H.S McF Leaving Springbokvlakte farm South Africa to go the long way home through Europe to Australia.

Date: [unknown] [unknown]
Location: South Africa
Surnames/tags: South_africa, McFarlane Percy_Muir_McFarlane

Diaries of H.S McF as left South Africa with his cousin Percy Muir McFarlane CBE, MID (1880-1946)to go the long way home to Australia. Bert ran a farm "Springbokvakte" in South Africa with Sidney Colin McF before he was killed in second Boer War 2 years previously.

Diary of Percy and Bert.

italics are context.

SOUTH AFRICAN DIARY Peter[ Perc].M.McFarlane 1908

WEDNESDAY 1st. January 1908. PERCY: Bert (Herbert) arrived from O.R.C (Orange River Colony). much perturbed because it looks as if ‘’Brindel one’’ Brindley. local intended on buying livestock from H.S? intended to going back on contract. In afternoon visited (??) Theatre in evening.

Thursday 2nd. January PERCY: Bert and self left by evening train for farm. Slept on floor of waiting room. Meet Guattend and Tomlinson on train.

Friday 3rd. January PERCY: Waited until 11AM. For the destroyer without success. I proceeded to foot it to the farm whilst Bert obtained pony. Arrived at farm at 3pm. (Veidefotd Rd. Kroonstad, South Africa '[1] ) dusty and tired having footed it practically all way.

Sunday 5th January PERCY: Spent the morning in kraal enclosure or group of houses surrounding an enclosure for livestock, or the social unit that inhabits these structures. catching kicking sheep. Horribly dusty and dirty work. Bert remained at gate counting them whilst I toiled in kraal with the locals.

Monday 6th January PERCY: went to station with the destroyer to meet the ‘Brindleone’ .drove grey mare just broken in. She kicked hard but destroyer was not damaged, quiet a every day occurrence as far as I can see.

Tuesday 7thJanuary PERCY: 'Brindle one’ and Bert busy chewing the fat about prices. Made me very tired.

Wednesday 8th January PERCY:Still arguing the point about prices. I have been busily employed on farm earning my food.

Thursday 9th January PERCY:Drove to Jack Smiths. Three sheep died. We shall get something to eat tomorrow at last.

Friday 10th January PERCY; Eat dead sheep….not so bad.’ Brindle one’ complains all day that it is so dry. Says it is an awful pity and a terrible thing. Tried to consul him for Bert’s sake. Friday…Same old thing .Too hot to do any work. “‘Brindle one’’ still unhappy.

Saturday 11th. PERCY; Wool bales arrived. Shearing is to commence on Monday

Kroonstad to Parys to Heilbron back to Kroonstad South Africa. 17th to 20th January 1908.

Sunday 12th January PERCY:Bert and self drove in destroyer to Parys a town situated on the banks of the Vaal River in the Free State province of South Africa. map:[2] .lunched with Markel?. Very nice spot on return journey filly commenced business and nearly did for the destroyer Stayed at hornes inponts ?…filthy house obtained 1 LB. Butter.

Monday 13th January PERCY: Shearing commenced. Bert is busy sheep duffing …running in 13/6 bastards and calling them 23/- Merino when ever ’Brindle one’ not looking. Bert got up 4 o’clock this morning had 20 bastards shorn before ‘B O’ arrived on spot. Visited shearing shed but bored to death with it.

Thursday 16th January PERCY; Perkins arrived ..also’ Brindle ones’ nephew, most disrespectful person, never says thank you when you pass him anything, horrid creature. Perkins and self visited shed and gave some directions. Shearing finished. Also Berts funny business with the bastard B.O. apparently satisfied. Everything in the garden is lovely. Got horses in and commenced to doctor them for sale.

Friday.17th January PERCY: Left for Heilbron (map:[3] Bert riding Prince. I drove destroyer. outspand at Jeromes. meet Olive-one time ?? ?? now Jeromes manager. Inspected Jeromes stallions and mares. Meet Rown –one time batman. Amid Hilton.4pm.and them found ‘Brindle one’.

Saturday 18th January PERCY; Shall never forget the historical sale of the stud. have never seen anything so ludicrous. Bert is a proper haggler/greedy. Sold 18 animals. Left at 4 pm. For farm with ‘Brindle one’ arrived 10pm. Tired and hungry

Sunday 19th January PERCY: Slept most of day. Berts weird pals kept on coming in to say goodbye.

Monday 20th January PERCY: Bert proceeded Parys (map:[4]) to square up with Markel? Etc.

Tuesday 21st PERCY: Busy packing. Bert selling his old clothes to black Africans. I call it the quintessential of meanness (I call it sound business. H.S.McF.)

Kroonstad To Johannesburg and Pretoria 22nd to 24th January.

Wednesday 22nd PERCY: Left farm at 2pm. entrained Verdefort Road at 4pm.with ‘Brindle one’ arrived Johannesburg 8pm (map https://goo.gl/maps/ptpB5PSormBy43Hf9]. stayed with Mrs Lovell. BERT: Left Springbokvalate for last time caught train 4pm. for Johannesburg with Perc and Brindley .Stayed the night with Mrs Newell.

Thursday 23rd PERCY: Business all morning. Mrs Lovell gave a service in the evening , about 20 guests. Mr Lovells birthday. Meet Mrs and Alan Mayall? from S.A.

BERT: Business all day fixing up with Brindley etc. Mrs Newell gave us a farewell evening ,wound up with Dance in hall Mrs. Newell birthday/ Perc Very taken with young S.A.lady present.

Friday 24th PERCY: proceeded to Pretoria to say goodbye .Lunched with captain – ew and Kirkpatick. Returned 7pm. Dinner given by friends at Grand National Hotel. Bert presented with Kar-----and me with stick. (A Knobkerrie [5] maybe?) Had a very enjoyable evening Finished at the Central Hotel.

BERT: Perc. went to Pretoria to say goodbye . Dinner at Grand National Hotel given by friends to say Fare well . Presented Perc. With Stick and me with Kar…?.T. Clark in chair. Had a very enjoyable evening Finished at the Central Hotel.

Joburg to Durban to Eshowe and back to Durban 24th to 28th January 1908.

Saturday 25th january PERCY: PERCY: Business in morning. Lunched with Bettington,s. Pack..town . Burges drove us around to visit friends and say goodbye. Visited Clark and Rieds and Jim Blackmore and Mrs. Left Johannesburg by Durban train ay 8.pm. (map https://goo.gl/maps/CtjyjjEPENyA4Ty87) Crowd of friends on station to see us off.

BERT: Busy finishing up business in morning and saying goodbye to old pals about town .Lunched with Bettington at Parktown , Stan Burges drove us round to call on Clarks and Rieds met Jim Blackmore and a lot more friends at Rieds. Caught 8.pm. train for Durban. Had quite a crowd to see us off made me feel sad at parting with Johannesburg and some of very best friends I have in the wide world.

Sunday 26th January BERT: In train all day. Reached Durban at 8.pm. Stayed at Butterwerth Hotel. Mrs. Kramer and Halls old Anglo Austrian tea girl on board train.

Monday 27th January PERCY: Left Durban 7.pm. for Eshowe, Zululand. (map: https://goo.gl/maps/qgxdpGL4L9uquF9W7) 6 hours in train and 2 half hours by post cart arrived 5.pm. Visited cemetery and saw Sids Sidney Colin McFarlane (1876-1906) grave. Took snapshots of grave Visited Mrs. Adams and Sister Hinds who have been kindly looking after grave.

BERT: Caught 7am train for Eshowe Zululand .6.hours in train passed through sugar plantation nearly all the way. Took post cart from Gigingham to Eshowe. Very hilly road 16 miles took three changes of mules to get there. Passed through some grand scenery . Eshowe built right on top range of kopjes, Alt. 500. Cemetery about mile from hotel ,well fenced and cared for. Pleased to find Sids grave well looked after .Took some snapshots of grave ,drove back to town and called on Mrs Adams and Sister Hinds who have been very kind in looking after grave .Caught train back to Durban.

Tuesday28th January Left Eshowe at 8am.by mail cart reached G……at 10.30. Train to Durban arrived 5.pm. (map: https://goo.gl/maps/xyXiyYJdAqa8Ty7F6)

Wednesday 29 january or 1stFeb BERT: Met Peter Sinclar looking very fit and jolly just arrived from Australia got latest news from him. Did circular trip around Durban in cars. Went to theater in evening…. rotten show.

Thursday 30 or 2nd feb BERT: Shopping in morning . After lunch went for a cruise around harbour in motor lunch. Had our bags sent on board ‘'S.S.GERTRUD WOEMAN' Spent evening in swimming baths, mixed bathing, good breakers rolling in. Boarded SS Gertrud 1..PM.

Friday .31. Sailed at day break . sea calm .In sight of land all day.

[[FEBRUARY Saturday 1 February.]] Arrived at Delagoa Bay Daybreak remained outside until tide flowed , reached wharf 4.pm. Went for stroll around town ,very warm place ,full of Portuguese officers, returned to ship for dinner .went out again ,party of us listened to band on square .drank cheap wines

==

FEBUARY Wednesday.1 February Met Peter Sinclair. .Spent day in Durban on business. Went for circular tour in tram car in afternoon around Durban and suburbs. Durban Theater in evening.

Thursday.2 February Embarked on “S.S.Gurtrud Woermann’’ at 8.pm . ..3 pm. Went for a cruse around Durban harbor in steam launch.

Friday 3rd February Sailed at daybreak. Sea fairly calm. In sight of land. i.e. East Coast of Africa all day

Onboard SS Gertrud Woermann. Durban, SAfrica - Beira, Mozambique - Zanibar, Tanzania - Tanga, Tanzania - Mombasa, Kenya. 2nd to 16th Feb

Saturday 4th February PERCY: Arrived Delagoa Bay Now called Maputo Bay. map:[6],Day break. Remained outside until 1.pm.until the tide flowed. Reached wharf 4.pm. Went for stroll around the town and returned to ship for dinner. In evening went for stroll to the pantom? but could not find it.

BERT: Arrived at Delagoa Bay Daybreak remained outside until tide flowed , reached wharf 4.pm. Went for stroll around town ,very warm place ,full of Portuguese officers, returned to ship for dinner .went out again ,party of us listened to band on square .drank cheap wines

Sunday.4. February PERCY: Devilish hot –Wincher going all day. Extraordinary place this shops and pubs etc. open all day Sunday .they disregard sunday here –it is just the same as any ordinary day.

BERT: Very hot and dusty ,bar doing a good trade in German beer. Winches going all day .shops and pubs open all day ,Sunday same as any other day. Bands great attraction on square in evening.

Monday.5 February Bad news re murder of King and crown prince of Portugal .Portuguese gun boat firing 15 minute salvos all day....whole town in morning.

BERT: Read news of murder of King and Crown Prince of Portugal. Portuguese gun boat firing 15 minuet salute all day. Whole town in morning.

Tuesday.6. February PERCY: Walked about town for couple of hours. Very hot glad to get back and put down two long beers.

BERT: Took train out into suburbs very hot .Glad to get back to boat.

Wedensday.7 February Left Delagoa Bay 8.pm. Strong wind good sea on out side very few passengers ventured to meals. Posted photos to Harvey .P.M.M.cF. down to it. H.S.McF.very crook bad cold.

BERT: Weighed anchor 8am. Strong wind , good sea outside, very few down to meals. Perc.and Warren down to it. Peter existing on gin……….

Thursday.8 February Still pretty good sea running. Every body dead to the wide world .

Friday.9.February BERT: Steamed into Beira 9.am. Anchored half mile out from wharf. Got ducking going ashore, Had good look round town. People keep their own rail cars here pushed through the streets by boys on 2foot rails. Bought some fine …..?

Saturday.10. February Left Beira 7.am. calm sea anchored 6 miles out from Chinde for night .

Sunday .11.February Peter left by small launch for Chinde. Very sorry to lose the good old sport.. Up anchor and away by 9am. Took several passengers on here amongst them Cal and Handley. Went to church, German minister on the job.

Monday.12.February PERCY: Only 10 English men on shore E.Tel. Co. All Portuguese men appear to be official. Greater population Kolpis,small type. Dropped anchor at Mozambique 12am. Went ashore after lunch spent the whole afternoon seeing sights, all the buildings on island are very old and appear to have been built purely for slave trade .Visited the Fort which was built early 17th centaury. Now used as a convict station. One building carries est1666. Weighed anchor and away6.pm.

BERT: Dropped anchor at Mozambique 12am. Went ashore, found the whole place over run with black Africans. Portugese population appear to be all Govt. officials, only ten English men on island [Easton Tel. Co.]. Many very old buildings and all built in the old slave days one building dated 1666. Fort built in 17 th. Centaury ,very fine old place now used as a convict station.

Tuesday13. February Steaming hard for Zanzibar, calm sea.

Wedensday.14. February No wind very hot and close .Anchored late at night out side Zanzibar, directly in front of Sultans palace.

Thursday.15. February PERCY: Boat crowded with traders of all descriptions. Anchored directly in front of Sultans palace. Went ashore first thing, had look around town by assistance guide. found all nationalities of the world ashore .After lunch took train out to Butabar eight miles through coconut plantation got some coconuts off palm and drank milk. Went ashore in evening knocked about town. Boat loading all day. coconuts and cloves...

BERT: Indian traders rush boat first thing spread there goods out on deck, very keen business men . Went ashore had good look about by assistance of guide [Geo. Washington.] Took train out to Bububer 8miles through coconut plantations very pretty tropical country all kinds of fruit to be had ,Went ashore in evening.

Friday16. February PERCY: Ashore all morning visited Sultans stable ,very poor lot of horses.2 state carriages Coolies doing great biz with Indian goods ivory work silks, walking stick silver and brass work . Up anchor and away by 5,30pm. Anchored out side Dasusllan? for night. Coolies in town appear to be very busy at all kinds of trades ,wire work, carving , tailoring, silver. Population 330.000 coloureds about 130 whites.

BERT: Boat loading all day , coconuts and cloves. Visited Sultans stables ,poor lot of horses .two state carriages. Collies doing great biz. with Indian goods Ivory work, Silk, walking sticks ,shells, , silver and brasswork ,tailoring, carving and wire work .Population 330000 coloureds, 200 whites. Sultan lives a great life ,has a fine Palace.

15TH February PERCY: Beach lined with pumis stone .Steamed in to Dasusllan Bay 8.00am.very narrow entrance but fine bay in side .small.coast lined with coconut trees and mangroves. went ashore had a look Govt.stables.saw several crossbreed Zebra's by pony (Arab out of Zebra)showing fine clean limbs but very small .German Govt offices in strong force. They have fine clubs and residential palaces. Crowd of Germans on board beer drinking and talking 20 to dozen.14 german 2nd class passengers came on board, officers of some class. Doe and Clark left for Bombay.

BERT: Steamed into Darlalam? 8 am. Very narrow entrance to bay which is very fine and sheltered beach lined with pumice stone, coconut groves and palm all along the coast looks very grand, had go round town ,very fine German club . Went to o Govt. stables saw several crossbreed Zebras by pony [Arab] out of Zebra mares, showing fine clean limbs but small frames. All Govt. buildings very fine. Crowds of German on board drinking all night making a great row. 14 German 2nd, class passengers came on board all military men. Doe and Clark left for Bombay by…B E.I(British East India?) Co Boat ……

Sunday 16th. February PERCY: Up anchored and away 6am. Anchored at Zanzibar 10.30am.took in mail . Coolies very brisk doing biz.only stayed one hour .Church. Warren playing piano Anchored at Tanga ,last German port, went ashore and heard band 50 boys playing very good.

BERT: Steamed out of the bay by 6am. Anchored at Zanzibar 10.30.am. took mail on Coolies very brisk doing business ,only remained one hour .Church in first salon Warren performing at organ. Anchored at Tanga 6 pm. Went ashore had great treat boys band [60 brass instruments ]

Monday 17th February Anchored out side Kilinddini. Went ashore ,took trolley to Mombasa. trolley pushed by two kaffir on light gauge .Fort 500years old built by Portuguese. Had dinner at Grand. Reached boat 10.30pm. Ship loading coconuts all night Full up passengers.

BERT: Anchored off Kilindini (British territory) Went ashore took trolley to Mombasa ,trolley pushed by men 2 foot 8 inch line, very pretty ride all Biz done by Indians and Portuguese. Had dinner at Grand ..Reached boat 10.30.. Ship loading coconuts and beans

following entries written by Herbert unless stated"

Tuesday 19th. February Weighed anchor 7am.Good sea running ,very few passengers up for meals.

Wednesday 18th February Smoked ,read and slept all day. P.M.McFarlane looking as if he had lost his inner workings, Handly won sweep on days run .182 miles.

Saturday 22 February 241 miles .Lewis raffle great success during the evening ,good sport with the French lady. Passed Crown Prince9pm going south .Wind still strong.

Sunday 23. February German Service 11am. Old Boss on the job .English Service 8pm Rev.Groves.

Monday 24. February Posted letter to Australia. Anchored off Aden 2 am. Coast lined with high range of hills

Mombasa, Kenya to Aden, Yeman to Suez Canal, Egypt. 17th Feb to 1st March.

Tuesday 25. February Went ashore 6am. Had look round town and military barracks, Camels in great use by the Arabs, very dirty dusty hole to live in .left Arden 4.30.am.Passed several steamers during day and night Perm? 4.30pm.

PERC: Aden ( Aden, Yemen')' Went ashore 6am. Had a look around town and military barracks Camels in great use by the Arabs. Queen Victoria statue in Sq. main street .Left Aden 9.30am. Passed several steamers during night Perm 4.30pm.

Wednesday 26. February 6am. Several steamers passing. Three small islands in sight .309 Miles run.

Thursday 27 sea very calm .Passed several steamers .run 310 miles .

Friday 28 February Run 315 miles. Strong wind rising during the night .

Saturday 29 February Island Scheluana. Passed light house at entrance of Gulf 5am. Mount Siani10am. Anchored of Suez 9pm. Offloaded 12 oxen and other cargo .loaded small consignment for Cargo. Miss Mannering and many 2nd class passengers left ship and several 1st. class passengers . Electrician came on board with 1000c/p.generatorfor search light , man placed ahead of ship in a box.Left Suez 1.30.am. Suez to Pt. Said 80 miles canal about 70 miles.

MARCH Sunday 1st March Passed through Lake Brittenseen/Batterbeen?, Entered Canal at 8.30.am Passed two signal stations and left Ismaila? On Port side by 10.30am. Church 11am. Anchored at Point Said (Egypt) 4.pm. went ashore party of us had good go round town . Carnival on street crowded with merry makers had dinner at Continental. Said goodbye to Groves, saw more life after dinner . Fortune tellers etc. doing great trade. Groves left ship here. .Traders of every kind on board.

Suez Canal Egypt to Messina, Italy to Naples Italy..

Monday 2nd. March 1am. Left Point Said. Several more passengers on board. Traveled 144 miles.

Tuesday.3.March Sighted island of Creta/crete? . 308miles to 12 noon. Sea smooth . All day passing Creta about 160miles .Mountains capped with snow.

Wednesday .4. March Sighted land a head 7 am.

Thursday 5. March Passed through Straits of Messina 2.30am. town lighted up on either coast [Messina and Reggis] Etna showing up back of Messina Straits about 400yards Strombole on the left shooting up clouds of smoke town on left coast of Stromboli (wine makers) Arrived at Naples 4,30pm.went ashore at 7.pm. Knocked about town caught boat back to Gertrud 12pm. Crowd of us went ashore good sport in Arcade arguing over whiskey.

Naples to Florence, Italy.

Friday 6. March Left Gurtrud for good 8.30am. Put up at Grand Hotel de Lordres/lordes. Went down and fixed up with Cooks. Had good look round streets .arcades etc. Lunched took car out to museum. took car out to Torretta ,walked through tunnel up lift through very high koppie Beautiful view to bay and coast line. took car to Cap. On coast then train ride down to Sonata?. walked through park ,some fine turnouts about ,after dinner did the streets arcades etc. with Williams.

Saturday 7 March Went out by train to Vesuvius climbed to top of crater ,much amused to see old gray headed man about 70 pulling Perc up steep part .Bad day did not get very good view. Took train out to Pompeii with Williams and his wife. Hidden city wonderful place , will be years and years before they unearth the whole city.

Sunday.8.March Caught 10am. Train for Rome. porters at hotel and station devils for tips. Passed through some very interesting agricultural country ,well watered vines ,trellised from tree to tree,don’t appear to be well pruned .Passed many ancient old castles, Arrived at Rome 2.30.am found our way to St Peters Cathedral ,most wonderful of churches.

Monday.9 March Hired a turn out for the day with Williams and Allan ,by assistance of guide we saw many churches ,old Roman buildings ,palaces.

Tuesday 10th March Sight seeing all day.

Wednesday 11 March left Rome 7am. For Milan. Reached Milan 9pm.went straight to bed.

Thursday 12th March Did trip with Cocks to cathedral other churches picture gallery, cemetery wonderful tomb stones.

Friday 13. March Caught 7am. Train to Florence took boat across lake to Lucerne. Splendid run grand scenery, Snow every were .Had a look around town ,walked to snow line P.M.McF very annoyed with snow called it rotten stuff wanted to know what use it was, very much afraid of snow..

Saturday14. March Caught 7am. Train for Bale? and Paris. Whole way to Bale snow every whereas far as the eye could reach , wonderful sight .Perc put heater on hard and refuses to look out of window . Arrived at Paris 6pm. Put up at St Petersburg.

Florence, Italy to Paris France to Dover, UK.

Sunday 15. March Had a go round town ,Visited Effel Tower .Royal Palace etc.

Monday 16 March Bought suit 4 pound 10 shillings to measure. Visited many historical spots , gardens parks. Gallery’s etc. Took guide at 7.30 Put in a champion time going to heaven, hell, music halls and several other shows.

Tuesday17 March Put morning in at Louver, went out to Versailles with guide spent fine afternoon looking through picture gallery ,sculpture gallery ,Napoleon 1st. rooms ,council chambers, State carriages, fine gardens ,fountains and parks .theatres music hall and meat market

Wednesday 18 March Caught 9.30 A M. train for Dover ,Arrived coast, Calais. 1.15p.m. Met family Nice Americans, Arrived Dover 3,p.m. Charring Cross 5 pm. put up at C/Cross Hotel . Made break for Jenk,s for letters.

Thursday 19 March Did Street and shopping, called on Agent Gen. Met Sadler Norton Whilington , Caller on Geo. Goodheart he took us to Dinner and to Oxford[Theater] .Called at 80. Fleet Street for letters from home and one from Mrs. Finlayson.

Friday 20 March Went to British Museum in morning and Green Park . Shifted up to Ivanhoe Hotel , very decent place .Went to see’’ Miss Hook of Holland’’ at Prince of Wales. Very pretty play. Saturday 21. Did the streets shopping , bus riding. Went to His Majesty’s . Saw ‘‘Beloved Vagabond’’

Sunday 22 March Went to St. Paul’s in the morning, out to Reid’s at Richmond, Found Alby had raced us home. Had fine walk though park , lovely spot. Stayed to dinner.

Monday 23 March Round about sight seeing and calling on pals. Went to Lyric Theater saw’’ White Man’’. American play ,wild west.

Tuesday 24 March Caught train 11am out to Kings Lanley Mr.Finlayson. . And Harvey met us at station with car. Stayed whole day at Model Farm lovely spot . Finlayson family just the same good sorts.

Wednesday 25 March Knocking about town, went to lunch with Donaldson. One horse show, rum cous... went to National Gallery and to Duke of York Theater in evening to see ‘’Admiral Chritchen’’

Thursday .26 March Sight seeing and general look around. Theater in evening..

Friday 27 March Still on the move sight seeing .

Saturday 28. March Gaity Theater ..’’ Girls of Gotenburg.’’ .Pretty play .Saw Alby off to Johannesburg. Went to Tobacco Exhibition, took Doug with us. Went to Tower of London, climbed over Tower Bride.

Sunday 29. March Spent day at Surbiton with Mrs. Olding went over Hampton court and through parks , Stayed to dinner caught 10pm. Train back.

Monday 30.March Knocking about town in the morning. went out to Zoo after lunch very fine .went to see’’ Marjory Strode’’ at Play house.

Tuesday 31. March Went to Tattersalls horse market on to Hyde Park ,Albert Hall, Museum. Theater Wyndhams, ‘’When Knights Were Bold’’…most likable show ever been.

APRIL Wednesday 1. April Theater Hicks .’’ Gay Gordons’’..Good. Knocking about doing old sights..Took Geo. To dinner and to Vairety show.

Friday 2. April Called on G&R Wills, had a talk to oner P. Wills . Spent afternoon in House of Commons. Nothing important on. .Went to Troc. Jenkons reception to Price , Met lot of Australians.

Saturday.3. April Went out to Richmond to Reids to lunch went with Doug to see Oxford V Cambridge boat race .Big crowd all a long the river. Cambridge won by length .walked along river back to Reids. Stayed the night there. Got bicycles fixed up ready for trip to Lands End.

Dover to London and around until Richmond

Sunday .4. April Started off 9.30. on bicycles for ten days tour. Went through Twinham Green, Kew bridge, Brent ford, Hounslow, Staines ,Egham, Very pretty country .Had lunch at Virginia, half hour walk around lake and garden off again to face a big hill every body very silent and …..Reached Bagshot Golden Farm ,Blackwater stayed the night at Hook

Bike Ride around England

Bike Ride around England part 2.

Monday .5.April Fresh but a bit stiff , very willing to ride in train. Stayed the night in Wincanton.

Tuesday.6. April Got Good start for”Three Swans’’pretty hilly going, passed through Chapel Cross. Sparkford,Tininhill,Watergore,Liminster,took train to Exeter, Stayed the night.

Wednesday.7. April Fine fresh morning all fit and good country reached Chuleigh for lunch. Passed through Buckfastliegh Ivybridge , Ridgeway onto Plymouth .Paid 1….and stayed night Had look over old light house.and Plymouth Hoe, very pretty.

Thursday .9.April Took train to Penzance. Stayed night .Had a walk along promenade in evening, seemed to be big crowd of females about city.

Friday 10. April Rode to Penzance. Splendid ride and back by lunch time rode to Falmouth , Stayed night. .

Saturday 11. April Caught train to Reading . Cold misty day, My chain broke so had to continue with Doug by train .They arrived looking pretty well done up, especially Perc who used some powerful language on leaving Reid for station .arrived back at hotel 10.30.pm.

Sunday 12. April Went to Hyde park with . Ponder ?. Albert Hall in afternoon to concert , Perc much annoyed with musicians with long hair ,would not remain for finish .Went to fine concert at the “Alhbama’’. April

Monday 13. April Met Kate at Euston 11.30.am went shopping. Saw Kate off after lunch to Bromley. Went to “Diana of Dobson ‘’ played by Lena Ashwell in evening with Ponder.

Tuesday 14. April Biz in morning .Had look over Exhibition in afternoon . Theatre in evening…

Wedensday.15. April Met Kate 11.00am. Had look over St Pauls climbed tower etc ,….Matinee afternoon Lady Frederick’’ dinner at Frascate? .”Merry Widow ‘’ in evening.

Thursday 16. Shopping in morning. Caught 2.50 pm.to Leeds t…….crowd waiting to catch trains to all parts. Called on Perc’s Uncle Close ‘’in the evening .Very amusing making ourselves known ,Pet dog refused to let us in.

Friday 17 April Caught 11.50 train to Bradford [Capt.Cook …..] .Called on Perc’s Grandmother Mrs. Berry?….. left for Glasgow 1.20am. did a freeze in hotel waiting.

Saturday18. April Arrived Glasgow 7.20am. Put up at Waverly’’ had look around town called on Miss Muir at Bensden.?.

Sunday 19. April Caught 8.15.am. to Edinburgh, Had good look round went to St.Gebs church had look over Castle and Holyrood castle.

Monday 20.April Doing the sights.

Tuesday 21. Motored down to Forth Bridge Very Pretty country, Channel Fleet on view went on board battle ship. Invincable.Irresisable?.,Caught 6.30pm. to Glasgow. went to Theater variety show.

Wednesday22. Took paddle boat down Clyde to Dunmoore passed about 100 iron ships being built in docks. Took train back from Greensok to Glasgow. Perc. Caught 5.30.train to Leeds ,Went to theater.

Thursday 23. April Took 7.00am train to Lock Lomond then on to Bradford. Snowing steadily all way down. Called on R.Higgie. Rucking around town sight seeing,Looking over woolen mill. went to theater with Roy and Robert ,saw Compton in” School of Scandal”.

Friday 24. April Spent all day with Roy going through woolen mill. Caught 5.30.train to London. Looked though Colonial Institute in morning, after lunch took train to Crystal Palace, saw Football match Wolverhampton .V. New Castle ,big crowd 90,000. had good look around ground, did all the silly games, water shubs? etc. Stayed to theater saw” Eare and Girl.”

Sunday 26. April Spent all day at Finlaysons. Snow fight.

Monday 27.April Saw C. Baunermans Funeral …of …..Lord Mayor in procession. Had good look over Aand N. store srores,Called on Mrs Donaldson. Went to theater,Follies no good.

Tuesday 28.April Had look over Wallace collection.went to Alhambra in after noon. Went out to rieds to dinner .Empire in everning.

Wednes day 29. April Met Drink water went down to Hyde Park beautiful morning ,called on Jenkins. Went to Palace after Dinner to see Maud Allen ,,great dancer.

Thursday 30. April Drinkwater and self had a look though meat market at Smithfield. after lunch Perc self and Drinkwater went out to Woolwich arsenal very interesting .took Kate to theater , gay lord Que..Play by Sir J.Hare.

MAY Friday 1 May Looked up Norton and Whitington .climbed up ST Pauls. Good view. Went to Heps? In afternoon vaudeville saw. Jack Straw, Charles Harvestry?..very good .

Saturday 2. May Perc caught 12.noon train to Liverpool went to Oxford in afternoon .Otto Heggie.called had a turn around town with him Roy arrived 6.30.Went to Coliseum.?.

Sunday .3. Roy and self went out to lunch with Ottoat Belsize Park. had Had dinner with Rieds spent everning there.

Monday .4. Had rare experience with nogler?. put in afternoon with Ponder went to see Alexander at St..James playing “Thief.”

Tuesday.5. Called on Lord Mayor with Ponder. Attended courts at Manion? House took Ponder over Tower of London ,Madam Trusows,Visited post and telegraph office with Doug and Ponder met Kate and Mrs Hill, had dinner at Ivanhoe Roy joined us, went for Bus ride and supper at Facination.

Wednesday.6. May Roy, Pounder and self had look over Bank of England .Had lunch with Roy did town. Met Kate 5.30.went down to Camberwell to see Kates cripple class.caught train to Kings Langley.

Thursday.7 May. Had fine day at Model Farm ,Roy came out in after noon ,had long walk in country gathered Primrose and blue bells.

Friday 8. May Left Model Farm by 9.00am. train with Roy caught 2pm train to Wareham to visit Smiths ( William Smith (1768-) family members), found them all very nice.

Saturday 9. May PERCY:C… Edger. Bert and self caught 9.30 train to Bournemouth ,very beautiful summer resort ,band playing on pier, Long crowd of people about gardens. After lunch we strolled through gardens up to Concert hall ,heard Agnes Nichols and others sing ,also very fine orchestra .arrived back at Wareham 6.30pm. Had some Music after dinner.

Sunday.10. May PERCY: Went to church where Grandfather Samuel Smith (1812-1889) used to attend ,.After dinner Bert and self had look over Mr. Lucas? Farm.

Monday 11.May Caught 9am. Train to London , arrived 12 noon. Went to Earls Court after lunch .Variety show in evening with Roy.

Tuesday 12. May Met Bert Smith Knocked about sightseeing went to Zoo lovely day. Went round had dinner with Rieds, stayed the evening.

Wednesday13.May Doug self had long walk over Hamstead Heath before lunch ,went to cricket match at Lords in afternoon. Walked back through Regent Park looking grand. Went down to Camberwell for an hour or so .Went to see” College Widow” an American play. Doug stayed the night with me.

Thursday14. May Got up early went down had look at Covent Gardens fine Show of flowers and fruit. Met Rose at Marble Arch 11.30.had walk along rotten row then on to Kensington I….Hall. had lunch at “popular” took train out to Ealing to call on Miss Mc…..

Friday 15. May Met Rose 9.30am. took bus to mint. Very interesting , had look over Waring furniture depts. Great show. Rose went home. did a bit of shopping at Whitleys, Ivenhoe to dinner ,St James thearter to see “Thunder bolt’’. Played by Alexander.

Saturday 16.May Big rush to bank and back to Euston by 11.30.to meet Rose and catch 11.05 to K langley .Harvey met us at station with car and had day rambling about saw Rose off by 6.30 train Stayed night on farm.

Sunday 17.May Spent very enjoyable day on farm ,walks through woods. Perc Goode came out.

Monday 18. May Mrs. F. Harvey and self motored out to Lord Rothchilds estate .had look over museum, very beautiful Drive all way Grand day. Caught 2.30. train from Walford for London.

Tuesday 19. May Knocking about with Drinkwater. Went to Auction sale horses and cattle. After lunch met Goode went to Wool Exchange very exciting met Mr. Moore.

Wednesday 20. May Went to Royal Academy before lunch. Doug and self put in afternoon at Exhibition. Met Mrs. Dean and Miss Fleming at hotel all went off to” Merchant of Venice’’. Spent very jolly evening, finished up at F…. supper.

Thursday 21. May Caught 10 AM. Train to C…..Essex Mr. Stead Met me at station and drove me to Urittle very pretty little town .After lunch Miss Stead took me for along walk, very jolly girl, got back late, stayed night .

Friday 22. May Caught 10am. Train to London , Fixed up tickets to Sydney and New York. Went to Exhibition with Goode.

Saturday 23. May Went to stock market in morning. Met Miss Reid went to call on Miss Carthy .had look through St Thomas Hospital .Had dinner with Reids ,went with Reids to see Ada Reeves in” Butterfly’’

Sunday24.May Met Doug and Rose and went to Foundling Hospital to church .on to Hyde Park to have look at Church Parade. Doug and self went out to Bushy Park, very fine show of turnouts in park.

Monday 25. May Went out to Kew Gardens. Called on Miss Barron?.Took Goode to’’ Olympia’’Army and Navy tournament

Tuesday 24. May Went out and called on Colwill Marshwell Hill?. Took Kate Rose to Covent Gardens Opera.

Wednesday 27.May Knocked about with Drinkwater. Watching for French President and King. Great sight . military in strong force. Went down to Camberwell to help Kate give the Kiddies a tea party had great evening.

Thursday.28.May Ran out to 21. Princes road .doing Biz.etc..called on Agent Gen. Did a bit of shopping with Kate.Met Harvey at 6.00.went to tournament

Friday 29.May Went round saying goodbye. Went for fine run in car with Harvey. met Beat? Colwill at 5o,clock went to Exhition with Finlaysons and Stan Newman. Had jolly evening.

Travels around England before going to Liverpool

Saturday 30.May Caught 12.o.clock train to Liverpool . Findlaysons, Rieds Drinkwater and others. Very sorry to leave the good old Dart.. Boarded’’ Carouia “5.30pm.

Sunday 31. May Called at Queenstown at 9.00am. Big crowd on board.

JUNE Monday 1st June. Calm sea ..very sporting crowd on board..

Tuesday .2 June Lat.50.14 n. long 20.30. Run 455 miles. [1.June] ”Sports on” .Concert. Lat 47.54.N. Long 30 .56.N. Ran 431 miles.

Saturday 6. June Lat. 4037. Long 69.28. Run 467 miles. Arrived New York . Nelson and self put up at Herald Sq. Hotel.

Sunday 7. June Went to Central Park, fine lot of turn outs to be seen. Had tram ride and look about streets .went to Cony Island , wonderful place for amusements of all kinds , very fine at night when lighted up. Had a look in at Vandervile?.

Monday .8. June Had a look round town went to Military training hall, vary fine .Took motor trip up and down town. Went in motor to China Town in evening .went to music dance hall,. great show.

Tuesday 9. June Had look over several big buildings, Hotel etc. went through several large places of business. Caught train to Montreal.

Wedesday 10 June Arrived Montreal 9 am. Took ferry boat across St. Lawrence,Called on Allan he showed me around town .went out to race meeting .took car out to Mount ,fine view, good country .Caught train 10.00am. to Winnipeg.

Thursday 11. June Traveling through timber country all day , very little stock to be seen Met young Mein? very fine boy

Friday 12. June Still timber country. Wonderful amount of water every where. Mein and self got off at Winnapeg .put up at C .P.R.Hotel very fine place 3dollars.bath and bed.

Saturday 13. June Took walk round town .car out to National Park, saw some fine buffalos. Good agricultural country .Went to Fine horse show ,had jolly afternoon. Caught 11pm. To Banff.

Sunday 14. June Traveling through Prairies , Saw fine wheat country ,Farm houses very poor. Many parts look like O.R.C.(Orange River Colony, South Africa. Walsh left us at Calgary.

Monday 15. June Arrived Banff 7.30am.Mein and self put up at King Edward. Walked up to Sulphur springs had swim. went through caves ,had fun with an old Scott. Hired turnout drove out to Minmewanka Lake[Grand] great sport paddling up Bow in canoe.walked down to rapids .fine run in motop launch 8 miles up river after dinner.

Tuesday 16 .Got up early walked to top of Sulpher Mount big climb but well worth it. Wounder ful view snow every where.Observitory on top 100.000ft. got back to Springs had fine swim,had dinner hired two”’ Brones’’? had good ride. Mein good sport. After dinner Hired skiff rowed up to lake, very pretty.

Wednesday .17. Caught 7.30.train to Vancouver .Had grand run all day through Rockies.

Thursday. 18. Arrived Vancuver 1pm. Mien and self put up at Metropolitan Hotel.had go round town and park very fine timber went down to English Bay to theater .

Friday 19 June Shopping and fixing up ticket for boat .left Vancouver 1pm. For Victoria ,big crowd on board. .Said goodbye to Mein .$ in my cabin .Southern .Gibson greenwood all good fellows. Stayed four hours at Victoria.

New York through Canada to Victoria, Canada

Saturday 20. June Calm sea . Good crowd sick. Sunday 22. Had game of bridge .Smith ,Brookes Dr. and self. spent rest of day reading . Went to church Rev, Russel on the job from South Africa. Maritybourg?.

Friday 26. June Miss Chither? got off good sport. Arrived 5pm. Honolulu.. Went up town took tram run etc. very pretty tropical growth. Town stinks. got good supply of fruit for trip.

Saturday 27. June Knocked about with crowd. Sailed away 2 pm. Put in good day.

Thursday 2. June Sighted Fanny Island. Concert in evening.

Sunday .5. June Anchord out side Suva.

Monday .6 June Went ashore at Suva 8.30pm. Walked out to Park had game of cricket with natives ,good sport .Hired turnout went for long drive in country five of us ,jolly time, Pretty country .Sailed 8.pm..

Tuesday 7 June Rough sea on ,lot of people down to it.

=======================

OCTOBER. in Australia now. looking for property to buy Monday 26 October Went to Adelaide.

Tuesday 29. October Caught early train to Pinaroo. Arrived 6pm. Slow Journey

Wednesday 28 October Had look at country. .

Thursady.29 October. Drove over the Victorian Boarder and inspected country now being surveyed and allocated to settlers, very similar to S.A. mallee.?

Friday 30 October Had look at country out back ,saw some very good crops.

Saturday.31 October. Left Pinaroo for Narracote. Had breakfast with Uncle WillWilliam Muir McFarlane (1855-1925) at Lameroo.Met Dick O,Connor.

Sunday.1st NOVEMBER. November Arrived Narracote 3 am. Went out had look over caves in afternoon. very fine,

Monday 2 November. Drove all over Hqnover? Estate.Fine country to look at ,Grand big gums ,very wet country ,crab holes, stock very small.

Tuesday 3 November Inspected Mt.Bryan country .

Wednesday 4. November Left Mt Gambier. for Casterton.by coach 48 miles.

Thursday 5. November Left Merino for Melbourne.

Friday 6 November Arrived 11pm . Melboune from Merino.

Saturday. 7 November Went out to Mar ?Lodge. Went to town in afternoon with Jack .Saw him off back to “Bulabul.’’

Sunday 8. November Had fine run out to Lilidale in Fiat. Had two goes at big hill did it in 2min. 35 sec.

Monday 9. November Went into town looked up Jolly . Marshal and Faulkner.

Tuesday 10. November In Melbourne. Missed train to Bridgewater.

Wednesday 11 November Caught train to Bridgewater.

Thursday 12 November Went round lands lanes etc. crops looking well .Mr Sloan chaffing straight out of stooks and shipping direct to Melbourne.

Saturday 14 November Played tennis at Inglewood oval with Dr? and girls

Sunday 15 November Bulabul. All went out spent day with Isaccs.

Monday 16 November Loddon on Wallaces farm .drove round and saw lot of other properties

Wednesday 18 November. Mystic Park.

Thursday 19 November. Lake Charm. With Wallace.

Friday 20 November Kerang.

Saturday 21 November. Got back to Bridgewater from Kerang.

Sunday 22 November Went for motor run with Jack and girls .Rained pretty hard in morning all told for two days one and a half inches.

Monday 23 November. Went out with Jim to Serpentine and saw several properties for sale.

Tuesday 24 November Played tennis at hospital.

Wednesday 25 November Went to banquet at Bridgewater . Danced after spread.

Thursday 26 November Arrived in Melbourne 4.pm. from Bendigo.

Friday 27 November Finally settled on Lake Charm property. Agreement singed and sealed. Took Jess Hellara ? to see Davis Cup.

Saturday 28 November Melbourne. Caught 6.40am train to Ararat 6.45 pm. to Adelaide.

Sunday 29 November Arrived by express from Melbourne. Father came back from Port Lincoln.

Monday 30 November Went up town. Called on B………?

Tuesday 1. December Went down Port Adelaide saw Father of to Port Lincoln.

Wednesday 2 December Perc. Self drove out and called on Findlaysons, Rieds.

Thursday 3 December Stayed home. Very hot all day.

Friday .4 December Went to town in morning. Perc. Buck Herbert Buchanan McFarlane (1881-1938)? and self drove down and had swim in baths at Glenelg.

Saturday .5 December Working about house in morning. went over to see Ross Adamson . Rankins in afternoon.

Sunday.6.December Stayed home al day, very hot .went out in evening..

Friday 11 December Went up to Mr.D.Gordon to New Era Irrigation Co. Morgan. (map: [7]

Saturday 12. December New Era. Grape crop looking well.

Sunday 13.December New Era.

Monday 14.December Arrived back from New Era.

Tuesday 15 December Home out in evening.

Wenesday.16.December Working in garden.

Thursday 17 December Spent evening with Winceys.

Friday 18.December Jess Jessie Mary (McFarlane) Adamson (1875-1952) and self took Colinin to see shops. Went down with Buck to see Jean Wickens.

Saturday 19.December Spent afternoon and evening with Finlaysons with Perc.

Sunday.20.December Church.

Monday.21 December Spent evening with Mr Hollidge. Took Mirrie Miriam Haines Adamson (1903-1983) and Marg Margaret Osborne Adamson (1904-1979) to see Father Xmas.

Tuesday 22.December Miss Hodges.

Wednesday 23.December Mother and self down to see Via? at Larg

Thursday 24.December Town afternoon and evening.

Friday 25.December Lovely cool day. Wallace .Fred and Adamson family came to dinner. Went to see Powells family.

The end.