Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

John Maffey, My diary from London to Sydney, 1882-1883
MLMSS 2716 / Item 1

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September 20th 1882 (Thursday)
Left Fernville at 8.30a.m. Annie, Sissie the children & I being accompanied by Aunt Mary, Cousin Mary and the latters two children. At Euston Station took one of the E & N.W. omnibuses to the Docks (East India) dropping Aunt & Mary & her children at Free-Church St Station – On getting in board found W. Harrison, Mr Sansom & Percy there – got luggage & on board – about 1 pm. Were hauled out of the dock & Aunt & Cousins went on shore – we were towed down the river in charge of Pilot Daciers by the two tugs Beu Lidi & Ben Lomond. The Beu Lidi left us at Grasseed where Sissie, Jacuss & Percy parted from us, a long farewell for us – cast anchor at night near the North Fowland.
Septr 29th 1882 (Friday)
Drizzling rain early – the river pilot went on shore at Deal with tug & Mr Morton the Channel pilot took charge. Four stowaways found on board during the night sent ashore with the river pilot. Anchored in the Dover

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for the night about 7p.m.
September 30th, 1882 (Saturday)
At 5 a.m. the tug came alongside again & proceeded to take us down Channel at 5.15. the starboard anchor and most of the chain was lost by an accident about this time as I lay in bed I heard a noise as if a train was bumping over sleepers & suddenly stopped – this was I suppose when the anchor slipped – it had not been carefully hooked to the "car-block" & having once given way, out it went. The feeling of bumping over sleepers was caused by each lurch of the cube as it jolted through the hawser hole. Very fortunate this did no more damage as might have cut a hole to the water’s edge. From what I hear this is likely to injure Mr Shardlow the Chief Officer in his future promotion to being the senior in the Company’s service now & entitled to the next Commander vacant – It seems from parsimonious reasons the owners have not fully manned the ship carrying neither Boatswaines nor a sufficient

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crew. Consequently the officers have extra duties to perform & this first accident has been a greater loss than anything they would have been likely to have – This alone without any delay it [indecipherable] occasion will be a loss of £300 to £400 –
At 3.40pm. we cast off the tug being abreast of Brecky head and now are proceeding without leading [indecipherable]
October 1st 1882 (Sunday) (4)
A wretched day – sorry one on board ill – Reggie & I stood out until late in the afternoon when we caved in each of us being sick once only – W. Harrison very poorly indeed – there was a brisk breeze & a considerable [indecipherable] sea consequently a good deal of rooling and pitching. Annie, Mabel & baby very ill –
October 2nd 1882 (Monday) (5i)
Beating down Channel all day & from the ship saw a good deal of the South Coast scenery – off Isle of Wight about 6am. – not so bad a day still a great deal of pitching about.

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Tuesday October 3rd 1882 (6)
Beating about off the Start Point all day; as night approached very near the entrance of Plymouth Sound, a tug was attached to the ship but broke down before it had got her head round – We three bore away again & later the Tug "Sir Walter Raleigh" took us in tow & we dropped anchor inside the Breakwater about 12.30am.
(7) on Oct 4th after which I returned to rest the lights of Plymouth & on the breakwater as we entered were very pretty in their s/hd. On awakening in the morning we found ourselves in a bay surrounded by low hills – the towns of Plymouth Davenport & Stonehouse being built on their slopes – the whole giving a most pleasing picture
The poor old sailmaker being no better it was decided he should be taken in Plymouth to the Hospital – this was

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done. I going ashore with him in the Captain’s boat. – Annie and the children accompanied us – and after sending the patient to the hospital we spent the afternoon shopping – we had luncheon at Matthew’s (Confectioners shop/& we nicely served at very cheap rate – On leaving for the ship we took leave of W. Harrison this was another trial for my poor wife – we also said "good-bye" to Mr Hanson who returns to town tonight. I eventually did so with much regret – This had been a lovely day and the sun shining on the white buildings of the forts and town presented a most beautiful picture – The new passengers who were to join us here came aboard today & like Mr Hanson’s and W Harrison’s hearing of the pleasant faces we had seen about us did appease being those who had only come with us for the trip down the Channel. One poor man a Mr Wright has come on board who from his appearance has been very badly advised in attempting the voyage as he looks far gone in consumption.

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The anchor & cable which we lost at Deal & which must be replaced before we leave here has not yet arrived nor can anything be learned of it yet.
(8) Oct 5th 1882 (Thursday)
Went onshore again today with the Captain Mrs Goddard & D’Arcy G. Mrs Cunningham & her children – Annie & the children – after shopping and luncheon again at Matthews we got out the top of a tram-car & went through Stonehouse to Devonport – where we went over part of the Dock Yard – On our return to the ship we took leave with much regret of Mrs Goddard – it is seldom on so short an acquaintance that one feels so much the parting as we did this one – she certainly is a most charming woman. I went in the morning with the Captain to see the old sail-maker lying in the Devon & Cornwall County Hospital he appeared to be sinking fast & I subsequently learned died at 3pm on this day. I also heard a curious thing in relation to this. His

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(the Sail-maker’s) brother-in-law was employed on the Sobraon & in her voyage down the Channel a week before us he met with an accident & was put ashore here & is now lying in the same hospital. Nothing has been yet heard of the new anchor & cable.
During the evening, at the request of Mr Wright, the gentleman mentioned in a previous entry, I examined his chest & finding him in a very advanced state of consumption resolved to ascertain his wifes feelings & if possible dissuade him from proceeding on the voyage.
October 6th 1882 (Friday)
Did not take the opportunity of going on shore today – spent most of the time fitting little things in our cabin. In the evening had an interview with Mrs Wright & subsequently with her & the Captain which resulted in her undertaking to persuade her husband to abandon the voyage.
The anchor & cable found at Exeter on a siding where it had lain a whole day

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October 7th 1882 (Saturday) (10)
The Captain aroused all at 6am to inform all that Mr Wright had decided to be put ashore again – poor fellow I do not think he could live a month on board – The Captain then went to Plymouth to bring off the new anchor & cable which he did arriving on board with it about 10.30. The tug which brought out the barge with the anchor & c taking back poor Wright & his wife their intention being to go to Mentone. The anchor & cable having been got on board the tug came alongside again was attached and we went out of the Sound by the Eastern side of the break water with a light, favourable wind (N.E.) after casting off the tug we went on our course alone and at nightfall I suppose saw the last of the land before we get to Sidney.
October 8th 1882 (Sunday) (11)
Awoke to find ourselves becalmed at a point which the Captain said would be indicated

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by a line drawn from the Scilly Isles to Cape Ushant between which we were midway – It was a most lovely summer day & such a pleasant quiet day for Sunday. Had service at 10.30 a.m. & again at 8 p.m. a bright Church of England service. After the evening service a number of hymns were sung – the only clergyman on board is a Mr Spencer & he is very fond of music. Called in to attend to Mr Bennett today.
October 9th, 1882 (Monday) (12)
On awakening found ourselves going through the water at a good rate but the wind nearly south. Nothing of moment transpired during the day excepting that I was called in to see the Piuches baby – toward night the breeze freshened & blew us a good deal out of our course to the N.W. The rolling of the ship was very great & on the whole was the worst night since we started – Annie very poorly again. A wretchedly cold dull day – no sun.
Octr 10th 1882 (Tuesday) (13)
To our astonishment this morning though the sea is in a most agitated condition

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we find ourselves again becalmed – it is supposed we are in the Bay of Biscay now. Weather overcast & damp – a strong head swell – the wind varying the ship was "loose" twice during the day – position in Lat. 47°37’ N – Long 9°6’ W. Course S 64°W – Distance 79 miles 9ie from 12 noon yesterday to 12 noon today) Barometer 30. Thermometer 63. Annie still very ill. Whist in evening with Baker, Bennett & Mrs Cunningham.
Wednesday October 11th 1882 (14)
Weather nice & clear with good steady breeze – swell continuing. Position Lat. 46° 45’N. Long 9°9’.W. Course S 3°W. Distance 53 miles. Bar 29in84 – Ther. 60. Whist in evening with Atkins, Baker & Brooks. Annie very poorly still & I feeling very seedy with threatened abscess in my left ear.

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October 12th 1882 (Thursday) (15)
During the night blew hard in puffs. Steady breeze all day – average speed 10 Knotts per hour. Off Cape Finisterre so are clear of the Bay of Biscay. So may consider we have got through the dreaded Bay very well really no rough weather. Lat. 43°11’ N. Long. 10°56’ W – Course S. 20°W. Distance 228. (Nothing like this before) Bar 30in 6. Thermometer 61. Annie still very ill & I feel about as poorly as ever my life from the effects of this miserable little abscess in my ear.
October 13th, 1882 (Friday) (16)
Bright day – course same – steady breeze – very little sea. One of the fairest days we have had – about

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Entertainment
To be held in the Saloon this Friday Evening at 8.30 p.m precisely.
Programme
Piano solo "Patience" - Mr P.S. Olding
Song "Pirates of Penzance" - Miss Beattie
Trio " Ye Shepherds tell me" - Mrs Cunningham Miss Moulton Rev E. J Spencer
Reading "Presents" Old Humphrey Rev E. J. Spencer
Song "The Blue Alsatian Mountains" Mr Pruches
Glee "Street & Sow" Barnby Mrs Cunningham Miss Spencer Mr Shardlow Rev E J Spencer
End of Part I PTO

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Part II
Piano solo Mozarts Symphony in G Flat Mr Seville
Song "Auntie" Miss Cockerill
Duet "When the wind blows in from the Sea" Rev E.J. Spencer & Miss Spencer
Recitation "Letter to Joseph Hill" Cooper Rev E.J. Spencer
Song "In my bright Fairy Boat’ Miss Moulton
Glee Oh! Who [indecipherable] o’er the Downs so free". Mrs Cunningham Miss Moulton Mr Shardlow Rev E.J. Spencer
God save the Queen

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The first time we have been really running our right course. Lat. 40°6’ Long. 12°3’ W – Course S. 15°W. Distance 192 miles. Bar 30?°17. Thermometer 64. Concert this evening at 8.30pm the first entertainment since we started. I was in the chair. Good deal of the Revd E.J. Spencer. Vide Programme attached.
October 14th 1882 (Saturday) (17)
Weather fair & warm–wind [indecipherable] gone simply drifting all day Heading N.E all day & in the evening found the sun setting over the tofsail – and such a sunset – I never saw one so lovely – Annie was able to be up the whole way on deck – saw a couple of Mother Carey’s chicken following us in the evening. Early this morning (4 a.m) saw the Comet from my port hole in bath room.

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Lat . 38°40’ N Long 12°44’ W. Course S 200 W. Distance 93 miles Bar. 30.27. Thermom 66.
October 15th 1882. (Tuesday) (18)
8.15am a celebration of Holy Communion in Captain Goddard’s cabin. Becalmed again – not a breath of air all day – most delightfully quiet Sunday – morning and evening services at wh. we had the Psalms chanted instead of read as last week. Annie on deck all day. Lat. 37°29’ N. Long. 12.54. Course S.70 W. Distance 72 miles. Bar 30.26. Ther. 69.
October 16th 1882. (Monday) (19)
Weather very fine and bright clear blue sky – wind steady – Annie on deck all day and down to dine. Quoits flagged on the poop for the first time – also shovel board played for the first time.

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Lat. 35°6’ N. Long. 13°45. W. Course S 16 W. Distance 149 miles Bar 30.25. Thermom. 69.
Captain Goddard says if the wind veers a point & does not stop us shall sight Madiera in the morning – A meeting held in the saloon at 7 pm commissioned by Captain Goddard to ask the ladies to assist to make [indecipherable] a Bazaar in aid of the charities
devoted to the Seamen of the [indecipherable] mariner. It was unanimously resolved that a Bazaar should be held & that it shall take place in about 6 weeks time from this date.
Oct 17th (Tuesday) 1882. (20)
Have had a dreadful night of ship rolling from side to side & on awakening found ourselves all but come to a standstill again – Mr Atkins came to my door when I was dressing & told me there was a large shark hovering round the ship. However after a hurried toilet I found he had disappeared when I got on to the Poop. Several of the sights of the ocean were witnessed for the first time by the passengers today amongst others a shoal of dolphins – but they were not anything like the mythological fish – these

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Entertainment to be held in the Saloon this (Wednesday ) Evening at 8.30 o’clock
October 18th, 1882
Programme
Blumemstuck [indecipherable] Schumann Miss Moulton
Morceau dramatique Zuelqu’au Miss Moulton
Tableau Pygmalion and Galatea Pygmalion The only nipper Galatea Miss Fanny [indecipherable]
Song Let me dream again Miss Moulton
Piece The Turkish patrol Miss Cockerill
Song The Tar’s farewell Revd E.J. Spencer
Schaus[indecipherable] Wiess[indecipherable] Miss Moulton
Tableaux "The Fair Maid of Perth" The Kiss of S. Valentine’s Day.
The Fair Maid (Catherine) Miss [indecipherable]
Harry o’ the Wynd Mr Sawbones
Simon the Glover (Catherine’s Father) The only nipper
Extract from Sir W. Scott’s "The Fair Maid of Perth" to be read by Revd E.J. Spencer

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Song "Some day" Miss Cockerill
Piece Salterelli Miss Moulton
Song "Saved from the storm" Revd E.J. Spencer
Dramatishstuck Germand Miss Cockerill
Tableaux "The Raft from the Wreck" Mrs Sly Bacon. Mr Sawbones. The only nipper. Deadly nightshade. Mr Queer Fish.
Song "The three old maids of Ler" Miss Cockerill
Duet (piano) Lanz-musick Miss Edwards Mr Seville
Song Empress Queen Miss Churchward
[indecipherable] [indecipherable] Miss Cockerill
Tableau The Gipsies Mrs Sly Bacon. Miss Smasher. Miss Sawbones. Mr Queer Fish. Deadly nightshade. Mr Sawbones. Mr Sawbones Junior.
God Save the Queen.
Finale.

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Dramatis personal
Mrs Sly Bacon Mrs Cunningham
Miss Smasher Miss Beattie
Miss Fanny Smasher Miss fanny Beattie
Miss Sawbones Mable C. Maffey
The Only Nipper Mr Puiches
Deadly Night Shade Mr Atkins
Mr Queer Fish Mr Olding
Mr Sawbones [indecipherable]
Mr Sawbones Junior Reggie Maffey
Ship Parramatta October 18th 1882 J.Maffey

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were not much larger than the mackerel with bright yellow tails & large fins like wings almost. A log also floated past covered with barnacles. Full dress rehearsal in my cabin for the entertainment of tomorrow night from 2 to 4 pm. Lovely day. Lat. 34° 14’ N. Long.13°58" W. Course S 120 W. Distance 53 miles. Bar 30.23. Thermom. 73.
October 18th. 1882 (Wednesday) (21)
My birthday anniversary (XXXVIIth) I awoke early to find were not exactly on our right course for I found a lovely sun rise directly on in view from the stern windows of my cabin. This was the first time I had witnessed the sun rise at sea. First thing after the children were out of bed I got a pretty card from Mabel which Mr Houlding (one of the passengers) had given her to give me (15)

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this was accompanied by a nice letter & I also had a letter from Reggie. Before starting on the voyage the children had jointly given me a travelling [indecipherable] stand which was to be considered as one of my birthday gifts. I received a large number of cordial good wishes from most of the Saloon passengers as also from some of those in Second Saloon.
Lat 34°1’N. Long 14°58’W. Course S. 73°W. Distance 48 miles Barom 30.24. Thermometer 73. A most lovely day. Had an awning stretched across the deck for the first time. The hottest day we have had. During the evening in honour of my birth-day an entertainment was got up consisting of 4 tableaux & music. Vide from programme attached.
I took the part of Harry o’ the Wynd" in this scene from "The Fine Maid of Perth". In the [16]

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"Raft Scene" was engaged in pouring a stimulant into the mouth of a man who was all but exhausted (Mr Olding=Queer Fish) and in "The Gipsy Scene" an encampment of Gipsies was depicted – in this scene we departed from the rule observed in the others of all the figures remaining motionless whilst the curtain was raised & is simply presenting a living picture – but in this each person was engaged in some act. Miss Beattie (Smasher) was the central figure & when the curtain arose was reclining asleep, she shortly rouses & sings to Mr Olding (Queer Fish) who is standing near her "I dreamt I [indecipherable] in [indecipherable]". Isabel (Miss Sawbones) was in the foreground stirring a pot hung on a tripod over a fire – Mr Atkins (Deadly Night Shade) stood behind – in the foreground on the opposite side to Isabel – Mrs Cunningham (Mrs Sly Bacon) & I (Sawbones) were sitting

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she on a box, I on the ground playing cards. Behind us in the door of a tent stood Reggie (Mr Sawbones Junior) – the whole of the dresses were remarkably picturesque & I think the scene was a most effective one though perhaps I should scarcely say so – on being encored we all appeared standing & joined in the singing of "God save the Queen". Every scene was encoured and the whole affair passed off most pleasantly – certainly those engaged in the Tableaux were much gratified by the pleasure the whole thing seemed to have given – not the least of which being their own in contributing to the enjoyment of others. The only scene I did not take part in was the 1st Pygmalion & Galatea by Mr Puiches (the Only Nipper) & Miss Fanny Smasher (Miss F Beattie) – the dresses in this was very good indeed – The Captain decreed [indecipherable] the Raft was the best effect - & he ought to be a judge. The wonder to sorry one was here & when the dresses could have come

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from as the resources for such thing on board must necessarily be [indecipherable] & no one had made any special preparation before hand to meet such contingencies.
October 19th, 1882 (Thursday) (22)
A very quiet day after yesterday & the two or three preceeding days preparing for the entertainment of yesterday evening. Another lovely day followed by the most gorgeous sunset I ever witnessed & wh. if put on canvas faithfully would not be credited by those who have never seen it- the variations of the colours being of every possible shade. Almost bi-coloured again in the evening - fresh breeze in the morning but contrary til died away about dinner hour.
Lat. 33°26" N Long 15.27 W Course S.39 W Distance 45. Bar. 30°25. Thermometer 73. (19)

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October 20th 1882 (Friday) (23)
Early part of day the weather dull cloudy & very calm – close & muggy. Breeze springing up about midday followed about 4pm by drizzling rain which continued far into the night . Wind at last in right direction Lat 32°29’ W Long 15° other bearing could not be taken at midday. Good deal of rolling.
October 21st 1882 (Saturday) (24)
Gloriously fine day. Sun bright & warm [indecipherable] air. Wind driving us along 8 knots per hour in right course.
Lat 30°57’N Long 17°20’ W Course S 57°W Distance 154. Bar 30-27. Thermometer 71. Fair day on wh. We have had the Stunsls (Studding sails) set.
October 22nd, 1882. (Sunday) (25)
A great deal of excitement early this morning on account of the Canary islands being

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visible. This was only seen as a bank of cloud & no one but the Captain seemed to be very well assured it was land we were looking at. There were at one time during the morning 12 sail visible. One vessel we signalled proved to be the Tyburnia 20 days out from London bound to Shanghai. Mattins & Litany in morning. Evensong with Sermon. I attach menu of our dinner today which gives a fair idea of the table we have.
Lat 28°23’N Long 19°24’ Course S 36°W Distance 183 miles Bar 30 30 Thermtr 72.
October 23rd, 1882 (Monday) (26)
Another lovely day during which nothing of any particular note occurred save that just before tea an impromptu dance was got up for the first time; if such a tumble about could be called a dance.
Lat. 26°24’ N Long 20°50’W Course S 31°W Distance 151 miles. Barometer 30.28. Thermometer 75. (21)

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"Parramatta" Menu [indecipherable]
Oct the 22 1882
Menu
Soups
Giblets

Joints
Roast geese & veal stuffing
Haunch of mutton & jelly
Boiled shoulder of do. [mutton] [indecipherable]
cold "ham"

Entrees
Russian salad & lobster with aspic jelly & mayonnaise sauce
Jugged hare
Fricassed of calves head
Yorkshire pudding
Vegetables
Haricot
Mashed potatoes
Mashed turnips
Baked potatoes
Sweets and Pastry
Plum pudding
Fruit tarts
Blancmange and Jam
Apple charlotte
Cheese cakes
Dessert
candied fruits
almonds & muscatels
apples

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October 24th 1882. (Tuesday) (27)
2.30pm meeting in the Saloon presided over by Captain Goddard to consider the advisability if conducting a manuscript journal during the voyage. It was decided to do so & I was elected Editor on the motion of Mr Houlding seconded by Mr Brookes & the following appointed a Committee to assist me – Viz- Miss Moulton, Rev E.J. Spencer & Mr Olding. The title of the paper, its size & the dates of issue left to the Committee. Vote of thanks to the Captain moved by Mr Spencer & seconded by myself. Mr Houlding promised to help with advice & [indecipherable] in the conduct of the journal. Dancing again on the Poop during the evening. A most lovely night. I could distinctly see to read a newspaper [indecipherable] by the aid

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of the light of the moon. During the evening we spoke the Bolau clipper 20 days out from Liverpool for Calcutta – wished us a pleasant voyage.
Lat 24°34’ N Long. 22°12’ W. Course S. 36 W. Distance 137 miles. Bar. 30.24. Thermometer 74. Wrote a dozen programmes for the [indecipherable] tomorrow night.
October 25th 1882 (Wednesday) (28)
Meeting of Committee of M.S. journal when we decided the following points. Title to be "The Petrel papers" – to be issued if possible on each Saturday – to consist of about 6 foolscap pages of M.S. Contributions to be strictly original- Got the wood from the carpenter to make the ends of a basket I intend to carve for the Bazaar for which Mr Symonds has chosen the design (23)

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Entertainment to be held in the Saloon at 8.30 o’clock this (Wednesday ) evening
Captain Goddard has kindly consented to preside
Overture "Introduction" by Glüch. Mr Olding
Reading "Why matrimony is like a Devonshire lane" Revd E.J. Spencer
Song "The Boatswaine’s Story" Mr Shardlow
Reading "[indecipherable]" Dr Maffey
Song "The story of the shirt" Miss Cockerill
Recitation "Lines on the receipt of his Mother’s picture" by Cowper. Rev E.J. Spencer
Song "Alone" Miss Moulton
Reading "That heathen Chinee" Dr Maffey
"God save the Queen"
25th October 1882 J. Maffrey

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Early this morning [indecipherable] a German vessel whose name could not be made out. She was 20 days out from Cardiff for Hong Kong with coal. At 8.30p.m. Entertainment Readings & music took place at wh. the Captain kindly assented to preside. The first item on the Programme was an overture by Glück which Mr Olding rendered with much feeling. Mr Spencer then followed with a reading as to the reason why marriage is like a Devonshire lane. Next came Mr Shardlow’s song of "The Boatswaine’s story" for which he received a very hearty & well deserved encoré. Miss Cockerill gave Hood’s pathetic "Song of the shirt" set to music with much taste & on being encored replied with [indecipherable] always popular "Auntie". Mr Spencer then recited the touching lines penned by the poet Cowper (24)

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on the receipt of his Mother’s picture. He had lost his Mother in early life & subsequently had her portrait sent him by a friend. The Chairman then kindly interposed with a reading from Ingoldsby- the Legend of "The knight & the Lady" which he rendered with marked effect- this was a happy thought on his part as the programme was running out very rapidly & could have ended the entertainment too soon. Miss Moulton who has a very sweet voice then sang "The Chorister" in charming style. During the song I read Hood’s "[indecipherable] Turpini" & Bret Harte’s "Heathen Chinee". God Save the Queen rendered by the whole assembly brought a pleasant evening to a close – It could not help being remarked (25)

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that there was a total absence of the Second saloon passengers & the Captain before leaving the Chair expressed his regret that such was the case.
Lat. 21° 57’N Long 23°32’W Course S 25°W Distance 174 miles Bar 32-24 Ther. 76
During the day I posted a notice outside the Saloon door & on the Companion way door about "The Petrel Papers" of which a rough copy is attached. The moon tonight was most splendid perpendicular above our heads & nearly full its light was most brilliant – the higher clouds flecked the sky in a lower strata & were going in the same course as the ship while a higher strata were distinctly seen to be going in a north easterly direction At times the moon light tinged the clouds with a variety of beautiful colours (26)

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Notice own copy
"The Petrel Papers"
It has been resolved that a manuscript journal, bearing the above title, shall be issued during the present voyage of the Parramatta, if possible on each Saturday. The first number (D.V.) to be published on Saturday Nov. 4th 1882.
Original contributions only can be received for insertion.
Each communication must be accompanied by the name of its author though not necessarily for publication. A receptacle for contributions will be placed in a [indecipherable] situation on Tuesday & Wednesday of each week; all communications intended for the Saturday next succeeding should reach the undersigned not later than the last of the two days named (ie Wednesday)
Signed The Editor Oct. 25th 1882

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October 26th 1882 (Thursday) (29)
A knock at the door before I was out of bed was from Tweedy bearing a cake from the Captain & a note for Winney in commemoration of her birthday which however is tomorrow. A couple of Bottlenosed whales seen about the ship today. Commenced the carving of the side of a basket in Teak wood for the Bazaar. Bad wood to work. Just after dinner saw a [indecipherable] bird of the finch tribe hovering about the ship. The Captain says that if we maintain our present course through the night we shall be very near one of the Cape de Verde islands at day break. Lat 19°62 N. Long 25°10’ W. Course S 30 W. Distance 186 miles. Barometer 30.19. Thermometer 76. We are now well within the tropics & more lovely weather I never remember. If it is to continue like this I hear of the [indecipherable] tropicals [indecipherable] sadly [indecipherable] (27)

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October 27th 1882 (Friday) (30)
Lillian Winifred AE/ VII. Besides the note & cake from the Captain she received cards from Mr Houlding & Irene Cunningham & cards & notes from Reggie & Mabel. Annie & I gave her a birthday text book. Mabel came in before we were out of bed to say an island had been very plainly visible at 6am but was only faintly so then. This was San Antonio the most western of the Cape de Verde islands.
Lat 16°16’N Long 25°52 W. Course S 13 W. Distance 185 miles. Bar 30.12. Thermometer 80.
Commenced a letter to Sissie yesterday & continued it today. In the evening there took place the usual ceremony of selling by auction the Seamen’s ‘Dead Horse’. This to people making their first outward bound voyage was a very novel affair. For some days past I have

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Been let into the secret of what was going on in the forecastle amongst the men - where the making of the horse has been in progress - it is thus constructed. An empty flour barrel is taken and constitutes the body of the "Arab Steed". A hole is cut in the sides of the barrel sufficiently large to admit a small man getting through it the object of which I will shew further on. A piece of sailcloth is sewn up into the shape of a horse’s head & the rounded sides of two soda water bottles protrude from two holes & are painted to represent the eyes. A white rim representing the sclerotic a darker rim the iris & the centre of the bottle the cornea. A mane of [indecipherable] & tail of the same material is affixed and the body covered with canvas four legs are represented by stuffed pieces of the same material. And dangling from either side of the animal are the stuffed representation of two legs of a man. In the procession the animal is carried by a man dressed as a jockey who fits through the two holes in the barrel I have already (29)

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mentioned. I was able to secure the actual notice of this event which was posted on the Mizzen-mast for some days prior to the event & attach it hereto.
[indecipherable]
Harrab Stede
"FLYING SCUD"
Thee sail iz ficks’d 2 taik plaice onn Frydee thee 27[indecipherable] Hat 7 Pee Hem
Hockshuneer Mr Tom Smash
Hall writes rezurv’d Bi Horder

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V R
NOATISS
2 B soled by Publick Hockshen
hat thee "Mart " "Quarterdeck"
Plaice" thee Splendid
Harrab Stede.
"FLYING SCUD"
Thee sail iz ficks’d 2 taik plaice
On Frydee thee 27th [indecipherable] Hat 7 Pee Hem
Hockshuneer Mr Tom Smash
Hall writes rezurv’d
Bi Horder

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The sailors attire themselves in eccentric costumes representing a variety of costumes a procession is formed in the forecastle (which for the [indecipherable] is termed the "Stables") at 7 o’clock & from the programme is announced to march through the "principal thoroughfares". ie round the deck house on the main deck. as it pro-ceeds the "Choristers" sing the ballad of the dead horse. after going twice round the main deck a halt is made at the foot of the mainmast & the auctioneer in a humourous speech describes the beauties & other qualities of the animal for sale. Giving it frequent raps over the head with a large mallet he carries as a sort of insignia of his office. Mr Sam Slick is introduced as the owner & Mr Jonadab Squills acts as Secretary to the Auctioneer. The bidding was commenced 1/- by Mr Shardlow and soon ran up to £5. I may here say that the bids simply involved each bidder in subscribing the sum be advanced upon each bid & not in the whole amount eg if one person bids 5/- & the next 10/- & the next 12/6 they would respectively be (31)

[Page 43]
Liable for the sums of 5/- 5/- & 2/1- on the bidding trolley reading the sum of £5. One of the Company sang the song "Old Sydney town once more" at its conclusion the bidding was resumed and finally reached the sum of £6.2.0. On the [indecipherable] being knocked down the procession was reformed and came up the companion to the Poop. Here arrange-ments had been made for the burial - a pully and tackle had been attached to the lee yard area of the mainsail and after some preliminary arrangements the horse & its rider (the latter I XXX here say was styled "Fred Archer") are hoisted up to the yard amidst the flare of a couple of blue lights, which I by the way after over heard the Captain magniloquently mention as "the pyrotechnic display". On reaching the mainsail yard, the rider cuts adrift the horse & clambers on to the yard - the horse dropping overboard. The procession reforms & returns to the forecastle singing what is termed the "Jubilee Song" (32)

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The characters represented were the following
Mr Tom Smash – auctioneer
Admiral de Horsey – police Superintendant
Corporal Van Spittle – Assistant
Fred Archer – Jockey
Mr Johadab Squills – Secretary
Mr Sam Shot – Owner
[indecipherable] Vausby Perkin & his famous dog "Scarley How"
Monsieur & Madame Voolewoo
List of Constables
Paddy Billy – 0.
Cani Snowball – 0.0.
Tom Bowluiz – 0.1.0.
Ben Bolt – 0.0.2.0.0.
Oliver Twist – 0.3.0.
Alexander Smollett – 0.4.0.
Mickey O’Toole – 0.6.0.
Jack Buckskin – 0.0.0.
One fine fellow named Bowler wore a hat box in place of a hat & was padded out to represent a correspondingly big man. Baby was neatly set up & put it all down (33)

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as an entertainment got up speedily in honour of her birthday. I need scarcely say this was simply a co-incidence. The meaning of all this affair is that seamen are paid a months wages in advance & usually spend it all before coming on board. As "Sam Smash" told me in buying "pots & pans & other things necessary for when we are on the voyage" mostly however it goes in drinking & spreeing & they come on board penniless. They then have before them the month’s work & no pay to draw after for it. They have a curious way of looking at it & say they work the first month for nothing - and this they call "working up the dead horse". The money obtained from the sale is divided amongst the crew. The ceremony only takes place in passenger vessels & it is not done on the homeward voyage. The boys of the ship’s company make what they can out of the sale of the programmes as they do not participate in the other money. (34)

[Page 46]
October 28th, 1882 (Saturday) (31)
Nothing of any great moment transpired today excepting that nearly everyone is complaining of intense heat. I certainly have not found it very oppressive though it is rather close. Have been a month today away from London. 4 weeks from Plymouth. As I am to have a tabulated account of our position day by day & then particulars of the voyage supplied me officially for insertion in the journal it is needless my keeping the copy here any longer.
October 29th, 1882 (Sunday) (32)
No early communion this morning. Matins Liturgy & Ante-Communion service at 10.30a.m. This was the first service held on the Poop. A lovely calm day. During the afternoon I saw a poor little swallow flitting about the ship having got off its course. Evensong & sermon at 8.p.m.
October 30th, 1882 (Monday) (33)
A heavy tropical storm came on just before dinner was announced it coming on

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suddenly caused a considerable rumpus amongst the passengers lounging about the Poop. It is singular how very little rain we have had since we started. Wrote the leader for the first number of "The Petrel Papers". I think it very successful for a first attempt at anything of the kind.
October 31st, 1882 (Tuesday) (34)
Heavy rain continued up to about noon confining most of the good folk to the Saloon or their cabins. The moisture in the air makes everything [indecipherable] damp & close- certainly it has not before to me felt nearly so close & oppressive. Rain cleared off at luncheon twice. The sunset was certainly amongst the most lovely sights I ever beheld. At work most of the day on editorial business; this work appears likely to fully occupy my time.

[Page 48]
November 1st, 1882 (Wednesday) (35)
Early this morning everyone was on the qui vive for we were reported to have a homeward bound vessel in sight. Notice was given that the mail would close about 10a.m. & all having letters for home were busy in adding the finishing paragraphs & getting the same ready for dispatch. Annie finished hers for her mother enclosing a few lines from the children. I closed mine for Lissie, Mrs Sperrey & I.B. Turner. About 10.30a.m. a boat was lowered with four of the crew, with this stepped Mr Shardlow, the Chief Officer, and took command & the taller ropes, he being accompanied by Messrs Arthur, D’Arcy Goddard & Puiches and myself. On starting they had a four mile pull before them under a blazing sun. As we pulled away from the Parramatta she presented a magnificent spectacle and one which I wish every passenger on board could have beheld. Her

[Page 49]
form was splendid as she rode upon the waters; one thing that struck the beholder was the [indecipherable] rise & fall of the great ship as she moved along. Soon after we got away Mr Atkins took the bow oar and pulled the rest of the way. The boat took in a fair quantity of water which I and the two other idle passengers bailed out. When about half way between the two ships we came across what appeared to be a [indecipherable] of fungoid growth floating upon the surface of the water, this on closer examination proved to be a button like disc fringed with a disproportionately long blue beard- it varied in size from the diameter of a pins head to that of a shilling. There was so much of it that it seemed almost as if the "Milky Way" had been dropped with the ocean & most probably had it been night time would have been quite as brilliant with phosphorescence. This was I presume the spawn or early stage of some of the numerous varieties of jelly fish being carried along by some small current. About (38)

[Page 50]
this time it was noticed that the British Ensign was flying from the ship we were approaching. The announcement of this fact was received with a shout of pleasure from all in the boat. On reaching the ship we made out her name to be the "Mary Blundell" and from so well known a Lanchashire name I at once gave my opinion she would prove a Liverpool vessel. We were soon on board and received a most cordial welcome from Captain Hore. His barque was 80 days out from Valparaiso carrying grain for Liverpool where she is owned by Messrs Tom [indecipherable] & Hodgett. They had had very bad weather round Cape Horn & had been 14 days coming from the Line. On 16th October had [indecipherable] the Hawkesbury (Messrs Devitt & Moore’s ship) in Lat 16? South. We handed the mail bag to Captain Hore together with a bundle of newspapers and illustrated periodicals & a piece of fresh mutton. The mate an Irishman was anxious to know how things were going on in the Emerald Isle – and they had (39)

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heard nothing of the Egyptian war. The Captain told me he was a life long total abstainer as also are his two brothers who are in command of steamers. He is a jolly specimen of a water- drinker – a tall big man – though rather too stout to be pleasant in a tropical temperature I should say. After a stay of 10 to 15 minutes we bid him adieu mutually wishing each other a pleasant time of it during the remainder of the voyage. The ship was an iron barque 6 or 7 hundred tons [indecipherable] beautifully clean and fitted with handsome polished teak-wood furniture. We were soon back on board the Parramatta she having with a light wind in her favour followed in the course we had taken after pushing off so we had only short of a mile to pull back. On stepping on board our floating house again all were eager to learn what had trans-pired during our visit. It was pleasant to get a sight of fresh faces if nothing more had been done. I shall not soon forget the incident I think. Most of our friends at home today will be busy with municipal election work I expect.
At an entertainment this evening I read "The Bashful man". The rest of the programme was entirely songs all of which were [indecipherable] in character.

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November 2nd, 1882 (Thursday) (36)
Am sorry to say I was called to see two cases during the day of exhaustion from the effect of the sun yesterday. One of the second class passengers & one of the stewards being slightly affected thereby. Engaged most of the day upon my editorial work.
Received numerous complaints about the offensive stench from the Puiches cabin the high temperature making it all but intolerable. Reported same to Captain who told me it was my duty to point the weather out to the Piuches & get it abated if possible - found no opportunity of doing so during the day.
November 3rd 1882 (Friday) (37)
Busy all day with editorial work. Spoke the Lady Isabella barque 28 days out from Glasgow for San Francisco. Have an interview with Puiches in my cabin about 1pm. – first after dance on the Poop His wife insulted me in the greatest manner

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telling me that as I was a ship’s servant her husband could not thrash me on board but would do so when we got to Sydney. Nice sort of people to have to deal with [indecipherable] no mistake.
Finished first number of "The Petrel Papers" during the evening.
November 4th 1882 (Saturday)
The first issue of "The Petrel Papers" read at the table during dessert. The Captain was the reader.
November 5th 1882 (Sunday) (39)
Guy Fawkes Anniversary.
At early communion at 8.15a.m. in the Captain’s cabin- Mattins Litany & ante Communion service at 10.30a.m. Evensong with Sermon at 8p.m.
Puiches tried to get me to speak to him when I met him. Of course I passed him without a word as it is impossible for me again to have any communication with such a cut throat colonial black[indecipherable]

[Page 54]
November 6th 1882 (Monday) (40)
Crossed the line about 2.30p.m. The usual inane jokes perpetrated on a lot of the ignorami amongst the passengers such as shewing them the line through a binocular glass- a piece of thread or a hair having been previously arranged across the object glass. I certainly did not think there were so many ignorant persons amongst us or such a lot of people who could be amused by playing upon their ignorance.
Read the first number of "The P. Papers" to the men in the fore castle after tea this evening.
November 7th 1882 (Tuesday) (41)
In the afternoon the usual Equatorial sports took place when the crew & some of the passengers competed for prizes amounting in value to over £7 which had been subscribed by the passengers.

[Page 55]
These sports presented some novel features to the Landsmen and others making their first voyage over the Equator. A start was made about 2p.m. Mr Shardlow our indefatigable Chief Officer acting as starter and Messrs Michael and Odling as umpires.
The first event was the High Jump for this there were 14 entries – the competition commenced at 3 ft 6 inches and at this height there were 3 or 4 faultless. At 3 ft 8 in and 3 ft 10 came 5 or 6 more mishaps reducing the contest to Messrs Puiches Goddard Field Ottewill Leonard and Atkins. On the jump being raised to 4 ft Ottewill failed and in 2 other attempts misfortune still dogged him. 4 ft 1 in was then essayed. Atkins and Goddard here came to grief; but the latter on a renewed effort cleared the ribbon pluckily. Puiches Leonard Goddard & Ottewill all came to grief on the first attempt of 4 ft 3 in. On again coming up to the barrier Puiches baulked and in a third effort carried the line away. Then Field, Leonard and Goddard each broke it down but on a third try Field cleared it in magnificent form. Goddard again failing Leonard then had a final chance and barefooted cleared it in fine style taking the first prize. Longdon

[Page 56]
and Deavin then competed for the second place which the latter secured.
Hand over hand up a ropeis an essentially nautical affair, and requires a sailor’s training to perform, it was therefore not to be wondered at that few of the passengers were "in it". The first prize fell to Crooks the 2nd to Neil Anderson; one ought to mention Deadly Night-shade (Mr Atkins) made a very good third.
Foot to foot pullis another decidedly sailor like affair – where the contest took place between fairly matched men a great deal of spectrum was manifested and much amusement caused – such was the case with [indecipherable] & Vincent who were very equally balanced; in this end however Vincent got the advantage and twice landed his opponent on the other side. Mr Baker and Mr Ottewill shewed some fine pulling, but the greatest fun was with the Old Carpenter and [space] who made a tremendously tough struggle of it. It seems to me however in the [indecipherable] the final heats much more depends upon the fortuitous entry of the competitors than on their actual strength. Surely some more satisfactory method could be arrived at. Peterson took the first prize Houghton the second.

[Page 57]
The sack race caused the usual amount of fun, it seems to me a fall on such a place as the main deck means a great deal more risk of serious accident than a trouble on a green sward as would be the case in such a contest on land.
Long jump standingMr Baker the 2nd officer started this with an apparently easy jump in which he made very slight effort; but it took a lot of breaking. Finally the result was Leonard first 8 ft 10 in Burton 2nd 8 ft:- Deavin making a plucky effort for a little fellow, however only came in third.
Deck chalking was the next item on the Programme & it was another of the peculiarly nautical games. A rope was attached to the life boat and hung to within a foot of the main deck where a good sized loop was made, into this loop the feet of the competitor was hitched, thus supporting himself with his hands the feat is to propel the body by the aid of the hands until it gets as nearly as possible with a perpendicular position head downwards, then supporting yourself with one hand to make a chalk mark on the deck with the other as far from the point of starting as you can reach, and then recover the horizontal position of starting – this latter seems the great difficulty of the feat for there is always the tendency of the body to

[Page 58]
swing round with the tension of the rope. I should mention that two of the boys Tommy Dodd and Peter Merryfield made plucky efforts in this event. The latter eventually taking the second place; Mr Ottiwell one of the passengers who had never attempted the feat before taking the first. Deavin was third in this. Mr O’Hewill standing out from taking a prize.
Climbing a greasy pole elicited the fun to be expected, a pole well greased was fixed, one of the cornersof the deak-house. The boy Merryfield who took the purse from the top [indecipherable] to have a very good idea of what he was about from the first and I understand has twice before done the same feat – Leonard was second in this.
Three legged race In this Messrs Houghton & Goddard were first . [indecipherable] & Legg scored the former [indecipherable] 11 and the latter pair 12 seconds in doing the distance. Mr Spencer (Chaplain) & Mr Seville tied the first named pace but stood out that their prize might go to the crew.
Dipping for copperscaused a great deal of fun & the onlookers and I should think not a small amount of discomfort to those engaged therein. A shallow tub of salt water is provided at the bottom of which is placed a

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dozen coppers in separate heaps of 4 each – the feat is to get these out with the mouth. Tommy Dodd secured 12 in 3 tries and Mr Legg 11. At the finish the water did not look too inviting.
The wheel barrow raceIn this D’Arcy Goddard came to grief falling on his face & severely bruising his eyebrow (right) this was the only accident of the day & at first looked much more serious than it actually was. Leonard & Smith came in first Vincent and [indecipherable] second.
The Tug of Wartook place on the Poop-deck between the Port watch under the command of Mr Shardlow the Chief officer and the starboard watch commanded by Mr Smith the second officer. Captain Goddard in this event acted as starter. The Port watch completely ran away with their opponents in both trials.

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[blank page]

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November 8th, 1882 (Wednesday) (42)
Yesterday evening I received a nice little letter from the children signed by Gertrude Brookes. Mabel D Brookes, Mabel C Maffey R.W.H. Maffey L.W. Maffey S.I. Cunningham and I.B. Cunningham asking that I would assist them in getting up an Exhibition of waxwork figures during this afternoon. Miss Moulton & Miss Brookes also helping they presented the following tableaux a small space being shut off from view with a curtain (managed by Messrs Sloper & Vincent two of the apprentices.) between No. 1 life boat and the bulwarks.
1st scene was the princess Alice & Prine Leopold Mabel & Reggie sustaining the characters. Reggie being rigged up in a sort of uniform with my sword & sword belt.
2nd scene. Sleeping Beauty
Reece Cunningham lay asleep on a couch leaning over the back of which was Gertrude Brooks as the Mother. Mabel Brooks & Mabel Maffey filling in the other figures.
3rd scene. The children in the wood.
Gertrude Brooks asleep & Mabel Brooks & Mabel Maffey in the attitude of fear as they

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[indecipherable] the bear approaching them which is Master Reggie covered with a fur rug.
Scene 4. The Royal family.
This was an imposing result the central figure being her Majesty represented by Gertrude Brooks crowned with a diadem & holding a sceptre (my walking stick covered with tin foil) in her hand she was surrounded by all the others who had previously taken parts & the young Cunningham & little Edith Stallivas. Throughout all this youngsters sustained their parts remarkably well.
This over the Captain improvised some Equatorious sports for the children & we had most of the feats of the day before repeated on a very small scale.
During the dog watch Mr Houlding distributed the prizes to the children with a suitable word or two to each, the prizes consisting of small books, toys etc notably one or two were delighted by being made the recipients of photographs of the Captain.
Very shortly after this the crew were called

[Page 63]
aft to the poop and Miss Moulton distributed the prizes to the men as won in the sports of the preceeding day. Though several of the passengers have taken prizes all declined to receive them so the whole were distributed amongst the crew and apprentices who had been successful in taking the best positions.
November 9th 1882 (Thursday) (43)
Prince of Wales Birthday. Lord Magor’s day. I forgot yesterday to insert that Puiches leaving [indecipherable] the Saloon threatened to assault me I had an interview with him in the Cabin of the Captain with the latter present. It appears that most of the unpleasant things that have been said about these people since we started have been repeated to him & credited to me & he has taken it all for fact. Of course I care very little what he has heard knowing as I do that I am simply the cats paw in the matter. He made no specific statement as to what I have said so I could not & would not attempt to refute general

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imputations – it ending by my in sorry way declining to apologise for what I have not done & his saying if I kept my tongue still there would be an end of the matter until we got to Sydney & when we arrive there be reserved to himself what he should do. Nothing I presume as bullies seldom [indecipherable] threaten. I can keep my tongue no stiller than I have done as I have always considered him & his wife as so supremely contemptible that I never had any inclination to ever speak to them & scarcely have done so a dozen times during the voyage - and I certainly shall not do so again.
An entertainment was given in the Saloon by the Second class passengers at 8.30pm. taking the form of a concert – two or three of the pieces by the ladies were extremely well done – Mr Michael sang well but in the Englishman singing without words he forget some of the lines got nervous &

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nearly broke down. Mr Ottewill’s deliveration of Negro character was very fine & must be seen to be properly appreciated. His original song "Journeying home" the words of which he has supplied me with & I have inserted in the current number of the journal was most pathetic & the rendering very fine. His [indecipherable] character song of a topical character & of which I am to have the words made a hit –at a lot of us my self amongst the number – it was clever & the by placing [indecipherable] in before he commenced the song very amusing – the whole concert was a decided success and proved one of the most amusing entertainments as have had on board. I hope having made the attempt and succeeded they will give us further opportunities of hearing them. I append the programme supplied & in as Editor of the Paper

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Programme
"God Bless the Prince of Wales. Company
Overture "Tout a la fore" Mrs Stallivass
[indecipherable] "The lone starry [indecipherable] girl we love" Miss Ellis
Song "Simon the [indecipherable]" Mr Michael
Song "The little hero" Miss Gillam
Song "The never empty cradle" Mr Field
Violin Solo "Selections from Norma" Miss Vintner
Character song "Journeying Home words original Mr Ottewill
Reading "Yarn of the Mary Bell" Mr Williams
Song "Kathleen Aroon" Miss Horsfall
Song "The Englishman’ Mr Michael
Song "Give me one lingering kiss" Miss F. Stallivass
Banjo Topical Song "it doesn’t matter" Original Mr Ottewill
God Save the Queen Company

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November 10th, 1882 (Friday) (44)
Busy over the Editorial work all day – the copying is a very tedious & uninteresting affair. Finished the second number by tea time. Played a game of whist in the evening with the Captain, Mr Baker & Mrs Cunningham.
November 11th, 1882 (Saturday) (45)
Carving bracket for the bazaar all my spare time today, as it was yesterday announced that the sweet weather permitting would come off on Friday next 17th instant. Fear I cannot get the bracket done in time as the paper occupies all the time I have.
I read the second issue of the paper during dessert after dinner. The second class people & crew were [indecipherable] this serving on the main deck with music & dancing etc some of the women having dressed themselves in fancy costume

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November 12th, 1882 (Sunday) (46)
No early celebration of communion on account of the motion of the ship being so great.
10.30a.m. at Matins, Litany & ante Communion Service. Even song & Service at 8 p.m. a lovely day – spoke ship. Ominous appearance of clouds etc when I turned in at 11 p.m.
November 13th, 1882. (Monday) (47)
Had only been in bed a few moments last night when it came on to rain very heavily & the wind which had been fresh dropped almost to a calm. Hearing rain Still when breakfast have arrived and this continued in torrents until after dinner – going on the poop was out of the question and most of the Saloon was occupied by one party or another trying to kill time. Mssrs Atkins, Shardlow, Read & I had a

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rubber of whist in my cabin, it was impossible to do any writing for the motion in my cabin was so great. After dinner the rain ceased & we were able to go out on to the Poop- a gale of slight dimensions followed – during the latter part of the afternoon I went on to the forecastle head & watched the sea from there for half an hour. In the evening Mr Read & I had a game of ‘crib’.
November 14th, 1882. (Tuesday) (48)
At between 6 & 7 a.m. passed the rock of Martim Vaz a curious rock jutting 300 feet out of the water & standing on a base not larger than the ship we are upon – it is about 30 miles to the east of the desert island of Trinidade Read Petrel papers in forecastle after tea. Busy all day with my editorial Business.
November 15th, 1882. (Wednesday) (48)
Engaged all day with the paper work did not go on deck all day until late in the evening – Private view & sale in

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in the Saloon of the articles which have been prepared for the Bazaar. I did not know of this until it was over – it seems a queer idea – the Captain afterward told me he had sold upwards of £16 value of goods. I don’t quite think this right.
November 16th 1882 (Thursday) (50)
Busy all day with my Editorial work & finished the paper for the week before leaving off for the night excepting such finishing touches as must be done at the last moment & a brief notice of tomorrow’s doings. I shall now have tomorrow at liberty for the bazaar.
November 17th, 1882 (Friday) (51)
The [indecipherable] 17th has not dawned as brilliantly as one could have wished, still the weather is sufficiently fine to get on with the preparations for the afternoon’s work and Mr Shardlow & a troop of ready workers are busy making a transformation [indecipherable] on the Poop. 2/3rds of the poop is roofed in & walled in with canvas – the sides lined with paste coloured

[Page 71]
Bunting . At 2.30p.m. all was ready – the ladies having first decked themselves & their stalls over the centre skylight was the stall for the sale of work presided over by Mrs Maffey & Mrs Shardlow & the Misses Spencer Maitland & Mrs Edward. Annie being in supreme commenced – the usual articles chiefly needlework were to be found displayed – some of Miss latter busy very beautiful both in design and work. Over the forward skylight was the refreshment stand in the charge of Mrs Hinton the Chief Stewards wife & if the skylight could it would have groaned under the weight of its supporting load. I must not forget the cake a triumph of Mr Hinton’s skill- surmounted by a pyramidal structure of coloured sweet meats it bore a rigged mast with a miniature Jack tar at the top of the mast and one of each end of the spar – Aunt Sally – an archery ground – a fortune telling gipsy & the Wheel of fortune – a shoe-black a Christy Minstrel troupe etc

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went to make up the list of attractions. All was soon bustle & [indecipherable]. The Captain set me to getting up lotteries & this took up all my time for the rest of the afternoon. At the end a clean sweep was made of almost everything.
After tea the Royal Parramatta Corps dramatique put "Turn him out" on the stage in the Saloon in good style. At 10p.m. all sat down at the Captains invitation to a recherché banquet with Champagne, claret etc ad lib. A more elegant repast could not have been put on the table anywhere – the Saloon looked resplendent with happy faces – pretty plants, a profusion of glass and lights with extra lamps and a profusion of Chinese lanterns. I was called upon to propose the health of the Royal Parramatta Corps dramatique – this I did. Thus ended what will be considered a red letter day of the voyage.
November 18th, 1882 (Saturday) (52)
Very quiet after the excitement of yester-

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day. After dinner read the 3rd number of the Petrel papers.
November 19th 1882 (Sunday) (53)
10.30a.m. Mattins, Litany and Ante Comn. 8p.m. Evensong and sermon. An awfully soaking wet – [indecipherable] up in our cabins all the day. Several albatross about.
November 20th, 1882 (Monday) (54)
Editorial work all day. Read the paper in the forecastle after tea- More albatross- and a cape hen about all day. The cape hen was twice got on to a bait without actually being hooked and allowed itself to be hauled right up to the stern before she left go. Subsequently she was caught by one of the Second Class passengers - blistered my fright with an albatross line in the morning- shall not do so again. Mutton [indecipherable] for your albatross.
November 21st, 1882 (Tuesday) (56)
During the evening the children gave an entertainment assisted by Misses Moulton and Brookes presenting to us a series of eight tableaux [indecipherable] the history of Cinderella. All the characters were most admirably sustained by the small folks. The get up of the Fairy Godmother was inimitable this part was taken by May Brookes. Reggie was

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the Prince whilst Mabel played the part of Cinderella. In the scene where Cinderella was found at the wash-tub the effect was very fair as was also the case where the whole strength of the little folk was displayed in the wedding scene. The others taking part were Gertrude Brookes, Frieda Maffey- Edith & Roger Stallivass- Sidney & Renie Cunningham.
November 22nd, 1882 (Thursday) (56)
Again all day engaged in Editorial work. Wrote article on Editors for Petrel papers- were becalmed most of the forenoon or nearly so. After dinner the Captain pointed out the Island of Tristan d’A Cunah about 65 miles from us on the lee bow of the vessel. Great excitement for this was the first land we had sighted on the voyage that any one could at all distinctly make out.
November 23rd, 1882 (57)
Very much excitement at 4 a.m. every one on deck but the invalids – the island of Tristan d’A Cunah on the [indecipherable] of the vessel about 10 or 12 miles to leeward

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pretty good illustration of what was to be seen put with papers for the current week at my request by Mr Bellingham. Busy writing for the paper all day & got the information for my article on Tristan d’a Cunah and the wreck on Gough island. Further information about the former may be read in the Leisure Hour for 1877. Curiously enough on Friday the 24th November 1876 the Sobraon was at Tristan d’A Cunah ie 6 years tomorrow exactly. A whale was seen in the distance today spouting.
November 24th, 1882 (Friday) (58)
Busy all day writing for the Petrel finished article on Tristan d’A Cunah etc & by evening had the weekly issue finished excepting a few touches to polish up – and to enter the report of the Entertainment for tonight. If I accomplish the latter I shall for the first time got abreast of the doings on board and I hope this will relieve me in the future as there will then be no back work to say up as hitherto. At 8 p.m. we had an Entertainment in

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Programme
Overture Mr Olding
Opening Song "Rolling on to Sydney" (original) Mr Michael
Song "The miser" Mr Bowler
Ballad "Where my Blue Eyed Darling Sleeps" Mr Deavin
Comic Song "The Country Lad" Mrs Hayter
Song "Massa in the Cold, Cold Ground" Mr Michael
Comic Song "Old King Coal" Mrs Bellingham
Ballad "Down by the River Side Betrayed" Mr Taylor
Comic Song "Oh what an Afternoon" Mr Bush
Ballad – "Im Thinking of Thee" (original) Mr Ottewill
Finale
"Brown’s House"
Part 2nd
Song & Dance "On a bright Summer’s morning" Mr Taylor
Mulligan Guard
Mr Houghton & Company
Banjo Sketch
"No business of mine" (original)
Messrs Michael & [indecipherable]
God Save the Queen

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the saloon by a Christy Minstrel troupe under the direction of Mr Ottewill, which taking it all round has been certainly the best thing of the kind during the voyage – the three original songs by Mr Ottewill were very good & the hits in the Topical one which concluded the Programme were very [indecipherable] & must have gone home in two or three cases.
(Saturday) November 25th, 1882 (59)
A terribly hot day every one confined to their cabins – Reed, Atkins & Bennett spent the afternoon in my cabin playing whist. McCane’s child most decidedly worse today had to tell them I did not think she would recover. Saw her several times & reported her condition to the Captain.
Read No 4 of the Petrel papers in the Saloon after prayers instead of after dinner as usual. The longest number I have as yet published.
November 26th 1882. (Sunday) (60)
McCane’s child a little better today, will pull through. Too much engaged

[Page 78]
with my professional duties to go to the morning service. Dont expect I lost much by that though! Read, Shardlow, Bennett & myself smoking cigars in my cabin from dinner to tea hour which made the place odouriforus after. At evensong & sermon 8.0p.m. Drizzling rain the best of the evening. McCane’s child rather better than at the same hour yesterday.
November 27th, 1882 (Monday) (61)
McCane’s child has had a fairly good night & is holding her own. Busy writing most of the day. Bennett, Read & Atkins were playing whist in my cabin all the afternoon as the two former are not well enough to go on deck & can get their smoke etc no where else- getting very cold when the sun does not come through the clouds. Read No 4 of Petrel prs in forecastle after tea.
November 28th, 1882 (Tuesday) (62)
McCane’s child slightly better. Editorial work engaged me all the latter part of the day. Bennett, Read & Brooks were playing whist in the afternoon. A miserably wet foggy day – got about six pages of No 5 of the Petrel papers done today – including my

[Page 79]
leading article on what may possibly have been going on during our voyage in Europe & elsewhere. Looks like being a dirty night as I write this at 11p.m.
November 29th, 1882. (Wednesday) (63)
The night was not a bad one for two hours there was a dead calm. There have not been so many birds about any time during the voyage as I noticed today after the sundown – the air was quite loaded with them off the stern where I slipped on deck. Afternoon at work on journal.
November 30th, 1882. (Thursday) (64) Saint Andrew’sday.
A bright fine day & quite warm in the sun – the sea with its immense billows looking more beautiful than any time before during the voyage. Could not do any work all day having a splitting headache I suppose from the nasty little gathering forming in my rt ear I suppose from knocking about on their beastly hard pillows- memo - if your friends ever take a long voyage specially aire at their attention to the discomforts of

[Page 80]
bedding supplied by the shipper & advise them to purchase their own.
At 8p.m. there was an entertainment of [indecipherable] Songs, Music & [indecipherable] in honour of S. Andrew’s Day in the Saloon at which I presided as Chairman & that [indecipherable] lunatic Odling drew up the curtain squatted himself down at the piano & fired off his precious scramble of an overture without my having an opportunity of opening the meeting. I then retired from the room and returned after being strongly pressured to do so. Mr Cunningham sang "Where the Kye comes home" very prettily- "Husting Town" was splendidly [indecipherable] by Michael and Miss Gillam with good dramatic effect. Miss Cockerill with "Robin Adair" as usual made a fool of herself & only sang a line or two before she broke down – got about as far again at a second attempt & then left the room and could not be persuaded to return. ‘Barrino’ the door" by Michael – "The Keel Row" by Miss Horsfall and "Scotts wha har" by Mr Spencer followed above which there is very little comment can be made. Miss Vintner

[Page 81]
then gave us a violin solo some selections of Scotch airs which were very pleasing in effect. This brought to an end the first part of the evening performance & was followed by a reading of Burn’s poem "Tam O’ Shanter" which was very fairly delivered by the Captain- this was illustrated by 5 tableaux 1 "One sulky dance" 11 "The Alehouse scene" 111 "Alloway Kirk" with the witches & warlocks dancing to old Nick’s pipes 1V Same scene with Nannie dancing alone in the centre and the others standing around- Miss Gillam took the part of Nannie & did this as she does most these things splendidly. V Nannie exhibiting the trophy of the grey mare’s tail to her companions which she had snatched before Tam had crossed the "Brig o’ Doon". This was followed by all engaged in the tableaux save Goddard joining hands & singing Auld Lang Syme". This would have brought the evening to a close at about 9.30 but the Captain who is very fond of Burn’s stepped in & filled up a blank by reading the "Cotter’s Saturday night" in fine style. Have made the longest distance in the 24 hours earlier noon today, during the voyage [indecipherable] - 260 miles.

[Page 82
Programme of Entertainment
30th November 1882 St Andrews Day
Overture Scotch Airs Mr Odling
Song When the kye came home Mrs Cunningham
Duet Hunting Tower Miss Gillam & Mr Michael
Song Robin Adair Miss Cockerill
Song The barrin o’ the door Mr Michael
Song The Keel Row Miss Horsfall
Song Scots wha hae Mr Spencer
Violin solo Scotch Airs Miss Vintner
Reading Tam O’Shanter Captain Goddard
Tableaux 1.
Tam’s Cottage
"Our sulky sullen dame" Miss Cockerill
Tableaux 11
The Alehouse
Tam O’Shanter Mr Michael
Souter Johnny " Seville
Landlady Miss Edmeades
Landlord Mr D’Arcy Goddard

[Page 83]
Tableaux 111
Alloway Kirk
Old Mick Mr Ottewill
Tam Mr Michael
Witches Mrs Cunningham and Miss Murchward
Warnocks Messrs Tedown, Field, Odling

Tableaux 1V
Alloway Kirk
Nannie Miss Gillam
Other characters as before
Tableaux V
The Brig o’ Doon
Nannie Miss Gillam
Witches Warlocks as before
Auld Lang Syme

[Page 84]
December 1st, 1882 (Friday) (65)
Having passed an awful night with the rolling of the ship & the pain from an abscess in my right ear resolved to spend the day in my cabin excepting when absolutely obliged to go out of it to meals & to see my patients. I have now had two nights without a wink of sleep – about 2p.m. bathed my ear with laudanum & nearly boiling water after which I had an hours quiet sleep on the [indecipherable] Mr Michael came in and wrote with my forthcoming issue of the Petrel papers his article on "Chums" so filling it up & completing the number this is the first syllable that has been written with these papers by any other hand than my own. Had scarcely got into bed when there was a cry from Mrs Cunningham at my door & on going to see what it was found poor Mr Reed had for out of bed & fainted. I fear he cannot last very long. Was up about an hour with him & left the Parson for the rest of the night to attend him. Nearly becalmed most of the day. Noise from rudder awful.
December 2nd 1882 (Saturday) (66)
Have had a fairly good night & my ear is much

[Page 85]
better – seems as if it would go back now. Mr Reed a little better – have arranged to have one if the men from the forecastle (Williams a capital fellow) to stay up at night with him in future. Atkins & Michael both kindly volunteering to do this if needed. There was a wonderful sight this morning there being myriads of birds about the ship – chiefly whale birds – suppose there must be some dead animal matter about which has attracted them – At noon were called on deck to see a shoal of bottle nosed whales rolling about close off the port quarter of stern of ship – & just after luncheon there was another cry of "real" whales on getting on the poop saw three whales blowing at a distance of a couple of miles to the stern. Could not see the animals themselves only the spray thrown up which looks like a richochet cannon shot when it touches the water than anything else. Read the 5th number of the Petrel papers in the saloon after prayers. We seem to have made very small progress during the day – the winds having been very light and variable.

[Page 86]
December 3rd 1882 (Sunday) (67)
Did not go to either morning or evening service as I did not feel comfortable when Mr Read is decidedly worse. Atkins & Michael to stay up tonight with him as I don’t feel well enough to do so myself - my ear having again kept me awake all night. This has been an unpleasant day the sea high & frequent squalls.
December 4th 1882 (Monday) (68)
We have not seen on the sea nearly so high as it has been today previously during the voyage – the waves mountains high & the sun shining brilliantly. The noise of the water dashing against the quarter galley outside my cabin being terrific all night on daylight appearing found the "Dead lights to my cabin windows all down which places us in a prison like gloom for the day. The water has been a graced sight all day but very unpleasant in the way it has

[Page 87]
washed over constantly on to the main deck. Mr Read has had a terribly bad night & seems worse than ever today. Atkins & Michael up again with him as I am done up with this ear & no rest. Read Petrel papers in the forecastle after tea this evening. Had a very good night first for 4 last past.
December 5th, 1882. (Tuesday) (69)
Mr Read had 5 hours sleep from a large dose of morphia I gave him last night – his cough is nearly gone & the bowels are stayed; but he is very rapidly getting weaker. The wind & sea have both gradually gone down. My ear is now free from pain unless touched roughly. I intend to stay up with Mr Read until 2 am. (Wednesday) when Mr Michael is to follow me for the remainder of the night. Put up a notice tonight calling attention to the fact that the Transit of Venus will take place tomorrow.
December 6th 1882 (Wednesday)
Stayed up with Mr Read until

[Page 88]
2a.m. when Messrs Michael and Atkins took the remainder of the night between them. Engaged most of the morning in taking Mr Read’s final instructions as he realizes he may soon die. Took down in writing his wishes as to what his brother should do on my arrival in Sydney – and what I am to do – took charge of his valuables viz pocket book with letter of credit on a bank in Sydney for £200 and I.O.U. of Captain Goddards for £20 deposited in his hands as the beginning of the voyage. Cash £7.13.4½ Gold watch I.O.U. & chain. 3 diamond studs. 3 Ruby studs. Masonic device gold ring – pearl collar stud. Pair of gold sleeve links – gold tooth pick – Silver waxmatch case. Mr R. Wrote farewell few lines to his wife & he closed these with his

[Page 89]
Partly written letter and ship’s report he has been keeping. These I enclosed in an envelope and addressed to Mrs Read. Just after dinner every one turned up on the poop to see what was to be seen of the Transit of Venus. I was the first to observe that the contact had taken place this was as nearly as I could tell at 5.5pm. when the appearance was this –
[diagrams]
The planet gradually getting over the sun’s disc was splendidly visible for at least 2 hours but when the sun got down to about 30 degrees above the horizon it became cloudy

[Page 90]
and the remainder of the transit which would have been visible during day light had this not been so to us obscured to our vision – went to bed at 10p.m. & had a good night.
December 7th 1882 (Thursday)
With Mr Read most of the day – he was terribly restless throughout – sat up with him until 12 midnight. Have not been able to touch the Petrel papers work this week.
December 8th 1882 (Friday) (72)
With Mr Read a great part of the day – he is most decidedly worse and has been wandering since midday. The end cannot be far off now, his pulse is almost imperceptible now (6p.m.) I never saw a man’s will and all

[Page 91]
pluck keep him up as his has done. Left him for the night at 12 oclock in care of Mr Atkins – Mr A came for me at 12.45 as he had been wandering a great deal. He seemed quieted down when I got there so after remaining about 20 minutes or so I left again; he was then quite unconscious & died at 2.15 a.m. on
Dec 9th, 1882 (Saturday) (73)
I was busily engaged for a couple of hours packing part of Mr Read’s belongings and making an inventory of the same after having done which the Captain informed me as he was responsible for the safe custody of these things they would have to be handed over to his care. At 2.30p.m. the bell on the poop was tolled and after the usual impressive service

[Page 92]
provided by the Church of England being performed by Mr Spencer the body of our poor friend was committed to the deep. The service was attended by most of the passengers and the officers & apprentices in uniform. It turned bitterly cold just before the service and was most trying & added to the miserable feeling one had naturally in such a scene – the body was shot over the left side of the poop. Finished my letter to Mrs Read. In the evening we had our cabin pretty crammed full to hear the first number of "The Parramatta Journal" – an effusion got up by the youngsters. The two younger of the Brookes girls and Mabel & Reggie being the prime movers therein. It was very cleverly done & does them infinite credit. The proceedings were opened by Master Reggie in the following speech. "Ladies & Gentlemen to enliven our voyage to Australia we have published a journal

[Page 93]
called "The Parramatta Journal". Miss G. Brookes is the Editoress and Mr R. Maffey, Miss Mabel Brookes, and Miss Mabel Maffey are the contributors – the Editoress will now read the following". Thus followed the reading of the first number of the paper. At the finish Mr Spencer & Mr Houlding proposed & seconded respectively a vote of thanks to the little folks which was carried by acclaimation. The papers were very good considering all things – especially one by Gertrude Brookes entitled "The Parramatta Alphabet".
December 10th, 1882 (Sunday) (74)
What a night we had! The wind howling & whistling and the ship rolling & pitching about like mad. Ethel is reported to have gone on to the poop during the night to ask the Captain whether we were in any

[Page 94]
danger – the reply is not reported. Seville is reported to have asked the Captain what he called the wind this morning; & the Captain is said to have replied that it was just blowing as hard as it possibly could, and he could call it what he pleased. Mr Shardlow told some one it was just blowing a hurricane. At 3a.m. the ship was hove to as they dare not run her before such a gale any longer, a faulty sail was carried away indoors thus and all day she has remained in the same condition with only one of the main top Gale and sails set, and she has simply drifted the sea catching her on the beam & she has drifted with it almost due north. Through it all she has rolled frightfully but had not shipped any water in.

[Page 95]
Whole twice work [indecipherable], not above a ton the whole day – scarcely more than a little spray coming on to the poop excepting about 3 or 4 times. About six o’clock a true [indecipherable] sea caught us & washed Mr Bry out off his legs right across the poop – and just after the Captain ordered Mr Atkins to shut the companion way doors & in doing so he slipped & fell hurting his knee slightly & grazing his eye brow. Some of the people on the Main deck came in for a ducking two or three times during the day – the sea has been a magnificent sight all day the waves mountains high with white crests & deep valleys in between and over all most of the time a magnificent sun shining brilliantly & a dry bracing wind blowing hard with furious squalls every now & then. Dinner & the other meals have

[Page 96]
have been rather a scramble. Annie has been anything but well again from the motion of the ship in the early part of the day could not get up however she managed to do so about 2p.m. & went on to the poop for an hour after which she ate a good dinner. No service held in the evening on account of the motion of the ship. In the evening I went to sleep just before service hour and as it had not had a wink of sleep of sleep last night Annie would not have all disturbed. Our dead lights were blown down all day making the cabin very gloomy & obliged to burn lamp
December 11th 1882 (Monday) (75)
Found our dead light all up at day break today. A bright bitterly cold day with strong wind & much less sea than one would have expected after yesterday’s gale. Notwithstanding we were only drifting up to 6pm

[Page 97]
yesterday at which time the Captain made sail again ar between 12 yesterday & noon today have done 187 miles of our proper course- we must have torn along pretty well through the night - the motion was so great the early part of the night that I only managed to get about four hours sleep - Wrote leader for the sixth issue of the Petrel papers - advice to new settlers in the Colonies. Going along very well all day. There is some talk today that after all we shall get into Sydney by New Year’s day – I don’t think it at all likely
December 12th, 1882 (Tuesday) (76)
A bright pleasant morning but the after part of the day clouded over & in the evening a very stiff breeze blowing but taking us on the port quarter. Simply

[Page 98]
sent us along steadily at 11 or 12 knots per hour. Wrote article in Petrel papers on the recent Transit of Venus & copied a tale of Mr Houding’s into the same – "How Mrs Bruce [indecipherable] a Sweep’s fee".
December 13th 1882 (Wednesday) (77)
Had an interview with the Captain yesterday in which we came to the conclusion that it would be as well to close the issue of the Petrel Papers with the Christmas number and I have resolved to do so – he expressed his surprise that with the small amount of help I had received that I had been able to keep the thing going as I had; as he had recognised from the issue of the second paper that there was [indecipherable] interest evinced in it by the bulk of those who should have rendered me assistance. Completed today a short tale for the Xmas number of the Petrel papers of which I wrote a few lines last night; and afterwards transcribed it into the paper. This is my first attempt at tale writing.

[Page 99]
11.30p.m. We seem in for another bad night the ship is rocking badly & the waves keep striking the stern under our cabin as if they would stave it in almost.
December 14th 1882 (Thursday) (78)
We had another truly rough night the motion of the ship being very violent Spent nearly the whole day & evening over the 6th no of the Petrel papers which I finished during the evening – this is the first time it has been completed on a Thursday Tonight we are almost becalmed. Concert in Saloon at which I did not put in an appearance as it was not a week after Mr Read’s death.
December 15th 1882 (Friday) (79)
Copied a Christmas tale of Mr Houlding’s with the Xmas number of the Petrel papers; & last thing at night wrote rough draft of a Christmas carol for the paper. A lovely summer like day but getting on rather slowly in our course.

[Page 100]
December 16th, 1882 (Saturday) (80)
Spent most of my spare time in packing the remainder of Mr Read’s thing with Atkin’s help. Finished that job this time. Another lovely day but making very slow progress. Read the Sixth number of the Petrel papers at dessert after dinner. Second number of Parramatta journal read out in our cabin this evening at 6.30.
December 17th, 1882 (Sunday) (81)
At morning service (Mattins, Litany & ante Communion) Did not go to evensong as I felt so sleepy. Another fine day but very cold. Found that the fellow who has charge of Poor Toby has dreadfully neglected him – his coat which Annie made him a fortnight since had been tied too tightly round his neck & thus cut a gash right into his throat that you can

[Page 101]
now lay your finger into – he must have suffered terribly and is as thin as a rail.
(Monday) December 18th, 1882 (82)
Toby’s neck looking better today – Spent the morning carving end of bracket. In the afternoon received copy of the tale from Cadworth which during the evening I transcribed into Xmas number of the Petrel Papers. After tea read No 6 of P. P’s to the men in the forecastle – Began to blow hard at about 5 p.m. is now (Midnight) blowing a gale. Ship fairly steady but I don’t expect there is much sleep for any of us tonight.
December 19th, 1882 (Tuesday) (83)
Wrote Valedictory leading article for the last number of "The Petrel Papers" and then transcribed it into the number now in preparation. In the evening our youngsters (Mabel & Reggie) May & Gertrude Brookes and Edith Stallivass gave a performance of the Little Sentinel in the Saloon it was encored & they went through the whole thing

[Page 102]
a second time. It certainly was splendidly done everyone of the children [indecipherable] their part well & acting with great sang froid. Mabel and Reggie’s gets up were very good & Gertrude Brooks made a capital little old French gentleman. Longest run of any day posted at noon viz 272 miles
December 20th 1882 (Wednesday) (84)
Spent most of the day in completing as nearly as I could the Xmas number of the "Petrel papers". In the evening our children entertained the other youngsters on the ship, both 1st and 2nd Class at tea when they had a fine time of it thoroughly enjoying themselves – this was first arranged by the Brooks children and ours it being their joint Christmas party.
December 21st, 1882 (Thursday) (85)
Spent the morning in printing a frontice piece for my number of "The Petrel Papers" as the special one designed for them by Edmonds goes to the Captain & I don’t care to ask the fellow to do me another. At 12.30p.m. meeting in my Cabin about presenting the Captain with an address, it was agreed on my suggestion that Mr Shardlow & the other officers should be included in this . I was kindly (!) allowed to prepare the said address my wording being accepted & it was also left

[Page 103]
Programme of Entertainment
By
Messrs Paper & Pens
"The Little Sentinel"
The Little Sentinel Mabel Brookes
The Young Widow Mabel Maffey
Conceited gentleman Gertrude Brookes
Officers Regie Maffey
Farmer Edith Stallivass
God save the Queen

[Page 104]
to Mr Houlding & me to revise it as we thought good. Spent a good deal of time subsequently in preparing paper border & etc for the address. In the evening we had presented to us by the "Royal Parramatta Corps dramatique" the play "Fish out of water" The characters were installed very well (for a list of which vide Programme on the back here of) Seville had the best part & sustained it splendidly – his natural aptitude for dropping his h’s, vulgar dress and general ability for playing the Cad being therein suited to a T. Michael, Field D’Arcy Goddard & Odling were all good, but the character taken by Seville so outweighs everything else that the whole thing hinges on him – by the way, I hear he has taken the part before – this accounts for his great anxiety to get the play adapted for representation.
December 22nd, 1882, (Friday) (86)
Spent the entire day except time squeezed for my professional work and meals at work over this address for Captain Goddard and in the evening was so utterly disgusted with the mess I had made of it that I resolved to start again, which I accordingly did, having learned a great deal by this effort I hope the next attempt will be more to my own satisfaction.

[Page 105]
"Fish out of Water"
Scene – The ante-room in the house of
Sir J. Courtley
Characters
Steward Mr Michael
John " Richards
Sam Savory " J.M. Seville
Sir J. Courley " P. Odling
Alderman Gayface " D. Goddard
Charles Gayface " Field
Ellen Courtley Miss Edwardes
Lucy Miss M. Brookes
Stage Manager Mr A Puiches
"Parramatta" Dec 21st /82

[Page 106]
December 23rd, 1882 (Saturday) (87)
After finishing my professional work set about the Captain’s address & during the day finished it fairly to my own satisfaction, certainly it is far from being what I should like it but considering I never attempted anything if the kind before it ought to pass muster – this copy is to go to Mr Shardlow the Chief Officer & I shall have to do another for the Captain which I trust will turn out the best if I have no mishap with it. At 6.30pm the youngsters & some of the older ones assembled here to the turn of about 25 to hear the final and Christmas number of the "Parramatta Journal". At 8.30p.m. I read the Christmas Number of the "Petrel Papers" in the Saloon – this is the final issue of this publication – it took an hour to read and certainly contains the best selection of papers which we have published. I am very thankful to reach the end of it. We are abreast Cape Leuwin today but some seven or eight degrees south there of – we are therefore now fairly in Australian waters - going on at the rate we have been the last few days it is quite possible

[Page 107]
we may reach Sydney by this day week – the Captain says he expects to do this – The weather is so cold as to be almost Christmas like – it has been showery all day – The sea is smooth but this is altogether an exceptional state of affairs just what we are now. We have had a passage so far fairly good in time & more free from rough weather than has ever been known almost by anyone of experience on board in fact we have never had a storm with a head wind or sea – an almost unprecedented thing.
December 24th, 1882 (Sunday) (88)
(Christmas Eve)
A dull morning with more mist almost than we have had all the voyage; it cleared up however in the afternoon and the evening after church the night was most brilliant with a nearly full moon, the Southern Cross and the other constellations being very bright and it is very much warmer as the wind is blowing from the north. Was too busy to go to Church but don’t think it was such a loss – went to evening service. I wrote to Trevor in the afternoon this

[Page 108]
being the first opportunity I have had doing any writing for myself for weeks past excepting to keep this dairy going. I must get on with my letters for home when I have got through with this testimonial for Captain Goddard.
December 25th, 1882, (Monday) (89)
(Christmas day.)
Just as it struck 12 and before I had settled to rest for the night (of Sunday) the Waits paid us a visit. From Seven to eight a.m. , our door was besieged with bearers of kindly remembrances of Xmas. First came an envelope containing cards for Mabel & myself from Mr Michael. Next D’Arcy brought a photograph of his father for Mabel – then Miss Moulton brought Mr Houldings cards for each of the children and a small scrap album also for each from Miss Spencer. As Mabel stepped out of the door to go to her breakfast she found a box on the door-sil containing her best doll which Mrs Cunliffe had kindly beautified

[Page 109]
by making it a new hat and also a dress from a piece of blue silk wh. aunt Lucy gave to Mabel for this purpose before we left England. The box also contained a muslin pinafore which Mrs C had made for Annie. After this came cards from Mrs Cunningham for Annie & Mabel. At 8.15a.m. Annie & I went to the Celebration of Holy Communion in the Captain’s cabin. Breakfast 9a.m. just before this we [indecipherable] the Elizabeth Graham 97 days out from London bound for New Zealand. 10.30a.m. morning prayers. A lovely day – brilliant sunshine and much warmer than of late – The Chief Steward gave us a handsome banquet today but it was a great deal spoiled as the ship was lying over very badly to the starboard side and it was impossible to keep the dishes steady on the tables for in addition to lying over she has commenced today to lurch in a style she has never done before during the voyage.

[Page 110]
Commenced some home letters today that our friends might see we remembered them especially today
December 26th, 1882 (90)
Boxing Day.
Stuck closely all day to the address I am preparing for Captain Goddard – got all of it done but finishing the heading and inking in the Capitals in the body of the address. Concert in the evening by the Christy Minstrel troupe – Vide report in the Petrel papers supplement. Ottewill’s topical song hit a lot of us all round pretty hard – the allusion to myself being decidedly racy in character and proportionately amusing. The fancy dress ball proposed to be held this evening after the Concert postponed as the ship is lying over a great deal.

[Page 111]
December 27th, 1882 (Wednesday) (91)
At work on the address a great deal of the day. In the afternoon read the Past number of "The Petrel papers" to the men in the forecastle. At Eight o’clock most of the Saloon passengers assembled in the Saloon together with several of those from the Second Class attired in fancy costumes. Mr Houlding got up as "Father Christmas" addressed the assemblage & thanked them for having him in the [indecipherable] they had done. The children then paraded the Saloon and as they passed "Father Christmas" he made each of the youngsters a little present.
The children took the following characters – Gertrude Brooks, "Bo Peep" – May Brookes, "Columbuis" – Mabel Maffey, "Red Riding-Hood" – Edith Stallivass, "May Queen" – Reggie Maffey, "A sailorboy" – Millie Maffey "The little old woman who lived in a Shoe" (she had a big red shoe filled with dolls tied to the waist) Sidney Cunningham "A Soldier" – Renie Cunningham "A fairy". The Puiches baby as "Cupid"

[Page 112]
After the parade I took the children into Mr Bennett’s cabin as he was not well enough to turn out. Shortly after this all adjourned to the Poop when dancing commenced & was kept up until 11.0.p.p. the ship being nearly level with squared yards & only going at 4 or 5 knots per hour – it is very strange how favourable the weather has always been when anything of this kind has neede a level deck – almost as it struck six bells (11.0p.m.) the wind freshened and it commenced to rain. Amongst the characters represented were the following- Amongst the ladies Miss Brookes certainly carried of the palm with the most perfect dress- She took the character of "The daughter of the Regiment". Amongst the gentlemen Mr Houghton one of the Midshipmen who stands six-feet high was attired in a striking brigand Chief’s get up – Annie was "Mary Queen of Scots" – Mrs Bennett "Early English Peasant Girl" – Miss Hossfall "Portia" – Mrs Puiches " A female aboriginal

[Page 113]
of Australia". Mrs Cunningham, "The Union Jack"- Miss Fanny Beattie, "A maid of the XVIth Century- Miss Moulton, "Longest [indecipherable]" – (this is the adopted daughter of the King & may someday be Queen of Tonga) Miss Spencer, "A Puritan [indecipherable]" – Miss Churchward, "A Hun" – Miss Educades, "Gipsy Queen" – Miss Maitland, "An Italian peasant" Miss Shootie, "A fishwife" – Miss Stalivass "A Spanish lady"- Miss Florries Stalivass "Olivette" – Miss Cockerill, "Night". Amongst the characters represented by the gentlemen – Mr Puiches appeared as "Clown" and acted as Master of the Ceremonies with great success – D’Arcy Goddard, was "Pantaloon" – Mr Ottewill – "Harlequin"- Mr Bryant in a case representing "Bryant & May’s patent safety match box" "Strike only on the box being " unpleasantly acted upon fancy – subsequently on getting out of the case he was got up as a very good copy of Stanley the African explorer– Mr Brookes, "A naval officer". Mr Edmonds, "A brigand" – Seville – "Sam Savory" (the character of cook which he took in the play "Fish out of water") Bailey (one of the Stewards) as a cook in white linen suit with hat to match & labelled on the back

[Page 114]
"Chief Sauce" – Mr Smith the Second Officer got himself up as "Old Nick" – field, "A Chinese & Michael, "Tam O’Shanter" – Bellingham "A brigand" – Sloper (Midshipman) "A [indecipherable]" Rhodes (Midshipman/"An Oriental" – Vincent (Midshipman) "Full uniform of a middy" – Andrews (Midshipman) "A Jockey" – Several of the crew were also dressed up – the boy Tommy Dodd as "Dick Whittington" having the forecastle dog with him in place of a cat- Peter Merryfield the Engine boy as "A Dervish" – etc etc. Mr Atkins Mr Spencer & I went as gentlemen of the Nineteenth Century.
December 28th 1882 (Thursday) (92)
A lovely day and we are tearing through the water. Soon after noon the Captain told me we were 240 miles distant from where we should sight land & steering so that we shall pass [indecipherable] of Kings’ island which is 35 miles distant from the coast of Australia. If we keep on at the rate we have been going all day we shall sight land some time tomorrow afternoon – or it may be too late for us to see it. Have finished the address for Captain Goddard

[Page 115]
also one for Mr Shardlow and at a meeting in my cabin at 5.30pm it was adopted and Mr Houlding elected to present it after dinner on the last day we are out of Sydney Harbour. In the evening the children gave an entertainment in honour of Gertrude Brooks birthday – they first of all gave us a charade in four acts representing the word Innocent which was most splendidly done – Then followed three tableaux in which first came "Faith" this was Mabel clinging to a large white cross. Next "Hope" this was May Brooks seated by an anchor and gazing at a star – Last was Charity – Gertrude Brooks as a [indecipherable] standing holding out a piece of bread to Reggie who was a very tattered dirty little boy sitting & holding his hand out in the act of taking the bread. Mr Shardlow acted as chairman. The sunset this evening we are told is a foretaste of what is frequently seen in Australia. I never saw anything as gorgeous before & cannot attempt to describe it – 3 months today since we left London by the day of month & week.

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December 29th, 1882 (Friday) (93)
Spent all the day up to dinner putting in the headings to the duplicate copy of "The Petrel Papers." After dinner started on the making of a silver ring for Mabel to send to her cousin Isabel Wilson as a memento of our journey. Tweedy (my Cabin Steward) said when he saw me at it "Well the Doctor has got the ring craze now". Another (but very different from yesterday) very lovely sunset. Have not sighted land today. Early part of the day & part of the night all but becalmed. Winds very light the rest of the day and up to 11 p.m. when I turned in. Even at the pace we are going we shall I suppose see land (Cape Otway early tomorrow – the Old Carpenter asserted at 7 p.m. he had seen land from the fore top gallant – a pretty safe thing to say as no one could

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disprove it for all that no one appeared to credit him very much.
December 30th 1882 (Saturday) (94)
7.45 a.m. Saw the low line of coast of Australia from my bathroom port as I was dressing. Before breakfast went out on the poop & found the land visible for miles. 10.a.m. Lighthouse, flagstaff etc on Cape Otway distinctly visible – the trees upon the hills & the cliffs are along the coastline quite plain & by 11.a.m. could easily make out the inequities of the shore & the waves breaking thereon with the aid of a good glass. 12.0.noon. Signalled the Otway Station. Saw Steamer and barque making for Melbourne during the morning. We passed the opening to Melbourne during the day – did not quite lose sight of the land before sun down. Expect to be amongst the inlands in Bass Straits in the morning

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Got a great many of the signatures attached to the addresses to the Captain & officers. Have spent more time on deck today than during any day for weeks past. This morning Peterson one of the Seamen presented me with a double photograph frame of his own making – it is most ingeniously constructed out of 800 or 900 pieces of wood & a very pretty thing – he has been under my care suffering from rheumatism
December 31st 1882 (Sunday) (95) New Year’s Eve.
Early this morning off the mainland of Australia again near Wilson’s Promontory the Straits (Bass) studded with islands of rocky character & uninhabited. A seal seen close to the ship whilst we were at breakfast

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[indecipherable] the ‘St Leonards’ of Southampton coming out of Melbourne & on the way to Wellington. N.Z. Very light winds continuing through the day we were winding our way slowly through the rocky islands of Bass Straits and during part of the afternoon were all but becalmed abreast of Hogan island. We passed close to several islands in the morning – Rodondo is a peculiar roundish rock standing 13 or 1400 feet out of the water. Just off the east end of Hogan island was a small flat topped rock only just above the level of the water. The Captain told us there were seals on it and on looking through a good glass we could see the top literally covered with what I am much inclined to think were walrus rather than seal. Just as we were sitting down to dinner a heavy rain storm came on accompanied by a little thunder & lightning – the first thunder we have had during the voyage – it is strange

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that in my letters home today I should twice have written that we have never had a thunder storm. Made additions to some of my letters commenced on Christmas day and began one or two others. At midnight I was still engaged on this & not thinking it was so late was startled by the furious ringing of the forecastle bell. On going to the Poop I was able to ascertain its cause & wish the Captain a Happy New Year. He told me the bell ringing was the sailors’ way of ushering in the New Year and now both watches are parading the main deck singing at the top of their voices and as only Sailors can sing. The breeze has freshened and we are now (12.15 a.m. Monday) ramping through the water at 10 knots per hour.

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January 1st 1883 (Monday) (96) New Year’s day
First thing this morning we were in sight of the mountains of New South Wales. About 2 p.m. we signalled the Station at Gabo Island, a few miles south of Cape Howe – Are rounding the point at Cape Howe the Captain told me that was the line of Demarcation, and that north of that we come into Sub tropical regions. Certainly soon after doing so, a bitterly cold morning gave place to warm sun, and up to tea p.m. it has been soft [indecipherable] & like the most lovely summer day in England. Since rounding C. Howe we have been almost becalmed. All day a large number of jelly fish called "Sydney blubbers have been floating past the ship. During the afternoon a large shoal of porpoise were about the ship, and the old Carpenter harpooned one – there was a tremendous excitement on the forecastle to see it landed – this is the first that has been caught during the voyage – on one occasion a harpoon struck one & he got away bleeding terribly. Made index to the whole of the Petrel papers today.

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January 2nd, 1883 (Tuesday) (97)
Skirting the coast of New South Wales all day – early saw Cooks pigeon cote mountain next the lighthouse on the South point of Jervis bay. At dessert the addresses to the Captain and officers read and presented, Mr Houlding presenting them after I had read them. About 9 p.m. Sydney head light seen from top of main mast. I saw it plainly from the forecastle at 11 p.m. and at once turned in to be ready when called if we go in before morning.
January 3rd, 1883 (Wednesday) (98)
Mr Atkins kindly roused me a 4 a.m. telling me that the Sydney heads were off the starboard bow. Was soon on deck – found we had been hove to up from about 2 a.m. a stiff breeze blowing from the North East. The Pilot came off to us in a

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small steamer. We got through the heads by means of our sails inside a tug took us in tow. The first news we heard was that the Austral the official new & largest boat was sunk at her buoys in the harbour and that one of the P&O Cop boats the Southampton had been wrecked at Botany Bay – Close by where the Austral is lying with her deck just above water in the [indecipherable]; another [indecipherable] a splendid looking thing. On getting round the [indecipherable] head of the harbour a glorious scene unveiled itself gradually & I must say a more lovely sight than this harbour it would be difficult to see [indecipherable] dropped anchor. At 9.30 a.m. went on shore in the Captain’s boat. I called and left my watch to be mended at [indecipherable] and then went to see Mr Read’s brother whom I found had gone on to the ship so missed him. I then called upon Dr Atherton at his consulting rooms 18 McConnell St and afterward went to his private residence at 139 Macquarie Street. He seems very anxious for me to come and settle in Sydney

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instead of going to Melbourne but I do not feel tempted to do so. Sydney is certainly a lovely place with fine broad streets – very hilly has much the appearance of an English town with a great deal that is not English. The flowering trees astonished me, oleanders & magnolias are in full bloom and the cactus in places is like hedges. After dinner Dr A sent me down to the Quay in his buggy – a [indecipherable] turn out with nearly thoroughbred bay mare, man in blue livery with silk hat and white buckskin gloves. I got back to the Parramatta at about half past 4 p.m. Finished off my letters to Mrs Sansom, Miss Tube – Mrs Redhead – Thornton – Tasush, Trevor and Mrs Read.
January 4th 1882 (Thursday)
Went into the city with the Captain taking with me Annie & the children. Called upon Dr Atherton and subsequently lunched at his house. He holds out a very tempting bait to me and Annie seems to think I ought to accept it – he

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all but says he will guarantee me £1000 for the first year – he offers to have me in charge for 3 [indecipherable] – with use of his O’Connell St house and an arrangement about fees & expenses which cannot possibly be anything but a benefit to me. I don’t see why I should not accept this I can even then go to Melbourne afterward if I am not satisfied. Returned to the ship in time for tea and spent the evening on board.
January 5th, 1882 (Friday)
On board all day up to 4.45p.m. Mr I G. Read came on board and I handed over to him Mr Wm M Read’s valuables. Then took the children up to Mr Brookes’ and left them there. Returned to Sydney and down from the boat to Dr Atherton’s where we dined. Is there another such wondrous harbour

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in the world as this of Sydney? I wish I could do justice to it in writing – the best description of it I saw was that in Anthony Trollope’s book on Australia.
January 6th, 1883 (Saturday)
Signed off the Articles of the ship. Did some shopping – saw Petersen at Dr Atherton’s rooms. returned to the ship fetched Annie on shore. Called upon the Bennetts – returned to the ship for dinner – remained on board until 7p.m. when accompanied by Atkins we went to Macquarie St to see some rooms for him – then to Dr Atherton’s for the evening – accompanied (Dr A) in a visit he had to make to Darling Hurst. Home on board at 11 p.m. I was today elected an Hony member of the Union Club of Sydney

January 7th, 1883 (Sunday)
Went up to Mr Brookes by the 10 am boat. Took Wilfrieda with us & left

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her there. Then walked on to the Church at Hunter’s Hill to morning service. Spent the
remainder of the day at Mr Brookes’. Mabel making herself terribly miserable that she
cannot return with us so promised to go for her on Tuesday. We saw several of the wonders
of this sub tropical climate during our stay – gathered oysters form the trees (mangrove)
growing on the beach; where they are wholly or partly submerged every tide the [indecipherable] adheres to the lower branches as all over this district it does in these places to the rocks. There are millions of these rock oysters clinging to the stones in every patch of the harbour & [indecipherable] out of it . We saw the banana, bamboo orange lemon etc growing & all but the bamboo (which is fruitless) growing fruit, the profusion of animal & vegetable life

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is truly wonderful here. Some of the butterflies are very large & most beautifully coloured. We returned by the 6p.m. boat & went to Dr Atherton’s for the evening. It seems impossible to get a quiet chat with him and therefore equally impossible to get any definite arrangement made as to the future – if therefore tomorrow an arrangement of a satisfactory character is not made, I had shall settle to go to Melbourne and take all with me on Friday.
January 8th, 1883 (Monday)
Lunched at Dr Atherton’s and spent the latter part of the evening there – the greater part of the remainder of the day we were on board. I had a serious talk with Atherton in the evening and can get him to make me no positive offer everything being vague & uncertain. Talking it over with Annie after we resolved to give up any idea of remaining in Sydney

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January 9th 1883 (Tuesday)
Called on Atherton in the morning & told him I had resolved to go on to Melbourne on Friday & take all my family with me. After went to the Club & answered a letter recd this morning from Mr G.F. Palener asking him to meet me on Sunday when we arrive [indecipherable] This diary must be packed up now so will conclude – we go to the Brookes’ to fetch the children home & shall leave on Friday having

[Transcribed by Pat Moore for the State Library of New South Wales]