to learn that has an
accompaniment for the Organ. I was practising Rosinis
grand Solo from the “Stabat Mater” the “Cujus Animam”
rather ambitious on my part to attempt such a
piece, however it is fine practice. This evening I
went to hear Revd C.Clark. I did not care so
much for him as I did when I first heard him
a very beautiful discussion but nothing in it. I walked
home afterwards with Miss Stone -
May 2 1869 Weather rather changeable but tolerably cold during the week I received a long letter from Fred on Thursday giving a most glowing dis- -cription of Tasmania & its society, his letter was written in Launceston where he had enjoyed very much having met a few kind friends there, he is now, I suppose, in Hobart town where he proposed visiting - Monday evening I spent at Mrs. Walters (Carlton) very slowly Tuesday evening I spent at Stewarts. Wednesday evening I attended a Baptismal Service at the B C
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Albert St. saw several ‘dipped’ for what purpose I know
not! Friday evening Miss Stone & [I] spent at the C St. BC,
with W.Ford singing Saturday afternoon I went
to the Art Exhibition & spent a few hours pleasently
Picture gazing This morning & evening I went to
Church. Mr H preached a fine sermon on “Patience &
Constancy”. In the afternoon with Miss Stone I went
to the Cemetery & my companion being pretty &
agreeable I enjoyed my walk, on arriving home
this evening I found Geo Bond at our house, he is a
very constant Visitor.
May 9th.1869
Beautiful weather. Slack at the office but for
myself I had a deal of work to do owing to a desire I
have of taking a few days rest to enable me undergoing
an operation for strengthening my sight. Monday evening
I went to a Concert given by Richardsons pupils at
the Haymarket Theatre, it was a very poor affair, but
the house was well filled being for the benefit of the new
Alfred Hospital. Tuesday evening I spent with Miss
Stone Wednesday evening I spent at Stewartss singing
Friday afternoon, having left the office earlier than usual,
I went to a German named Guttman who has been
performing some extraordinary cures by a new process
of what I call inoculation, lately discovered, I have been
advised by several persons to try it for my eyes. I have
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not much confidence in its efficacy yet I thought
I ought not to neglect any chance, he commenced
by stripping me & then he took a thing in shape of
an ordinary paint brush, but instead of being made
of bristles it consists of needles, with this he made
punctures, slightly, but not enough to draw blood, but
sufficient to puncture the skin, he did this up each
side of the spine, round my ears and eyes, after
which he applied some kind of oil (which is the
grand secret) about two hours afterwards the places
punctured became very warm & my face began to
swell & in the course of a day every puncture gave
forth a head of matter – I have had to wear a shade
over my eyes, keep within doors & not to get cold
there is very little pain attached to the operation
the only inconvenience is a slightly irritable feeling
I dont intend going to the office for a few days
so as to let my eyes have as much rest as possible
Sunday afternoon the inflamation commenced to go
Down – I sincerely trust the experiment will do
my sight, good, but I am afraid the weekness of
my eyes has become chronic, & there is little chance
of a thorough cure. Clark & Mary spent the
afternoon with us. Yesterday I received a long
letter from Fred he was in Hobart town, enjoying
himself very much, he purposes returning home
sometime next week –
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May 16_1869
Lovely weather, I resumed my duties at
the office on Thursday, fortunately things had been
very slack there so I was not missed very much.
The first days of the week I spent very quietly
Several friends & acquaintances called in the evening
to make enquiries concerning the progress attending
the operation. I am sadly afraid I am not in the
slightest benefitted by the operation I have been subjected to
Wednesday morning I went into town and drew the £75
I lodged with a building society on receipt of
which I paid £10.7.0 Fred had borrowed from Delnicold
to take him to Tasmania. Thursday evening my
Brt Fred returned from his visit looking & feeling much
better for his trip. I spent the same evening with
Miss Stone on arriving home I found Saunders
Marsden & Williams at our house who remained till
12 Pm Friday I spent the evening with Miss Stone.
Saturday afternoon I took a walk to the Cemetery to
see the funeral of the Revd Mr Hill who was so brutally
murdered by a prisoner named Rilson in the pentridge
jail. Spent the day as usual, church night & morning
a walk in the afternoon when I met W.Smart –
saw Miss Stone this evening on leaving church &
walked home with her. I am getting head over heels
in love with her, much to the *disgust of those at home
who are always reviling her & myself. I do not care what
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the[y] say to myself but I will not have a word spoken
against her who I know is not deserving of the
slightest reproach. My mother & sister unfortunately
listen to every idle rumour concerning her, whose
only fault consist in knowing that there is a
prejudice existing against her by my relations
& resents it by being very stiff & distant to them
when ever they see or meet each other, I am sorry
it is so for a feeling of this sort on my peoples
part only confirms & strengthens my affection for
the object of their dislike.
May 23rd.1869 Weather been disagreeable & cold very slack at the office all the week, but yesterday quite a fleet of vessels made their appearance at the Heads so I suppose we shall be busy enough in a few days ”Whit Monday” I had a half holiday Tuesday evening spent at Stewarts. Wednesday & Thursday evening I spent with Miss Stone, Friday evening I spent with Mary (E.M.), on leaving I called for Bessie at St Phillips Church, Hoddle St where she had attended a Tea Meeting, Saturday afternoon I went to Guttsmans & had another operation performed for which he wanted to charge me another 3/- but I objected not having been in the slightest degree benefitted by the last trial, it was at
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the mans own suggestion I tried it again, not being
aware he proposed charging me for it, until he asked
me for payment, I considered I had no right to pay & so
the matter ended, by my promising if I really was
cured to pay, a pretty safe promise on my part but
one I wish to God I should have to pay. In the
evening I went to Stewarts towards night my face
began to swell but not to the extent it did before. I
was near doing myself a great injury by having to go
out in the cold air about 12Pm to search for a Doctor
to attend my Br’ who took ill in a similar
way he did before going to Tasmania. I am happy to say
we are both all right now This afternoon R.Ryland
called & had tea with us after which we went to hear
Revd C.Clark The Church was crowded to excess & we had
to stand the whole of the service, at its conclusion I
met Miss Stone, got home with some difficulty as the
rain came down in torrents, had the pleasure
of spending two hours under a verandah
My Br Fred left Williams the printer this last week whom he has been with the last 10 years, he has gone into partnership with a man named Smith, & have taken a place in Flinders Lane in the centre of the business part of the City, it will be a week or two before they are prepared for a start I sincerely hope they will be successful -
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May 30th.1869
Weather very wet & miserably cold. I have
been very busy at the office, during the week.
Monday the 24th was observed as a general
holiday I went to witness a Review held at
Emerald Hill in company with G.Freer & Miss
Edwards got back home by 2.30 found G.Bond
here who staid tea, after which I went to a Tea
Meeting at the Baptist Chapel, George St
Fitzroy heard Miss Stone sing the Soph’ part in a
Trio from “Elijah” “Lift thine Eyes” after which she
sang “Thou didst not leave his soul in Hell”, from the
Messiah, very well at the conclusion of the
concert I saw her home nearly 12 when I
got home Tuesday evening I went to Stewarts
staid there about an hour on arriving home I
found Saunders & J. Ballantyne at our house who
who remained until 11.30. Wednesday evening
I spent with Miss Stone, took a long walk together
Thursday evening I spent at Stewarts, *went right
home early, Friday evening, I went to Clarks
found him busy preparing specifications for his new
house I spent a couple of hours very pleasently
singing & practising Duets, On my way home
I dropped into the Wesly Church Choir & *striking
Marsden he insisted upon my singing “If With all
your Hearts” from the “Elijah” a Miss *Amear playing
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the accompaniment upon the Organ. I forgot to
mention I left the office on Friday morning &
in company with Fred I went to the funeral of my
fathers cousin Stephen Watmuff who died on Wednesday
he was a man I only met him about half a dozen times
& never cared much about him his habits & that sort
of thing being so different from my own, he
was buried in the general Cemetery Fred & I being
Chief Mourners & his only relatives in the colony
(excepting my uncle John Tom)
with the exception of his wife, who I think is tolerably
well provided for, he left no family. Saturday afternoon
being wet, I spent at home In the evening I met
Miss Stone & the weather having cleared up we took
a long & very pleasent walk together. Sunday morning
& evening I went to Mr Hendersons church In the
afternoon I took a strool with Miss S. to the Cemetery
on arriving home I found Mr *Bucide & Mrs Room
friends of my brothers that he made in Launceston
Mr[s] R is an exceedingly nice lady, a thorough Christian
one I should think, on leaving chapel I called for
Miss Stone (who is an attendant at C.Clarks) & saw
her home -
June 6th.1869
Weather still cold & unsettled, with plenty
of rain Very busy at the office, in fact seldom
more so since I have been in the Companys employ
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I sent in an application a few weeks ago for an
increase of salary, but as yet no mention has been taken
of it. I dont suppose there is a more miserable
or parsimonious Cmy in existence than the M & HBURl
or where there is such a poor chance of an employee
getting on in. I regret, often, staid so long
in the service, hoping on, hoping on. Monday evening
I went to hear “Weston & Husseys” Christy Minstrels at
St Georges Hall who have done up the place very
nicely & are drawing large audiences, they are very
good in one service but I missed the really good
singing I had heard from the two previous Companys
that I have heard here. There is too much of the
comic element. Stewart has been engaged by them
as first tenor, & commences with them next week
Wednesday & Saturday evenings I spent with
Miss Stone – Friday evening I went with Bessie
& Fred to a party given by Geo’ neighbours mother
in honor of his Birthday, enjoyed ourselves very
much 3Am next morning when we broke up -
Sunday morning & evening I went to hear
Revd. A.M Henderson, Miss S. went with me this
evening, he delivered his last discourse on “Character”
summing up the various virtues Etc that constitute
a truly Christian one, impressing upon his hearers
the importance of Faith as a groundwork, or basis, with
Virtue, Knowledge, Dilligence Charity etc as a superstructure
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to be particularly cultivated & practised –
June 13 1869
*Stinking bad weather all the week nothing but
rain, rain day & night, dirty streets, & every place most
miserable - Still continue busy at the office
in fact never was more so, no less than 11 ships
discharging & loading at the Rly Pier. I have
felt very unwell during the week from a severe
cold accompanied with an attack of biliousness
I have been getting thinner & beautifully less
if I do not improve shortly I intend to get
Medical advice The English mail arrived on
Monday & much to my surprise & disappointment
no news from Father. I received a short note from
my Uncle John Thos. on Tuesday, he was living on
Bendigo when he wrote, he wished to know if any
news came from England with respect to his affairs
I answered his note the following day, informing
him that no news had arrived. Uncle Joseph is rather
long winded in sending him his share of the annuity
he is entitled to, but which according to law I believe
he is not entitled to, owing to his taking advantage
of the “Bill of Limitation Act”. Monday evening I
went to hear & see Stewart make his re debut with
the “Christys” the place was very much crowded & taking
it altogether I fancy he created a good impression
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but there is no mistaking the fact that his voice is
nothing in comparison to what it used to be
Spent most of my evenings at home. Saturday
afternoon I spent at Stewarts & in the evening with
Miss Stone This afternoon we took a walk to the Cemetery
& in the evening we went together to hear Mr Henderson.
June 20th.1869
Weather very disagreeable. Our office has no fireplace
in it & sometimes I feel the cold so much that I
can hardly hold my pen to write. I wish our
Secretary & Board of Directors had to sit & do my
work for a week, I’ll be bound there would soon be
a change. Monday evening I went to Fred’s office found
it nicely fitted up, they have two good presses & plenty
of type & are now ready to commence operations, it
will be uphill work for many a day with them
Wednesday evening I spent very pleasently at my
sister Marys, Mr & Mrs. *Bartlaw were there
Friday evening I went to hear the Sable Minstrels
in their absurd comicalities, & listen to their stale
jokes & indifferent singing. The place was crowded
& the performance seemed to be greatly relished, thus
showing the taste of the age for everything that is
low & debasing, comic singing & burlesque acting is all
the rage, nothing else goes down, or pays to place upon
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the stage, legitimate acting, high class classical
music, & entertainment of an intellectual order
are at a discount in Victoria at present -
Saturday afternoon I spent at Stewarts singing & in
the evening I spent a couple of hours with Miss Stone
Morning & evening of to day I went to Chapel Mr H
has commenced a series of sermons on the 16th chapter of
John, In the afternoon I went to the cemetery in
company with Miss S. My mother & sisters are greatly
prejudiced against my connection with her & every
day I am subjected to all manner of unpleasent
remarks in reference to our acquaintance, she is an
exceedingly nice girl, very quiet & with nothing of
that fastness about her which characterises most of the
colonial girls & young ladies of this town. The English
mail left here yesterday & having to write to Uncle
Joseph about my Uncle John Thomas I thought it a
good opportunity of introducing myself & family to his
notice. I wrote him a very long letter giving him a
complete history of our family from being in
the colony previous & subsequent to my fathers absence
I gave him some broad hints as to our circumstances
& position which I hope he will take in the spirit I
intend they should, he has plenty of money I
believe & no family to leave it to & I do not see why I should
not try to interest him in our favour. I have heard
he intends to leave us something when he dies, but a little
now perhaps would be of far more benefit to us -
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June 27th 1869
Miserable weather. Still continues busy at the
office. Monday evening I went to Hamiltons & brought
my mother home, who had been spending the day
at Emerald Hill. I was extremely sorry to hear that
Hamilton had lost his “billet” at W.H.Rocke & Co. more
especially as he has nothing by him & his wife near
her confinement. Tuesday evening I went to a
fashionable Amateur Concert at the Duke of Edinbro
Theatre given principally by members of Richardsons
Class. Some portions of the programme were tolerably
well rendered for Amateurs, whilst others were excusable
The great fault I find with most amateurs that they
invariably select music either of a too difficult & too
classic a character to be successful, pieces that
first class artists will only attempt at their best form
Music becomes ridiculous when such people as J.B.West
sing such pieces as “Fra Poco” from “Lucia di Lammemoor”
Etc. Wednesday evening I spent at Mrs. Skinners
a large party was assembled to do honor to the
wedding of her daughter to an acquaintance of mine
Henry Chadwick a clerk in the National Bank -
I was not fortunate enough to see the happy pair they
having gone on a wedding “tour” I met several there
I was intimate with among the number Louisa Burke
by far away the loveliest girl at the party I had eyes &
|
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1385
attraction for all but more in particular for her, there
was plenty to eat & to drink & plenty of food, it was nearly
4 Am next morning when I took my departure –
Louisa rieled me considerably about my new flame -
as she terms Miss S., poor girl she feels her position very
much & from her manner which she showed, rather foolishly,
her “penchant” for her old admirer, caused me to be pretty
considerably “chaffed” if she was single things might
have been different. Thursday evening I spent at home
Friday evening I spent at Pitts, Jollimont,
practising Glees in company with the Misses
Pitts, Lambert & Campbell, Messrs West, Pitts, Kitson Etc
which we are to sing at a Soiree to be given shortly at
the Church we all attend (Mr Hendersons). Walked home
with Nelly Lambert afterwards, Saturday afternoon I
spent at Stuarts & in the evening with Miss Stone
I went to church this morning & ditto in the evening in
company with Miss Stone, afternoon we took a long
strool together –
July 4th 1869
Disagreeable weather Very busy at the office Pier full
of ships loading & discharging Monday evening spent
the evening at Pitts rehearsing Glees, Tuesday evening
spent with Lizzie (Mr & Mrs. W.Bond called & had tea).
Wednesday evening I went to hear Weston & Husseys troupe of
Sable Minstrels at St Georges Hall, they have improved since
|
| 7/25 |
1386
I heard them last. Thursday Miss Stone & I
went to a Concert given by the Philharmonic Sty
at the Princess Theatre, the music was entirely of
a secular character & most of it very well rendered
especially some duets by Donaldson & Mrs. Fox
they were both in fine voice & I never heard them sing
better before, Mrs F “Dearest Companions” would not
not disgrace any Concert Room, & Donaldson’s “Oh Tis a
Glorious Sight” & his reading of the “Message” & “Sleep
Well” - Friday evening we had a rehearsal of our
Glees at the Church, David Lee conducting us, much
to our benefit. Thursday was a holiday & a wretched
wet day it was. Fred and I started to witness the Sports
at the MCC Ground, but on arriving there we found
they were postponed in consequence of the weather
Called at Stewarts on Saturday afternoon, found he had
left the “Minstrels” owing to the minister of the Church
of which he is the precentor of having procured him a situation
In the evening as usual I spent with Miss Stone
To day, Sunday, I went to church morning & evening
accompanied by Lizzie.
[Sunday, 11 July 1869]
June 11th.1869
Tolerably fine weather during the week. English Mail
arrived on Monday, no news for any of us – Tuesday
evening I spent at Pitts, Jollimont, Wednesday evening
I met Miss Stone & we took a long walk together
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| 7/26 |
1387
on arriving home my mother & sister, I am sorry
to state, made some impertinent remarks in reference
to my intimacy with Miss S. which ended in my
losing my temper & leaving the house with a half formed
determination never to enter it again. I did not return
for hours & until my passion was cooled down, my sister
& I have not spoken to each other since & I feel that
is that, passed that for ever will hinder our ever
being the same to each other than has been - Thursday
evening I went to see Montgomery in Shakespears
Grand play of “Anthony & Cleopatra” assisted by Miss Cleveland
as the heroine, their playing was something magnificent &
will be long remembered by Theatre goers, when the players
are dead & gone, there are not many men who can say they
have witnessed the characters of the Immortal Bard playd so
well as by Montgomery, the glories of Brook & Sullivan & even
Kean pale before this new light in scene characters -
Friday evening on arriving home from business I found
my cousin Harry here, he is in town on business
connected with his school & also to attend an examination
after tea I attended a rehearsal of our Glees at the Grammar
School, Collins Street, D.Lee coaching us up in there -
Saturday afternoon in company with Harry Vickerman
I went to see the Athletic Sports on the M.C.C Ground
running & that sort of thing I do not much care for
The novelty of the day was a Velocipede race, the first ever
|
| 7/27 |
1388
held in Australia, an acquaintance of mine J Finley
winning it in fine style, there was an enormous
amount of people present to witness the sports -
After tea Harry left for home I accompanied him to the
Rly Station & returned to Fitzroy where I called for Miss S.
& we took a long ramble together. This afternoon, Sunday
we did ditto & in the evening I went to church –
[Sunday, 18 July 1869]
July 19th 1869
Weather very unsettled during the week & as I have
been suffering very severely from a cold makes it none
the easier to bear Still busy at the office, plenty of
ships been discharging at the Pier. My leisure time
spent much as usual. Monday & Wednesday evenings
making love in company with Lizzie. Tuesday night
I spent at Stewarts, staid rather later than usual owing
to a young fellow being there who had just
returned from England & who had visited the continent
I found his company very agreeable & his descriptions
of the various places he had visited & the people he had met
very interesting. Friday night I went to a Tea
Meeting given by the members of the Collins St Independent
Church, Mutual Improvement Association, it was well
attended, several of the members spoke pretty well
excepting poor Geo’ Neighbour from whom so much was expected
owing to the high honor he has gained at the University & to
the known fact of his studying for a Barrister. He was nervy
|
| 7/28 |
1389
& stumbled over every word he uttered & at last completely
broke down & had to appeal to some notes he fished out of
one of his pockets & after considerable delay he arranged them
& then found that he could not read his own writing & was
obliged to take his seat not amidst approving cheers, but *minimal laughter
I felt for him, but I have no doubt in time when he
overcomes his nervousness he will “shine”
The best part of the Entertainment were the Glees, in which
I took my share of the honor. Saturday afternoon I spent
at home & in the evening I went in company with Miss
S. took a long walk. Sunday, morning I went to
Church, Mary was there I walked [part] of the way home with
her, she is looking very much better than she has been doing
for a long time. In the afternoon In company
with Lizzie I went to the Cemetery for a walk –
& In the evening I went to Church with Mother
I received a note on Friday from Uncle John Thos. desiring to know if any money came by the last Mail for him. I replied in the negative, he is working on the farm of Mr. Gill, River Loddon, nr. Newbridge -
July 25th.1869
Weather very cold & foggy & rather severe for those who
suffer from Lung diseases & that sort of thing. Monday
evening spent at home. My sister Bessies pupils the
little Miss Snowdens had been spending the day at our house & I
took them home at about 9.Pm. Staid playing cards there till
10 Pm when I returned - Wednesday evening I spent at
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| 7/29 |
1390
Clarks, the Miss Clarks were there, after indulging in some
music (my sister Mary being in fine voice pleased me very
much) we commenced to play “Besique” a new game
of cards & likely to become a popular one for those who
care for cardplaying for my part it appears like downright
waste of time - Tuesday evening I took Miss Stone
to a Concert held in the Wesleyan Chapel Emerald Hill
being the occasion of the opening of the New Organ an excellent
programme was provided & the singing was really good
Mrs. Fox, Miss Watson, Exon & Maddon were the chief vocalists
while Pringle was organist for the occasion Friday
I left the office in company with a fellow clerk, Hart, &
spent the evening very pleasently at his mothers house E.H.
I met several nice people there among the number Miss
McAndrew who plays & sings beautifully I sang several Duets
with her & *pieces some of which she accompanied upon the Harp
It was nearly 12 Pm when I left after spending a most
enjoyable evening. On my way home I witnessed a fine
eclipse of the moon. Saturday after I went to see the Velocipede
Tournament” at the Fitzroy Cricket Ground I left early in
disgust, being one of the most uninteresting & shady affairs
I ever witnessed. In the evening, as usual, I spent with
Miss Stone, taking a long walk together - This afternoon (Sunday)
we took a walk together around the Cemetery, Went to Church
in the morning & ditto in the evening on coming home a dense
Bank of fog enveloped the City. I never remember seeing such
|
| 7/30 |
1391
heavy one before. On arriving home I found G.Bond &
the Bros West here spending the evening they left after supper
We had rather a singular visitor in the afternoon of the
name of Cook, who used to be a boy in my fathers
Warehouse, Manchester, he had seen our name on Freds
Signboard & found us out, he is at present engaged in a
large place of business & has succeeded in amassing a snug
little property together & is altogether in a prosperous condition
I wish his old employer was ditto, but such is life
some go up & others come down –
August 1st.1869
Weather still continues cold & unsettled, pretty busy at
the office Monday evening I spent at home Miss Odell
& Dalia Rekowskie being here. Tuesday evening I spent
at Clarks, Wednesday with Miss Stone. Thursday I
went to the Princess Theatre to hear Madame Simonsen
& her husband who have just returned from Europe They
are giving concerts assisted by Miss Rebecca Nordt & Mr
Keilby who sing pretty well. Madame & her husband are as good
as ever. I am sorry they are drawing such poor houses -
I have been suffering lately from an acute pain in my
groin accompanied by a dead kind of pain around my heart,
which prevents me laying on my left side, caused I think
by a sprain I gave myself at the Gymnasium which
necessitated my leaving it, some weeks ago. I began to get
frightened as I thought it would have gone away before this
|
| 7/31 |
1392
not doing so I came to the conclusion to get some advice
about it & was advised to go to Dr Beaney which I
did on Friday evening. He says I have slightly ruptured
myself but promised to cure me for £12, a lot of
money, I gave him £4 on account & the balance I
am to give him in a months time, he has recommended
me taking cold baths regularly every morning
& gave me a bottle of playsin, doses of which I am to take
3 times a day. I had no idea I was so bad, however I
sincerely hope I shall get all right. Saturday afternoon
I took a strool into town & in the evening in company
with Lizzie I took a long walk to Northcote. Sunday
morning I went to hear mass at St. Patricks R.C.Chapel
Spent the afternoon at home in consequence of the rain
Miss Norris called & spent the day at our house After tea
I called for Miss Stone & we went to hear Mr Henderson
on arriving home I saw Miss Norris home -
August 8th.1869
Weather tolerably fair during the week very little rain
& no frost. I have been suffering very severely during
the week from a serious attack of Bile brought on I believe
from taking the medicine I have done lately. I called
the Dr attention to it & he changed my physic at once
which I am happy to state has had the effect of making
me feel better Monday evening I spent at Stewarts
singing Tuesday evening remained at home ditto
|
| 7/32 |
1393
Friday evening Wednesday I went out for a strool
with Miss Stone Thursday evening I went to
Simonsens Concert. Saturday afternoon I spent at
Freds office opening a set of Books for him & posting
up Etc to date In the evening Miss S & I as usual took
a pleasent ramble together 11 Pm when I returned home
In the morning I went to Church, took my mother in
the evening & In the afternoon I went for a strool to the
Cemetery with Miss S. being the only place in this
neighbourhood where one can go to within easy walking
distance The English Mail arrived in the beginning
of the week no news from any relatives
On Monday last I was greatly shocked to hear that my second cousin Alf Peel was dead, having died in Dunedin in July leaving a widow & one child to mourn his loss, he died of consumption, Mrs Peel wrote to us informing us of the fact I am truly sorry for her, it seems no time (4 years ago) that she came out, a merry bride to this colony I intend writing to her next week -
August 15th.1869
Weather much pleasenter than it has been the last few
weeks I have not been very well during the past few
days owing to my late illness & being in very low spirits
at the same time has not improved me. Monday evening
I spent with my sister Mary, left about 11 Pm in company
with my mother who had been spending the day with her -
|
| 7/33 |
1394
Tuesday, Wednesday & Saturday evenings I spent with
Miss Stone, Friday evening I spent at the Choir of the
Wesley Church Brunswick St roaring away in some
anthems. I wrote to Mrs Peel & also to my Uncle J.T.
that day. Saturday afternoon I spent in Fitzroy
Gardens listening to the Head Quarters Band that has
been reorganised I enjoyed the music very much
Sunday morning tho’ very stormy I went to Church
clearing up in the afternoon I went for a walk in company
with Lizzie to the Carlton Gardens. Clark & Mary
spent the afternoon & evening at our house. I went to
church & meeting Miss S after the service saw her home
August 22 1869
Weather very mild & summerlike, rather slack at the
office, spent my leisure time much as usual. Monday
evening I took Miss Stone to a Concert given at the Princess
Theatre by Richardsons pupils assisted by Madame Simonsen
who was the only one worth listening to during the evening
none of the pupils appear to have improved since I last heard
them. I firmly believe it is owing to their Masters bad system
of tuition for some of them had really good natural voices
but by what Richardson call[s] the closed force it is apparent
it distroys the voice instead of improving it. It was amusing
to look over the Programme containing as it did the choicest
selections of the best masters & perhaps the most difficult
that only first class artists can render effectively, such
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| 7/34 |
1395
things as the “Cujus Animam” & “Oh Tis a Glorious Sight” from Oberon
attempted by amateurs who ca’nt read a line of music & perhaps
not had a quarters instruction in the elementary branches of music.
Tuesday, Wednesday & Saturday evening I spent with Miss Stone.
Thursday evening the Miss Thwaites & G Bond spent the
evening at our house – Friday I spent at home. Saturday
on leaving business I spent a couple of hours doing up Freds
Books at his office, on leaving I accompanied my sister Bessie
to Lee & Kaye Piano Warehouse to choose a piano, we saw a
very nice toned “Hopkinson” that Bessie seemed to like which
I think her intended husband will purchase -
Sunday morning I went to Church, being the
anniversary, of the opening of the Church there were special services
& a collection made for the erection of a Hall in
connection with the Church, that will serve the purpose of
a Sunday School, Lecture Room Etc – In the evening a
sermon was preached to young men, 23 verse of the 23 Chp
proverbs “Buy the Truth”. Mr Henderson started defining
what was logical or verbal truth & also moral truth, the principle
aim of his discourse appeared to be a demolition of the arguments
in favour of “Protoplasm” Prehistoric man & the Darwinian
Theory etc Upon these subjects he discoursed at considerable length
in an easy discussion style suitable to the class he was
supposed to be speaking viz the young he concluded by impressing
upon his audience the general maxims & principles of Christianity
August 29 1869
Weather very changeable, dirty
& dusty with a little rain at the end of the week which made
|
| 7/35 |
1396
things more refreshing. Time spent much as usual
I am still going to Dr Beaney I think he is
a humbug & that he overrated the complaint I am
suffering from. I fancy if I had continued my
own course I should have cured myself just as
soon as he will, a sprained groin simply
requires time & care & plenty of cold water. The physic
he is giving now I am sure is nothing but tincture
of iron mixed with plenty of water Wednesday
evening Miss Stone & I went to a concert & Lecture
at our Church. Saturday afternoon I went to the Fitzroy
Cricket Ground to see some sports, found, they were so
poor that I remained outside the fence & witnessed
for an hour or so on the cheap - Thursday evening
I went to hear the Revd C.Clark deliver a lecture
at the Duke of Edinbro” Theatre, the subject being –
“Christmas & its Carols” in old England. He was assisted
by the Albert Choral Society who sang the carols, after
being introduced by the lecturer who explained in a
most humorous & interesting manner their origin Etc
Clark is one of the most polished & fluent speakers we ever
had in the colony & his powers of miming are equal to
any actor I have seen, many of “*some righteous” were
greatly shocked with his manner & ‘abandon” displayed being
so different from what are generally *with *men from the
ordinary run of ministers, he imitated Cocks Crowing
|
| 7/36 |
1397
Bulls Bellowing, Dogs Barking & those happy (?) souls
who worship too liberally at the shrine of Bacchus -
The Hon Jms McCulloch presided at the lecture who expressed
himself delighted at it Sunday morning & evening I
went to hear Mr Henderson. I took a strool in the afternoon
with Miss Stone.
Sept 5th.1869
Weather fine. Busy at the office. Seven ships having come
alongside our Pier to discharge & load during the last 10
days. English Mail arrived (4 days after its time) no letters
found a few pencilled lines in a newspaper from father that
he intended writing by the next week, he was not well
suffering from Rheumatic in his arms. Monday
Mrs. Snowden & her sister Miss Jarvis spent the evening at
our house. Tuesday evening I called at Dr B. had to wait
two hours before seeing him, he must be doing very well, he
gave me my usual bottle of physic which I have hardly
tasted, nothing but Iron & water, on leaving him I went in
company with a friend to listen to a final Rehearsal of
“Ermain” which is to be given in ”Cameo” at the Haymarket
Theatre on the 8th. Miss Belle Staff, an old friend of mine
who used to sing at Hendersons Choir is to “come out”
as Elvira, the music is admirably for her light soprano voice
which she uses with good skill & judgement for one so
young (18). I think she promises to become a first rate
singer. The only thing I fear for her is she appears to be
|
| 7/37 |
1398
very delicate, whereas a singer requires a strong robust
constitution. Wednesday evening I went out for a walk
with Miss S. Thursday I spent at my sister Mary
spent a pleasent evening - Friday on arriving home
I was grieved to find my sister Bessie had been
taken seriously ill during the day when out teaching
she had been obliged to take cab to come home & go to bed
she had been suffering from a cold which I fear she
neglected until it has lapsed into Billious fever & up
to the present I see very little change for the better
in her, & to make things worse my mother took ill
yesterday & has been confined to her bed suffering from
the same complaint as Bessie Dr *Herret has been
in regular attendance upon them both. Our house is
like a little hospital, we have got a good nurse Saturday
evening I went out for a short time. Sunday, I spent
at home till evening, when Fred stayd at home
while I went out to hear the Revd. C.Clark preach
one of his pretty sermons, taking for his text the
words of the angel who took the hand of Lot when
leaving the City of the Plain “Linger Not” at the close
of the sermon I met Miss Stone & saw her home
My mother received a letter during the week from Capt
Lane (Boston U.S) informing us of the death of his
good & beautiful wife from Dysentry, my sister had
a long letter from her only the last mail & at the time of
|
| 7/38 |
1399
her writing she was quite well, she had visited Australia
twice in her husbands Ship “Levanter” & spent her leisure
[time] with [us] & we all became very much attached to her for her many
good & amicable qualitites We grieved very much to hear of
her death
Sept. 12, 1869
The first few days of the week were very cold & unsettled
but the last 2 or 3 have been lovely & fair, in fact quite hot
& summerlike. My mother & sister have been very ill
the doctor attending them regularly, neither of them arose
from their beds until Friday when Bessie get up for a short
time & I fancy it will not be long before she is well &
strong, my mother still continues very weak & her
recovery is not likely to be so soon as my sisters, our house
has not been the most comfortable of places lately, however
Fred & I have managed the best we could under the
circumstances Monday & Tuesday evenings I staid
at home, Wednesday, I promised to take Miss Stone to
the Philharmonic Sty Concert, for the production of
“Ernani”. I had purchased tickets, when on calling
for her I found her parents objected, for some unaccountable
reason or another, that she should not go. I staid about
an hour with her, & on leaving her I went to the
Concert alone, heard the last two acts which in my
opinion contained the best music of the opera, Miss
Staff fully sustained the opinion I had formed of her
|
| 7/39 |
1400
of her as a singer. She has a light pure toned, flexible
sophano voice with a good compass, she sang very
correctly & with good taste & expression. Mr Exon
was the tenor & Lamble, (of Ballarat) the Bass –
Cazaly assisting, all of whom aquitted themselves
very creditably, but no praise would be out of place
for the chorus I never heard the *Charleway Chorus
given with such effect before. This week
an event occurred which should long be remembered
by those who have been long in the colony & who
take an interest in it, the death of our oldest colonist
John Pascoe Fawkner, (the founder of the colony) at the
ripe old age of 78, he died last Sunday & was buried in the
General Cemetery on Wednesday the 8th inst, a half holiday
was proclaimed in respect to his memory. The funeral
was an immense affair, no less than 250 carriages &
vehicles forming a procession, with those walking, of about
1¼ miles in length, & such was the end of a very remarkable
man, whose history every ones knows. Thursday evening I
spent at home. Friday called at the Dr. on leaving him
I called at the Albert St Chapel for Miss Stone who had been
singing there (she is a member of the Choir) Saturday afternoon
after finishing my domestic duties, cutting up wood &
clearing up the yard & garden Etc I went out for a strool
after tea called for Miss Stone & we took a long walk together
11 Pm when I got home. This morning I went to Church
|
| 7/40 |
1401
after the service. I walked part of the way home with my
sister Mary. I fancy she is looking very worn & ill I
sincerely hope she is not suffering from some organic
complaint, there is something wrong with her I am sure
she is getting so sallow & appears so worried after any slight
exertion. In the afternoon I went for a walk in company
with Lizzie being a fine day we enjoyed ourselves -
In the evening I went to church, afterwards met Miss
Walters Miss Stoddart & Mr Burt, who accompanied me
home to see Mother & Bessie, found several visitors at
our house, after their departure I walked part of the way
home with Hamilton -
Sept 19 1869
Weather has undergone quite a change: I never witnessed
such a transition from winter to summer in so short a
time. The first few days of the week were as hot as is
generally experienced in Decr. I am happy to state
that my mother & sister are fast recovering from the
effects of their late illness, & are now make every
preperation for the latters wedding which is to take
place on the 25th. inst, if all goes well, as the time
draws I am led to think more seriously of the event
& of the loss we shall experience by her leaving us, however
these sort of things will occur & in my case it will
I hope tend to hasten my own marriage if I can only
manage matters. Monday evening I spent at Stewarts
|
| 7/41 |
1402
Tuesday & Wednesday evenings I spent in company
with Miss Stone Thursday evening I spent at
Mary’s Friday staid at home, Saturday afternoon
at home reading In the evening I met Lizzie & we
took a long walk together. Sunday afternoon ditto
& in the evening we went to Mr Henderson’s together
found several visitors at our house on my arrival home
Sept 26 1869
Lovely weather during the week, been a very busy one
for me, not only at the office but at home in consequence
of the preperations respecting my sisters wedding &
the event itself what with Dressmaking & house *clearing
Etc home has not been the pleasentist place in the
world - Monday evening G Bond & his bro’ John
with Miss Norris spent at our house. Tuesday
evening I spent at Mrs Harts on Emerald Hill,
several friends there, spent a most enjoyable evening
singing Etc, had an excellent supper after which I
left in company with the Miss *Domalaws whom I
saw home to their house in West Melb. nearly 3 am
when I reached Johnston St., Fitzroy. Wednesday
evening I met Miss Stone & we took a pleasent walk
together I am getting dreadfully fond of her, I dont
know what will be the result, marriage I fondly hope
Ah! If my interest in the Vulcan Reef would only turn
|
| 7/42 |
1403
out satisfactory I would marry her at once – Thursday
evening I spent at home assisting in the preperations
for the coming event (“Bessies Wedding”). I wish it was
mine, most ardently, Saunders, Hamilton & Bond were
with us. Friday evening I spent at home assisting
Etc went out for a short time, making purchases,
for a short time. Saturday morning, having a holiday,
& all being in readiness I went to St Marks Church
with my sister Bessie & her bridesmaid Miss Norris, & my
brother Fred, on arriving at the church we found G Bond
& his Bro John with several friends waiting the ceremony
which was performed in due course & in the usual manner
by the Revd R.B.Barlow, the affair was soon over
those interested behaving in the most admirable manner
on leaving the church we adjourned to my mothers
where a number of friends who had been invited met
us & we sat down to an excellent dinner got up in
fine style when after stuffing ourselves & getting over
the Toasting Etc, the Bride & Bridegroom left about
2Pm & went for a drive to the Yan Yeans, the rest of us
spent the affair very pleasently: a few of us in the evening
went over to East Melbourne & Clark, having the key
of Georges cottage, & went there & remained until the
happy couple returned from their drive about 8 Pm
where after seeing them comfortably settled Etc
& indulged in a considerable amount of chaff we left
|
| 7/43 |
1404
them to their fate & their new & novel position
with best wishes for their future which I have little
doubt will be all that could be wished - On seeing
Miss Norris home, Swanston St, where she is living
as Governess at Mr Beers Bookseller, I came home
myself feeling regularly knocked up after all the
bustle excitement Etc attending the affair -
To day Sunday I went to church morning
& evening, took a long walk in the afternoon in
company with Miss Stone -
Octr 3th.1869
Lovely weather the last few days, several pleasent
showers having fallen the past few days doing a deal
of good, as the farmers & others *are crying out
greatly for want of rain. Monday evening I
remained at home & kept my mother company
my sister Mary spent the evening with us & remained
until near 11 Pm when I saw her home. Tuesday
evening I went out for a strool with Miss S.
Wednesday I spent at home in company with
Mother as she feels very lonely now Bessie
has left home. Thursday evening in company with
Liz I took a long strool as far as Kew. Friday I
went to Mrs. Walters, found her & the family
very busy making preperations for Emily’s wedding
with Burtt, which took place the next day (Saturday)
|
| 7/44 |
1405
did not stay long, came home & spent the evening
reading & singing. The English Mail arrived on
Wednesday, bringing me a letter for John Tom. & enclosed
in it was a draft for £20 & a request for me to forward
to him the sum of £13.6.8. being her share of the interest
accruing from her share of the money of John Toms which
was divided before he turned up, it appears they have
decided (that is my father, Aunt Sarah, & Uncle Joseph)
to send him the principal, but the interest of his money
his father intended it to realize £40.0.0 a year, but Aunt
Sarah says her share of the principal does not realize
that proportion of the amount, but out of her own income
she purposes forwarding to him a sum yearly to the
extent of what her father intended he should have &
this is her first remittance, it is rather a strange
agreement & one that Uncle Joe does not approve
of as he was his fathers executor & wishes veto to get
possession no more of the whole of the principal
as formerly before my father & Aunt Sarah insisted
upon its division, I forwarded John Tom the
aforesaid amount, I was rather [annoyed] at not hearing
from father, he sent us a few newspapers & in one
which I opened I found a slip of paper, in which
he had scribbled a few lines informing us that he
had been taken very ill in a Railway carriage &
carried beyond his destination where he had remained
|
| 7/45 |
1406
until he had recovered, consequently he was not able
to write as he had promised, but intended doing so by the
following mail, he stated he had been to London & had been
greatly worried by the business connected with the Chancery
Case, all details are settled & the Court is to give its decision
in November next, its immaterial considering the small
amount there will be, to divide, & the immense amount of
labor & trouble there has been over the affair. Saturday afternoon
I went to see the opening of the boating season, on
the Yarra, inaugerated by a grand procession of Boats
representing the various clubs, it was an excellent turn
out, some very fine Gigs, outriggers, pairoars, canoes
Etc on the river. In the evening Miss Stone & I took
a long strool together, ditto, this afternoon (Sunday)
I went to Church morning & evening -
Oct 10th 1869
Weather very wet & miserable all the week I have
no doubt rain is much wanted in certain quarters
& it is very selfish under such circumstances to wish
a continuance of fair or fine weather, I have been
very anxious & troubled in mind all the week owing to
the sudden & unexpected illness of my dear sister Mary
she had a servant, an illwilled stubborn cold blooded creature
who had annoyed & irritated her to such a degree as to produce
“Epileptic Convulsions” & being about five months gone
in the “family way” proved so serious that on Tuesday
|
| 7/46 |
1407
evening the doctors despaired of saving her life, they, after
a consultation decided upon delivering her which was done
by placing her under chloroform & with the aid of instruments
the fits nearly finished her, & what with the extraordinary
loss of blood it seems marvellous how she survived, but owing
to a good constitution careful nursing & medical attention
she became conscious on Thursday – poor dear her
sufferings must have been great both to mind & body
My mother spent Tuesday & Wednesday with her. I
spent two evenings with them doing what laid in my
power which did not amount to much. Friday evening I
called found her improving & conscious to surrounding
objects, staid about an hour, on leaving there I went
to hear the great Revivalist Preacher (Revd. W Taylor, or
Californian Taylor, as he is more generally called,) at the
Wesleyen Chapel Brunswick St Fitzroy, I heard some years
back when I liked him much better than on the present occasion
he has been in Melb’ several [times] & according to his own accounts
has converted many from the paths of sin & wickedness. I
witnessed his manufacturing process, which did not impress
me as being superior to many other clergymens method
without the fuss & parade displayed by Yankee Taylor, the Church
was like a noisy nursery with the crying out of poor
sinners that seemed possessed with devils, & by pleading penetats
howling at the mercy rail, who [were] encouraged to come
forward by Taylor who was marching about the pews
|
| 7/47 |
1408
beseeching those openly that he saw were affected by his
exhortations, I noticed the converts were principally
children & young girls. I have my doubts as to the
genuineness of 5% of these so called converts, I believe
its nothing but sentiment & impulse induced or brought
about by some mesmeric influence, instead of its being
brought about by calm dispassionate deliberation & by
earnest prayer & a careful regard to ones conduct in life
God moves in a mysterious way & this mode of bringing
sinners to repentance may be one, I have no right
to judge, but when someone asked me if I did not
think it was a cheering sight to see so many
convinced of the error of their ways Etc & so many
coming forward to the penetent rail making a
public confession I asked him what had become
of hundreds that were converted on Taylors last visit to
the same place – it is well known that not half a
dozen of the scores who made a public profession
on that occasion are now even attendants at a place
of worship, this silenced my enquiring friend & I
came away meditating in my mind upon the peculiar
motives & sources of action which actuates such
numbers in a particular direction, especially upon
spiritual matters - I forgot to state that I met Lizzie
at the Church, found she had been no more affected at what
she had seen & heard than I was, perhaps not as much
|
| 7/48 |
1409
in any way. I fancy the weakness of her character is
in her want of veneration (at least a phrenologist would
perhaps put it at that form of expression although I do not
believe in the so called Science) I should say a lack of
enthusiasm, although women get the character of
being very matter of fact – I have invariably found them
impulsive & enthusiastic, strange, but the very opposite
of materialism - Saturday afternoon I remained at
home reading, mother having gone to see Mary. In
the evening I went out for my usual strool & with
my usual companion. Sunday morning I went to
Church. In the afternoon in company with Lizzie I
went to the Cemetery. In the evening I went to see Mary
& was agreeably surprised to find her so far recovered as
to be able to converse & appear cheerful, so soon after the
dreadful suffering she has undergone & her escape from
Deaths door, she is dreadfully altered & I fear her illness
will affect her to a certain extent as long as she lives. I always
had a presentiment that she will never be a long liver, on
leaving her I went to Albert St Chapel get there as it was
disgorging its congregation met Lizzie and walked home
with her.
Octr 17 1869
Weather like a young steed, unsettled & restless, towards the
latter part especially, hot winds & dust prevailing - I am happy
to state that my dear sister Mary is fast recovering in a
|
| 7/49 |
1410
manner which seems perfectly marvellous to me when I
consider the state I believed her in this time last week
she having been able to leave her bed the last two days.
My sister Bessie has been very unwell during the week
suffering from weakness in consequence, I think, of her
being married so soon after her late illness. Monday evening
I went to my doctors got my usual bottle of physic –
on leaving, I went to Stewarts, found him very jolly
owing to Mrs. S. having been confined of a boy during this
day, both doing well. I met Joe West there who
accompanied me home where we spent a couple of
hours singing - Tuesday & Wednesday evenings I
spent with Miss Stone, Thursday evening I went
to see Mary & afterwards called upon Bessie found
her & George very “Bob & *Johanh” the former at the piano
& the latter bending lovingly over her singing, very *nicely,
enough to make a fellow envy them their apparent
happiness. I remained about an hour & on arriving
home I wrote a letter to my Aunt Sarah Watmuff
of Leicester which I posted the following day. Friday
evening I remained at home, Saturday morning
it commenced to rain & has done so without inter-
-mission up to the present time - I get so sick of
staying in doors that I went to St Peters Church
this evening, found about 20 people present, the
service was shortened as much as possible, for I
|
| 7/50 |
1411
dont think it lasted above an hour. I hear the River is
rising rapidly & if the rain continues I expect their
will be another flood & probably a repetition of 1863. I
heard also there is a large ship at the “Heads” called the
“Victoria Towers” completely wrecked, all hands saved -
Oct 24 1869
Very busy at the office as usual, plenty of work &
little pay, & I am beginning to think it will be
a long time before I get an increase - I am happy to
state that my sister Mary is getting over her illness
Monday evening George & Bessie spent with us I
walked halfway home with them. Tuesday I met
Miss Stone & took a long walk with her. Wednesday
night I went to the Theatre Royal to see the newly
arrived German Tragedian, Herr Bandmann, he has
thoroughly mastered the English language & his pronunciation
is as perfect as most Englishmen, he had a good appearance
& appears to have studied the characters he plays with great
care & attention. I saw him in the “Merchant of Venice”
as Shylock. I cant say I altogether liked him, he pitches
his voice too high, which to my mind mars the effect
of elocution & firm declamation - I hear he is very fine
as “Hamlet” a character I have heard from many he has never
been surpassed in the colony, for my part I doubt it -
The afterpiece was a Burlesque called the ”Maid & the Magpie”
which served to introduce another new actress Miss Rose
|
| 7/51 |
1412
Evans, a pretty little fair haired fasinating little woman
who has already established herself as a first favorite to
the Theatre loving public -
Thursday evening I went to a public meeting
held in Albert St. Bpt. Chapel, several ministers
spoke upon the subject they met upon viz Christian
Usefulness” I dare say it was interesting to many
present. I certainly sympathised with the object of
the meeting, but I must say I never listened to
such a lot of dry commonplace speaches before –
I at the conclusion I met Miss Stone, who had been
singing there, & walked home with her. Friday
evening we spent together, came home early &
assisted Fred with some of his work, he & his
partner are not doing much & in their spare time they
are engaged in compiling an almanac for 1870 I fear
they have undertaken a job they can scarcely carry out.
Saturday afternoon I went to see Mary, found her
very weak. I fear that she will never be herself
again, she used to be so jolly & full of spirit, but this
last year or two I have noticed her getting very lowspirited
& anything but vivacious, unless with a very great effort
I think Clarks manner has a great deal to do with
it, he is a peculiar tempered man, very precise, very
particular, & excessively irritable, to an enthusiastic &
impulsive nature, like Marys. I think he means
|
| 7/52 |
1413
well, but his overbearing self conceit & a sensitiveness
peculiarly his own renders him a miserable man,
unconsciously to himself – he is his own, greatest
enemy, he is clever, there is no doubt, but there is
an unsettleness & a ficlleness about him which
renders him very obnoxious at times, unconsciously
to himself he is very mean & then as if ashamed
of himself at times he is lavishly extravagant & liberal
I remained about an hour with them when I
came home after tea, still being wet, I went to the
Haymarket Theatre to see a company of very clever
French Acrobats, one of them is the strangest man I ever
saw, another one the Flying Trapeze does miracles of
agility - Morning & evening of to day I went to
hear Mr Henderson In the afternoon I took a long strool
with Miss Stone The political world has been all
action lately owing to the resignation of the McCulloch Ministry
& the difficulty that has been found in forming a new one which
has been accomplished by McPherson (a native born politician)
I think on the whole his party will be able to give a good
account of themselves -
Octr. 31 1869 Melbourne.
Weather very unsettled raining nearly every day. The
English Mail arrived on Monday, bringing me a long
letter from my Uncle Joseph Watmuff of Brighton
in answer to one I sent him some 7 months ago
|
| 7/53 |
1414
he alludes principally to my fathers behaviour & treatment
of his family since leaving Victoria in not very favourable
terms, he accuses him of being guilty of all manner of
petty meannesses, having borrowed money from my
late Uncle Henry & never returned it & of being set up
in business by him no less than three times & on each
occasion having come to grief in consequence of his
idle dilatory habits, he also states that Aunt Lucy
had willed all her property Etc, which was considerable
to him & his family (Joseph states he saw the Will
shortly after its execution) but owing to some business
transaction she had with my father, in which he
did not act very honorably towards her, she altered
her will & left it all to strangers, her antipathy lasted
to her death. Uncle regards my father being so foolish
not on account of my father but he is sorry we
should suffer for his folly, (or selfishness as he terms it)
he himself states that he has done with him for
ever & hopes never to see him again – he wishes I
had written to him years ago such a letter as I
I sent him which he compliments me by calling
a beautiful one, & desires now to continue my
correspondence with him, & that in his next letter
he will give me particulars as to his own affairs
& its ultimate disposal, he says he does not intend
leaving my father nor Aunt Sarah a penny & In
|
| 7/54 |
1415
[regard] to my Uncle John Tom he says his money (£800) was
equally divided between himself my father & Aunt Sarah on
condition that if J.Tom turned up it was to be returned to
Joseph, as trustee, & reinvested, he has lodged his third in
the Bank & until the others do ditto, he says he will not
send out a penny interest - he is a stubborn man I
think, & will keep his word, & I feel assured the others
will not refund but will send out to J.T. their share
of the interest to J.Tom & keep control of the principal
themselves - In fact my father sent out £12.10.0
for J.T. as his yearly share, he also sent £7.10.0 towards
the expenses attending Bessies wedding, (which £50 would
not cover) father does not like the idea of her being married
he says he had other views in reference to her future
that was for her to go to England & devote her life to
him in the capacity of nurse, a pretty picture
truly! but one that would have had no charms for
Bessie, considering she barely remembers him &
that he hasnt done anything for her to endear him to
her. Monday evening I spent at Herr Schetts
singing. Tuesday Thursday & Saturday evenings I spent
with Miss Stone. Wednesday night I spent at my
sister Bessies. Friday I remained at home
Saturday afternoon I went to the Fitzroy Gardens
to hear the Band play. Sunday morning & evening
I went to hear Mr Henderson preach. In the afternoon
Miss Stone & I took a long strool to the Cemetery -
|
| 7/55 |
1442
Novr.7th.1869
Weather hot & sultry, very busy at the office
Spent my leisure much as usual. Monday
evening singing at Stewarts Tuesday, Thursday,
& Saturday nights I spent in company with Miss
Stone. My people taunt me a good deal about
her making it very unpleasent for me, for I
should like to introduce her to our house & try &
establish something like a good feeling between
my relatives & hers, but under present circumstances
it is impossible so the breach gets wider & to make
things none the better her parents are strange &
distant in the manner. Since I have known Miss
S. I have not been invited once inside the
house. I go into the shop occasionally, where I
see them sometimes, it is a great mistake
on parents part to act this way, they allow her to
come & meet me & they know we go about a
great deal together & yet they dont bother or ask any
questions concerning my intentions, indeed if they
did I dont know what I should say. I certainly
mean to marry her, as soon as I can in spite of
everything if she will have me, sometimes
she is so cold & stiff towards me that I feel inclined
to cut her altogether & again she is all smiles &
exceedingly affectionate in her manner, Heavens only
|
| 7/56 |
1417
knows what the upshot will be. I have a presentiment
tho’ I am not in the slightest degree superstitious
that I am going to have a lot of trouble over
the affair - Wednesday evening I spent at
with my sister Mary, Clark was out, she
advises me to get married if I can, if it
wasnt for those infernal mining shares at Avoca
I would have had enough to have furnished a
house comfortably I have nearly £20 to pay before
the year is out as it is on them & no prospect whatever
of a return. Friday evening Mr & Mrs Bauman
spent at our house, while here a fire broke out in
the next street & on going to see it found it to be a
small cottage belonging to Mrs Silk, a hard working
woman who has for years been in the habit of doing
my mothers washing & rough work she is a decent
sober woman but her family are a bad lot, as it
is she has lost every thing not being insured I
am very sorry for her, I & some others
intend trying to raise a few pounds to enable
her to build up her cottage again - This has been
a busy week in Melb’ owing to the races, the great
event of the year the Cup race was won by “Warrior”.
This morning I went to hear a new mass sang at St. Francis. In the evening I heard Mr Henderson preach he was very earnest & eloquent -
|
| 7/57 |
1418
Novr. 14 1869
Still hot & sultry & likely to be worse for some
months instead of better - Very busy at the office
I have nothing of interest to note. I am
sick of continually relating the same thing week
after week smatters so of egotism. Monday night
I spent at Schetts, Collins St., practising a lot of
glees Etc for a concert he is to give shortly -
Tuesday & Thursday I spent with Lizzie
& on Saturday evening I took her to see the
German Tragedian Herr Bandman in the
“Corsican Brothers” he was very good, but I have seen
others that I liked much better in the
same character, Lizzie seemed pleased with the
performance & that pleased me -
Wednesday evening I spent with my sister Mary. I fancy she is looking much better lately - Sunday morning & evening I went to Church, collections were made for the Sabbath School - In the afternoon Miss S. & I went out for a walk.
Novr. 21 1869
Weather very unsettled, but close & sultry. Time spent
as usual, very monotonously. I seem to be losing
all the enthusiasm of youth & with it ambition
I feel that having got into a certain groove I am
|
| 7/58 |
1419
incapable of getting out of it. I had thought that
by industry & strict attention to business in the employ
I am in that my services would be recognised, but such
is not the case. I find the careless ones get along as
well as the hard workers & careful ones in the Rly companys
employ my salary is too small & inadequate for the
work I perform - If I had been in any other
employ I am sure I should have been very differently
treated. It is folly repining, human nature seems
ordained to bear & suffer & I am not to be an exception
Tuesday & Thursday evenings I spent with Lizzie
I cannot account for the fasination, or infatuation as
some would term it, I feel toward her. Monday
evening I spent at home with mother. Wednesday &
Saturday evening I spent at Schetts singing he gives
a Concert next Wednesday at which I am to sing -
Friday evening I spent at Clarks, G.Clark & his
family were there on a visit from Sydney for a
few days. Saturday afternoon I went to the sports on
the Melbourne Cricket Ground saw some excellent
running by the best athletes the colony possess - I met
a number of acquaintances, left the ground in company
with Mrs. Young, Mrs. Burtt & Miss Stoddart, I wish it
had been somebody else with us, I cannot induce
Lizzie to come out any where with me except in an
evening occasionally to the Theatre or to a concert, I
|
| 7/59 |
1420
suppose it is owing to her having to assist
in the business I was grieved this evening
(Sunday) with her. I went to hear the Revd. C.Clark
at whose chapel Lizzie attends, at the conclusion of
the service I met her, she was exceedingly cool &
distant toward me, which considering our close
intimacy lately rather surprised me, & to make
matters worse she could give me no reason for her
strange conduct in fact I could hardly get a
word out of her. I had seen her in these moods
before & know it to be impossible to expect anything
like an explanation from her. I cannot understand
such an order of mind & the consequence was I got
angry & she more reticent, than ever, & so we parted
We may never meet again, I shall try & see her
during the week & if she continues the same I shall
break the spell that binds me to her & all that I hold
dear in Melb - & take to my old life again, I cannot
understand why she acts as she does occasionally like this
Can some ill natured person have remarked to her
my meeting lady friends yesterday & paying them only
the usual every day attentions that any gentleman
might pay a lady, & owing to her limited knowledge
of the usages of society, being inspired with that
devil created passion, jealousy, if so, how cruelly
she wrongs me for I had her incessantly in my
|
| 7/60 |
1421
thoughts & was surprised at finding myself thinking
how very few of the vast numbers of ladies present
would compare in point of beauty with Lizzie –
& how proud I would be if she was only with me -
I feel assured it is as I expect that some remarks
have been made by some busy body or another that
has annoyed her. - I was nearly forgetting to
mention that I had a visit paid me at the office by
Mrs Hooper & Mrs. Hickey on Monday to enquire if I
had heard from Bobby who they last heard of was at
the diggings in Gympie, Queensland, the old lady was in
a great state of mind because I had not, but most
singular to relate I was accompanying them from
my office to the Railway platform when who should
we meet but Bob himself, who had within an
hour of the time arrived per steamer from Queensland –
& was coming to enquire from me if I had
heard anything about his mother & sister, I cannot
discribe their joy at meeting so unexpectedly, they left
the following day for Sandhurst together -
Novr. 28 1869
Weather unsettled, & what is strange, very cold & stormy -
Very busy at the office, several large vessels discharging
at our pier - Great excitement has been created in Melb
owing to the arrival of the Flying Squadron consisting
of Six (6) large Man of War Ships arriving in our
|
| 7/61 |
1422
port on the 26th.inst. which intend remaining
in our port for a week Great exertions have
been made to raise funds for the “Benevolent
Asylum” by giving a series of Concerts & Lectures
principally at the New Exhibition Building, but
I am sorry to state with poor results as yet -
The English Mail arrived on the 26th. no news of any importance to us colonists. The Disestablishment of the Irish Church & its consequences still occupying public attention at home - With regard to my own honorable self things are much about the same only much happier with regard to my relations with Miss Stone. I met her on Monday evening & peace was once more restored, but I could not get out of her the cause of her strange manner toward me of the night before. I suppose it will come out sometime or another. Tuesday & Thursday evening I spent with her. Wednesday night – Schetts “Invitation Concert” at the Mechanics Institute” came off, being very fashionably attended it was a nice little affair being mostly pupils of Schett’s who performed, on its concluding, most of the performers adjourned to Schetts private residence where we danced & sang until 3 Am next day got drenching wet coming home in company with J.Evans. Friday evening I spent at Burtts
|
| 7/62 |
1423
Burtt was out (but Mrs B (formerly Emily Walters) was
at home several other friends of hers dropped in & we
managed to spend a pleasent evening together, on arriving
home I found my mother very ill suffering from
severe spasms. I am happy to state she is much
better now, but they have left her very weak Yesterday
afternoon I took a strool into town found it rather
quiet & deserted owing to the sports, being held
at the Friendly Societies Ground, proving attractive &
to the fact of the ceremony of making over the ground
to trustees, by His Excellency Sir J H Manners Sutton
taking place. In the evening I met Miss Stone &
we took a long walk as far as Johnstons Street Bridge
& back together. This morning & evening I went to
Church & in the afternoon in company with Liz
I went for a walk to the Cemetery, on arriving home
found Bessie & Bond, at mothers, who staid tea -
Tuesday being “Constitution Day” was observed as a halfholiday by the Railway, being a wet day it was a matter of indifference to me whether it was a holiday or not
Decr. 5th.1869
Tempus Fugit Another week passed, spent by me,
that is my leisure, much as usual in spite of
the festivities going on in consequence of feting the
officers & crew of the Ships of War in Harbour - Friday
a monster pic nic was given to them at FernTree
|
| 7/63 |
1424
Gully, 1000 people were invited to it by the Mayor
Mr Amess. The same day the Admiral of the fleet
“Hornsby” allowed the vessels to be thrown open for
inspection & for the reception of the School children –
it really warmed ones heart to see the thousands
of little girls & boys on our platform going down
by Rail to Sandridge, the Compy for once acting
liberally conveying them to & fro @ 3p ahead, another 3p
took them on board & back & so was spent by them
a day that will be remembered. Balls have been
given every evening for the officers entertainment
& they in return gave an Amateur Dramatic
performance at the Haymarket Theatre, was *proved
a great success. Sailors in uniform have been
swarming the streets for days past & on the whole
I think they have nothing to complain about
the manner they have been treated in Melbourne
Monday Thursday Friday & Saturday nights I spent with Miss Stone, we went to Weston & Husseys Negro Entertainment one night - Tuesday night in company with my friend Marsden I went to hear the “Opera of Bohemian Girl” performed in “Camera” by the members of the Philharmonic Society in the Haymarket Theatre it was a great success not only in point of attendance but also with reference to the performance, the Choral work was the best ever heard in Melb’, & with regard to
|
| 7/64 |
1451
principals considering they were only amateurs, they acquitted
themselves very creditably. Bella Staff, who was so successful
in “Ernani” was the Arline & sang her part remarkably well
considering her youth & the little experience she has had. This
reflects great credit on her teacher, David Lee, T.Lamble
sang the Baritone part first rate, his singing was greatly
admired. Angus the Basse was good. I am surprised
he does not sing more, he is very stiff & inaccurate but
he possesses a splended voice. Donaldson was the Thaddeus
& he sang his music very tastefully & prettily, but the
music on the whole considering the key it is written in
was too high for him, his best effort was in the well
known song “You’ll Remember Me” which he sang
beautifully - The Duet the “Secret of her Birth” was
far too much for him – altogether it was a very
creditable performance, & I was very pleased with it -
Wednesday evening I spent at Marys. Bessie & George Bond were there & my mother. Thursday I received a letter from John Tom enquiring if any money arrived pr. last mail for him I replied in the negative Thursday, Friday & Saturday evenings I spent with Miss Stone, we went to hear the Christy Minstrels (Weston & Husseys) last night. This afternoon (Sunday) we took a long walk together & after church came out this evening, I met her & walked home with her-. I went to hear Mr Henderson this morning & evening -
|
| 7/65 |
1426
Decr. 12th. 1869 Melbourne
Lovely weather for this time of the year
The Flying Squadron left the Bay last Tuesday
without my seeing one of the vessels -
Monday evening I spent at Stewarts singing
Tuesday & Thursday evening I spent with
Lizzie. Wednesday, my mother was taken very
unwell with dysentry I went over to Et Melb
in the evening to see Bessie & request her
to come & spend the next day with mother
, which she did. I am happy to state she is
quite well now - Friday evening I spent at
Burtts, Miss Stoddart & the Misses Harrisons
with others were there & I found the time pass
so agreeably that it was late before I left -
Saturday afternoon I went to the Picture Gallery, there being a new addition to the Gallery of a picture called “Autumnal Showers” which has cost the trustees £500, it did not strike me as being of such particular merit as to warrant the eulogies that have been passed upon it by the Art Critics it is a pretty English Landscape & a difficult work perhaps for a person who is not an artist to pass an opinion upon, however I cannot see £500 worth in the work. I met Belle Staff on leaving the place & we took a strool about town together, she could speak of nothing else but her
|
| 7/66 |
1427
sweetheart a Mr Howitz a Dane, a very nice
fellow, that I have met at Mrs. Florauns many
times I dont know if he is going to marry her
but she seems awfully smitten with him -
In the evening I met Lizzie as usual & we took a long walk together. This afternoon ditto & in the evening I took her to hear Mr Henderson
Decr.19th.1869
Beautiful weather for this time of the year -
Time spent much as usual. Monday evening
I called at Burtts did not stay long there but went
to Stewarts singing until 11 pm. Tuesday &
Thursday nights spent with Miss Stone, Wednesday
I went to Clark & in company with Bessie & George
who live in the neighbourhood we went to see Clarks
new house which is nearly finished, while there
Mr & Mrs MComas called, (Julia Davis that was, she
has been married about 5 months) they gave me a
very pressing invitation to visit them. I spent the
evening at Bessies, mother & Fred were there –
12 pm when we got home. Friday, my cousin
H Vickerman came down from the country to
make some purchases, he is to be married on the
24 inst to a Miss Mary Ronald, a farmers daughter
who lives in the neighbourhood. In the evening we
all went to see Mr Robt.Heller at the Apollo Hall,
|
| 7/67 |
1428
he is a very clever conjuror & succeeded in
bamboozling his audience pretty considerably, he
is assisted by his sister a Miss Heidei Heller
who does some extraordinary feats on what is called
second sight, what pleased me most was Hellers
Piano Forte playing. I fancy he is the best player
I ever heard & my opinion is borne out by the
critics who allude to him in forms of the highest
praise, & yet to my mind he is only a mechanical
artist, there is a great want of taste & light & shade in his
playing, but as far as execution & difficult manipulation is
concerned he is A.1. On arriving home we found
Miss Norris & her intended husband Mr Spinks *who
had been spending the evening with mother, they
remained about an hour afterwards. Spinks seems
to me to be a rather self centred little egotistical
man, but with all a smart fellow. Saturday afternoon
I went to hear the Band play at the Gardens
& in the evening I met Miss Stone & we took
our customary long walk together. To day has
been frightfully hot, did not venture out in the
morning but in the afternoon I went to Carlton
Gardens & finding a shady spot, I spent an hour or
two smoking a cigar Etc. In the evening in company
with Miss Stone I went to Church -
|
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1429
[Sunday, 26 December 1869]
Decr.12th 1869
The weather during the week has been fearfully
hot especially last Monday & Tuesday when the The’
stood at 109º in the shade making life itself unbearable –
fortunately the weather changed in the evening when a
quantity of rain fell making things a little more
pleasent. Monday evening I spent at Stewarts. Tuesday
evening I spent with Lizzie, Wednesday evening I
went to the Theatre to see a new actor named Bartlett
perform in a play called “Lavater”, he taking the principle
character, which of course was Lavater the physiogomist. I
liked him pretty well, but he is not a C Kean or Brooke
or Sullivan, I enjoyed the dancing of the sisters Duvalli
afterwards, they are the best Terpsichorean that have ever
visited the colony. Thursday evening Fred & I
spent very pleasently at my sister Mary’s. Friday
evening Miss Stone & I spent together. Saturday being
X mas day I had a holiday. In the morning I went
to hear Mozarts 12th.Mass at St Francis R.C. Chapel
on arriving home I found Mary & Clark, Bessie &
Bond at our house who staid dinner & spent the
afternoon with us. In the evening we all went to
the Theatre Royal, to hear the “Messiah”, the place was
frightfully crowded. I took Miss Stone, & we succeeded in
securing a good seat in the stalls, a Miss Bailey (Mrs
Smythe) who used to be very popular in Melb. some years
|
| 7/69 |
1430
ago, but who has been travelling in India, China & St Africa
since, sang for the first time since her return, she
took the sophano parts, but was far from successful
she appeared to be extremely nervous, she has a voice of
rather a midling quality, limited range & rather
screeching, her best effort was in the Solo “He shall feed
flock”. I have no doubt she will, improve & become
a favorite in Melb. S.Lamble a Baritone from
Ballarat, sang well, his rendering of “Why do
the Nations” has scarcely been equalled in Melbourne
Donaldson was never in better form & succeeded in
pleasing a very critical audience. Nelly Lambert
sang tolerably, & shows signs of improvement
under David Lee her instructor, & who also acted
as conductor of that is Lee, it was very late when
we got home. Sunday morning I went to Church
ditto, in the evening with Lizzie, very hot -
The English Mail arrived in due time no letters from fathers relatives, mother had a short letter from Aunt Ellen Bryer (her sister).
Jany 2nd 1870
Commencement of another year, & not without
regret that the last one has passed & so very
unprofitably as far as concerns myself. I trust the
present one will be more fruitful, my journal
|
| 7/70 |
1431
contains little that would give a stranger an idea of
my thoughts & feelings, being principally a recital of
the most interesting events I be connected with. What
will this year bring forth “pleasure & pain! joy or sorrow!
it is well the future is veiled from us or else in
how many cases would our lives be unbearable -
On Monday @ 10 am in company with a large party of friends & acquaintances (between 40 & 50) I went to a picnic at Heidelberg, the prettiest village out of Melbourne – most of the party went out in Buggies some on horseback, while the rest went out in the Coach that usually plys there, which we had engaged to convey us there & back We camped on a farm belonging to a person named Fanning who was very kind to us in providing us milk & allowing us to boil our Kettle & also granted us the use of the Piano & as the drawing room opened on the Verandah we enjoyed ourselves amazingly singing & dancing & playing all sorts of games, we visited a fine garden in the neighbourhood & as the fruit was ripe & the owner not chary of it we regaled ourselves pretty considerably We left about 8 pm & got back to town, but not without an accident happening which by more by good luck than judgement did not end seriously. A buggy Mr Spinks was driving broke down going out Mr. S. leg got a little bruised & the ladies had their dresses torn coming home the same Buggy broke down again, & its passengers had to be distributed amongst the others –
|
| 7/71 |
1432
I went to Bessies house on getting into town
arrived home at mothers about 11 pm found some
of the party there enjoying themselves – my
pleasure was somewhat damped, having called
at my sister Marys & finding her very unwell
I have been to many a picnic where I enjoyed myself
better, I went to it very reluctantly.
After I had promised to join some fortnight
back I of course intended to take Miss Stone
with me but she knowing my sister Bessie
was going & their love for each other not being of
a very warm nature, she declined going. I was
annoyed, & yet couldnt back out of my promise
as I had assisted in forming the party & many, if I
had been absent, would not have gone, but for the future
I intend to study my own feelings in such matters -
Tuesday evening I met Lizzie & she was rather cool toward me, we parted without my knowing why she was so strange I suppose she thought it unkind of my going to the picnic without her.
Wednesday evening I called to see Mary found her a little better, from there I went to Stewarts staidd about an hour singing scales - Thursday evening Fred & I sang a couple of songs each at a Soiree held in the Congregational Chapel Et Melb’ it was a very quiet affair Enoch Taylor & his daughter & son in Law Mr Wilson
|
| 7/72 |
1433
were the other vocalists, after the affair was over we
went to see Bessie who lives near by the Chapel, found
her very ill & under the Doctors hands, from what I
can make out she was suffering from a miscarriage
which after all turns out to be a “false conception”
found mother with her, but she came away with us -
Friday evening I went to Stewarts, staid there
till 9 pm, on leaving I took a strool down Brunswick
St & met Lizzie returning from visiting her sister
her coolness had vanished & she was as good natured
& kind as ever we extended our rambles until 11 pm
on arriving home found several people at our house &
we sat up, being the last day in the year, to see the new
year in Saturday was a lovely day. I did not
leave home until 2 pm when I strooled over to the
Royal Park, was astonished to find such a number
of people there, principally children from the various
Sunday schools, among the number I found the
Albert St Baptist Chapel Sunday School, met Miss
Stone, who was or is rather a scholar or teacher, she
left & in company with me, we visited the Gardens
of the Acclimatisation Stys spent a couple of hours
very pleasently together, the grounds are nicely
laid out & contain a variety of interesting
specimens of natural history – after tea we met
again & took a pleasent strool together in Carlton Gardens
until 10 pm. Sunday morning I went to church
|
| 7/73 |
1434
ditto in the evening when Mr Jeffries of Adelaide
preached, considering the reputation he has there, I
was rather disappointed, after sitting under Mr
Henderson one gets rather fastidious, on leaving
the church I went to Albert St Chapel & met Miss
Stone coming out, walked home with her –
On Tuesday I received a letter from Uncle John
Tom anxiously enquiring if any letters had
arrived per last Mail for him, I replied in the negative.
Jany 9th:1870
Weather hot & sultry Monday being a
Customs Holiday there was nothing doing so I
left the office about middle of the day &
came home, being very hot I did not go anywhere
in particular, strooled into town & got caught
in a thunderstorm on my way home, rained
all night. I went to the Theatre in the evening
& sat out the poorest pantomine I ever
witnessed, called “Jack Sheppard,” there was a most
miserable attendance. Tuesday evening I went
to Et Melb & assisted Clark in removing his
furniture to his new house in Powlett St.11 pm
when I got home. Wednesday evening I
spent with Lizzie. Thursday & Friday evenings I
spent at home. Saturday afternoon I went to
the Melb’ Cricket Ground to see the lately arrived
|
| 7/74 |
1435
productions, Hewitt & Bird - & Toply the walker
the price of admission to the ground being 2/6. I contented
myself with an outside ticket but with the aid of
an opera glass I saw as much of the races as if I
had been inside the ground. The whole performance
was a great disappointment, the Englishman sent
being in condition were beaten in everything they
they were entered for, they were rather heavily
handicapped but they never gained upon their
handicaps, our colonial walker Lyall & Woodhouse
are much prettier & fairer walkers than Toply & I
am sure our runners, will prove a tough match
for Hewitt & Bird even when they are in their best
form. In fact our Colonial Champion, Harris,
has challenged, Hewitt to race him at five (5)
different lengths for a large sum, & I hear it
has been accepted, the race to bee seen in about 6
weeks from now – it speaks well for our colonial
athletes that they can hold their own against the
crack ones of England – After tea I saw my
darling Lizzie & we took our customary strool
together, which seldom ends till nearly 11.30pm
her fathers shop is kept open till 12 on Saturdays & they
does not object to her staying out to that hour but
other evenings she has to be home by 9 pm, they
are awfully quiet people & rather unsociable, all
the time I have been going with their daughter
they have never invited me inside the house, if I
|
| 7/75 |
1436
wish to see Lizzie the only chance I have is
when she happens to be in the shop. It is not
right, in fact most parents
would object, & *resist properly to, having daughters
in allowing them to go out, or abroad, To continually
to see their lovers – but they dont appear to see
any harm in it. Sunday morning I went to
Church & in the afternoon I took a strool with Lizzie
& in the evening we went to hear Mr Henderson
deliver his promised lecture to “Young Men”, his
sermon was principally taken up with the early
life of the apostle Paul, from which I gained more
information concerning his life & labour than
ever I knew before, he illustrated his subject by
relating the lines of many celebrated men who had
risen to fame in the worlds history
Jany 16th.1870
Weather very hot. Two days of the week been
the warmest of the season so far, Very busy at
the office never was more so, I think our
Traffic is increasing, but it matters not, as far as
the employees are concerned, whether the railroads
*carry 5% or 20%, they are not benefited. Spent
Monday, Wednesday & Saturday evenings with Lizzie
Tuesday evening I spent at my sister Mary’s
Thursday my cousin Harry Vickerman (came to Town
|
| 7/76 |
1437
leaving his wife at home, Monument Creek
Nr Mount Macedon) & I spent the evening at
My sister Bessies, Hotham St Et Melbourne,
time passed very pleasently. Friday evening I
met Marsden & accompanied him to the
Choir of B.S.W Chapel where I joined in singing
Some anthems Etc This morning I went to hear
Mr Henderson In the afternoon, I took a strool with
Miss Stone, & in the evening I went to hear the
Rev Mr Clark who preached one of the most eloquent
Sermons I ever listened to, met Lizzie at its close
& accompanied her home –
Jany 23 1870
Weather very fine, still busy at the office, the pier
Crowded with ships. English Mail arrived last Friday
no news of any importance. My pleasure time
spent much as usual Monday evening I spent at
Bessies. Mr & Mr Dewar, & Mary were there & we
succeeded in passing a very pleasent evening –
Tuesday evening I went to the Mechanics Institute
in company with Marsden, to hear some pieces sang
by members of the Philharmonic Society, at the conclusion
I acompanied Idalia Rekowski & Miss Odele home to
Richmond. Wednesday night I spent in company
with my darling Lizzie, 10pm when we parted
Thursday evening I spent at Stewarts, Friday
evening Fred & I went to Emerald Hill to Hamiltons
|
| 7/77 |
1438
Miss Campbell & Miss Daken called, so spent a very
pleasent evening together, Miss D plays very well on the
piano, Hamilton walked to town with, [us] 12pm when
we got home. Saturday afternoon I went to get
my portrait taken at Botterills in Collins St
on leaving the place I went to the Yarra to witness
a rowing match for a handsome Cup, presented by
the well known Soft Goods Merchant G Stevenson Esq
it was contested for by four crews selected by from
from four different soft goods warehouses. The
racing was very good. McNaughton Loves crew
winning the cup, the day was very hot rendering
it very unpleasent for the spectators who indulged
in a race up the bank witnessing the race, after
a good tea & bath, feeling refreshed I went out &
calling for Lizzie we took a long walk together
Sunday morning it was fearfully hot I did nt
not go out In the afternoon, Lizzie & I spent
together in a shady nook in Carlton Gardens
& in the morning I accompanied her to C.S.Chapel
where the Revd Mr Martin preached, he had lately
arrived from England to take charge of the Collins St
Baptist Chapel, rendered vacant by the dismisal of
The Revd W Taylor, whose case has been so prominently
Before the public, he preached an excellent sermon from
Revelations 21 & 22 verses -
|
| 7/78 |
1439
Jany 30 1870
Weather unbearable due to the excessive heat.
Still busy at the office Spent several evenings
With Lizzie – Thursday evening I went to the
Theatre to Akhursts Benefit, a popular Extravaganza
& newspaper writer, who is going to England, the place
was fearfully crowded - Friday evening we had
quite a party at our house, my sisters, & the Misses
Pitts, Campbell, Dakin & *Howitz & others, spent the
time very pleasently – This afternoon (Sunday) Lizzie
& I took a walk together & in the evening she accom-
-panied me to hear the Revd Mr Graham, of Sydney
preach, he & Mr Henderson have exchanged pulpits
for a month-
Feby 6th 1870
Hot weather on two occasions the thermometer has
reached 100ºf in the shade during the week. I have
felt very unwell during the week, suffering from
dysentry & from anxiety arising from a foolish action
on my part & also from the failure of the Vulcan Reef
company which means my having to pay a share of
the losses, besides the loss of all I have already paid in &
upon my shares, enough to drive a fellow crasy
I had thought of getting married this month but *how I
am without a single penny. I recvd a letter from
|
| 7/79 |
1440
from John Tom requesting me to send him something
as he was not very well, not having any I could not
comply with his request, tho if I had any to spare
I doubt whether I would send him any if I had money
for he is an old humbug & one whose voracity is not of the
highest order
Feby 13 1870
Weather very hot but not so bad as it was a fortnight
since, very busy at the office The half yearly
meeting was held a few days ago & resulted very
satisfactely as far as the shareholders were concerned
there being a better dividend declared than the last half
year with a prospect of increased business – It is to be
hoped that the clerks salaries will be taken into
consideration with the Comps. increased prosperity I am sick
of drudging along on my present “screw” I have not
much faith in my employers they are proverbially
mean & parsimonious, hardly a day passes without
a letter appearing in the papers complaining of the
*raggardly manner things are conducted by the
directors in some form or another – Monday
night I went to hear the Opera Compy that Lyster
has just introduced into the colony. Five principal in
in all. Lucy Chambers the contralto is a colonial bred lady
who went to Italy seven years ago to study, she appeared at
La Scala Milan & I believe was successful there the
other members are quite new to us. The sophano Signorina
|
| 7/80 |
1441
Barratti is young & somewhat inexperienced I should imagine
from her manners on the stage that is judging from her acting, but she
has a magnificant Sophano voice, good quality combined with a
great range, a voice that I doubt has ever been heard or equalled
in Victoria, the Tenor is also good, Signor Neri, he an elderly
man & must possess a fine constitution to have preserved the
freshness of his voice at his age, he is a brother in law of the
celebrated tenor Mongini of European celebrity, his voice is of
a fine robust quality possessing great power & a very high range
which is something unusual for that quality of voice
Contini the Baritone has a sweet sympathetic voice &
appears to be highly thought of, the Bass, Dondi is a fine
fine looking man with a splendid voice, scarcely heavy
enough [to] be styled a Basso profundi, but still a fine
voice very even & resonant a singer who will become a great
favourite I fancy when the rest will have become tame –
although I must say that the tenor Basso voices are far
from being equal to the Baritone & Basso we had here
two years ago. I allude to Bertolini & Antoni, the
latter who came to such an untimely end on his voyage
*4 California – Ernani was the opera I heard then performed
& it was the greatest treat I ever had. I had heard it before
but it was never so perfectly done, from the fact of our never having
voices capable of singing the music of all the parts equally
Tuesday & Thursday evening I spent with Lizzie
Wednesday evening I spent very pleasently at Mary’s
Friday evening Mary & Clark, Bessie & Bond called at
|
| 7/81 |
1442
our house & staid until 11 pm at our house –
Saturday morning I took Lizzie out for a long walk
ditto this afternoon & in the evening she accompanied
me to hear Mr Graham preach at Mr Hendersons Church
at the conclusion of the service I met Mother & I
introduced Lizzie to her I am afraid they did not
take kindly to each other
20th.Feby 1870
Weather very hot. last Tuesday being the hottest
day of the season the Thermometer registering 107º f in
the shade Continues busy at the office. Spent my
leisure much as usual. Monday night I went to hear
“Lucrezia Borgia” in which Opera Lucy Chambers the Contralto
made her debut in, she has a fine rich voice but
considering her reputation & the way she has been extolled I
fancy she has been greatly overestimated, she appears to me
to be too fat & puffy to sing, she is the best actress
of the Troupe, & what with her being a colonist & her personal
attraction in the way of legs she created quite a furore
I never knew any one to get such a reception as she did
although I have known many more deserving, she is
nothing in comparison to Sara Flowers as a singer
& yet people are going into ectasies about her, her singing of
theBrindis “Il Segreto” was much admired & was the best
effort on her part of the *evening. Baratti was very fine as
Lucrezia as far as the singing was concerned, Neri & Dondi
came up to expectation in their respective parts, taken altogether
|
| 7/82 |
1443
it was the finest representation of the opera we ever had
all the parts being properly filled. Tuesday Thursday
& Saturday evenings I spent with Miss Stone, Wednesday
evening I spent at Clarks my mother had been spending the
day there so I brought her home. G Bond & Bessie went to
Schnapper Point on Sunday last & will not return until next
week Mother got a letter from them yesterday stating
they were enjoying themselves very much & Bessie
was very much better for her trip there. Saturday afternoon
I took a ramble into town for an hour came home & read
Sunday morning not feeling very well I went into the
gardens & spent the time reading In the afternoon I did
ditto but being in company with Lizzie made it more
agreeable spent the evening with her. – Mail arrived
from England, no letter from any relations by it.
Feby 27th.1870
Weather excessively hot, Tuesday being one of the hottest
I ever experienced. I trust the worst part of the season
is over. Still continues busy at the office but not
to the extent the proprietary desires, Thursday evening
I went to hear Verdies Opera “Ballo in Maschera” but was
disappointed owing to the indisposition of the Tenor, Deroti
“Lucrezia Borgia” was substituted in its place & a finer
production was never witnessed in this colony. I met Clark
& Mary there & we enjoyed ourselves very much. I regret
very much that Miss Stone cannot accompany me to
here these entertainments, it would improve her tastes
|
| 7/83 |
1444
very much, she has been out very little & not seen much
owing to a great extent on her parents past in not allowing
her out after a certain hour. Sunday morning I went to
the Catholic Chapel & heard a very fine Mass sung. In the
afternoon Lizzie & I went for a walk In the evening I went
to Church Mr Legge preached an excellent sermon. I shall
be glad when Mr Henderson returns, he is expected from
Sydney during the week in time to renew his duties by
next Sunday on leaving, after the service, I went to the Albert St
Chapel & there met Lizzie coming out, saw her home-
March 6, 1870
Lovely weather, cool, pleasent breezes blowing as a rule
Very busy at the office, little time to devote to anything
but business Monday night I called for Lizzie who had
been spending the afternoon at her Uncles who is in business
in the Boot & Shoe line in Bourke St. Tuesday I spent with
Mary trying over some Duets Wednesday & Friday
morning I passed in company with Miss Stone
Thursday evening I spent at Clarks. Saturday afternoon I
went along with thousands of others to the Melb’ Cricket Ground
to witness the running matches between F Hewitt
(who is considered to be the champion runner of the world)
& J.Harris, (a colonial born & bred young fellow) the
latter challenged Hewitt to run 5 races of various distances
ranging from 100 yds to 440. Three to be run on 5th.*say
yesterday, viz 150 200 & 300 yds, there was an immense
amount of people on the ground & the greatest excitement
& enthusiasm prevailed. The first two distances, 100 & 200,
|
| 7/84 |
1445
were won by Harris, but the third distance was hardly
contested, but unfortunately resulted in a dead heat, great
interest will be taken in the next two events, which are
to take place tomorrow afternoon, it was late when I got
home to tea, but afterwards I found time to visit Lizzie
Sunday morning I went to church & was pleased to find
Mr Henderson at his post again, he had landed from the
steamer about 2 hours before service commencing
Miss Stone accompanied me in the evening to hear him
March 13th.1870
Weather very warm. Time spent much as usual
during the past week & not time to waste on particulars
March 20 1870
Weather very unsettled The English Mail arrived on
Thursay bringing us a long letter from Father containing
replys to my my mothers last letter home, he alludes very
bitterly to the spirit in which mother writes, & also to Uncle
Joes behavior to him for many years past, I cannot
understand why this should be so, especially when I call to
mind the kind letter Uncle Joe sent me, father severely
alludes to the Chancery Case, our hopes in that quarter are
not very bright. Wednesday evening my brother Fred
was taken very ill with same complaint that he
suffered from last year, but I fear in a more aggravated
form. I sat up with him two nights, the first of which
I thought he never would survive. Dr Hewlett has been in
attendance upon ever since. I think he is much better
|
|
| 7/85 |
1446
this evening – poor fellow he suffered dreadful pain, his
digestive organs I fancy must be very much impaired
Monday morning I went to Hamiltons found Mr
& Mrs going to spend the evening at Campbells (Bank)
& Miss Campbell being there she insisted upon me accompanying
them which I did, found a large number of people there
spent the night very pleasently dancing & singing. 3Am
next morning when we broke up, the rest of the night
I slept at Hamiltons, walked into business with Jim in the
morning, saw Miss Stone several times during the
week but owing to Freds illness not so often as
usual. Sunday morning I went to Church –
March 27th.1870
Lovely weather during the week, rather slack at the office first time I
have been able to state such a case for many a long day. I am happy
to state that my brother Fred is so far recovered as to be able
to resume his business duties, tho he is still very weak
& far from well I received a letter from Uncle John Tom
last Monday he is annoyed at Uncle Joe not sending him
his interests, he purposes writing to him tho by the
next mail & giving him a “bit of his mind”. I fully
expected having heard from Uncle Joe by the last mail
myself. I wish he would send me some money for I
have managed to get myself into a devil of a scrape
the subject of which I dare not commit to these pages
in case of accidents, when another who is very dear to me
would be compromised – I must get over it, but the
|
| 7/86 |
1447
anxiety I have endured & am enduring is fearful.
Monday, Wednesday Friday & Saturday evenings I spent
In company with Miss Stone Tuesday evening
I was in very low spirits & I went to hear Barratti in Norma
the first production of the season, she sang magnificantly
no language can describe the enthusiasm of the crowed
assemblage present produced by her rendering of the music
I have heard several say who have heard Grisi in the
character that that artiste, great as she was in the part, never
sang it better. Neri [as] “Pollio” was excellent & spirited &
Dondi was very fine as ”Ovorisso” I never was better pleased
by a performance I ever witnessed, tho’ I was in low spirits
& could not help being roused from my lethargy. Thursday
evening Mrs. W.Bond came to tea & spent the
evening with us. Sunday morning I went to Church
took a strool in the afternoon & in the evening I went
to St Peters Church –
April 3rd 1870
Hot weather, Monday evening Mrs. Bauman &
Jessie Smart called & had tea at our house & spent the
evening, it is some time since I saw her last she is
not altered in the slightest, after the explanation we had
I thought her feelings towards me would have changed
but no, she was as soft as ever & when she got an
opportunity she commenced to allude to the state of her
feelings towards me as not having changed, although she
informed me that she knew all about my the attentions
I was paying Miss Stone, I cut her short as mildly as
|
| 7/87 |
1448
as I could by telling her that I really did love Miss Stone
& my intention was if possible to marry her & to avoid
further annoyance I cleared out at 8 o'c & called for Liz,
but not before I had to give Jessie a promise that I would
come & see her off by the Geelong steamer on Wednesday, which
I did nothing accusing in our leave taking but the usual
civilities common on such occasions, the same evening
Wednesday, I spent at Clarks, Geo Bond got into a serious
mess the same evening. Mrs. Dewar had been spending
the day with them & Geo & Bessie were accompanying her
home & when going through the Tresuary Gardens, a man
or blaguard, insulted them by making some coarse
remarks, they took no notice of the fellow at first when
he continued his behaviour & on George remonstrating with
him, the man rushed upon Geo’ & dealt him a terrific
blow behind the ear which dropped him Bessie & Mrs D
ran away screaming which had the effect of bringing
others to the spot. Geo gathered himself up & with the
assistance of Mr R.Jack, an acquaintance of Bonds,
they succeeded after a desperate struggle with the wretch
(who proved to be a strong powerful fellow,) in securing him
& marching him off to the police station, next day
he received 3 months with hard labor. Thursday & Friday
I spent with Miss Stone. Saturday afternoon I spent at
Bessies. After tea I called for Miss Stone & we went to
hear the opera of “Maritana” with the exception of Beaumont
& Madame Simonson the rest of the company were very poor
Lucy Chambers didnt appear to know her part as “Lazerillo”
|
| 7/88 |
1449
Albert Richardson was exceedingly lame & inanimate as Don Jose
I dont think Beaumont's voice is as powerful as it used to be
before he went to California but it is much sweeter & more flexible
than it was. He sang “There is a Flower that Bloometh” beautifully
Sunday morning & evening I went to Church. -
April 10th.1870
Weather close & oppressive for this time of the year, the want
of rain is beginning to be severely felt especially in the country
districts. Very little news to relate except of a public character
& that is a change of Ministry, one Mac turned out & another
Mac gone in, that is to say Macpherson is out & McCulloch
has resumed the reins of government, but what is very extraordinary
the former premier has accepted office under the latter, as
Minister of Lands. I am afraid the new Ministry will be of
short duration. Spent most of my evenings during the week
with my darling Lizzie. The scrape I have already
alluded is assuming proportions that is frightening me
would to Heaven it were over! Sunday morning &
evening I went to hear Mr Henderson & in the afternoon
I met Liz & we took a pleasent walk together -
April 24 1870
A fortnight since I continued my journal & the
Easter Holidays over spent most of my leisure
time in the evenings with Lizzie, Good Friday
it rained nearly all day, in the evening I went to a
Concert at St Georges Hall, got up by Horsley & D.
Lee rather a tame affair Saturday evening Miss S &
I went to a friend of ours in Collins St, Sunday afternoon
|
| 7/89 |
1450
we took a strool together. Monday morning I spent at home reading
& in the afternoon I called for Lizzie & we went to St
Kilda rambled about the beach until 5 pm got back
home about 7 at 8 we met again & took a walk about
Carlton Gardens. Tuesday & Wednesday evenings we passed
together, Friday & Saturday ditto, Thursday evening I
went to see Hamilton he has not been very well
lately 11 Pm when I got home. Sunday it rained
all day, but in the evening it cleared off a little &
Lizzie went to hear Mr Henderson deliver his
sermon on "Women". It was a fine oration & displayed
a deal of learning & study upon the subject. The first
half of his sermon was taken up by describing womens
position in Society before the introduction of Christianity
he took a glans at all parts of the world from antique to
modern days & showed what a miserable state women lived
in even in the most civilized & enlightened nations & cities
of the world such as Athens & Rome Etc Etc the latter
portion of his discourse was taken up in
proving how thankful women should be for the introduction
of Christianity for the increased privileges they enjoy, he alluded
to J.Stuart Mills work on the subjection of women. Mr H.
considers he is very wrong in publishing such a work &
thinks it will ultimately prove a great blot on the character
of 1 one who is considered one of the greatest thinkers &
logicians of the age - The English Mail arrived
during the week, no letters for any of us - I wrote to my
Uncle Joseph & sent him Geo & Bessies & my own likeness. I wrote to
Uncle John Tom yesterday, he is living at Hills Hotel, Newbridge -
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May 1st.1870
Weather very unsettled & changeeble, been kept tolerably
busy at the office - work increased for a short time owing to
Mr Adamson, my fellow clerk having been removed to the Export
Office this summer & Mr Reid being appointed to his place
Mr R is a smart clever intelligent young fellow & proves to be a
very efficient clerk - My leisure spent much as usual
Friday evening I left home with the intention of visiting Mary but on the way I met her & Geo & Bessie coming to our house so I returned with them Mr & Mrs. Spink (Miss Norris) called & so between us we managed to spend an agreeable evening The other evenings of the week with Lizzie. Saturday evening I left her at a friends & I was to call for her late in the evening so I passed the time by going to see East Lynue a most melancholy tear producing piece I was so disgusted with it that after the 2nd Act I came away & calling for Liz I saw her home 12 before I got home Went to church morning & evening to day, in the afternoon in company with Liz I took a strool in the Cemetery
May 8th.1870
Weather tolerably fine for this time of the year, mornings rather
cold & a little frosty but when the sun gets out it makes every-
-thing bright & cheerful, I have nothing to note of interest
my anxiety is not lessened in the least, but rather increased
since I last alluded to it, there is only one remedy for it
& that I ought to have taken months ago. Spent most of my
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evenings in company with Lizzie Thursday evening I
accompanied her to an entertainment given in the Albert St
Baptist Chapel for the benefit of the Gould St. Sabbath School
The programme was rather a singular one considering the
place it was given in, Revd. C.CLark gave some capital
readings & Recitations from Dickens & T.Hoods Works –
particularly the one from Dickens, he chose the subject from
Pickwick” when that worthy goes out shooting being
conveyed to scene of action by Sam Weller in a barrow &
his subsequent impounding, which he gave in the most
unctious manner. The performance was intersposed by
Secular Glees by the Choir, on the whole a very suitable Bill
for a Theatre or Concert Room but not at all an appropriate
one for a Chapel, however it drew a good house & everybody
went away delighted & satisfied with their moneys
worth - on the whole I was rather disappointed at C.Clark
reading. I had heard so much about it that I was led
to expect something better, the Comic element seems
to be his forte, I dont think I ever enjoyed anything of the
sort better than his rendering of Sam Wellers account of
his story about the pieman. Several letters have appeared
in the papers since alluding to the performance the
writers of which dont appear to take the most charitable
view of Mr Clarks choice of subjects. Friday evening
I spent at Bessies, Miss Wright & Mr Carroll were there
12 pm when I got home. Saturday afternoon I took a strool
into town, had a look at the New Arcade that is just
completed belonging to Mr Spenseley, running through
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from Bourke St, opposite the post office into Little Collins
St. it is very prettily fitted up & arranged with a fountain
& numbers of small shops, the latter I think will let well
After tea Lizzie went to a friends & I called for her afterwards –
met her again this afternoon & took a walk together on arriving
home I found Mrs Pantor & her sister Miss Clark who
stayed tea Mr & Mrs. Dewar dropped in, after tea I went to
Church, called for Lizzie & took her home -
May 15 1870
Weather very unsettled, things were lively at the Railway
owing to a number of large vessels having arrived at our
pier to discharge their cargoes. English Mail arrived
on Wednesday & much to our disappointment bringing no
letters from any relatives in England. Friday evening I
staid at home the other evenings I spent in company with
Lizzie or at least portions of the time when she was not at her
friends house, where she goes occasionally I wish to goodness she
would not go, it is very much against my wish, I dont like the
place I wish she would agree to be married, I am sick of this anxiety of
mind I am suffering from. Saturday evening when waiting
for her I went for an hour or two to the "Princesses" & saw an
adaptation of "David Copperfield" called "Little Emily" performed the
Dramatist has stuck pretty well to the main part of the story & on
the whole its pretty well put together "tho it is rubbish". Harwood is
“immense” & very funny as Micawber. The sisters "Duvalli"
performed & danced in a small piece, they are without doubt the
most finished & elegant dancers that have ever visited Australia
This morning & evening I went to Church. In the afternoon took a walk with Liz.
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May 22 1870
Weather at the beginning of the week very wet & cold, finer towards
the latter end, nothing fresh to relate, affair with Lizzie
still in status quo. As usual spent most of my evenings with
Lizzie, if she wont agree to be married next week I shall
leave the colony I am sick & miserable with the
anxiety I have endured lately. I wrote to father *early this week &
informed him that I contemplated getting married & that he
must provide more liberally towards mothers support -
Wednesday evening I went to Stewarts for a change Miss
Webb from Sandhurst & some other people were there & we
managed to pass a very jolly evening together. Yesterday
afternoon I went to Clark found my sisters & their husbands
on the point of going for a walk to the botanical gardens
so I accompanied them, after tea I went to Baumans to
see Will Smart who has been very ill, he had gone away for
a few days with some friends, no one at home but Jessie
who I thought was at Geelong, I remained about an hour
she was inclined to be as gushing as ever, but my heart is wrapped
in another nearer & dearer to me, so I gave no encouragement
but left as soon as I could & went to meet Lizzie, ditto
this afternoon. Morning & evening found me at church
called for Liz this evening at the chapel she goes to & walked
home with her -
May 29th 1870
Weather cold & disagreeable with an occasional fine day. Very busy at the office
Tuesday being Queens Birthday was observed as a holiday. A Review was held at the
Albert Park, Emerald Hill, I went to see it in company with Bessie & George
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2500 volunteers were present who went through their evolutions Etc
in a very creditable manner. The Governor & Major General Chute were
present. I met a number of people there I knew 2 pm when I got
home. In the evening I took Lizzie to a friends house where I left her till
11 pm in the meantime I met an acquaintance who took me to the
Oriental Cafe Bourke St, a new place, found two or three rooms very
crowded with people none of them particularly respectable looking the
novelty appeared to be which attracted the numbers consisted of about
a dozen of girls (?) dressed out in what was termed Oriental or
Turkish dresses, many of them being nothing more or less than
common prostitutes. I left, disgusted with the place. I am surprised
the proprietor obtained a licence for such an immorally conducted
place, it was 11.30 before I met Liz & saw her home Thursday evening
I met her again & we had a long serious talk together & we came to the
conclusion that we had better get married My position does not
warrant my taking such a step at present with only £155 pr annum
however if we can only manage to get the necessary household goods
together we must try to manage upon it & live in hopes of something
better turning up - on my informing those at home of my intentions
my mother get into an awful state of mind & for the first time
in my life I felt conscious of doing what seemed a selfish
action & if it was not for the extreme urgency of the case I doubt
if I would take the step so soon, but I feel I owe a higher duty to
Lizzie than I do to my family - my word, few sons have
done their duty in times past as I have done in fact ever since I was
a mere child I appear to have done nothing else but live for my family
& have lost sight of myself altogether so I fancy it is time I looked out
for myself I am getting now a good age & its time I was getting
settled. I feel I have nothing to reproach myself in reference to
my conduct towards my family. I question if my sisters would
be as they are now but for me nor would my mother have been able
to keep a home together as she has done but for the assistance I
rendered her in times past - what annoys me most & makes
me less considerate in reference to my mother & more
determined to marry arises from the fact of the rooted antipathy
all members of my family have, particularly my mother &
my sister Bessie, to her whom I love, they have not slightest
grounds on which to base their dislike upon There is not a living
soul who can breathe a word against her in any shape or form
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she has been obliged for her own sake to appear stiff & distant to some
people in consequence of her position in her fathers business, in order
to keep herself free from scandel Etc which might arise from too much
familiarity with customers in the shop. no! whatever there is in
her wrong is of my own making & as such I must
bear the consequences, but under whatever circumstances I am
placed in with her I will try & do my duty & prove a good husband
to her. Friday night I spent at Hamiltons & told him how I
was situated, he has promised to assist me all his power in
furnishing Etc he is a dear good fellow. Sunday morning I went
to church. Afternoon took a walk with Lizzie, left her at her sisters
Mrs. Lustys, met her again after tea, she was very unwell saw
her home about 8 Pm on arriving home I found Hamilton here
walked part of the way home with him
June 5th.1870
Very wet & cold nothing fresh. Liz & I have agreed to get married
at the end of July so we are making desperate efforts to get things
together & considering how I am situated, having lost so much
money mining, & with a small salary, I shall be put to my wits ends
to get the necessary things however it must be done - my
mother is still predudiced & is in anything but an amiable mood
at the prospect of my getting married, she makes out I am in her
debt. I bought a piano some 2 years ago & she gave me a few pounds towards
its purchase which I accepted as payment for a long outstanding debt of hers
which I paid years ago - Monday night I spent at Hamiltons, met Mr R
Jack there walked home together. Tuesday Thursday & Friday I spent
with Lizzie. Wednesday night I spent at home. Mr & Mrs. Thompson
were here. Saturday afternoons I went to Hamiltons, met a couzin of
his who is on a visit from N.Z. where he has an extensive business
I staid tea after which We came to town. I called for Liz & we went to her
friends, where she staid till 11 Pm. In the meantime I knocked about town
This morning I went to Church as usual, came on to rain heavily
cleared up about 2 Pm when I called for Lizzie & we took a
strool together after tea I met her again & we went to
Church we talked over our approaching union & I found her
very practical in her suggestions, she is a regular trump & is &
intends doing her best towards making everything pleasent
My brother Fred has proved very kind & considerate & is the
only one of my family who seems to wish me well &
thinks I am doing well as he is favourably inclined to Lizzie
Mr & Mrs Stone, although strange people throw no obstacle in the way of our
union -
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