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N E W SOUTH W A L E S

RevAlfred GLENNIE Journals 1883^0

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Published in Australia by GOSFORD DISTRICT LOCAL HISTORY STUDY GROUP A Adam Street, Narara, N.S.W. 2250 Telephone (043) 25 1055

© Philippe Ed. Tabuteau J.P. 1987

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reprinted or reproduced or utilized in any form or by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publishers.

ISBN Series No. 0 7316 0651 5 ISBN This volume No. 0 7316 0636 1

This Book is part of the series titled -Historical Records of the Central Coast of New South Wales.

Printed in Australia Gosford City Printing Plant.

Australia 1788-1986

This p u b l i c a t i o n has been endorsed by

The A u s t r a l i a n B i c e n t e n n i a l A u t h o r i t y

to celebrate A u s t r a l i a ' s Bicentenary in

1988.

RevAl fred GLENNIE Journals

The Rev. Alfred GLENNIE - 1811-1870

''February, 1866, 24, — The Sixteenth anniversary of my Ordination , . . I spent the rest of the day reading the Bishop of Oxford's 'ADDRESS TO CANDIDATES FOR ORDINATlON\ think if the book had been put into my hands previous to my ordination, it would have had the effect of frightening me out of embarking in a Profession of such awful responsibility''.

P O R T R A I T O F R E V . A . G L E N N I E F R O M P H O T O G R A P H O W N E D B Y MISS R. E . RENWICK, G O S F O R D

I kumbly tiuiit & play

that wiXh God'i bleAiA,ng . . .

I ihall btcome. beXtzA quatillzd

Ion. my iacitd i. nz^pon^jibld 0^f,lct

0^ a tuachzA. i guide, ol otkeA6.-

J-40 U Odtobzn. 1855

[ i i i ]

PARISH OF CHRIST CHURCH GOSFORD 1988

The Rev. Canon Wilfred R E D D E N , Present Incumbent of Christ Church at Gosford.

L. A N D R E W S STUDIO

Christ Church buih 1858 by A . G L E N N I E from a design by Edmund B L A C K E T as it stands today in G O S F O R D .

P H O T O F R O M G. D U N D O N C O L L E C T I O N

Plate II

FOREWORD

Alfred Glennie was the Rector of Gosford in the years 1850-1865 and this book, being his diaries of that timej gives us a great insight into this man, his dedication and commitment as a Priest, and at the same time he allows us to share with him in the lives and in the community of this place in the mid nineteenth century.

As we read i t , we w i l l need to take into consideration what l i f e was like 125 years ago; the l i f e - s t y l e , the hardships, the struggles; and the place that the clergyman had within that community. His diaries allow us to share so much, and he does so with honesty and integrity. His words are clothed with a deep sense of his responsibilities as a Priest, pastoring the people for whom he has this responsibility.

The Ordination Service has changed since Alfred Glennie was made

a Priest, but at that time, the. Bishop would have reminded him:

"....we e.x.hoKt you, In tke. Nme. o{, oui Laid Jz^uA Ckn-iit, that you kaut In n.mmb>iana.<L, AMIO how kX,gk a pjignlty, and to how woJighty an O^^JLCZ and Chaigt yt ait calltd: that l6 to 6ay, to be. Mz66zngeA-6, Watchme.n, and SteuiaKdi o^^ the. laid; to tzach, and to pKmonLth, to {zed and piovLdz {on. thz Lond'6 lamJUiy; to -tzzk {on Chnl6t'6 •ihzzp that ant dLipznizd abnoad, and {on hJu chlldnzn who ant AM thz mldit o{ thiA naughty mnld, that thzy may bz 6avzd thnough Chnl6t {on zvzn. Havz always thzAZ{onz pKlntzd Ln youn nzmzmbnancz, how gnzat a tnzaiunz Jj, commlttzd to youn zhangz "

It is of interest to realise that "the Bishop" would have been William T y r r e l l , the f i r s t Bishop of Newcastle; and with whom Alfred Glennie w i l l have much contact, and therefore shares with us as he writes to the Bishop, meets with him, etc. Perhaps of particular interest w i l l be the building of Christ Church at East Gosford, and of its Consecration by Bishop T y r r e l l . This building was subsequently moved to its present site in Mann Street in 1905 and was used for worship until 1960.

In a l l of this you w i l l see Glennie as a person who is concerned about people, for their good, for their welfare, and especially in terms of his Ordination responsibilities, as a man of God.

I was fascinated, humbled, and encouraged as I read through his diaries. I felt privileged to be able to do so, and for those

who cared enough in earlier years to keep them for posterity; and now I feel even more privileged to be asked to write this by way of commendation.

Alfred Glennie w i l l always have a special place in the history of the Parish of Gosford, and the publication of this book w i l l do

much to ensure that place for generations to come.

Wilfred J Redden Rector of Gosford 25 July 1986

[v]

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

TITLE PLATE FOUND FACING

NO. IN PAGE/PART

BOOK

The Rev. Alfred GLENNIE — 1811-1870 I One [ i i i ]

PARISH OF CHRIST CHURCH GOSFORD 1988;

The Rev. Canon Wilfred REDDEN II One [v]

MAP SHOWING REV. GLENNIE'S PARISHES One [xxviii]

ST. PAUL'S CHURCH OF ENGLAND, KINCUMBER III One 14/1

THE PARSONAGE AT GOSFORD IV One 78/1

GOSFORD'S MANN STREET - early in the Century & a very old view of the Parsonage, Gosford V Two 80/III

GOSFORD WATERFRONT - 1885; Point Frederick & Gosford Wharf VI Two 132/III

PARISH OF CHRIST CHURCH - GOSFORD; Canon John SHAW - Rector 1865-1870 VII Two (166)

CHRIST CHURCH - CHURCH OF ENGLAND, Peek's Point, East Gosford, 1858 VIII One 20/II

THE TWIN CHURCHES ~ Christ Church, Gosford; St. James', Pitt Town IX One 146/1

PARSONAGE HILL AND THE BROADWATER X Two (150)

POINT FREDERICK - GOSFORD: the Cemetery & view of Mr. Battley's House XI One 30/1

GOSFORD - THE OLD WHARF XII One 76/11

"WYOMING" HELY's Grant & closeup of the "Stables" XIII One 102/11

HELY'S HOUSE AT "WYOMING" XIV One 54/1

"WYOMING" GARDEN HOUSE XV One 104/1

ALFRED GLENNIE

Grave in Cemetery in Wilderness Road & sketch of grave XVI Two (172)

MARTHA SCOTT -Book presented by Rev. GLENNIE 18 September 1855 XVII One 40/1

[vi;

As History was made by so many - whose story i t is - no person alone can knowledgeably write history to do justice to so many; i t is therefore f i t t i n g that History should be the contribution of many pooling their various knowledge from their particular fi e l d of expertise.

Anon.

A C K N O W L E D G M E N T S

A last duty yet remains, that is to thank most sincerely those whose help has been so generously given resulting in the two books of the "Rev. Alfred Glennie Journals". I especially wish to thank, in chronological order:

* The Greater Cessnock Historical Society, its President -Stan Parkes at the time - and a l l the members who agreed that the project was worthy to go ahead, resulting in a facsimile edition of the Journals from which we produced the typescript.

* The Community Employment Programme, through which we could

procure the services of able typists.

* A succession of Gosford City Mayors who kindly make available the use of an office on the Mayoral floor of the Administra­tive Building with a l l the f a c i l i t i e s for the pursuit of our work.

* The Town Clerk, B i l l Grant, and a l l the administrative and technical staff who showed interest and offered help in many ways and at a l l times, beyond what one may have hoped to receive. The Council also provided both financial and support in kind.

* The Management of Gosford City Coimnunity Centre, Dorothy Poole and staff, who made available a convenient place of meeting and the resources of the Centre, particularly the intermittent use of their photocopier.

* Alaster Glennie of Somersby who offered so much family

background.

* Gwen Dundon who graciously supplied a l l the photographic prints with the kind permission of the owners of the originals, and who compiled the families Appendix. We have had the benefit of her experience and knowledge.

* Fabian Maloney who contributed the Timz and LJL^Z O{ the. GtenYii.e.6, a work which required comprehensive and extensive research.

* The Rev. Canon Wilf, Redden who supported us wholeheartedly, and the many other helpers who co-operated and contributed with such enthusiasm to make this project a true community achievement.

[vii]

The book cover was designed by John Grosse, a distinguished

local calligrapher. The maps were researched and drawn by Alan Dash, and ably traced by Judi Peckover. Readers w i l l be grateful for their graphic contribution.

The thanks of a l l of us who wi l l use the information herein contained go to the group of indexers whose names have already been mentioned.

Part of the typescript has been produced by May Neill and completed and checked thoroughly by Eirwen Richards.

The competent printing of the text was performed by Harvey Feeney who offered to do the job with Colin Jager, in their own time and with Council's blessing.

Rob Pickett of Gosford Printing Pty. Ltd. produced the coloured cover and printed the photographs and captions which illustrate the books.

Finally, and most importantly, the necessary finance was made available by the Bicentennial Authority from Federal, State and Local Government funds.

Heartfelt thanks to Professor Gregory Roberts, who by a delicate, long and painful operation succeeded in restoring enough vision in my right eye to enable me to carry on the project of transcribing our District's primary records for publication. This has become the purpose of my retiring years.

To my co-editor Joan Fenton who, should I become unable to continue working on the volumes, would carry out the job with distinction.

A very special mention is due to my wife Colette who, for a number of years now, has put up with my erratic comings and goings in connection with my researches, willingly driving me here and there, wherever I was bound, answering a forever-ringing telephone, taking innumerable notes and relaying messages.

I wish to thank in anticipation the people who wi l l buy this f i r s t book and, I hope, the following volumes -thereby providing our Group with the necessary funds to maintain the publication of the series HiAtoiLtal Rtcoid^ o{ tht Ctntnal Coait o{ New Soutk WaleA.

[ v i i i ]

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR ABOUT THIS BOOK

Because of their size, the Journals of Rev. Glennie have to be published in two books which cover the years 1855-61 and 1861-63 plus index, appendices and l i f e of the Rev. Glennie's family.

The present book is the f i r s t of two which form the whole:-

REV. ALFRED GLENNIE JOURNALS, 1855-1863

They are part of a series we intend to offer under the t i t l e of -

HISTORICAL RECORDS OF THE CENTRAL COAST OF NEW SOUTH WALES

which w i l l comprise some 15 volumes.

Due to financial restrictions, we can only print a very limited number of copies. As we have the use of the printing plant for one day at a time, we therefore w i l l print only the number of books that can be completed in that single day.

A limited number of people w i l l be able to purchase the volumes of this f i r s t edition, which w i l l shortly be followed by its complementary volumes to complete the JOURNALS. We have therefore deemed i t appropriate that purchasers of the f i r s t book w i l l be offered priority in acquiring the second offering.

You w i l l find on the next page a form to be used i f you wish to buy the second book to complete the set of the JOURNALS.

The bottom slip may be forwarded now with a stamped, addressed envelope i f you wish to be advised as soon as the second book becomes available.

The sli p provided on top of the next page is necessary to buy the second book when i t becomes available and w i l l be valid for six months.

In subsequent issues of the volumes of the series, we intend to adopt the same process whereby the buyer of any one volume of the series w i l l have priority to buy the next one to be published.

When out of print, i t may take years before we can make another run of any volume. This w i l l ensure that, as far as possible, a complete series may be secured by the same individual or institution.

Each subsequent run w i l l be updated, corrected and enlarged when necessary. We welcome written positive criticism, corrections and suggestions to enable us to further improve the value of the series as a source of historical information. We w i l l make new runs as often and as soon as possible or necessary.

For research purposes, a set of the series, regularly corrected and updated, is available for study at the society's office by arrangement with the secretary.

[ix]

This sli p taken from "Rev. Alfred Glennie Journals 1855-1861" gives the holder preference to buy the next volume of the series when available.

This offer is valid for 6 months only from date of publication of the book.

Date:

The Editor, HISTORICAL RECORDS OF THE CENTRAL COAST OF NEW SOUTH WALES, Gosford City Council Building, 49 Mann Street, GOSFORD. 2250

I wish to be notified when the next volumes of the series become available.

Please find enclosed a self-addressed, stamped envelope to send me notice of date of release. I understand that there is no obligation to buy.

Name:

Address:

Telephone;

[xi]

HISTORICAL RECORDS OF THE CENTRAL COAST OF NEW SOUTH WALES

R E V . A L F R E D G L E N N I E

J O U R N A L S (Book 1)

Book 1 February 1855 July 1860

Book One of "Rev. Alfred Glennie Journals" is a typescript of Part One of the facsimile edition plus Part Two up to the end of July 1860, and contains 127 pages of the Journals. It includes an Introduction, Preface, illustrations, maps, and footnotes.

Book Two of the typescript w i l l contain the rest of the Journals, plus a comprehensive index of subject matter. Also included w i l l be a number of notes on local families mentioned in the Journals.

A history of the Glennie family written by Fabian Maloney w i l l complete Book Two.

The two books are part of the series "Historical Records of the Central Coast of New South Wales" which is being published by the Gosford District Local History Study Group as a Bicentennial Project.

Published by:-

Gosford District Local History Study Group.

Office: Gosford City Council Building, A9 Mann Street,

Gosford, NSW.

Secretary: 4 Adam Street, Narara, NSW.

Telephone: (043) 25 8331 [office] (043) 25 1055 [Secretary: home]

[x i i i ]

INTRODUCING THE REV. ALFRED GLENNIE JOURNALS TO OUR READERS

The l i f e of a minister of the Church of England at Brisbane Water 1855 to 1863.

In 1979 the president of our group, Frank Brennan, became aware of the existence of some diaries written by Alfred Glennie who had been minister of the Church of England in our di s t r i c t from 1850 to 1863.

The diaries had been in the possession of the City of Greater Cessnock Historical Society, ,and in fact, Frank had had the diaries in his hands but was unaware of their subsequent fate.

An immediate check was made at the Mitchell Library in Sydney, and this revealed that microfilmed copies had been made of the diaries and that these were deposited in their archives. A c a l l for the spools confirmed the existence of the diaries and their undoubted value in illustrating the history of our d i s t r i c t . It was our intention to purchase duplicate microfilm for study purposes, but because of the d i f f i c u l t y of typing a copy from microfilm we resolved to establish the whereabouts of the original diaries.

Our secretary Philippe Tabuteau contacted Stan Parkes, who was then president of the City of Greater Cessnock Historical Society. He gladly provided us with a l l the information he had regarding the diaries, and also informed us that they had been put in the care of the Public Library of Cessnock.

We decided to ascertain i f we would be permitted to copy from these originals. We were advised that some very undesirable handling of the books and litigation to secure their return had occurred and therefore i t would be with extreme reluctance that they would be made available, i f at a l l .

A protracted correspondence ensued, leading to a personal v i s i t in 1980 by our secretary to a meeting of the Historical Society at Cessnock to explain our interest in those parts of the diaries dealing with the history of our d i s t r i c t and our desire to make them available to students of our history. A general concensus was reached that such a project was suitable and should be supported. The asistance of the Cessnock Historical Society became a fact when they took the decision to have facsimile photocopies made of the diaries. They were produced in 1982 under hard cover, in five volumes, t i t l e d the "Rev. Alfred Glennie Journals", copies of which were deposited in the Wyong and Gosford Libraries.

The Gosford District Local History Study Group acquired a set at cost of $80.

[xiv]

We reproduce here the original introduction to the facsimile series.

FOREWORD TO THE LIMITED FACSIMILE EDITION 1982.

For this limited facsimile edition of the journals of the Rev. Alfred Glennie, we thank the Mayor and Aldermen of the Council of the City of Greater Cessnock, who show once again their willingness to support the publication of regional history; the council's librarian, Mr. Reg. Horner, who conceived the idea of photocopying the journals; and the Superintendent of Cessnock Corrective Centre and his officers and bookbinders for acceding to Mr. Horner's request for the binding of photocopies.

We feel very indebted to Mr. Horner, since he himself and other members of Greater Cessnock Historical Society have been trying since 1966 to find a way round the d i f f i c u l t y of publishing a work as large as the complete set of journals in our possession. This limited facsimile edition, though lacking certain features we have in mind, w i l l provide regional historians with a unique mass of data concerning the people of Brisbane Water and Greater Cessnock.

We appreciate, however, the need for the publication, when possible, of a second facsimile edition, complete with an introduction concerning the content of the journals and their historical background, a Glennie-Wyndham-Holmes genealogy, reference notes, maps, photographs, tables, index, and so on.

The journals were bequeathed to Greater Cessnock Historical Society by the late Frederick Charles Wyndham, son of Charles Wyndham and his wife, Lucy Emily (second daughter of Alfred Glennie), and grandson of the Rev. Alfred Glennie of Lochinvar and of George Wyndham of Dalwood.

The journals, which Alfred Glennie kept in 1855-1870, span a l l but the i n i t i a l five-year period of his twenty-year ministry in the Newcastle Church of England Diocese. In view of Glennie's habit of recording a l l matters of moment, we feel that at least one journal is missing. We should be very grateful for information leading to the discovery of other Glennie journals.

K. C. Marheine, Hon. Secretary and

W, S. Parkes, Research Officer

Greater Cessnock Historical Society

[xv]

This was an encouraging development. However, the five volumes being handwritten, albeit very clearly, did not have the appeal or ease of reading of a neat typescript. Of the 5 volumes, only 3 were pertaining to our district's history. They were not available for home loan; they had to be studied at the library in the hours of opening at times not always convenient. Consequently, very few people took advantage of their a v a i l a b i l i t y , and few ever read them through completely.

We proceeded to type from our set, a l l that was relevant to our d i s t r i c t .

Alfred Glennie was minister of the Church of England in the di s t r i c t of Brisbane Water from 1850 to 1863. The original manuscripts consist of 9 books covering 1855 to 1870. On average, three books cover 5 years. Since the f i r s t volume begins in February, 1855, without preamble or introduction, i t would be logical to conclude that three books covering the f i r s t 5 years at Gosford are missing.

The years 1855 to July 1863, - the date of Glennie's departure from Gosford, - have been full y typed, plus a l l the relevant passages in the last two volumes containing information or allusions relevant to Gosford such as meeting people from, or events at Gosford.

The 5 facsimile volumes have thus been reduced to 3 containing 508 pages.

We then had available at a l l times, a l l that was of interest to us and we could study and reproduce i t for the benefit of our members.

We made a photocopy of the original typescript for the benefit of our members. The interest evinced was such that we began thinking about publishing the journals. We contacted the Greater Cessnock Historical Society to t e l l them of our project and to ask i f they had an objection to us publishing part of the journals relevant to our d i s t r i c t .

We received a letter in June, 1986, from the secretary of Greater Cessnock Historical Society confirming his society's formal approval and welcoming our projected publication of the Rev. Alfred Glennie's Journals. That Project was made possible, to a large extent, by a grant from the Gosford City Bicentennial Committee of $25,000 to finance the publication costs of the f i r s t volumes of the proposed series t i t l e d "HISTORICAL RECORDS OF THE CENTRAL COAST OF NEW SOUTH WALES". Publishing is due to begin late in 1987, and w i l l continue into the Bicentenary year and probably well beyond. We are reproducing Rev. Glennie's Journals as part of the Historical Records of the Central Coast of New South Wales.

When the project was adopted we decided to write an introduction of

which this is a part.

We include also a study of the Glennie Family written by our esteemed member Fabian Maloney, and an appreciation of the Rev. Glennie

[xvi]

as a Minister of the Church of England, by Reverend Canon W. J , Redden who accepted our request to write this as one successor of Glennie's incumbency of the Parish of Brisbane Water. This is now much reduced in size, but greatly increased in membership.

An index was produced to complete our task, we made this as complete and comprehensive as possible. We indexed every name, event, occurrence or subject likely to be of use for future reference or research. We worked six months putting i t together, indexing being undertaken once a week for two hours by teams of about 6 people. We completed about 10 pages per session, on Tuesday, one session 2 - A and another 7 - 9 in the evening.

I would like to mention the names of the members of our society who participated gladly in the indexing, some of them driving to Gosford from as far away as Bateau Bay and Ettalong:-

They were Mesdames Robyn Arkinstall, Dot Chamberlain, Gloria Cox, Elma Dolman, Annie Eyers, Marion French, Wendy Graham, Laurel Livingston, Cecily Ryan, Jean Westbrook and Pam Williams.

We found our index so useful, in spite of shortcomings, and i t proved so popular, that we decided to include i t as i t was in our publication of "Rev. Alfred Glennie's Journal".

May we suggest to our student-readers that the comprehensiveness of the Glennie Journals' Index should not preclude them from attentively reading the Journals prior to embarking on a school project. The aim of the index is to help retrieve material known to be in the Journals from a previous reading; i t s aim is not to sort out subject matters to be hastily stitched together and presented as an essay on a given subject.

COMMENTS ABOUT THE GUIDING PRINCIPLES WE HAVE FOLLOWED IN EDITING "REV. ALFRED GLENNIE JOURNALS" FOR PUBLICATION

We have tried consistently in the typescript to retain the style and peculiarity of the original in i t s layout and character by keeping a l l the individualities of the text as i t appears on the original.

The Reverend Glennie s t i l l uses the long and short "s's" in his script by which the f i r s t of the two double "s" is written like an " f " but l e f t unbarred. We rejected a rendition of the instances where the reader might be confused by something like this:-

The Mifses Slefsor afsembled their pofsefsions.

In most cases, when deemed to be significant, a l l misspellings or mistakes have been carefully kept as they are in the manuscript and as Alfred Glennie spelt them as he thought they should be (Wye Wye, Kincurabar, Torigal, Lucey/Lucy, Gowdy etc.)

We have corrected only when i t was suspected that the difference

was because of bad writing or d i f f i c u l t reading.

The use of capital letters is not generally erratic as is usually

[xvii]

the case in contemporary scripts, neither is the grammar. Likewise, a correction made by the author in the choice of a word has been rendered since i t may be found of significance in showing Glennie striving for the right term in his description.

For the same reason, instances of words left out, stuck together, doubled, etc., have been left untouched since they may, in the mind of the readers, attest to the hurry in which the Reverend wrote his journal, in the l i t t l e spare time he could find.

It must also be remembered that the journal was not kept for the purpose of enlightening future generations, but for his own use and his own reasons. Therefore, he does not attempt to explain f u l l y , or present in detail, some events or actions about which we would dearly like to be more enlightened. For example, he refers to the "relevant minutes," and says no more, lie does not feel like elaborating on the identity of the two infants he baptised, since their names were entered in the Church Baptism Registers.

The reader should always refer to the original facsimile to ascertain that the original has been faithfully rendered and check what may appear to be a possible discrepancy between the original and the script.

[xviii]

PREFACE TO THIS EDITION

THE NATURE OF THE "REVEREND GLENNIE's JOURNALS"

Introduction

People write journals, diaries or logs in which they record events, thoughts or facts which, for reasons of their own, they deem to be worth recording. Women have a reputation for being more inclined to write down daily impressions and observations.

The names of Sarah Matthew and Agnes Fagan come to mind. The urge is prompted at special times such as embarking on a long t r i p , v i s i t i n g foreign countries or witnessing rare events when someone wishes to preserve special impressions for future reference. Many people begin recording their li v e s , but few persevere for any length of time.

Some diaries are written with a view to their ultimate publication. Politicians may wish to vindicate their actions, military personnel may need to justify their decisions. One may wish to preclude contestations as to their motives or keep track of events in their chronological sequences.

Some journals are of a more personal kind and can be quite intimate, not being written for publication and indeed not intended to be seen by anybody.

The Reverend Alfred Glennie's Journals are of the latter category: those of a man writing for himself; moved by a sense of duty, and not even particularly enjoying i t . He thought he had to write a journal as a testimony of his actions.

His journals were not written for anybody else to read after him and certainly not to be published. When reading them, we should not be affected by a sense of uneasiness as i f we were, so to speak, reading over his shoulder without his knowledge. We must try to understand his feelings, learn of his problems and share his intimacy with discretion.

We are very thankful to him for having recorded the daily l i f e of our early residents with such candour. He certainly did not attempt to pretty up the picture or add drama to the events; he is faithful and truthful. We feel that we have a genuine description of people and events as he saw them, which is not necessarily as we would have seen them ourselves.

Through his journals we see an interesting, i f patchy, picture of his time and contemporaries. He wrote for himself and did not try to draw a complete picture. His stories sometimes cut off short and he did not take up the thread later to finish the story. Often he alludes to events which makes sense to him but not to us who have not the benefit of insight.

Why did he impose on himself the task of recording year after year what was, after a l l , of minute interest? He does not report any momentous or very significant events, just the day-to-day humdrum l i f e of a minister in a somewhat backward rural parish.

[xix]

We may, perhaps, hazard a guess! He was a very dutiful pastor doing his very best and in his opinion not making much headway. He had no great success with his flock, he tried hard to keep them on the straight path - and the path on which he led them was quite straight and narrow - with much effort and l i t t l e reward. At the end of the day, he had nobody in whom to confide, to t e l l of his hopes or disappointments; he seems to have been quite frustrated at times; he hurried on regardless with no intimate friend to whom he could open his heart and unburden his feelings. "His wife Anne was often away from Gosford, back with her people. Alfred had nobody to discuss things with, nobody to listen to him and share his small successes or setbacks: his copybook was his sole confidant.

We think that he used spare moments to put down what he had in mind in his books, much as he would have confided to a friend. We have noted from his diary that he was not a gregarious man and we suppose he had few intimates.

Much as many people enjoy discussing the day's topics over a friendly drink in a hotel or club, or swapping news with neighbours over the fence, Glennie confided in his diaries. The nature of the writings shows this, and that is what makes them so interesting and so intimate to us and at the same time unsatisfactory to local historians because we expect them to be what they are not; to t e l l us many things, which they do not.

If the Reverend gentleman had thought that one day we would read his diaries, he would surely have avoided showing such candid biases (his dislike for the "Romish" for instance).

We cannot offer other reasons for the existence of the journals. Alfred Glennie obviously did not forsee that his journals could be published, he did not write for us or anybody else. He does not offer explanations for the causes of occurrences. His language is always grammatical, his pages are well written and legible, he expresses himself clearly, yet s t i l l we have the distinct feeling that no other person has been invited to share his feelings or emotions, not even his family. These are very private diaries he wrote for himself to record his experiences. Did he ever take the time to read over again what he had confided to paper? Probably not! He was very busy and often i l l . Keeping his journal was, perhaps, of some therapeutic value to him; i t was the place where he unburdened his heart.

He kept his journal purposely very concise and matter of fact, and we must not conclude that his feelings were also terse i f he does not offer some stirring comments after a statement to the effect that someone visited was in a shocking condition and suffering much. He had offered the patient and family the expression of his concern and sympathy; his journal was not intended to be the repository of those feelings.

[xx]

THE REVEREND ALFRED GLENNIE AS HE APPEARS THROUGH HIS JOURNALS

The Minister

Alfred Glennie comes out of his journals as a very busy, dutiful and dedicated minister. He spent much time v i s i t i n g his parishioners, travelling continually to his distant parishes, schools and flock. For instance, he regularly visited the Sawmill some days before the appointed day of service, to remind people of the date when he expected to see them.

He was very conscientious in tackling the tasks of administering and guiding his parishioners.

The Reverend Glennie was quite rigid in his christian outlook in that he set his expectations rather high. He made no allowance for the low mental a b i l i t i e s of some of his flock or their reduced knowledge of what their religion stood for and, perhaps, the small relevance religious practices had to their harsh daily l i v e s .

His Weather Reports

He recorded regularly and methodically what seems to us, more than 125 years later, the most useless pieces of information. However, i t is possible that someone w i l l find those details relevant in a special sort of way.

For us i t shows his interest in recording information for future, but improbable, reference; i t shows a scientific turn of mind too. He gives the elements of rain, cold, thunderstorm, winds and oppressive heat a great deal of attention. The reason may be understood with a l i t t l e imagination, and i f we remember that his travels were extensive and performed in a l l conditions in a very primitive sort of way, on horseback. The atmospheric conditions prevailing at the moment could make a simple trip very d i f f i c u l t , even dangerous, in times of flood or exhausting under a burning sun. Conversely, a clear warm day could make the same trip pleasant or a picnic outing most enjoyable. He was, therefore, very much aware of the weather changes.

The Man

In reading the Glennie journals, some traits in the man come to our knowledge. The reverend gentleman was quite proficient at handymanship; he gardened, pruned, mended, carpentered, cared for a small boat and horses and occasionally did domestic duties.

He enjoyed and was knowledgeable about vines and wine making. He did not disdain a glass or two of "Dalwood Red" in moderation. The l i s t of his hobbies, or rather various occupations, is quite large and a number are related to gardening or growing plants.

[xxi]

Alfred Glennie had been a settler and farmer before entering the ministry and these occupations were beneficial in that they helped him to relax and forget his pastoral problems or disappointments.

He suffered from a variety of ailments of which many were genuine, and died too young to have been a healthy man. Some of his complaints we suspect to have been more of a psychosomatic nature, but his suffering was not the less keen for that. It seems that his migraines recurred shortly before he had to perform an unpleasant duty, such as when he was due to ride to Mangrove Creek.

He travelled extensively through his enormous parish on horseback. We may note here that for him horse travelling was particularly difficult and unpleasant. He disliked to ride, which we can understand, and we sympathise with him when we read the descriptions he left us of the state of the roads - when they were roads. We can visualise him on his lazy old nag Mettle, travelling along the horrible track, often in rain and made slow through the poor condition of his various horses, the said Mettle being perhaps the worst example of equine clumsiness.

He dutifully prepared his sermons, wrote letters to family and friends, made accounts, taught religion, music or singing lessons and prepared confirmation classes. When he could he read newspapers and good books and would i f necessary, fix the harmonium. When could he possibly have found time to read his own journals again?

He was not a gregarious man. Socially, he liked to mix with a refined class of person, slenderly represented in his d i s t r i c t . In fact, he had d i f f i c u l t y mixing with most people unless they were of his own social class. He did not f i t in with ordinary people and did not share their interests, even cricket or horseracing. He was rather diffident and withdrawn and often solitary at home.

Family Life

Anne did not appear to have liked l i f e at Brisbane Water. She frequently went away with the girls for an extended time, back to her people at Singleton. She was a Ferris, - Uncle Ferris was her brother -and the Ferrises were twice related to the Glennies by marriage. When in Gosford, there is no record that she accompanied her husband on his rounds, called on his flock or helped him in any way in his exacting ministry. Marianne is the only one ever mentioned riding occasionally with ho.r father and playing the harmonium in church. Emily obviously was s t i l l quite young. He was often left without servants and Anne was often away for long periods.

Alfred Glennie's Relationship with the Local Population

His Parishioners

The Glennies lived in the Hunter d i s t r i c t before Alfred was appointed to Brisbane Water, his f i r s t posting, a large rural and backward dis t r i c t extending from Brooklyn to Wiseman's Ferry on the Hawkesbury; from Swansea to Yarramalong in the north. The d i s t r i c t

[xxii]

was s t i l l underdeveloped and in the early stages of formation. In

1850, when they arrived, Gosford was not yet a decade old.

His parishioners were few and disseminated over a large area, and they were poor and rough. Glennie, who was an educated man and whose family had a tradition of scholarship, was dismayed by their very low educational level. They were also poor. He had trouble collecting funds for the clergy stipend, church buildings, burial grounds, patriotic causes, benevolent asylum, a Maitland flood, repairs to the school roof, interior fittings for the church and re-shingling the parsonage.

He had much di f f i c u l t y in finding help to collect funds, and even that unwilling help failed him; he had to go collecting himself, a task which he f u l f i l l e d reluctantly.

Alfred Glennie was very s t r i c t towards himself as well as his parishioners. He had a very high idea of his ministry and the office he f i l l e d in the church he represented.

His Flock

The bulk of his flock was made up of gross and uneducated folk. That is how they appear to be and that was probably the case. He could not mix with or even relate to them. He was their guide and judge.

The journal opens on the report of young Kelly who was kil l e d in an accident while riding a horse on Sunday, after he had been cautioned by the Reverend only a short time before that he was breaking the sanctity of the Sabbath. We are l e f t with the impression, not expressed but clearly implied, that God punished him for not heeding His voice through His servant, like an echo of the Bible stating that the chosen people were decimated for ignoring Jehovah's orders expressed through His prophets.

Glennie seems to have been unable to sympathise. That term is probably too strong, "to be emotionally involved" is a better description perhaps. He was unceasingly denouncing, remonstrating. His reprobation of a young g i r l , having had a baby, is directed at her without any express thought of extenuating circumstances. Her youth is not an excuse, but an aggravating circumstance. He does not consider her lack of experience in l i f e , and possibly of parental supervision, the coercion under which she may have given way, the prevalence of those occurrences at the time and in that environment for her social class. She is condemned for having disgraced her church, and maybe also the pastor whose rules she has flouted. There is not a word of compassion for her fate and that of the baby. Was he insensitive? When some of his parishioners were dying from long and lingering illnesses, he went to v i s i t them daily, seemingly less from genuine concern for their suffering (which he exhorted them to support as atonement - a concept utterly foreign to their comprehension) than to make sure their end would be that of a true Christian for the edification of the congregation. He urged them to accept their cross and resign themselves to accept God's w i l l .

[xxiii]

He disliked the "Popish" and made no bones about i t . He could not countenance the foibles of the common people. He rightly despised drunkenness but he saw no extenuating circumstances in i t . He ignored the harshness of the times, the weakness of human nature and the general habits of the times. He did not gently reprove, convince and help; he admonished and te l l s us that i t was in very harsh terms.

Glennie and the Catholics

Hearing that Mr. Woolfrey was about to leave the di s t r i c t -

"I thought I would go down & bid him farewell this morning."

In this terse and restrained sentence. Reverend Glennie referred to his counterpart on the Catholic side of the parish of Brisbane Water.

We would guess that he was quite happy to see the departure of Henry Norbert Woolfrey M.A., who had been in charge of the Catholic parish since 1856.

H. N. Woolfrey was an English monk of the Cisterian Order born in 1801. He studied and was ordained in France and he and his brother William Odilo came as missionaries to Australia - Tasmania at f i r s t , then South Australia and Brisbane Water. William was appointed to Brisbane Water in February 1852, Henry succeeded him in May 1856.

They seem to have been very popular; William was transferred, but Henry stayed on until the end of 1862. He was reputed as a scholar and a preacher.

The brothers' abil i t y in converting souls to Catholicism sorely tried Alfred Glennie. William Woodbury became a Catholic with his family * and so did John Woodward * as he wished to marry into a Catholic family. The Byrnes of Mangrove went back to that faith, as Cox had resolved to do, although the Reverend thinks that he is not -

"... irretrievably gone; I left with him Archbp Seeker's Sermons against Popery, which he promised to read." *

We are l e f t from these and many other similar instances, with the impression that the two pastors were engaged in a rivalry to win souls and Glennie rode with Archbishop Seeker's books against Popery in his saddle bags for distribution in the hope of gaining fresh converts.

Certainly from the study of the Catholic Baptismal Registers, we can detect a fair number of Catholic baptisms "sub conditione" which means that those concerned were already baptised in the Church of England. This indicates individuals or whole families changing their religious allegiance and joining Father Woolfrey's flock. Such

[1] Glanyu-Q.'6 Journal III p. 7 7 9, IS Novmbtn. 1862.

i l l Ibid. II p. 129, 9 AuguM 1S60.

[3] Ibid. J p. 153, 19 UovmbzA 1857.

[4] Ibid. i n p. 4, 8 AptU 1861.

[5] i.bld.

[xxiv]

"defections" must have been extremely painful for a parson so dedicated and working so hard at his ministry.

Social Life

The Reverend and the "Better Class"

On the other end of the social ladder, Glennie mixed with the "better class" consisting of better educated or more affluent settlers. This was not because he was a snob, but because i t was expected of him. He socialised with the Misses Donnison, the Harrisons, Helys and their relatives, Mann and Drew, the Nunns, Battleys and the Scotts of Point Clare.

He also had problems with d i f f i c u l t characters. He f e l l foul of Horsbrugh and Hargraves. He bore the i l l w i l l of settlers like Capper, with whom he renewed friendly relations later, Creighton and Spears, with whom he did not.

In his journal, he appeaj^s to us as typical of the parsons of the time as we imagine them to be, having high regard for the social and religious positions they f i l l e d , being guardians of public morality and having a mission to moralise and redeem people from the abyss of religious indifference in which they were happy to stay.

He did not quite appreciate the particular conditions in which the country was founded and abhorred the social background of most of his parishioners. While some English migrants were s t i l l adhering to the practices, customs and ways of their home country, many others who had come under different conditions were exhibiting a behaviour and character quite opposite and antagonistic, and which became characteristics of Australian behaviour, s t i l l in evidence today of non-conformism, independence and general ho s t i l i t y to authority.

These aspects of the Australian character originated in those days when the greater part of the population, made up of social delinquents, was s t r i c t l y ordered about, even in its most private habits, and regulated by a righteous and moralising minority.

The Reverend Glennie was dedicated and genuine. His sincerity cannot be denied by those who read his journals. Some of his contemporaries regarded him as officious and patronising in his apostolic endeavours; this is evident even from his own testimony. However, his parishioners sensed his sincerity and dedication. Alfred Glennie was genuinely surprised that, when i t came time to take up another appointment, he found i t painful to take leave of his flock and by the

"... demonstration of sorrow evinced almost universally by a l l we lef t behind, our departure was sincerely lamented by them: & I may truly say the feeling was fully reciprocated by us a l l . - "

[xxv]

S t i l l , by leaving Brisbane Water to take up the new appointment at Lochinvar, i t seems to us that they must have felt that a term of years of probation had been successfuly accomplished. They were released to return to the countryside where they really belonged, amongst their family and friends. They must have rejoiced at the prospect of living nearer the Glennie, Ferris, Townshend, Wyndham and Holmes families.

Historical Value of the Journals

Everybody w i l l agree that Glennie's diaries or "Journals", are a very valuable source of information in many ways. They give us information about people and the behaviour of some individuals, they describe events and give details which we would not otherwise have had. Glennie states for instance that he commenced his ministry at Mangrove Creek on the 3rd Marcb 1850, and his duty at East Gosford and at Kincumber on the 10th of the same month. * We are also given [1] a good insight into the reverend's thoughts and feelings.

The "Journals" however, are not a systematic record of the l i f e of a small rural community in the 1850-65 era, but the jotting down, at the end of the day, of what had stuck in the mind of the writer, unrelated to what had happened yesterday or conjecturing on what might happen next.

His Journals are not composed of high thoughts or deep feelings, just daily recordings of ordinary happenings. It is for us to gather an understanding of their author's personality and form a mental picture of his time.

It seems that i f we read attentively through the Journals, noting his reactions, his comments and actions, we can gather a pretty good understanding of the man and the parson, as well as the society and l i f e at Brisbane Water in the 1850's.

Glennie certainly appears, through his own pen, with warts and a l l . We see the shortcomings, of which he was aware, and the prejudices and harshnesses of which he was unaware.

We must not read into his Journals what was not meant to be there. We w i l l not find in the pages a historical study of the period and the people, or a report of social or economical conditions covering the time and the area. Many aspects are l e f t out - the Catholic presence for instance, and most aspects are not treated in any systematic way. His Journals are very disjointed; he does not try to demonstrate, justify or describe, teach, edify, convey, moralise or consign to posterity.

We must admit that he wrote of much that was t r i v i a l in his diaries - plain gossip, idle talk which could not be of further interest to him and was not worth being taken down, and so why did he commit i t to paper? We must also admit that the gossip provokes a lively interest in the reading of his Journals and his readers generally relish every such item.

[1] Gltnwit'i Jomnal II pp. 163, 165.

[xxvi]

He kept his diary very irregularly, sometimes neglecting for as much as a fortnight to enter his daily monologues. Then he made an effort to take i t up again and f i l l the gaps as he remembered the events. When he could find free time or summoned up the resolve, he resumed his self-imposed task and endeavoured to f i l l up the lag.. For his persistence we must be very thankful.

In spite of such a wealth of information, we are tantalised by what has not been conveyed to us. Some events are reported in part only, names of parties alluded to are not mentioned. References are made to events not previously reported and of which we are not aware. Sometimes he leaves us suspended and neglects to report the end issue of an affair: he does not finish his tale. Clearly, Alfred Glennie was not writing for us.

It is because of the very fact that his Journals are so patchy and disjointed, so obviously spontaneous, that we feel we can believe a l l that is recorded as a true picture of the thoughts of Alfred Glennie. Manifestly, he did not try to brighten or gloss over, or justify his actions. He did not write a literary essay, although his English is good and grammatical. If he did not try to balance his sentences or sometimes even did not finish them, he always expressed exactly what he had in mind and we sense that we can believe what he recorded in his Journals without reservation.

As proposed above, the explanation is that he wrote to unburden himself by consigning to paper the small occurrences he had experienced, pleasant or otherwise, and to exorcise from his recollections the unpleasant or tedious incidents that were lingering in his mind.

Conclusion

We are l e f t , having closed the last pages of his "Journals", with the picture of a very honest and dedicated man, working very hard and getting results from a very d i f f i c u l t task.

We w i l l forever be grateful to him for leaving us such a wealth of information and insight about the people at Brisbane Water in the late 1850's and early 1860's. We feel as i f we really know the individuals we have met through the Reverend Glennie. He has given us hundreds of details and particulars about families and individuals, happy events or sad occurrences, circumstances of deaths, accidents and other happenings which would otherwise have been lost, precise information of many kinds and interesting facts.

A l l these things w i l l make his recollections very popular and

useful to local historians and to researchers whose families had

some connection with our d i s t r i c t in a certain period of the 19th

century.

Ph. Ed. T.

8 Dec. 1987

[xxvii]

J^iCj^leTinies tXy Stn LGresford

SINGLETON,

Elderslic

3ranxton

Extent of GLENNIE'S PARISHES

Brisbane •Water 1850 ~ 18fo5 Lochinvar 18fc5 - 18T0

.Grcra Lochinvar

ITUNt Morpeth Raymond Terrace

("Wollombi

V Higher Macdonald

Upper / (

St. Albans «5J Central ^

m b b 3 ^ M a n g r o v e Creek r

Lower (

jUpper jM;angrave

/ „ Hawkesbi)

•Kt "Vincent

Freemans ^ t e r Hole

Cedar I finish Creek kJYarramalong

ong Ck.

fourittibah/^

IFWCASTLE

tleids Mistake

(NoraHville

IJarara i GOSFOE

spencer

Chinamana Beach. f i:

Matchati y

-Cincumbet^fferrigal ^.voca

SCALE 10 10 ZO

OraMon by J. P Pecovcr

[xxviii]

RevAIfred GLENNIE Journals 1833 0

February 1855

13. the other aide of the creek, & t h i n k i n g I might r i n g i n vain a 3. southerly winds to blow the sound away, I determined upon making sure of doing some work, so went to v i s i t the people out at the back of Dowall's. - I found the misses Donnison here on my [1] return j u s t preparing to r i d e home again. - I received a most s a t i s f a c t o r y l e t t e r t h i s evening from Mr. G.K. H o l d e n , t e l l i n g me [2] that the long l o s t Deeds of the Church land at East Gosford, had come to l i g h t at l a s t having been m i s l a i d a l l t h i s time i n h i s o f f i c e .

14. Spent t h i s day at Kincumber. - F i r s t of a l l c a l l e d at Mr. B a t t l e y ' s , to see Emily, who has j u s t returned from Port P h i l i p , & took them by suprise yesterday afternoon morning . - I them went to Mr. Roberts' & from there to the sev e r a l f a m i l i e s of Davis, & a f t e r a good deal of conversation with them, on the subject of Confirmation, Stipend Fund, & arranging with G-Davis about making the church seats, I came on to the Church v i a Woodwards & Pipers, & f i n i s h e d out the day with my catechism c l a s s .

13. L e t t e r w r i t i n g a l l the morning, as i s my usual p r a c t i c e on Thursday, Spent the afternoon v i s i t i n g i n East Gosford.

16. Spent t h i s day at E r l n a , v i s i t i n g a l l the morning, & catechizing i n afternoon - Agreed with Dan Berry f o r the purchase of a log of cedar, containing from 750 to 800 f e e t , (§ £. Per 100 f t . -to make the seats f o r the Kincumbar Church.

17. Went to Blue Gum F l a t & the Sawmill today, but could not c a l l on a l l the people. Mr. Davidson came i n from Sydney while I was there.

S18. Got through my three s e r v i c e s at Kincumbar, E. Gosford, & Sawmill very w e l l , & had f a i r congregations at each place. - Reached home again at abt 20 m.p. 11 P.M:- b e a u t i f u l s t a r l i g h t night.

[1] Tht HU'St'i POMMISOM, Eliza and htfi i U t t ^ , B.C., ujt^t tm t a l l womtn, tht daughtt^i Hznfiij and HaKgaioX VOMMJSOM. ThtOi tldtit ilitti Hannah, had mannltd tht l l n . i t Intumbtnt BKlA>bant Wattn., tht Rtvt^tnd Edwaid ROGERS, a Wldouitu, Thty It^t Go^oKd Ion Camdtn. Tht Mli4>ti VOUmSON al6o had a hoait at Rtd^tnn [itt J.SO]. Thtln. tAtatt at En.lna, 2000 atiti, tht original Gn.ant to dl. BEAM, wa4 managtd by SOJAVLING. Thty tvtntually 6old thtOi piopQJity and fioXufcntd to England.

12] Pllvatt Stttetaiy to tht GovtinoK and bnothtn o^ Al^n.td HOLVEN, Vlitlltt Maglitnatt, 1S26-1S43.

February 1855

19. Took ho l i d a y today, & had a l i t t l e p i c n i c party w i t h a l l the A. j u v e n i l e B a t l e y s . They came i n t h e i r boat from E.Gosford, & we a l l went across the water to Mr. Holden's o l d residence, & took our dinner under the shade of a t h i c k clump of tre e s . I t was a b e a u t i f u l sunny day, with a co o l r e f r e s h i n g N.E. wind,& a l l seemed w e l l pleased w i t h the day's amusement.

20. At home the greater part of the day w r i t i n g e t c . - Towards evening I went to c a l l on Mr. Harrison. The post t h i s evening brought us f u r t h e r i n t e l l i g e n c e from England about the progress of the war. Sebastopol not yet taken, but another v i c t o r y f ' J obtained over the Russians at Inkerman.

21. Being Ash Wednesday, had Divine Service i n the morning at E.Gosford. There were only about 24 persons i n attendance. I d i d not preach a sermon. In the afternoon I went to Kincumbar, where I had my Catechism C l a s s , a f t e r which I c a l l e d at Ward's. Rudkln & family a r r i v e d t h i s morning per Sylph. I also found [2] Mrs.Osborne at E. Gosford t h i s afternoon with her two boys.

22. My l e t t e r w r i t i n g day, so that I had occupation i n the house a l l the morning. Being out of s o r t s w i t h a headache I did not go out i n the afternoon, but sent James with my l e t t e r s to the

[3] post, Mrs. Osborne c a l l e d t h i s morning with her l i t t l e boys.

23. Spent the day at E r i n a , v i s i t i n g i n the morning, & catechizing In the afternoon.

24. At home a l l the morning, rode out to Fletchers i n the afternoon, having heard that Mrs. F. was i l l * C a l l e d also to see Mrs.Warburton, who has been poorly again.

25. Administered the sacrament i n the morning at E. Gosford, to 12 Commts. The d u l l ^ t h r e a t e r n i n g morning 1 think must have kept some away, who otherwise would have been present. Had a good congregation at Kincumbar, & famous one at Er i n a - nearly 50.

[1] CfLAjneM.n Wan..

[2] RUVKJN, a Imcktx.

[3] Jamt6, hJU -iOAwant.

February 1855

26. Spent t h i s day v i s i t i n g at Blue Gum F l a t & Sawmill, warning the people f o r the s e r v i c e next Sunday morning.

27. Woke up between 3 & 4 t h i s morning w i t h a bad headache which remained w i t h me a l l day. - I went over to East Gosford i n the morning to hand over to Mr. B a t t l e y some money which 1 received from Dickson l a s t n i g h t , as c o n t r i b u t i o n s to our B u r i a l Ground Fence Fund. - Too unwell to do much of anything today.

28. At Kincumber a l l today. Went f i r s t to Woodwards, where I administered the Sacrament to o l d Mrs.Schooler, being joined by Mrs. Woodward & Mrs.George Davis. - I then worked my way up to the school c a l l i n g at a l l the houses by the way. Found poor K i l p a c very i l l , & read & prayed with him. He seemed to be drawing near h i s end, - I had my f u l l c l a s s of young f o l k s at the school, or Church r a t h e r ,

March 1855.

1. At home a l l the morning, w r i t i n g l e t t e r s , e t c : Had an unexpected, but agreeable i n t e r r u p t i o n by the a r r i v a l of a box of books from the Morpeth Depot. Some very nice books, c h i e f l y f o r s a l e . We a l s o had a v i s i t from Mrs Master & l i t t l e J u l i a . In the afternoon T had my Catechism c l a s s at E.Gosford, & took my l e t t e r s to the post which f i n i s h e d out the day.

2. Spent t h i s day at E r i n a & the neighbourhood. - In the morning 1 went through Mosquito Town, mustering up c h i l d r e n f o r the school, & got the promise of 20 from that l o c a l i t y alone. I had my c l a s s i n the afternoon, as usual. - Being l i t t l e Emily's Birthday, we gave her a l i t t l e h oliday excursion>by a l l of us going to E r i n a .

3. Made a c a l l or two close at home i n the morning, besides a l i t t l e Indoor work i n the w r i t i n g way.In the afternoon I rode over to Kincumbar to see K i l p a c whom I found a l i t t l e better.

J J S i t e undz^jlntd. VKobably In SmyeA6 Vallojj, Ewia HeAghti wkejio. a numbzfi Smyo.n.'t ^amltiZ'i Hutd. Tkt mily 'ickool wa-i built thufin on land donated by tht MUit-i VOmiSOM.

March 1855.

S4. Had two very good Congregations today. In the morning about 6. 50 at the Saw m i l l , where I baptized 3 i n f a n t s , & i n the afternoon H J about 80 at E.Gosford.

5. Started about 9 o'c t h i s morning to pay a v i s i t to Freeman's family at Cabbage Tree. I reached Mrs.Osborne about 1 o'c & a f t e r 2 hours r e s t & refreshment f o r myself & horse, proceeded l e i s u r e l y t o Cabbage Tree, where,I a r r i v e d a l i t t l e before Sunset, r a t h e r t i r e d a f t e r my hot r i d e , f o r the day was a l i t t l e warmer than usual. I found the family j u s t recovered from a severe c o l d which had a f f e c t e d them a l l , but the o l d man seemed to have been the greatest s u f f e r e r , I was pleased to f i n d that the ol d e s t g i r l , E l i z a , was g e t t i n g on w e l l with her s e l f i n s t r u c t i o n , and she read very n i c e l y a chapter i n the "Abridgement of the B i b l e , " which I took with me among some other l i t t l e books to leave with her. She seemed desirous of being confirmed when the Bishop comes, & I had some conversation, & i n s t r u c t e d her as the th nature & benefit of Confirmation,& hope upon my next opportunity of examining her, to f i n d that she i s duly q u a l i f i e d f o r i t . - A f t e r p o i n t i n g out to her the duty of p r o f i t i n g by the knowledge she had acquired by endeavouring to i n s t r u c t her younger s i s t e r s , I l e f t them about 12 o'clock on Tuesday the

6. S i x t h , & returned to Mrs Osborne's. Had a very warm r i d e again t h i s day, but a short one, only 14 miles. Reached Mrs. Osbornes between 3 & 4, & remained there the night.

7. Started t h i s morning i n company w i t h Mr. John Osborne, who l e f t me at Wyong where I s t a i d f o r a l i t t l e to v i s i t Turner's fa m i l y & Woolly's a f t e r which I proceeded up the creek to Yarramolong to c a l l upon Mr. L e t t e , whom I had not previously seen. I found him & Mrs. Lette l i v i n g i n a te n t , t h e i r l i t t l e

[2] cottage being not yet completed. They gave me a kind welcome, & a f t e r partaking of t h e i r dinner, I mounted my horse

[1] Ge.on.ge. ¥n.zdz>iick CRAWFORD, ion o^ Le.ille. -, Englnten. ol the. Steam Sawmill i Jemima, Bonn 17 Fzbnaany 1855.

Eliza CHILD, daaghtzn Chanle.i -, Wke.elwnlgkt oi the. Stzam Sawmill i Emma. Bonn 31 Dz-cesnbeA 1854.

Suiannah CATER, daughteA o^ Chanle.6 -, Sawytn o^ Blue. Gum Flat ^ Lacy, Bonn 17 Fe-bnaany 1855.

[2] LETTE, canly izttleA at Vannamalong. They latex I t ^ t the dUtnlct having iold theln land to STIMSON,

March 1855

7. about 3i & set o f f on my homeward journey, a distance of 22 miles, 7. which owing to Mettle's sluggishness, I was j u s t 6 hours i n accomplishing & came i n very t i r e d about 9 i .

8. I t was my wish to go up to E r i n a t h i s morning, to be present at the opening of the school there, but hearing that a boy was dangerously i l l i n the f a m i l y of Anson, a Sawyer out under the Kincumber Range. I thought i t more important to go & v i s i t him, as I could not manage both. To my suprise however, I met the boy & h i s younger brother w i t h i n h a l f a mile of t h e i r hut, coming i n to the township to buy a f i s h i n g l i n e . He had been very i l l I b e l i e v e , but r a p i d l y recovered. I went on however & v i s i t e d h i s parents & urged them to send both the lads to s c h o o l , though I fear my advise & e n t r e a t i e s w i l l be l i t t l e heeded - I v i s i t e d the Scroggins family a l s o , i n the same neighbourhood. - In the afternoon I had a very samll c l a s s at the Church,only Mr. B a t t l e y ' s two g i r l s . Tom having a severe sprain i n the ankle i s q u i t e disabled from walking at present. - On my way home from Anson's t h i s morning I f e l l i n with a l i t t l e boy, whose mother (Murphy at Mosquito Town) promised me l a s t week to send her three boys to the School at Erina t h i s morning. Instead of which he was on what they seem to consider a more important errand, - fetching Rum from the P u b l i c House. On coming i n t h i s evening from E. Gosford, I found Mr. Henry Bode here, having a r r i v e d from Mangrove with a p o r t i o n of the Stipend c o l l e c t i o n wh. h i s brother had procured.

9. Kept w i t h i n doors today by the r a i n , which has been pouring down i n t o r r e n t s the greater part of the day. - Spent the day In reading c h i e f l y .

March 1855

10. Mr.Bode l e f t us t h i s morning soon a f t e r breakfast on h i s return to 8. Mangrove. A f t e r dinner I rode out to Kincumbar to see how Ki l p a c was g e t t i n g on, & found him a l i t t l e b e t t e r than when I l a s t saw him. I c a l l e d i n at the school house on my way to enquire f o r Mrs Rudkin's l i t t l e g i r l who appeared much the same as us u a l . - Not very w e l l I think t h i s evening. There seems always to be a kind of sympathy e x i s t i n g between myself & the weather. When i t becomes cloudy, my s p i r i t s seem a l s o to be under a cloud. The gloominess of the sky today seems a l s o to have Imparte.d a gloom to myself, but I hope to see a b r i g h t sky again tomorrow morning.

S l l . Three very f a i r congregations today. The Er l n a congregation rather s u r p r i s e s me, co n s i d e r i n g the darkness of some of the nights. There were about 40 there again t h i s evening.

12. V i s i t e d the school t h i s morning, & was much pleased at Mr. Rudkins manner of conducting i t . I have every reason to hope that we have an e x c e l l e n t teacher i n him. This afternoon I rode out as fa r as F l e t c h e r s , to v i s i t a few s i c k f o l k s i n that neighbourhood, Mrs Barber has been very poorly but i s now bett e r again,

13, I set out t h i s morning w i t h the i n t e n t i o n of going to Mr. Scott's H J but on reaching Fagan's was d i v e r t e d from my purpose, so 1 turned my horse head i n the opposite d i r e c t i o n & paid a few v i s i t s i n the neighbourhood of Wyoming, - c a l l i n g on Gavenlock, Cockcroft, Ralph Woods, & at Mr. Nunn's where I had the pleasure of making Mrs. Nunn's acquaintance, who a r r i v e d l a s t week.-

14. Went to Kincumbar t h i s morning, & a f t e r spending an hour or so with K i l p a c , returned to the School where I was occupied with my young f o l k s t i l l n e a r ly sunset. - On reaching home (pas Bo'c) I found Mrs. Osborne & John here.-

[T] Tkomai Allion SCOTT Taicott 6uga.K cant ^amt, had a Banana Plantation and OichaKd.

March 1855

9. 15. At home a l l the morning l e t t e r w r i t i n g e t c . Had my Battley Confirmation

c l a s s at the school i n the afternoon, & then posted my l e t t e r s by which time i t was dark.

16. Spent t h i s day at E r i n a , v i s i t i n g the school e t c . and some of the f o l k s i n the neighbourhood.

17. This being a k i n d of f e s t i v i t y among the people, 1 have, as i s a pr a c t i c e on a l l such occasions kept myself w i t h i n doors, & have been occupied p r i n c i p a l l y i n Sermon w r i t i n g . A boat Regatta has been the amusement of the day, & I suppose that the inconsistency of ce l e b r a t i n g a Romish F e s t i v a l , & that during the season of Lent, d i d not enter in t o the minds of many of them.

S18. A hard day's work today, of 15 hours duration. I administered the Sacrament In the morning at Kincumbar (took my dinner on horseback as I rode from one church to the other) had a baptism at Gosford i n the afternoon, & another baptism at the Sawmill i n the evening making 3 f u l l s e r v i c e s , w i t h the a d d i t i o n of a Sacrament at each, I j u s t reached home at night i n time to hear the clock s t r i k e 12.

19. S u f f e r i n g headaches today, the e f f e c t I suppose of yesterdays work.-I fear I s h a l l be compelled to give up these l a t e evening services at the Sawmill, f o r I t i s e v i d e n t l y too much f o r me. This afternoon we went to Mona Vale to c a l l upon the Harrisons. [7J

20. Remained at home Sermon w r i t i n g etc.

21. Spent the day at Kincumbar, v i s i t i n g u n t i l 4o'c: then catechizing at the Church.

22. At home a l l the morning w r i t i n g l e t t e r s e tc. Confirmation class i n the afternoon at E.Gosfd. I should have mentioned that on re t u r n i n g from Kincumbar l a s t evening I found Mr. Bat t l e y here, a very unusual occurrence nowadays. His errand was to hand over to me the £50 which my Pa r i s h i o n e r s have subscribed to e n t i t l e me to cl a i m another L50 from Governt.

[1] Wame the, HARRISON ptopvitij cU Point Fn.(idzilck, now 6ltt o^ tht C o l l t g t oi St. Edwan.d'6.

March 1855 10.

23. Spent the day at E r i n a , as usual v i s i t i n g i n the morning, & cat e c h i z i n g i n the afternoon.

24. We had a p u b l i c meeting here t h i s afternoon, to organize a Committee f o r c o l l e c t i n g c o n t r i b u t i o n s to the P a t r i o t i c Fund. I t was miserably attended, there not being 20 persons present. Mr.Moore was chairman on the occasion. He c a l l e d here before the meeting opened, & took a hasty dinner w i t h us.

S25. A very r a i n y day, consequently a small congregation at Gosford, & hardly any at Kincumbar. Being such bad weather I did not go to Eri n a .

26. The weather being showery & unsettled I remained at home today, & have been occupied among other t h i n g s , making out my Confirmation T i c k e t s .

27. I made a few c a l l s i n the immediate neighbourhood t h i s morning, & then proceeded by boat to Mr. S c o t t ' s , to pay my l a s t catechizing v i s i t to my young f r i e n d s , to whom I d e l i v e r e d the necessary t i c k e t s of approval. -My examination of those g i r l s has always been a source of pleasure & g r a t i f i c a t i o n to me, from the readiness of t h e i r answers generally, & the r e a l i n t e r e s t which they have evinced a l l along i n the matter.-In the evening, a f t e r my re t u r n from Mr. Scotts, I rode out to Fletchers on a s i m i l a r errand to have a l i t t l e conversation with h i s sons, previous to t h e i r c o n f i r m a t i o n . I d i d not get home again t i l l near eleven o'clock.

28. At home a l l the morning, reading the l a t e accounts from the Crimea, which l a s t nights newspapers brought us. - This afternoon I went to Kincumbar, to my Confirmation c l a s s there.

29. L e t t e r w r i t i n g a l l the morning - Confirmation c l a s s at E.Gosfd afternoon.

i

March & A p r i l 1855

Mar 30. The weather was so unfavourable t h i s morning that I hesitated about 11

s t a r t i n g on my Mangrove journey, but as i t c l e a r e d up a l i t t l e towards noon I got my horse saddled & set o f f . - I l o s t 40 minutes at s t a r t i n g by Fagan d i s a p p o i n t i n g me at the punt, f o r I had to return & go by Wyoming. -However, I made out my journey very w e l l , & found Mr. Bode jus t f i n i s h i n g h i s dinner when I a r r i v e d at the Mangrove Hermitage i n the evening.

31. The weather being showery, only three of my Confirmation Candidates came to meet me at the School house. - In the afternoon Mr. Bode rowed me i n the boat up the creek, to make a few calls,namely on Watklns, Senr. & Junr. & on A t k i n s .

A p r i l

SI. Being a wet morning about 20 persons only came to Church.- I preached my c h a r i t y sermon on behalf of the " P a t r i o t i c Fund" but I almost fear i t w i l l not be very l i b e r a l l y supported i n Mangrove Creek.- As there was no communicants present I was unable to administer the Holy Communion.- This has occurred twice running now. We started for the Upper Church i n the Afternoon, but had not proceeded f a r before the [1] r a i n came pouring down so h e a v i l y , t h a t , a f t e r w a i t i n g for h a l f an hour i n A t k i n s ' Barn, and seeing no prospect of i t s holding up,we returned home.

2. Rained so hard a l l day that I could not s t i r out any where.- Employed reading,& w r i t i n g a l e t t e r to England. I never knew heavier r a i n than during t h i s day.

3. The r a i n having continued w i t h increased v i o l e n c e , i f possible during the night, we were not at a l l s u r p r i s e d to f i n d a great flood i n the creek when we got up t h i s morning. Though I d i d not expect to accomplish my journey homeward, I saddled my horse

Thtnt wzAd tm Chatdhzi at Mangnovd -

Thd Uppdl at Vubbo Gully - St. Tkomai - wUlh a 6mall bufuial ground. Tkd LoMdK at GidrngfiOwd - St. VdtZK'i, - with a langd buiJual ground.

A p r i l 1855

3. I made a s t a r t a f t e r b r e a k f a s t , but had not proceeding above h a l f a m i l e , 12. I was obliged to r e t u r n . The creek had overflowen i t s banks, & there were s e v e r a l l i t t l e branch creeks which I could not have crossed without r i s k , I ther e f o r e returned to the "Hermitage" & read, etc. u n t i l a bad headache o b l i g e d me to give up.- I have not suffered so severe a headache, I th i n k f o r many years.

A. The water being subsided t h i s morning I made an e a r l y s t a r t & had a f i n e day f o r my r i d e home, which I reached about A P.M. Thus has my v i s i t to Mangrove t h i s time been rather an u n p r o f i t a b l e one f o r nearly a l l my time was spent cooped up i n the school house.

5. I t was w e l l that I reached home yesterday, f o r the r a i n set i n again l a s t night & has continued very h e a v i l y a l l today, with a few intermissions.-I have been c h i e f l y occupied l e t t e r w r i t i n g today, with a few l i t t l e i n t e r r u p t i o n s when required to help i n the removal of sundry things from the dressing room, i n which a quantity of p l a s t e r f e l l from the c e i l i n g during the n i g h t . - This heavy r a i n has t r i e d our roof severely,& found i t wanting i n very many places.

6. Good Fri d a y . Morning s e r v i c e at Kincumbar, where only 8 attended, Some perhaps were not aware of t h e i r being s e r v i c e , at when I gave notice of i t l a s t Sunday week only 6 persons were i n the church besides Mr. Lane.- [U A f t e r s e r v i c e I spent the remainder of the day v i s i t i n g i n the neighbourhood.

7. Spent t h i s day at Kincumbar again, v i s i t i n g from Bullock's down to Davis's & home round by Mr. Roberts'.- came home about 7oc; a good deal fagged, having dined on a glass of cold water.

MK. LAME wa4 thz tzaahzn. at KincwmboA,

A p r i l 1855

S8. Easter Day, & unfortunately a very r a i n y one, at l e a s t i n the afternoon,13. so much so that I d i d not go to Kincumbar.

9. I have been out again the whole of today, c h i e f l y i n the neighbourhood of E r i na g i v i n g Confirmation T i c k e t s to the Candidates up there.

10. Vestry meeting t h i s morning to e l e c t Church wardens. - Attended as usual. - Three p a r t i e s only present; Mr. B a t t l e y , Venteman & s e l f . 1 made a few c a l l s i n East Gosford i n the morning & walked out as f a r as Robt Whites & Creightons i n afternoon. [7J

11. Started today w i t h the i n t e n t i o n of reaching Mrs.Osborne's, & thence proceeding tomorrow to Mount Vincent to meet the Bishop of Newcastle, but l e a r n i n g on the road that the creeks were s t i l l high, I thought i t prudent to a l l o w them another day to go down & r i d e the whole way tomorrow. I therefore returned home, a f t e r making a few c a l l s i n the neighbourhood of Blue Gum F l a t .

19. Having returned from Mangrove Creek, where I b i d adieu to my good Diocesan yesterday morning, I w i l l now b r i e f l y record the events & occurrences connected with h i s l o r d s h i p s v i s i t to my parish. - I set o f f on thursday the 12th at aboutS A.M; & reached Reedy F l a t soon a f t e r 10, having met w i t h some delay i n c r o s s i n g Wyong Creek, which was too deep to r i d e over, so I had to cross myself upon a tree & my horse was a s s i s t e d through the water w i t h a tetherrope & a man p u l l i n g at the opposite shore. - On a r r i v i n g at Mount Vincent soon a f t e r 5 P.M. I found h i s l o r d s h i p there before me. - On Friday we l e f t Mt. Vincent at 7. - reached Reedy F l a t before 12, & took a l i t t l e refreshment there a f t e r which we came on to the Sawmill, & had a very good congregation there

Boik aniAved In tht tafilij H40'i,, and an.t itlll ntpnt-itnttd In tht Go6{^oKd Vl^tfuLct today.

R.J. WHITE, TlmbtA. Mttchant, Claitntt Stittt, Sydnty, managtd by Sin EnntU K. WHITE.

R.H. CREIGHTOM, BuJULdzAi, & Canptnttfii, now conduct a ^untnal bU'ilntu In Mann Stnttt, Go6^on.d.

A p r i l 1855

19. h i s l o r d s h i p g i v i n g us an admirable sermon from Mark XIV,8 . "She hath 14. done what she could." - We reached the parsonage about dark, & found a nice cup of tea a very good f i n a l e to the days work.- On Saturday afternoon we went to E r i n a , where another nice congregation assembled to meet h i s l o r d s h i p , at which he seemed much pleased. - Sunday the 13th was to me a day of days, & w i l l not e a s i l y be forgotten. We s t a r t e d about 9 o'c f o r morning s e r v i c e at Kincumbar. I t was a b e a u t i f u l day, & the l i t t l e church there was quite f i l l e d . The i n t e r e s t i n g r i t e of Confirmation was administered f o r the f i r s t time i n that church, [IJ & I was d e l i g h t e d to f i n d on the occasion that Davis had brought up some of the new seats he had been making, & which proved a very great improvement to the l i t t l e church. He has made them very w e l l , & they are r e a l l y neat, comfortable seats. Sixteen Candidates were confirmed there, & the Bishop gave them a b e a u t i f u l & appropriate Sermon. On r e t u r n i n g to East Gosford f o r the afternoon s e r v i c e , we found the church crowded,& I was much g r a t i f i e d a t f i n d i n g every one of my candidates f2j f o r Confirmation i n attendance, 25 i n number. I think I was never more i n t e r e s t e d on any occasion than during the service of that afternoon. I t was a b e a u t i f u l & touching s i g h t to see Mr. Scotts' f i v e daughters ranged beside each other at the Communion r a i l s , & no doubt many who were present were as s e n s i b l y a f f e c t e d by i t as myself & hope the impression made upon the hearts of a l l present, by the t r u l y i n t e r e s t i n g ceremony, followed by the Bishop a f f e c t i n g sermon, w i l l not e a s i l y die away.- On Monday we had a grand meeting i n the morning at the Church, or School house, which was again completely f i l l e d . His l o r d s h i p entered upon a very f u l l , & c l e a r explanation of the present p o s i t i o n

TkLi itatojnznt 4eem4 to imply that the ChaKch ua6 not con^ldzKzd completzd until then. Thexz wa4 no peAmanent i>toting accommodation until tht laf,t pmi, Mfit litttd and on pntvioui occaiiom uihtn tht cdxtmony o^ Con^iAmation ivai heJLd at KincumbtK, that ChuKch had not bttn uitd.

[2] Tki6 vjai tht ChuKch-cum-ichool, itattd in tht "Blut Book" to hold 50 peAioM. It Jj!> •ihouon in tanly iunvtyi and ooai itplactd by BLACKET'6 itont Chunch in 1857, •

ST. PAUL'S CHURCH OF ENGLAND, KINCUMBER

P H O T O T A K E N IN T H E FIRST D E C A D E O F THIS C E N T U R Y BY W. E . P H E G A N , WOY WOY

"April, 1855, 19. — Sunday the 13th was to me a day of days and will not easily be forgotten. We started about 9 o'c for morning service at Kincumbar . . . The interesting rite of Confirmation was administered for the first time in that church, & I was delighted to find on the occasion that DAVIS had brought up some of the new seats he has been making".

Plate III

A p r i l 1855

of our church, showing what i s r e q u i r e d on the part of the l a i t y f o r 15. the support & maintenance of the Clergy. The most pe r f e c t unanimity p r e v a i l e d & a l l seemed q u i t e disposed to accede to the Bishop's p r o p o s i t i o n namely, that the members of our Church here shd c o n t r i b u t e , towards the Clergy Stipend Fund of the Diocese £200 annually, to be paid by h a l f y e a r l y i n s t a l m e n t s , i . e ; £100 on the 1st January, to go to the general Fund, & £100 on the 1st J u l y , to Increase the Stipend of t h e i r own clergjnnan. The d i s t r i c t ( i t was proposed) shd be d i v i d e d i n t o 5 p o r t i o n s , & a c e r t a i n sum a l l o t t e d to each as i t s annual share of c o n t r i b u t i o n , namely the two Gosfords. w i t h t h e i r suburbs, £80. Kincumbar £40 E r l n a £30, Mangrove £30 & Blue Gum F l a t £20. - a committee was formed c o n s l s t l n i i of myself as v i c e president & Secretary, Mr, B a t t l e y , Treasurer, & one c o l l e c t o r f o r each of the above d i v i s i o n s , v l z t . Mr.Venteman - Mr. Moore, F l e t c h e r Senr., H, Worley, & John Stockdale. A f t e r the meeting we a l l assembled to determine the s i t e of our new Church, and agreed to set about the b u i l d i n g o f i t at once, & as the f i r s t step, 1 was requested to w r i t e to Mr.Blacket f o r a plan & s p e c i f i c a t i o n of a neat l i t t l e Church capable of accomodating about 150 persons.- That being s e t t l e d we adjourned to the Parsonage f o r a l i t t l e luncheon, & then returned to the Point House at E.Gosford, where a f e a s t was provided f o r the School c h i l d r e n , & that germinated the days proceedings. About 7o'c: on Tuesday morning the B & myself s t a r t e d f o r Mangrove Creek & a r r i v e d at the Upper School before 12, From thence we went down to Mrs Watklns' where we found a cup of tea very r e f r e s h i n g a f t e r our long r i d e . - At 3o'c: we had s e r v i c e at the lower school where 11 more were confirmed, making 52 i n a l l , - Yesterday morning I accompa

A p r i l 1855

19. nied the Bishop as f a r as the ten mile hollow, & there leaving him 16. to proceed to the Hawkesbury, I returned to Mangrove Creek, where I spent the day i n v i s i t i n g some of the f o l k s about the Upper p a r t , & today had rather a weary & laborous r i d e home by Iron bark h i l l & Mooney Creek, r e s o l v i n g f r e q u e n t l y during the day, as I have o f t e n done on former occasions, never to t r a v e l that road again.

26. Last Friday & Saturday I d i d not extend my t r a v e l s f a r t h e r than East Gosford f e e l i n g that both myself & my horse were e n t i t l e d to a l i t t l e r e s t a f t e r the e x t r a work of the previous week. On Monday & Tuesday I went over to Kincumbar to v i s i t K i l p a c , who i s very poorly & seems r a p i d l y s i n k i n g . On Tuesday I extended my r i d e as f a r as Mc Masters; & on my way back again adminstered the Sacrament to K i l p a c - Yesterday & today I have been almost e n t i r e l y employed l e t t e r w r i t i n g and sent away a great budget of l e t t e r s to the post t h i s evening.

27. Started f o r Kincumbar again t h i s morning, & went to c a l l on Wards' f a m i l y . - I was sorry to f i n d that the matter discussed at our meeting here on Monday week had been sadly misrepresented to them by A l l a n Mc Master, & they were i n r a t h e r a d i s a f f e c t e d mood i n consequence, A l i t t l e e xplanation however on my p a r t , put them a l l to r i g h t s again,- I afterwards c a l l e d to see K i l p a c whom I found much ea s i e r than the day before.

28. A f t e r dinner I rode down to Davis's f o r the purpose of s e t t i n g them r i g h t there i n the matter of the Stipend Fund, having l e a r n t that they had received A l l a n Mc Masters v e r s i o n of the matter, & a f t e r a l i t t l e conversation they very soon understood the matter & seemed qui t e s a t i s f i e d about i t .

May 1855.

A p r i l 30. Two rather small congregations yesterday, perhaps caused by the 17

u n s e t t l e d , threatening s t a t e of the weather. This has been a most d e l i g h t f u l day. I went out t h i s morning w i t h James to set him a l i t t l e job of road making. One or two places along the punt road had become very bad, & I thought the sooner they were rep a i r e d the b e t t e r . I made a few c a l l s i n East Gosford, & remained at home i n the afternoon. The Misses Donnison came & drank tea w i t h us.

May 1. At home a l l the morning. I n the afternoon I took Anne to c a l l f ? i

f o r the f i r s t time on Mrs Niinn at Wyoming, where we met Mr. Travers & two other guests, whose names I d i d not hear.-Mr.Moore c a l l e d & dined w i t h us today.

2. Went to Kincumbar t h i s morning, where I found George Davis w a i t i n g f o r me according to appointment. He brought up the l a s t of the Church s e ats, so that they are complete now 16 a l t o g e t h e r , f ? J & a very good s a t i s f a c t o r y job he has made of i t . I paid him f o r them today, & have agreed w i t h him to make some r e p a i r s at the School house, which are much re q u i r e d . I v i s i t e d K i l p a c today, St found him much weaker.- e v i d e n t l y s i n k i n g . From h i s way of expressing h i m s e l f , I have reason to hope that he i s prepared f o r h i s departure, & thought s u f f e r i n g great & almost constant pain he e x h i b i t s no signs of Impatience but expresses himself resigned e n t i r e l y to God's w i l l to remove him whence he t h i n k s proper. I spent a hour or more at the school, c a t e c h i s i n g e t c ; - & then came away home.

3. Wet day. At home a l l day l e t t e r w r i t i n g .

4. Very wet morning. I n the afternoon I rode over to Kincumbar to see K i l p a c , whom I found much i n the same s t a t e as u s u a l . Apparently s u f f e r i n g much & c o n s t a n t l y , but resigned w i t h a l .

[1] HiA w^z zmz l>iom Ihz FERRIS {^mlltj.

[2] Only 15 Iz^t now.

May 1855

5. Pouring of r a i n the whole day, & t h i s prevented 18. me from going to the Sawmill, as I had intended, i n order to prepare my congregation i n that quarter f o r tomorrows service.Judging however from present prospects, I doubt whether there w i l l be any congregation tomorrow f o r the r a i n s t i l l continues pouring down h e a v i l y .

S6. Tho' i t was a very r a i n y morning, I s t a r t e d towards 9o'c f o r the Sawmill, but on a r r i v i n g at Blue Gum F l a t I found the creek thfere flooded & q u i t e Impassable, so had to r e t u r n home. The very unfavourable weather caused me to have a very small congregation at E.Gosford i n the afternoon. The r a i n came on again i n t o r r e n t s during the s e r v i c e .

7. Rode over to Kincumbar t h i s afternoon to see K i l p a c , whom I found much i n the same s t a t e . With regard to h i s S p i r i t u a l s t a t e , I do-not t h i n k have reason to hope that he i s r e a l l y p e n i t a n t , f o r i t i s s c a r c e l y p o s s i b l e f o r even a w e l l i n s t r u c t e d X t i a n to express h i m s e l f b e t t e r than he does when i n h i s own simple way he d i s c r i b e s the s t a t e of h i s mind to me. There I s no attempt at anything bordering upon s e l f righteousness, but on the co n t r a r y when I cautioned him against t h i s e r r o r , he t o l d p i me th a t "he could not p o s s i b l y plead h i s own righteousness f o r he had none to plead -that he had done almost every t h i n g that was bad, but very l i t t l e t hat was good". He confessed himself deeply s o r r o w f u l f o r a l l h i s past s i n s , and places h i s s o l e dependence on h i s Blessed Saviour, t r u s t i n g i n Gods mercy to pardon him f o r Xt's sake.-

8. At home a l l the morning. Went to the school i n the afternoon & then c a l l e d at Mr.Battley's.

9. Spent t h i s day at Kincumbar - making one or two c a l l s i n East Gosford by the way. Received by l a s t n i g h t ' s post a very n i c e sketch of a Church from Mr.Blackett.

May 1855

10. At home a l l day, l e t t e r w r i t i n g c h i e f l y - S l i g h t 19. i n c l i n a t i o n of headache.

11. Got up w i t h a headache t h i s morning, but nevertheless I s t a r t e d a f t e r breakfast w i t h the i n t e n t i o n of spending the day at E r l n a . I c a l l e d i n at Mr.Battley's to show him, & consult w i t h him on Mr.Blackets sketch of our Church, & a f t e r s t a y i n g a l i t t l e time there my headache Increased upon me so much that I abandoned my i n t e n t i o n of going to E r i n a , & returned home again, a f t e r f i r s t c a l l i n g to enquire a f t e r Orpin, who has been unwell, but i s b e t t e r . I have had a t e r i b l e headache a l l the afternoon but i t has now p r e t t y w e l l l e f t me.

12. Headache continues t i l l noon. Afternoon I wuQfc f i r s t to E r i n a , & then to Kincumbar to see K i l p a c .

14. Usual r o u t i n e of Sunday d u t i e s yesterday. This morning I went to the school & had a l i t t l e C a t e c h i s i n g . This afternoon I went again to see K i l p a c at Kincumbar, whom I found much as before.

15. By appointment C u l l e n brought the boat t h i s morning to convey me across to Mr.Scott's. Being a b e a u t i f u l day, Anne & the C h i l d r e n accompanied me, & we enjoyed the excursion very much.

17. Yesterday morning I went over to Kincumbar to marry Tho . Davis to Susan P i c k e t t . I was o b l i g e d to d e c l i n e f?J t h e i r i n v i t a t i o n to the dinner, having to o f f i c i a t e here at a f u n e r a l i n the afternoon. A l i t t l e c h i l d named M i t c h e l l died i n E.Gosford on Tuesday morning. [2] I c a l l e d to see K i l p a c on my r e t u r n , & found him apparently much weaker. I do not t h i n k he can p o s s i b l y s u r v i v e much longer. - This morning I was occupied l e t t e r w r i t i n g , & i n the afternoon I v i s i t e d the school at E r i n a , & some of the people i n the neighbourhood.

18. Spent t h i s day at the Blue Gum F l a t p o r t i o n of the d i s t r i c t , c a l l i n g at every house i n that neighbourhood. At the Sawmill I found great changes. Several p a r t i e s gone away, & many new faces In t h e i r p lace.

[1] Tkomai VMIS, Mchzlon, and Savannah PICKETT, SpinitOJi, 16 May 1855.

Wltntiiti: Hunny PICKETT I Eliza VMIS oi Cockle Cicek.

[2] Jame-i MITCHELL, oi Kent Street, Sydney, aged 18 months, the ion oi John -, Shlpuonlght. Vied 15 May 1855.

May 1855

19. Marianne's Birthday - 10 yrs o l d today. - Her f r i e n d s 20. the l i t t l e Harrisons & B a t t l e y s came to spend the day w i t h her.- A f t e r dinner I rode over to see how K i l p a c was, & found him s t i l l a l i v e , & s e n s i b l e but I h a r d l y t h i n k he can survive another 24 hours.

S20. Administered the Sacrament t h i s morning a t Kincumbar, & was pleased to see the number of communicants Increased by the a d d i t i o n of s e v e r a l of those who were confirmed l a s t month. - At the Sawmill t h i s evening I had a c a p i t a l congregation, somewhere about 50 - & had a b e a u t i f u l s t a r l i g h t n ight to r i d e home.

21. The Misses Donnison came & spent the day w i t h us -I went to c a l l on the Harrisons a f t e r dinner, to request them to put o f f a boat excursion which we were to have j o i n e d tomorrow, i n consequence of the c h i l d r e n having bad c o l d s .

22. Went to see K i l p a c a f t e r dinner, & was s u r p r i s e d almost to f i n d him yet a l i v e . News of the death of the Emperor of Russia came by tonights m a i l .

23. Went to the school t h i s morning. I n the afternoon I went up Donall's way & out to the Maiden Scrub. -Mr.Moore & J.Osborne c a l l e d today.

24. Spent t h i s day i n the E r l n a neighbourhood.

25. At home a l l the morning. We a l l went out i n the afternoon w i t h the i n t e n t i o n of c a l l i n g f i r s t at Mona Vale, & then on the B a t t l e y s . We found however that the Harrisons had gone down the r i v e r i n t h e i r boat, so we went on to East Gosford, & paid the B a t t l e y s a v i s i t .

26. Went to Kincumbar to see K i l p a c , & from there to Ward's & T a y l o r ' s , to take him (Taylor) a l e t t e r which I received from England f o r him,

28. Good Congregations a t Gosford, Kincumbar yesterday. At Gosford I administered the Sacrament

May 1855

28. to 22 Communicants, but was sor r y to see some leave 21. the Church who ought not to have done so. I have been a l i t t l e i n t e r r u p t e d t h today w i t h one of my headaches, but managed to walk out as f a r as Seamours t h i s afternoon, as u s u a l , to reprove f o r so sadly n e g l e c t i n g t h e i r church d u t i e s

30. Yesterday morning I at l e a s t accomplished the task of making man & w i f e of B r l t t o n & h i s partner I wish [1] I dare to hope that t h i s were the f i r s t step i n a thorough reformation, but 1 fear there i s l i t t l e e x pectation of such being the case. - I n the afternoon I went to see poor K i l p a c , who seemed worse than the l a s t time I saw him, but apparently p a t i e n t under a l l h i s s u f f e r i n g s , tho' expressing an earnest wish to "depart & be w i t h X c t . " This afternoon I rode up to Wyoming & c a l l e d on Mrs.Nunn & a few other f o l k s i n that neighbourhood.

31. Went to see K i l p a c again t h i s afternoon & found him much the same as u s u a l .

June 1855

7. 1 s t a r t e d f o r Mangrove l a s t F r i d a y , & went through my accustomed d u t i e s there, b a p t i z i n g 7 c h i l d r e n on [2] Sunday. I t was r a t h e r a f a t i g u i n g day, having both the Sacrament a t the morning s e r v i c e , & then the Baptismal Service again i n the afternoon. - I came home a day sooner than usual t h i s time on K i l p a c ' s account, & a f t e r v i s i t i n g the Upper School on Monday morning 1 set o f f homeward - 1 d i d not f e e l any unusual degree of f a t i g u e a f t e r the journey, but from some cause or other, j u s t as we were preparing to go to bed, I was seized w i t h a k i n d of f a i n t i n g f i t , which remained on me about h a l f an hour. - On Tuesday I walked over to Kincumbar to see K i l p a c , but not f e e l i n g very w e l l , 1 d i d not go elsewhere. Yesterday morning I remained at home, l e t t e r w r i t i n g e t c ;

Samuel BRITTON, Bachelon, and AgneA STUART, Splniten, 29 May T855, WiXmiiZA: PetzK McGREGOR i Maty McGREGOR MoiquJXo Town.

Thzy weAt baptlztd on the. 3 June. 1855 -

Jame.6 ELM, 6on o^ John -, FaimeA ol Uppex Mangiove. & Maty. Bonn 28 Januany 1855.

Many Jane. SINGLETON, daughtzn o^ John -, Fanmex o^ Uppzn Mangnovz & Many Ann. Bonn 8 Apnlt 1855.

EmiZy GOULV, daughtex o^ PhiLip -, Fanmex o^ Uppe.n Mangnove. Jane.. Bonn 25 Apnlt 1852.

Henny Thomai GOULV, ion o^ PhJJJjp -, Fanmex o^ Uppzn Mangnove. i Jam. Bonn 19 Veeembex 1854.

Henny Edwand SINGLETON, ion o^ Henny -, Fanmen ol Lowex Mangnove & Elizabeth. Bonn 25 Maneh 1855. n ^

Continued page 22.

June 1855

7. A f t e r dinner we a l l went to East Gosford to v i s i t 22. the School, a f t e r which we c a l l e d on Mrs.Benson, & then returned. Today I have spent at E r i n a , I set o f f i n the forenoon on f o o t , intending to go as f a r as F l e t c h e r s , but Miss Donnison having t o l d me that Sarah Swadling was very unwell, 1 a l t e r e d my course, & went to see her. - I am much a f r a i d that she i s s u f f e r i n g from consumption, & indeed she seems h e r s e l f to be of that o p i n i o n . A f t e r v i s i t i n g those i n her neighbourhood, I returned home through Mosquito Town, where I had not been f o r some time. - Emily B a t t l e y i s s t a y i n g w i t h us at present. They very k i n d l y allowed her to come & keep Anne compahy during my absence at Mangrove & she w i l l remain t i l l Sunday w i t h us.

9. Remained at home yesterday sermon w r i t i n g - I n the afternoon took a ramble up the mountain w i t h the c h i l d r e n & Emily B a t t l e y . This day I have spent at Kincumbar c a l l i n g at Dr.Auld's, Roberts, & then at K l l p a c ' s , Scayesbrooks & Melvins.

11. Tolerable congregations yesterday at a l l three p l a c e s , -I was glad to see B r l t t o n & h i s wife i n church i n the morning, & hope they w i l l continue to come. This morning I went to East Gosford & paid a few v i s i t s , & i n the afternoon I borrowed Mr.Ventemans "Nancy" & rode out as f a r as F l e t c h e r s , c a l l i n g on Sarah Swadling by the way, whom I was glad to f i n d much b e t t e r .

13. Yesterday I took a walk up to the Sawmill, to remind the people i n that neighbourhood of my next Sunday Servi c e . - Being a f i n e , c o l d , bracing s o r t of a day I p r e f e r r e d walking, e s p e c i a l l y as I have turned M e t t l e i n t o C o t t r e l ' s paddock to eat down some of the long grass there,& to get a few days r e s t . - I made the acquaintance of Mrs.Davison, who has j u s t come up from Sydney w i t h her l i t t l e boy. - The only disadvantage of walking to these d i s t a n t places i s that i t takes more time, & t h e r e f o r e prevented my c a l l i n g

Conti-nucuClon [2] {^lom page. 21.

William Hmny PARRV, 6on G^mith William FamOM. LoweA Mangnove. i Sanah. Bonn 17 Manch 1S55.

Many, daughtzn. o^ Hznny MEAV, Fanmen. o^ Lowen Mangnove, i. Many CRAFT. Bonn S Maneh 1855.

June 1855

13. at some houses which I should otherwise have been able 23. to do. - Today I made one or two c a l l s i n the immediate neighbourhood, i n the morning, & then remained at home the r e s t of the day.

15. Yesterday I remained at home l e t t e r w r i t i n g e t c . -1 was going over to see K i l p a c i n the afternoon & had my horse saddled a l l ready, but young Mr.Scott came i n w i t h a l e t t e r from h i s f a t h e r which required answering & by the time I had done that the afternoon had s l i p t away. The Misses Donnison came over to see us again yesterday. - Today 1 have had another l i t t l e walking excursion - I f i r s t went to E r i n a to see Swadling about a horse f o r our journey, & from thence over the h i l l to Kincumbar School - Then to Godwins, & then round by K l l p a c ' s , B u l l o c k s , & so home by Green p o i n t .

18th On Saturday morning I borrowed Mr.Veneman's l i t t l e mare "Nancy " & rode up to Newman's at Blue Gum F l a t to see whether he could l e t me have the mare he o f f e r e d me some time ago to help us across to Maitland - I arranged w i t h Mrs.Gowdie to send up to Wyong to f e t c h her - but 1 l e a r n t l a s t n i g h t on my way to the Sawmill that Woolley could not f i n d the mare, so today I got W i l l i a m Muddle to go up to Stockdale's f o r a pony which John Stockdale k i n d l y o f f e r e d to lend me, & he brought i t down w i t h him - Godwin, at Kincumbar a l s o sent me h i s horse t h i s morning, & the Misses Donnison came t h i s afternoon to pay us t h e i r f a r e w e l l v i s i t , & l e f t one i f t h e i r nags f o r us, so that we are q u i t e set up f o r horses f o r our journey, but now the weather has changed - blowing hard from the South, & showery, so that i t i s d o u b t f u l whether we s h a l l be able to s t a r t tomorrow morning as we Intended.

19. I t seems we are not at present to accomplish our journey to S i n g l e t o n . On g e t t i n g up t h i s

June 1855

19. morning the weather was about as f o u l & f o r b i d d i n g 24. as i t was p o s s i b l e to be the r a i n only being hold i n check by the f u r y of the gale that was blowing, & now that the wind has l u l l e d the r a i n i s coming down s t e a d i l y & I f e a r the f l o o d s w i l l now prevent our s t a r t i n g f o r another week or perhaps longer. I spent a l l the morning reading & w r i t i n g , & went over to E.Gosford In the afternoon.

20. No m a i l a r r i v e d l a s t n i g h t , nor d i d i t come i n t i l l t h i s afternoon the postboy having l o s t h i s horse I b e l i e v e . - I went over to v i s i t poor K i l p a c t h i s afternoon, & found him much i n the same condition,as u s u a l , both mentally & b o d i l y .

21. At home a l l day l e t t e r w r i t i n g . - Went over to E.Gosford i n the evening to see Lucy about shipping the trunks to Sydney.

22. Rode up to the Sawmill today to arrange about having s e r v i c e there on Sunday afternoon.- Under the expectation of s t a r t i n g f o r the Hunter t h i s week, I gave n o t i c e at Kincumbar l a s t Sunday that there would be no s e r v i c e there next Sunday. I therefore purpose having s e r v i c e at the Sawmill i n the afternoon, which w i l l do i n l i e u of t h e i r morng Service of the f o l l o w i n g Sunday, on which day I hope to be i n S i n g l e t o n .

J u l y 1855

13 1 returned from S i n g l e t o n l a s t night, having been absent n e a r l y a week longer than I intended.- On Monday the 25th June we got everything ready f o r our journey, & made an e a r l y s t a r t on Tuesday morning, - Anne r i d i n g Stockdale's pony, Marianne on Abrm.Swadling's mare. Fa i r y , - E m i l y mounted behind me on M e t t l e , & Wm. Muddle r i d i n g Godwins horse & l e a d i n g Marianne's, as w e l l as c a r r y i n g sundry appendages, such as Saddle bags,

J u l y 1855

13 carpet bag e t c : - Thus equipped we jogged slowly along 25. at the r a t e of about 3 miles only per hour, which made i t a very tedious day's r i d e . - We c a l l e d on Mrs.Davison as we passed the Sawmills. Found the two creeks r a t h e r h i g h , but e a s i l y crossed, and d i d not reach George Stockdale's at Coorunbong (28 m i l e s ) t i l l a f t e r dark. L i t t l e Emily was very t i r e d & no wonder. Anne was a l s o a good deal f a t i q u e d as might have been expected, not having ridden such a journey f o r some years, & being i l l able to undertake i t . We were h o s p i t a b l y received & e n t e r t a i n e d , & a clean comfortable bed was p r o v i d e d , i n which Anne & the c h i l d r e n obtained a good nig h t ' s r e s t but 1 was o b l i g e d to make s h i f t without a bed. On Wednesday we s t a r t e d again a f t e r b r e a k f a s t , and had an easy days r i d e of 16 miles to Mr.Child's. I t was a most l o v e l y day, as w e l l as the preceding, and such favourable weather rendered our t r a v e l l i n g much more agreeable, we r e l u c t a n t l y d e c l i n e d the p r e s s i n g i n v i t a t i o n of Mr. & Mrs. C h i l d to stay & r e s t a day at Mt.Vincent, & on Thursday pushed on to M a i t l a n d , where we a r r i v e d about 3 o'c: & found H.Ferris w a i t i n g f o r us at the Inn. - I n the [1] evening we engaged Smith to take us i n h i s c a r r i a g e to S i n g l e t o n the f o l l o w i n g day, & I a l s o rode down to Morpeth a f t e r tea to see the Bishop.- On F r i d a y [2] we a l l proceeded per c a r r i a g e to S i n g l e t o n , where we a r r i v e d r a t h e r l a t e i n the evening a f t e r a heavy drag through the muddy roads. - W i l l i a m returned w i t h the borrowed horses, having f i r s t deposited Mettle safe i n the Bishops paddock at Morpeth. We found them a l l very w e l l at S i n g l e t o n , & I never saw the country l o o k i n g b e t t e r at t h i s season of the year.-I t was my f i x e d determination not to remain at S i n g l e t o n over Tuesday, the 3rd but to r e t u r n so as to resume my d u t i e s here l a s t Sunday.

[7J Tkz biothzi 0(5 Anne GLENNIE, o^tm fL^aAiiLd to ai "Uncle. FcmU,".

[2] Moipetk, a veJiy impottant town the.n, at tht htad ol navigation ol tht fiivfi, wai Ion. many yejini, tht Stt ol tht KUhop, untH i t wai movtd to Newcaitlt.

J u l y 1855

13. I was,however, so beset by them a l l to remain over 26. another Sunday, that I y i e l d e d to t h e i r importunity & d i d so.- We were d e l i g h t e d to f i n d Mrs.Brown of Colstoun, at the P l a i n s . She had come over to be present at her son's wedding, & hearing that we were expected, she remained w i t h Mrs.White at Greenwood u n t i l a f t e r our a r r i v a l . Townshend came over a l s o f ' J on Monday to meet us, so we formed a goodly party a l t o g e t h e r mustering 18 at the dinner t a b l e . My c h i e f inducement to remain longer was that I might have an opportunity of v i s i t i n g the Paterson, so having borrowed a horse from my o l d f r i e n d "Johnny Browne" I set o f f on Wednesday morning i n company w i t h Townshend & F e r r i s . - C a l l e d on Mrs.White & Mrs.Scott by the way,& reached T r e v a l l y n soon a f t e r sunset. On Thursday we rode up the Paterson as f a r as Colstoun, c a l l i n g on a l l the o l d f r i e n d s by the way - the f i r s t of them being Mary Ann, (Mrs,Bush) whom I was glad to see again, w i t h her baby boy. We h a l t e d that night at Wm.Boydell's.- Next day - F r i d a y we went to Glenthome, [2] where I arranged w i t h Champain f o r an increase of 50 per cent i n the r e n t , making i t £60 i n s t e a d of £40.- We saw Charley B o y d e l l as we passed Canigh A l l y n . - Mr.& Mrs.B: were away i n Sydney, having gone up f o r medical advise f o r poor B o y d e l l , who has had p a r a l y s i s creeping upon him f o r some months. - A f t e r d i n i n g at T r e v a l l y n , we had a b r i s k r i d e back to S i n g l e t o n accompanied by Townshend & Dr. Lindeman.- On Saturday [3] we j o i n e d the r e s t of the f o l k s i n a p i c n i c party given by Mr.Rodd, on the occasion of h i s e l d e s t boy completing h i s 12th year.- The poor l i t t l e f e l l o w attended hi m s e l f on crutches, being i n a s t a t e of recovery from a broken l e g , but before the day was out he c o n t r i v e d to break i t again i n the same place, which made a melan

TOWNSHENV, anotket GLEmiE mlatlve..

"Gltntkonm" tjoai Allntd GLENMJE'i pKopeAty, CHAMPAIN uiai kli tenant.

Vi. LINDEMAN, ol the lamoui Hunten. Valley vjJune, wa4 a Inlend ol the GLENNJE'6.

J u l y 1855

choly f i n a l e to the day's entertainment. - I a s s i s t e d 27. Mr.Blackwood on both the Sundays that I spent at S i n g l e t o n , preaching 4 sermons f o r him.- On Tuesday l a s t F e r r i s & myself bade adieu to them a l l , & came down per m a i l to M a i t l a n d . On Wednesday morning I accompanied F e r r i s per coach to Steamer, & a f t e r spending the morning at Morpeth, rode out i n the afternoon to Mount Vincent, from whence Irode home yesterday. [1] Today I went over to Kincumbar to see whether K i l p a c was yet a l i v e , but found that the poor man had died on Thursday the 5th i n s t a n t , & was buried l a s t Saturday by Mr.Lane. Old Mrs.Schooler a l s o died during my [2] absence.

16. Yesterday, Sunday, I had r a t h e r a small congregation i n the morning at Kincumbar, but a l a r g e one i n the afternoon at Gosfd. - I don't know whether i t was only fancy, but i t appeared to me that most of the people seemed glad to see me back again a f t e r being two Sundays absent. & 1 had a good deal of s a t i s f a c t i o n i n seeing them a l l again - I had a very f a i r congregation at the Sawmill l a s t n ight but a c o l d r i d e home. I t was 12i when I got i n . Among the despatches which a r r i v e d during my absence were the plans of our new Church from Mr.Blacket, which I have been showing to some of the f o l k s t h i s afternoon, & i t i s g e n e r a l l y approved o f .

17. As might have been supposed, a f t e r a f o r t n i g h t ' s absence, I have found p l e n t y to occupy my time since I returned home, en-foesday I went over to Mr.Scott's today w i t h the two f o l d object of showing him the plans of the Church, & having some conversation w i t h the young people on the subject of the Sacrament which I purposed a d m i n i s t e r i n g on Sunday next, & I have reason to hope that my errand was not a f r u i t l e s s one, as they, as w e l l as t h e i r f a t h e r , expressed t h e i r i n t e n t i o n of coming to the Sacrament on Sunday morning.

[1] Hz zmz back alonz, having Iz^t hU family at Singleton.

12] GLEMIE dlicontlnuzd thz pnactlcz o^ having bun.la.li, pznionmzd by Chunch Clznki (Tzachzni) bzlng zntznzd In thz Panlih Rzglitzn. ThzKzionz, many local bunlali and moit o^ thoiz conducted In thz Mangnove anea, In ipltz o^ i z n v l c z by thz local Teachzn, ujznt unneconded and anz comequently alio mining ^nom the Reglitnan Genznal'i Hit compiled begone 1857 ^nom the iald Vanlih Regliten.

J u l y 1855

17. On my r e t u r n from Mr.Scott's I rode round by Wyoming & c a l l e d on Mrs.Nunn, but i t was a f t e r sunset, so that I had only time to show myself.- Tonights post brought me a l e t t e r from Anne, g i v i n g a very good account of h e r s e l f .

19. I remained a t home yesterday morning, c h i e f l y l e t t e r w r i t i n g . Mr.Moore came, & took dinner w i t h me , & i n the afternoon I made a few c a l l s i n E.Gosford. Today I rode to E r i n a , to see how the f o l k s i n that quarter were g e t t i n g on.- I found Mrs.Swadling recovering from a very serious i l l n e s s , & poor Sarah, who had been nursing her, had been o b l i g e d to go home that morning q u i t e knocked up.- I took the plans of the Church w i t h me & showed to them a l l as I went along.-James' w i f e , L y d i a was confined t h i s evening, & has given him another l i t t l e son. This event w i l l cause a l i t t l e inconvenience i n my household f o r I must be p a r t l y my own housemaid f o r a time.

20. Spent t h i s day at Kincumbar going by Dr.Auld's to Davis' & from thence working my way up to the schoolhouse.

21. Remained at home today c h i e f l y sermon w r i t i n g - Pruned a few vines i n the garden by way of a l i t t l e r e c r e a t i o n . Mr.Scott c a l l e d i n the afternoon & had a long chat w i t h me. I hope to have the g r a t i f i c a t i o n of seeing him & h i s f a m i l y at the Communion tomorrow.

23. 1 was pleased to have Mr.Scott & 2 of h i s daughters among the communicants yesterday, though a l i t t l e d isappointed when I observed h i s son & two youngest g i r l s leave the church w i t h the r e s t of the non-Comts. I have a very n i c e congregation a t E r i n a l a s t evening, & Mrs.Swadling e x h i b i t e d her accustomed kindness & c i v i l i t y i n preparing me a nice cup of tea i n her snug l i t t l e p a r l o u r before the s e r v i c e began - Just as I was preparing to go & v i s i t the school

[1] We Itafin heAZ the name, Key. GjLEWMIE'4 ieAvanti whom he. nzveA mentLone.d:-

John WiJiUiam CRANE, ion Jame.i-, LabouKeA. o^ Goiloid & Lydla, Bonn 19 July 1855. Baptized 2 SeptembzA 1855.

J u l y 1855

t h i s afternoon, Mr.Crawser brought me a man who had j u s t 29. a r r i v e d at h i s house i n search of work, & who he thought would undertake the fencing i n of the burying ground. I took the man down to see the ground, & then went to Mr.Battley's but he being out 1 appointed the man to come to me again i n the morning, when 1 hope we s h a l l be able to come to an arrangement f o r the speedy accomplishment of t h i s long required work.- I v i s i t e d the Benson's a l s o t h i s afternoon, & t h e i r immediate neighbours.

26. On Tuesday morning 1 went again w i t h the man (Armltage) to Mr.Battley's to see i f we could come to an arrangement the man seemed d i s i r o u s of a l i t t l e time f o r c o n s i d e r a t i o n , therefore we appointed to meet again at the Court House at 3 o'c: i n the afternoon. I then rode out to E r i n a to see how Sarah was, & was glad to f i n d her much b e t t e r . They got me to w r i t e Abraham's Name i n a very n i c e B i b l e which Miss Donnison had k i n d l y presented him w i t h , & my performing that l i t t l e simple act seemed to give them much g r a t i f i c a t i o n . I came home by way of E r i n a , & adjourned to the Court House at 3 o'c where I found Mr.Battley & the man Armltage, & had the s a t i s f a c t i o n of f i n a l l y agreeing about the fence, which he agrees to put up at the high p r i c e of 12 p per rod, but I expect to see a good fence f o r the money. Yesterday I remained at home a l l the morning l e t t e r w r i t i n g . I n the afternoon I went to v i s i t the Wards of Kincumbar, & looked i n f o r a short time at the School. This morning I was occupied again l e t t e r w r i t i n g & towards evening had to o f f i c i a t e at a f u n e r a l . Woolley's w i f e , who was found dead [1] i n her house a few days ago, but the p a r t i c u l a r s of her death I have not yet l e a r n t .

[T] Many WOOLLEY, about 35, ol Wyong Cnttk, wXjJe ol Robdit -, LabounoA. Vltd 21 July 1855.

J u l y 1855

27. Spent t h i s day at Kincumbar. I went to pay Mr.Moore a 30. v i s i t , not having been to see him before t h i s year,-I c a l l e d a t a l l the intermediate p l a c e s , & among others I v i s i t e d a man named Robinson, who i s l i v i n g i n a s t a t e of a d u l t e r y , w i t h a view of reproving him f o r h i s misconduct, & I was shocked at f i n d i n g him so r e c k l e s s & hardened as he i s , He p l a i n l y t o l d me he had no i n t e n t i o n of a l t e r i n g h i s course, & expressed h i s perfect s a t i s f a c t i o n at the s t a t e i n which he i s l i v i n g . A l l I could do was to po i n t out h i s e r r o r to him, & remind him of the awful consequence of continuing h i s g u i l t y course of l i f e . -

28. At home a l l today preparing f o r tomorrows du t i e s -Mr.Davison c a l l e d i n the afternoon & I went i n the evening to Creighton's to see how Margaret & her l i t t l e baby were progressing, both of whom I found w e l l .

S29. A f a i r number of Communicants today at Kincumbar -but r a t h e r a s m a l l congregation at Gosford. - I was

pleased however to observe Mrs.Benson i n church f o r the f i r s t time.

30. Went to the school t h i s morning & spent e.n hour there. A f t e r which I c a l l e d to consult Mr.Battley about ordering n a i l s f o r the Burying ground fence, & then went & ordered them from Partridge.-3500 batten n a i l s - (2 inch) & 350 - 4 i n c h n a i l s - On my r e t u r n I found a box of books from Morpeth to unpack. I n the afternoon I rode up to Wyoming & went out as f a r as Gavenlocks,-I dined & spent the evening at Wyoming, & have j u s t come home.

31. Went today to pay a v i s i t to Coulter's f a m i l y i n Wye Wye Bay.- Tom B a t t l e y t a k i n g me i n h i s boat.- We were ra t h e r detained by b a f f l i n g winds, which came from about every point of the compass, & at l a s t ended, towards evening w i t h a smart s q u a l l from S.W. to S & S.E. We t r i e d on our way back to e f f e c t a l a n d i n g at McCullum's, but the t i d e was too low.-

POINT FREDERICK - GOSFORD

^ 1

Mrs. Cath B R I D G E as a child on her pony. She hved near the Cemetery at the end of Point Frederick. The fence is that of the burial ground.

October, 1858, 5. — It was drawing towards 3 o'clock, & we immediately proceeded to the Burial ground which the Bishop also consecrated''.

August 1855

!• Today I rode out to v i s i t the McMaster f a m i l y , c a l l i n g 31. f i r s t at Kincumbar School, & then at the intermediate cottages. Found K i r k r a t h e r p o o r l y , & no wonder, considering the q u a n t i t y of Holloway's p i l l s be i s c o n t i n u a l l y t a k i n g .

2. Very c l o s e l y at work a l l day l e t t e r w r i t i n g , & now that my despatches are gone to the post, I must begin to t u r n my a t t e n t i o n towards Mangrove, f o r which place I must set out tomorrow.

9. I d i d a c c o r d i n g l y set out f o r Mangrove on F r i d a y morning c a l l i n g a t Wyoming by the way, and reached Mr.Bode when very dark, & a shower j u s t coming on which 1 was i n time to escape.- 1 remained my usual time at Mangrove, & went thro my accustomed r o u t i n e of work. Mr.Turton, one of the School Commissioners, a r r i v e d at Mangrove on F r i d a y evening, & examined the lower school on Saturday morning.- I was much g r a t i f i e d by having 12 communicants (besides myself) at Lower Mangrove on Sunday morning. A l l those who were l a t e l y confirmed, attended w i t h the exception of A t k i n s ' c h i l d r e n , & Mrs.Shakeshaft. Among the number I was pleased to see Mrs.Bridges, whom I t h i n k I can s a f e l y look upon as a true penitent - I walked down to Wm. Woodbury's on Saturday afternoon to condole w i t h Mrs.W: on the death of her poor f a t h e r who was drawned i n the Hawkesbury about a f o r t n i g h t ago.- I stayed at Cole's house on Sunday n i g h t , & spent Monday among the people at the upper part of the Creek.- I came home on Tuesday, s t a y i n g to dine at Mr.Nunn's by the way.- Yesterday & today I have spent f o r the most part l e t t e r w r i t i n g .

10. I went out i n the neighbourhood of E r i n a today, c a l l e d at the school & then went on as f a r as Chennels c a l l i n g at the i n t e r v e n i n g p l a c e s . I disposed of a few books by the way.

11. Spent t h i s day at home vine pruning.

August 1855

S12. Such a l o v e l y day as t h i s has been, one wd, have thought 32 an a d d i t i o n a l Inducement f o r X t i a n worshippers to assembe together i n God's House, but i t c e r t a i n l y had not that e f f e c t at l e a s t t h i s morning at East Gosford, where the congregation was but scanty, -1 was pleased however to see Dr.Benson i n Church f o r the f i r s t time, & I t r u s t i t w i l l not be the l a s t . fojfAt Kincumbar I had a good attendance & very f a i r at E r i n a , though s e v e r a l were absent there, who might have been i n Church.

13. This morning I went up to the sch o o l , but c a l l i n g i n a t Hegins by the way, to see whether I could not p r e v a i l on him to come to church again as he used formerly, I d i d not reach the School u n t i l the c h i l d r e n were on the point of being dismissed. - This afternoon I spent at E r i n a v i s i t i n g i n F l e t c h e r ' s neighbourhood.

15. Yesterday I spent v i s i t i n the neighbourhood of Blue Gum F l a t , & the Sawmill. Found Mrs.Garrett had been very i l l , & was j u s t begining to recover a l i t t l e . Today 1 have been over to Kincumbar, c a l l i n g f i r s t at Dr.Auld's to see how the l i t t l e baby was, whom [U I had to baptize p r i v a t e l y on Sunday evening on my way from Kincumbar Church. I t seemed much b e t t e r today. I found Dr.Auld had j u s t returned from Sydney per Sylph, about an hour before I got there, having been up on the t r i a l of the man Coyne f o r the murder of Mrs.Woolley. He was not however brought to t r i a l but discharged.

16. At home a l l day l e t t e r w r i t i n g .

17. At home a l l the morning, walked up to E r i n a i n the afternoon, & spent an hour i n the school & then paid a few v i s i t s i n that quarter. On coming home I found that two d i f f e r e n t p a r t i e s had c a l l e d to see me r e s p e c t i n g the b u i l d i n g of our Church.- They came down from Sydney & a r r i v e d t h i s afternoon. They came i n again t h i s evening, & I have arranged to go w i t h them tomorrow morning to the s i t e of the Church i n East Gosford.

Amy AlXsLd AULV, daugktZA. ol Robwt Thoma.6 - , Sungzon ol BKlibanz Wat2A i Many WEBB Bonn 30 July 1855.

August 1855

18. This morning I was occupied t i l l about noon w i t h the two 33. p a r t i e s who came from Sydney to make enquiry about our Church b u i l d i n g . I took them f i r s t of a l l to the l a n d , where Mr.Battley joined us, & then brought them back by the Quarry h i l l at the back of White's. They d i d not appear to fancy the job of opening a new quarry upon the chance of f i n d i n g good stone. I think they have gone back to Sydney t h i s afternoon i n the Midshipman. - I went & paid a v i s i t to the Harrisons t h i s afternoon, & then looked i n at C o t t r i l l ' s .

S19. Unfortunately one of my bad headaches came upon me today, & although I got through the morning & afternoon s e r v i c e s p r e t t y w e l l , I was ob l i g e d to dismiss my Sawmill congregation without a Sermon.

23. Not being very w e l l on Monday, a f t e r my headache of the previous day, 1 d i d not go out any where but spent the day c h i e f l y among my vines i n the garden. - Tuesday I spent over at Kincumbar, f i r s t at the School, then v i s i t i n g among the people. - I found my way out to Parry's where I had not been before, & Mrs.Parry gave me a r e f r e s h i n g cup of tea which I was very glad of j u s t at the time. Yesterday I was employed l e t t e r w r i t i n g c h i e f l y , having f i r s t taken a walk as f a r as Mr.Battley's & the school. Mr.Moore c a l l e d during the day, & took dinner w i t h me. He had a great d e a l to say on the subject of the roads. I t appears the Government have granted the sum of £800 to be expended p a r t l y i n opening the road over the Broken Back mountain to M a i t l a n d , & p a r t l y i n r e p a i r i n g the roads of the d i s t r i c t . - I n the afternoon of yesterday I walked down to the Burying Ground to see how the man was g e t t i n g on w i t h the fence. - This morning I was occupied l e t t e r w r i t i n g a g ain, & t h i s afternoon I went up beyond Blue Gum F l a t to see Mrs.Garrett, whom I found much b e t t e r again.

August 1855

24. My f i r s t piece of work t h i s morning was to go & t r y to 34. f i n d some volunteer to draw i n fencing s t u f f f o r the Burying Ground. Mr.Harrison having gone away from home. 1 went to Jos:Spears, but found that he was too busy w i t h h i s own work. - I then went to Mrs.Orpin, who r e a d i l y consented to do what she co u l d , & I hope Isaac w i l l be able tomorrow to draw down what l i t t l e remains of i t to be done. I then paid a v i s i t to T a l l & f a m i l y , & from thence proceeded to the School at E r l n a , Dr.Auld passed me on the road going out to see Avery, who he t o l d me had got some r i b s broken. I went on from the School to see him, & was grieved to f i n d that i t arose from a drunken q u a r r e l a t a p u b l i c House. - I came home v i a B r l t t o n * s & Garner's, c a l l i n g at each of those pla c e s . I had a long conversation w i t h Mrs.Garner, t r y i n g to p r e v a i l upon her to abandon a l l bad h a b i t s e t c : & to become s e r i o u s l y i n earnest upon r e l i g i o u s matters. - When i n her sober senses there are few who can t a l k more r a t i o n a l l y then h e r s e l f upon r e l i g i o n , f o r the poor woman has e v i d e n t l y been a very d i f f e r e n t k i n d of person i n former years that what she has shown h e r s e l f l a t e l y , & one may hope that the embers which are not yet extinguished may yet be fanned i n t o a flame again.- She makes promises of amendment, but a l a s ! how of t e n has s i m i l a r promises been made al r e a d y , & f o r g o t t e n , or disregarded.

25. This has been a very boisterous day - The wind blowing qu i t e a gale from the N:W; & rather c o l d . I d i d intend going as f a r as Wyoming t h i s afternoon but owing to the very high wind thought i t more prudent not to venture out among the tre e s -Mr.Battley c a l l e d i n about noon today, to consult me about the fence, e t c -The man being at a stand f o r want of m a t e r i a l , I sent James to c a r t him i n a loa d of pa l i n g s i n the afternoon.-Brown of Mosquito Town came i n t h i s morning w i t h a s i c k i n f a n t to be baptized - The poor l i t t l e t h i n g [1] seemed very d e l i c a t e & s i c k l y .

John Thomai BROWN, ion William -, Smyzi o^ Moiqalto Tom, i Sophia. Bom 27 Jam 1855.

August 1855

S26. A famous congregation t h i s evening at E r i n a , being a 35. b e a u t i f u l moonlight night i t enabled the people to assemble w i t h more comfort. - 1 was so r r y to l e a r n t h i s evening that Brown's c h i l d whom I baptized yesterday, died t h i s morning.

29. The death of Browns c h i l d o b l i g e d me to remain at home t h i s week i n s t e a d of going to S i n g l e t o n as 1 had intended - On Monday I d i d not go out any where, not f e e l i n g very w e l l . I n the afternoon I had a l i t t l e a t t ack of toothache, which I have not been troubled w i t h f o r a very long time. - James was out drawing i n f e n cing s t u f f f o r the burying ground the greater part of Monday, and yesterday afternoon again. - At 12 o'clock yesterday I o f f i c i a t e d at the f u n e r a l of Brown's c h i l d , at which a great number of persons [T] attended. - I n the afternoon I walked up as f a r as Douall's. - This afternoon I rode out to F l e t c h e r s , wishing to see Wm.F:Junr.about having h i s l i t t l e c h i l d baptized f o r I have reason to fea r that h i s wi f e & h i s f r i e n d s may Influence him to a l l o w the Rom: P r i e s t to b a ptize i t . - I waited t i l l i t was q u i t e dark f o r F l e t c h e r to come i n from h i s work but he d i d not appear, so I came away without seeing him. - I c a l l e d i n at Avery's on my way back, & found him g e t t i n g b e t t e r .

31. Yesterday morning I remained at home, l e t t e r w r i t i n g . In the afternoon I went over to Kincumbar f o r the purpose of v i s i t i n g the s c h o o l , but Mr.Lane's c l o c k being about h a l f an hour too f a s t , the c h i l d r e n were dismissed by the time I a r r i v e d there. - I came round by Mr.Dunlops, where I c a l l e d , & was s o r r y to f i n d that a death had occurred i n the f a m i l y a few hours before I got there. Mr.Morris, h i s son i n law, l o s t h i s youngest c h i l d , a g i r l of about 12 mos. o l d . [2] Today I have spent at E r l n a & Mosquito Town v i s i t i n g a l l the f o l k s i n that neighbourhood.

[1] John Tkoma-i BROWW, Moiqulto Tom, aged 2 months, tht ion ol (ilJJ.llm SmytK i Sophia. Vltd 26 Auguit 1855.

[2] Wo tntfiy lound In ChuKch RtglittK Ion. banlali.

September 1855

1. Remained at home today, Sermon w r i t i n g c h i e f l y . - In the 36 afternoon I s t r o l l e d down to the Burying ground to see how Armltage gets on w i t h the fence, & found that he has not much more to do.

14. This pause has been occasioned by a week's absence from home. - On Monday the 3rd I made an e a r l y s t a r t f o r S i n g l e t o n - I went a l i t t l e o f f the road to c a l l on John Osborne, whom I had never v i s i t e d a t h i s own house. He was not at home - but I met him afterwards at Mrs.Osborne's. - By that l i t t l e d i g r e s s i o n I j u s t missed seeing Mr.Douglass, who had s t a r t e d about h a l f an hour before I reached h i s s i s t e r ' s . I made Mr.Child's very w e l l that evening, where I found Mrs.Coles c h i l d on a v i s i t . On Tuesday I had about the most f a t i g u i n g r i d e I ever had i n my l i f e , i n consequence of poor o l d M ettle being almost knocked up. I'd not put him beyond a slow j o g , which shook me a l l to p i e c e s . I c o n t r i v e d however to reach S i n g l e t o n before sunset. -Where I found them a l l w e l l - Anne much stronger & g r e a t l y improved by the change. I r e s t e d there on Wednesday, & on Thursday I set out again on my homeward journey v i a Morpeth. I had the company of W i l l y to M a i t l a n d . - He has got the o f f e r of a s i t u a t i o n i n an o f f i c e i n Sydney, & had gone upon t r i a l to see how he l i k e s i t . - I stopped at the Bishops that n i g h t , & on F r i d a y afternoon rode out to Mt.Vincent - c a l l i n g & d i n i n g at Mr.Rusden's by the way. I t came on to r a i n that evening & continued h e a v i l y a l l n i g h t . -I t was a dreary prospect f o r me when I got up e a r l y on Saturday morning & found i t pouring of r a i n . I h e s i t a t e d at f i r s t about s t a r t i n g , but f e a r i n g the creeks might r i s e & become impassable I determined to push on f o r home, & was very glad that I d i d so f o r I reached home about 8| P.M: a good d e a l f a t i g u e d , c e r t a i n l y , but nothing more, & the r a i n having ceased when I had been about an hour on the road, I had a b e t t e r journey then I expected. - I baptized George Stockdale's c h i l d by the way, & he l e n t me a horse, [1] which was a help to poor o l d M e t t l e . On Sunday l a s t I had meagre congregations at a l l the places. - On Monday morning I c a l l e d

[1] John STOCKVALE, ion o^ Gdongd Roblnion -, GH.azl.vi oi CoKimbong, i Rtbdcca. Eofin IS July 1855,

September 1855

14. on Mrs.Harrison, & In the afternoon went to the Burying 3 7 . ground w i t h Mr.Battley to measure the fence. - On Tuesday I went to the School i n the afternoon, & then made a c a l l or two. Wednesday being a r a i n y day, I d i d not go out u n t i l the evening when I j u s t s t r o l l e d over to C o t t r l l l s & paid him f o r the vinestake he has s p l i t me. - Yesterday afternoon I went over to Kincumbar & today I have spent at Blue Gum F l a t & Sawmill.

17. We have been blessed w i t h a most seasonable f a l l of r a i n during the l a s t few days. On Saturday (15th) i t r a i n e d very hard the greater part of the day, -a calm steady soaking r a i n . - I t continued a l l n i g h t , & on g e t t i n g up yesterday morning, I found one of the most f o r b i d d i n g Sundays we have experienced here. I t was s t i l l r a i n i n g hard, & blowing a great gale of wind from the S.W:- Going to church seemed almost out of the question, & I had made up my mind not to go over to Kincumbar f o r the morning s e r v i c e , when about 10 o'c i t suddenly brightened & showed symptoms of c l e a r i n g up, so I ordered Mettle to be Saddled f o r t h w i t h , & o f f I s t a r t e d . The r a i n came on again however before I reached the Church & as there was not a s o u l there (but Mr.Lane & h i s boy). I d i d not dismount, but j u s t rode q u i e t l y home again.- I n the afternoon the r a i n increased again, which caused me to have a very s m a l l congregation at Gosford.- Of course going to the Sawmill was q u i t e out of the question on such a n i g h t . The weather seems q u i t e taken up again today, & I took a walk over to E.Gosford towards evening & made a few c a l l s i n that neighbourhood. I was occupied a l l the morning at a l i t t l e carpentering work. As I am expecting an a d d i t i o n to my l i b r a r y i n the course of a few days, I have been preparing some more shelves on which to place my books when they a r r i v e .

18. This morning I had to o f f i c i a t e at a Licensed Wedding. Mr.Norrls & Mary Stockdale. - A f t e r the ceremony I made a few c a l l s i n the neighbourhood of the Church, & at 3 o'c: r e p a i r e d to Mr.Venteman's to j o i n the wed-

September 1855

18. ding party at dinner.-There was no one but themselves 38. & the Stockdales, & A l i c e Grant and the party went o f f very w e l l Indeed. I l e f t them about sunset, at which time I heard the a r r i v a l of the " F i d d l e r " announced, so I suppose the b a l l was about to commence.

19. I have spent the whole of t h i s day at Kincumbar, commencing at the s c h o o l , & then going the whole round by Davis, Mr.Roberts' e t c : c a l l i n g at every house.

20. Remained at home a l l day l e t t e r w r i t i n g , except about an hour i n the afternoon,when I resumed by job of carpentering which I commenced on Monday (making bookshelves) but the darkness overtook me before 1 had q u i t e f i n i s h e d .

21. Spent t h i s day v i s i t i n g at Mosquito Town & i t s environs.

22. At home a l l day, w i t h the exception of a v i s i t I paid to o l d Mrs.Creighton i n the morning.

S23. A b e a u t i f u l day, & rendered more agreeable to myself by three good congregations.- I administered the Sacrament at E.Gosford i n the morning to 18 communicants. -Mr.& Mrs.Norris among the number, & gave n o t i c e at Kincumbar of my i n t e n t i o n of admlnistg there next Sunday. In the evening at E r i n a , I was g r a t i f i e d w i t h the l a r g e s t congregation I have ever had there, 60 at the l e a s t . My s e r v i c e s up there o f f o r d me great s a t i s f a c t i o n , & I hope & pray that my preaching there w i l l not be a l t o g e t h e r i n v a i n nor t h e i r hearing i n v a i n .

24. V i s i t e d the school i n the morning.- I n the afternoon I paid a round of v i s i t s i n the neighbourhood of Wyoming, & f i n i s h e d by d i n i n g at Mr.Nunn's.

25. Took a r i d e out to the sea coast today to T o r i g a l coming home by Wamberal Lakes. The purport of my r i d e was to examine the l i t t l e harbour at T o r i g a l w i t h a view of a s c e r t a i n i n g the f e a s i b i l i t y of landing there from the Hunter R i v e r Steamer, & 1 f e e l assured i t can be done tho' I h a r d l y expect they w i l l consent to my request to put us ashore there when I go to f e t c h Anne home. I see however by

September 1855

25. the papers that have come t h i s evening, we are to have 39. a Steamer In here from Sydney next Saturday. I f she becomes a r e g u a l r weekly v i s i t o r . I t w i l l be a grand accomodation to us a l l , & w i l l remove a l l the d i f f i c u l t i e s out of the way of my g e t t i n g Anne & the c h i l d r e n home.

26. I was going to Kincumbar today, but the weather being s q u a l l y & r a i n y , I made t h i s my post day i n s t e a d , and hope to go there tomorrow.-

27. Went to Kincumbar t h i s mornings One reaching the School Mr.Lane t o l d me that Mrs.Ward was very i l l . so I went on to see her.- I found she had been very poorly but was much b e t t e r today. I baptized her l i t t l e i n f a n t , which seems to be very weak & d e l i c a t e . [1] I thought i t would be a comfort & s a t i s f a c t i o n to her to have i t done, as next Sunday w i l l be morning s e r v i c e & the f o l l o w i n g Sunday I s h a l l be at Mangrove.

28. At home t h i s morning, Sermon-writing. I n the afternoon I went to E r i n a , & a f t e r v i s i t i n g the school went on to Avery's i n t e n d i n g to go as f a r as F l e t c h e r ' s as I was anxious to see whether Wm.Fletcher Intended to b r i n g h i s c h i l d to me f o r baptism. I met him on the road, & on p u t t i n g the question to him was sorry to f i n d that i n h i s , as i n the g e n e r a l i t y of s i m i l a r cases, the Roman C a t h o l i c wife i s allowed to have her way, & f o r the sake of peace & quietness, the r e l i g i o n of the f a t h e r i s t o be set a s i d e .

29. An e v e n t f u l day w i t h us here, inasmuch as Steam communication [2] w i t h Sydney was Introduced soon a f t e r 4 P.M. I observed the f i r s t p u f f of smoke i n the d i s t a n c e , & i n a few seconds the "Black Swan" Steamer, 70 tons, & 40 horse power merged out from the r i v e r channel i n t o the open bay, & sped away g a i l y to East Gosford decorated w i t h Sunday f l a g s . - Among the passengers was Dr.Douglass, M.C: who c a l l e d & had an hours chat w i t h me i n the evening.- The-iittie-vessei-re

[1] Emma Jane WARP, daugkten. William Mailnm KlncumbeA & Catherine. Bom 6 August 1855,

[2] Tkli Mai meAZly neiumptlon o{ Kegalai Steam communication, Vievlouily, the Steamefi, William the Founth, called negutaily to the ujhatl aJi Eait Goi^oKd In the 1840'i.

October 1855

1. On r e t u r n i n g home from Church tti-lfie.evening I. found a 40 bundle of l e t t e r s & papers, the Black Swan having brought a m a i l w i t h her on Saturday, another great advantage we s h a l l d e r i v e from the opening of Steam n a v i g a t i o n to Sydney. The place was a l l a l i v e t h i s morning at the departure of the l i t t l e v e s s e l . Soon a f t e r 7 she came round Point Frederick & headed up to t h i s township,where s e v e r a l passengers were w a i t i n g to embark, & a l i t t l e before 8 o f f she s t a r t e d w i t h a goodly cargo of passengers, & bearing away, I am sure, the hearty good wishes o£ a l l who witnessed her departure, that she may continue a re g u l a r trader between t h i s & Sydney.- The other v e s s e l having a r r i v e d from Sydney yesterday, I sent James over a f t e r breakfast to b r i n g what goods had come, & among them was a great t r e a s u r e , i n the form of a box of books c o n t a i n i n g those which 1 ordered from England, through our Church S o c i e t y , l a s t year. - Mai:Henry's Commentary, - Hammond's e t c . e t c . e t c . i n a l l 29 v o l s , which makes a very respectable & valuable a d d i t i o n to my l i b r a r y , & being a l l of them "such s t u d i e s as help to the knowlege of the s c r i p t u r e s " I humbly t r u s t & pray that w i t h God's b l e s s i n g on my pe r u s a l of them, I s h a l l become b e t t e r q u a l i f i e d f o r my sacred & responsible o f f i c e of a teacher & guide of others. -

2. Not having been to v i s i t the fa m i l y of Joseph F r o s t , at Tuggeral Beach f o r ( I am qui t e ashamed to say) n e a r l y eleven months, I mounted my horse a f t e r b r e a k f a s t , & rode out to see them. 1 found another l i t t l e baby i n the f a m i l y three weeks o l d , to which I administered p r i v a t e baptism I was pleased to f i n d that F r o s t had been i n s t r u c t i n g h i s c h i l d r e n i n t h e i r catechism since I l a s t saw them, & they got thro a l l but the l a t t e r p a r t , about the Sacraments, t o l e r a b l y w e l l . -I must not be so long without going again to see them. -This Indeed i s a f a u l t that I have too much f a l l e n i n t o , n e g l e c t i n g those f a m i l i e s who are at remote s i t u a t i o n s . - May my past

Hmiy FROST, ion o^ Joizph -, VcuAyman o^ TuggeAah BdcLch & Eliza. Bonn 10 SepttmbeM. 1855.

MARTHA SCOTT Rev. G L E N N I E presented Martha S C O T T with a book. Born 9th January,

1839, she was a daughter of T . A . S C O T T , Clerk of Police Bench.

P H O T O ; G W E N D U N D O N C O L L E C T I O N

This book still belongs to Mrs. L . S C O T T of Tascott.

"October, 1855, 1. — The other vessels having arrived from Sydney yesterday, I sent James over after breakfast to bring what goods had come, & among them was a great treasure, in the form of a box of books containing those which I ordered from England, through our Church Society, last year".

Rev. A . G L E N N I E often gave books to his parishioners, as mentioned throughout his Journal. This inscription, taken from the above book, is recognised as his own handwriting. Martha Scott's Baptism is the first entry in the Church Register of Baptisms — dated 9th January, 1839.

October 1855

2. negligence be pardoned, & grace given to me to f u l f i l 41. by d u t i e s b e t t e r f o r the time to come.

3. Today I went f i r s t to see o l d M r s . J a r r e t t , at E r i n a . She has been very poorly f o r some l i t t l e time & yesterday was very i l l . The doctor had bled her, & otherwise p r e s c r i b e d , - I found her much b e t t e r today, & t r u s t that w i t h God's b l e s s i n g on the means employed, she w i l l recover her h e a l t h again.- From that I went to the school at Kincumbar, where my l i t t l e catechism c l a s s a c q u i t t e d themselves very w e l l - I then went to see Mrs.Ward, whom I found up, & p r e t t y w e l l again, tho' her baby seemed very d e l i c a t e . - I was glad to f i n d today that p r i n t e d h a n d b i l l s had been sent by yesterday's post to Mr.Venteman, announcing that the "Black Swan" steamer i s to be l a i d on as a r e g u l a r weekly trader between Gosford & Sydney & i s to commence w i t h her f i r s t t r i p next Saturday week.

10. I returned from Mangrove t h i s afternoon, having been away since F r i d a y l a s t . - On the whole my v i s i t there has been a s a t i s f a c t o r y one, - 1 spent the whole of Saturday v i s i t i n g among the people at the lower part of the creek. Had two good congregations on Syd Sunday. On Monday I got one of Wm.Woodbury's boys to row me i n a boat down to the mouth of the creek to v i s i t Crumpton's & some other f a m i l i e s . Tuesday I spent v i s i t i n g from the lower School upwards, & came home today, c a l l i n g at Wyoming on the way.

12. I remained at home yesterday l e t t e r w r i t i n g . Today I have had a good tramp round about the neighbourhood of E r l n a . - I went f i r s t to the School, & from thence to see M r s . J a r r e t t , whom 1 found up, & p r e t t y w e l l again. Owing to her extreme deafness, I am unable to c a r r y on a conversation w i t h her, so I adopted the plan of p u t t i n g my questions i n w r i t i n g , which she could make out p r e t t y w e l l , & gave her answers. In t h i s way I spent n e a r l y an hour w i t h her, I hope not u n p r o f i t a b l y . I then

October 1855

12. went on to Wm.Swadling's Channels, & Whltem n's. & from thence over the h i l l to Mosquito town, where I f i n i s h e d out the day, and reached home again soon a f t e r 7.- having been more than 9 hours at work.

16. This day I spent v i s i t i n g at the Sawmill, & about Blue Gum F l a t . On Saturday I d i d not go out anywhere-being occupied c h i e f l y sermon w r i t i n g & preparing f o r Sunday.- On Sunday morng I have a l a r g e congregation at Gosford - Among them were s e v e r a l Sydney f o l k s who had come by the Black Swan on Saturday evening. -Yesterday afternoon 1 paid Mr.Battley a v i s i t , c a l l i n g by the way on Holmes, w i t h whom I had a long conversation, terminating i n a promise to come to church Next Sunday.

20. Being Saturday n i g h t , 1 must sum up the weeks work.-On Wednesday I went to Kincumbar, passing on from the school to McMasters & c a l l e d by the way at Godwin's, K i r k ' s e t c . 1 found Tom B a t t l e y at McMasters, & he returned home w i t h me.- On Thursday I went down the r i v e r i n a boat w i t h Tom B a t t l e y , to v i s i t Mrs.Booker and a few others by the way. - Yesterday i t was my i n t e n t i o n to have ri d d e n out by E r i n a to T o r i g a l , But the weather proved unfavourable i n the morning which Induced me to a l t e r my plans. 1 remained at home a l l the morning, & i n the afternoon rode up to Wyoming, & c a l l e d on one or two p a r t i e s i n that neighbourhood -This morning 1 rode up to E r i n a to see o l d M r s . J a r r e t t , & take her some books, c a l l i n g at 2 or 3 houses a l s o i n East Gosford on my r e t u r n . - We are r a t h e r disappointed t h i s evening at the n o n - a r r i v a l of our l i t t l e Steamer the "Black Swan"- I t was my i n t e n t i o n to go up to Sydney by her on Monday next, & from thence proceed to the Hunter to b r i n g Anne e t c . home again.

November 1855

9. Having been n e a r l y a week at home, I t Is high time f o r 43. me to note what I have been about since the l a s t date. To commence then w i t h Sunday the 21st. On my r e t u r n from Kincumbar church I met a party on the punt road who had j u s t a r r i v e d per "Black Swan" Steamer & they t o l d me that a poor woman had j u s t been removed from the Steamer to Lucy's cottage, apparently very 111. I rode up to the cottage a f t e r Xing the punt, & on ente r i n g the door found that Mrs.Lucy's s i s t e r (who was the woman inquestion) had j u s t breathed her l a s t . Concluding that I should be required to o f f i c i a t e at the f u n e r a l , I abandoned a l l i n t e n t i o n of proceeding to Sydney the next day, u n t i l on my r e t u r n from the Sawmill at n i g h t , James t o l d me i t was the i n t e n t i o n of the f r i e n d s to take the body to Sydney f o r internment.-Accordingly I packed my v a l l i s e , & o f f I s t a r t e d per "Black Swan" on Monday morning, l e a v i n g t h i s at i p 8, & reaching Sydney at 20 m.p. 12.- I took the C o l l a r o y Steamer that n i g h t , & found myself at Morpeth soon a f t e r 8 next morning. I saw the Bishop f o r a few minutes, who very k i n d l y i n v i t e d me to spend Sunday among my o l d f r i e n d s at the Paterson, I then proceeded i n the m a i l to Paterson, where 1 remained that night w i t h Mr.Addams.- The next day, Wednesday I reached Caergurle, where I found Anne & the c h i l d r e n q u i t e w e l l , & a party of the Brown's assembled.- I spent a very pleasant week among them a l l , t a k i n g Mr.Addams' duty at St.Mary's & Gresford, on the Sunday, while he went up to Lostock & Ecclestone.- I found my o l d f r i e n d Chas.Boydell l o o k i n g much b e t t e r than I expected to see him, & have some hope that the remedies which are now being a p p l i e d may prove e f f e c t u a l i n removing h i s p a r a l y t i c a f f e c t i o n . Poor Cap: Champain a l s o , who has f o r some time been mentally disordered, seemed

November 1855

9. to be Improving a good d e a l . - On Wednesday the 31st 44. Wm.Boydell drove us down In h i s c a r r i a g e to Morpeth, where we s t a i d at the Bishop's and had a rough, but quick passage to Sydney on Thursday.- Having only one day i n Sydney we were r a t h e r h u r r i e d i n our shopping business, & came home on Saturday afternoon per Black Swan.- We found Mr.Read here i n possession of the Parsonage, & he i s s t i l l w i t h us. - On Monday & Tuesday I d i d not go out much, having a good d e a l to do Indoors.-Wednesday 1 spent over at Kincumbar - Yesterday Mr.Read & 1 crossed the water and paid Mr.Scott a v i s i t , extending our walk as f a r as McCullum's.- We intended going to Tuggerah Beach today, but I could not get a horse f o r Mr.Read; & as i t turned out so e x c e s s i v e l y hot, I was not s o r r y f o r i t . - Towards evening I paid a few v i s i t s i n the immediate neighbourhood.

12. Saturday was an extremely hot day again.- 1 v i s i t e d the School at E r l n a i n the morning remained at home i n the afternoon. The wind was so very high that we h a r d l y expected to see the Black Swan come i n . About 7 o'clock however, she made her appearance. My congregations were t h i n yesterday, owing I presume p a r t l y to the heat, & boisterous wind, & p a r t l y because the bush was i n f i r e i n various l o c a l i t i e s , & therefore some had to remain at home to watch the progress of the f i r e , & p r o t e c t t h e i r homes. - This morning I v i s i t e d the School, & i n the afternoon Mr.Read & myself walked up to c a l l on the Nunn's of Wyoming.

19. On Tuesday morning l a s t I took Mr.Read to c a l l at Mona Vale, & looked i n at M r s . C o t t r i l l ' s by the way. In the afternoon we walked out as f a r as Seamans, & found Mr.Seaman ra t h e r poorly. On Wednesday Mrs.Osborne paid us a v i s i t & s t a i d to dine w i t h us. I walked w i t h her a f t e r d i n -

November 1855

19. ner to Mr.Harrison's where I made the acquaintance ofher 45. s i s t e r . Miss Douglass. That evening Mr.Bode a r r i v e d from Mangrove very unwell. He had been ob l i g e d to give up h i s school d u t i e s , & came down to r e c r u i t h i s health.He l e f t us again t h i s morning much b e t t e r f o r the few days r e s t . - On Thursday afternoon. Mr.Read & 1 rode up to the Sawmill, when I introduced him to the Davisons. On F r i d a y 1 borrowed a horse from Watklns, & we a l l , (Mr.Bode, Read & myself) took a r i d e round by Mineamtear Green Point to Kincumbar from thence to Mr.Moore's (whom we d i d not f i n d at home) & then on to T o r i g a l , and round by Womberall lake home. On Saturday afternoon I walked over to see MrS.Benson, who continues rather poorly at times made a c a l l a l s o on her neighbours.- yesterday (Sunday) i t came on to r a i n i n the morning, so that I had a very small congregation at Kincumbar.- I set o f f w i t h toothache g e t t i n g my feet wet d i d not cure i t . - During the afternoon s e r v i c e a t Gosford I f e l t very unwell, & was almost on the point of f a i n t i n g , but i t wore o f f again, & I was enabled to proceed afterwards to the Sawmill, where I had a t o l e r a b l e congregation.-Mr.Read took h i s departure t h i s morning i n the "Black Swan" & 1 hope they reached Sydney before the southerly wind had increased to anything l i k e the gale that i s now blowing. I t was not f a r from midnight when I returned home l a s t n i g h t , & I f e l t a good deal fagged today, therefore have not been out anywhere.- My toothache has been r a t h e r troublesome a l s o t h i s afternoon & evening.

21. Yesterday I was too unwell e i t h e r to go out anywhere, or to do anything at home, I think i t must have been i n f l u e n z a that attacked me. I had v i o l e n t pains i n the head & one side of my face. I have been a good deal b e t t e r today, though not altogether f r e e from p a i n . - This afternoon we a l l walked

November 1855

21. over to East Gosford, & c a l l e d on Mrs.Benson, & the 46. B a t t l e y s , Mrs.Benson 1 was glad to f i n d a great deal b e t t e r . Indeed I t r u s t she i s now q u i t e recovered from her I l l n e s s , & 1 hope to see her among the communicants next Sunday.

26. This being Monday morning. 1 am, as u s u a l , a l i t t l e fagged from the e f f e c t of a hard day's work yesterday. There was a good deal of s a t i s f a c t i o n however, which cheered me on through the work, but when the excitement ceases, then the f r a i l body begins to grumble. - 1 had, i n the f i r s t p l a c e , a greater number of Communicants at E.Gosfd i n the morning, than ever 1 had before - 27 i n c l u d i n g myself. This of course increased my labour & lengthened the s e r v i c e , & being exceedingly c l o s e & s u l t r y , I was a l i t t l e exhausted by the conclusion of the s e r v i c e & i t was then time to s t a r t f o r Kincumbar. On going i n to Mr.Battley's I then l e a r n t that the punt was sunk & that I shd. therefore be compelled to r i d e a l l round by E r i n a . So that 1 had only time to snap up h a l f a dinner. This a d d i t i o n a l r i d e caused me to be a f u l l h a l f hour l a t e at Kincumbar & there I had a double baptismal S e r v i c e , 1 e one to receive i n t o the church,previously p r i v a t e l y b aptized, as w e l l as the baptism of another. At E r i n a again I had [1] another baptism but a very good congregation, which encouraged me. F o r t u n a t e l y the moon had r i s e n by the time I s t a r t e d , otherwise 1 shd. have found some d i f f i c u l t y i n groping my way along the very bad road I had to come.- As i t was, my poor hat got very roughly t r e a t e d by the overhanging branches, & was knocked completely o f f my head on one occasion. I t was more than h a l f p 10 when I came i n not a l i t t l e t i r e d a f t e r the duties of the day. - I hope, & t r u s t , & pray, that my"labour was not (a l t o g e t h e r ) i n v a i n i n the Lord".

On Thursday l a s t I went over to Kincumbar, & hearing i n the course of my v l s l t i n g s that Jackson's daughter, Maria, was very dangerously i l l , & being t o l d moreover, that although nominally a R.Cathc. she had expressed a wish to see me, I r e p a i r e d to the house, where I found the poor g i r l e v i d e n t l y

[1] Mania Jane. KEARMES, daughteA ol John -, fanmeA i SawyeA ol KlncumbzA i Mania, Bonn 3 OcXobeA 1855,

Monday 26th November

i n a very precurious s t a t e , & although apparently i n a dying c o n d i t i o n , her unnatural parents were both i n a s t a t e of i n t o x i c a t i o n . - The f a t h e r very much so, & the mother q u i t e under the i n f l u e n c e of l i q u o r , I spoke a l i t t l e to the g i r l , & asked i f the P r i e s t had not been to see her, & on being answered i n the a f f i r m a t i v e , the poor g i r l , who could only speak i n her a whisper, s a i d , addressing her mother, " I would rather have Mr.Glennie to v i s i t me, f o r the P r i e s t t a l k s to me i n L a t i n , & 1 cannot understand him." P e r c e i v i n g that the mother d i d not d e s i r e my s e r v i c e s , I of course t o l d her that I had not come w i t h any d e s i r e to i n t e r f e r e , I took the opportunity however of saying a few words to the g i r l by way of advise & d i r e c t i o n , which might be s e r v i c e a b l e to her, without g i v i n g offence to her mother.- The f a t h e r i s a nominal member of the Ch: of Engd. but that I f e a r i s a l l . My c h i e f hope i n going there was that I might perhaps do some good i n reproving him f o r h i s drunken h a b i t s , but he was too f a r gone to l i s t e n to my admonition, although I gave them both a great s c o l d i n g , and s a i d I would v i s i t them again i n a few days, which I must c o n t r i v e to do t h i s week.

Fr i d a y I spent i n the neighbourhood of E r i n a , f i r s t at the s c h o o l , & then v i s i t i n g among the neighbours. Saturday I spent at home. 1 was going out i n the afternoon, but a great thundercloud appeared i n the westward, threatening great t h i n g s , but passed o f f without much r a i n . - The Steamer was l a t e i n making her appearance on Saturday, but she had a very strong N:E. wind to contend a g a i n s t . - She brought a good many passengers down, and took away a great many again t h i s morning. I am d e l i g h t e d to observe an advertisment i n the paper s t a t i n g that henceforth her t r i p s are to be twice a week - coming from & r e t u r n i n g to Sydney, every Tuesday & F r i d a y .

On Monday afternoon we a l l went to Wyoming to c a l l on the Nunn's myself walking, & Mettle c a r r y i n g the others by t u r n s . Yesterday 1 was out n e a r l y a l l day i n part of the Kincumbar

28th November 1855

d i s t r i c t . I made a begining to c o l l e c t f o r the Clergy 48. Stipend Fund. The c o l l e c t o r s g e n e r a l l y seem so r e l u c t a n t to apply themselves to the work, & the end of the year i s so f a s t approaching, that 1 am compelled to take the matter i n t o my own hands. I t was my i n t e n t i o n to v i s i t Kincumbar again today, but heavy r a i n , w i t h thunder o b l i g e d me to stay at home.

I went out t h i s morning to v i s i t Anson's f a m i l y , whom I had not been to see f o r a very long time. I found Mrs.Anson only at home, & sat some time w i t h her i n her wig-wam but, f o r they had t h e i r hut burnt down some time ago,-I c a l l e d on Mrs.Tompkins afterwards, who l i v e s c l o s e by, & then came home to dinner.- We had another n i c e thunder shower t h i s afternoon. I am now preparing f o r my Mangrove journey tomorrow.

December 1855

Returned t h i s afternoon from Mangrove, to which place I went on F r i d a y l a s t (30th) & had a very tedious & hot r i d e , which f a t i g u e d me much,& an almost s l e e p l e s s night d i d not enable me to r i s e much refershed on Saturday morning.- I examined the c h i l d r e n a t the lower school on Saturday, & i n the afternoon v i s i t e d a few of the neighbours. On Sunday morning I had a very good congregation at the lower Church & administered both Sacraments. I t came on to r a i n i n the afternoon which caused a t h i n attendance at the Upper Church.- I baptized two more i n f a n t s there & had a very wet r i d e back again w i t h Mr.Bode a f t e r the s e r v i c e . - The r a i n poured down i n t o r r e n t s , part of the way, & proved to me that my l e a t h e r g a i t e r s , or "euknemidas" as they are termed have done t h e i r duty & want r e p l a c i n g w i t h new ones.-Yesterday i t poured of r a i n the whole day which q u i t e con-

December 1855

10. acquaintance of one Hardwlck, a shoemaker, l a t e l y 5 0 . e s t a b l i s h e d there. I n the afternoon I went to see Sarah, (Abraham Swadling's wife) who was very i l l l a s t week, but now quite g e t t i n g round again.- From thence I went to see Warburton, Senr. who i s a i l i n g , & g e t t i n g very feeble I a l s o went on to see F l e t c h e r senr. & got him to go round again and t r y , between t h i s & Xmas what a d d i t i o n a l c o l l e c t i o n s he can make f o r the Clergy Stipend fund.

14. I have been 3 days absent from home t h i s week. On Tuesday 11th I s t a r t e d f o r Yarramalong to pay. Mr.Lette a v i s i t , c a l l i n g as I went along, upon s e v e r a l of the Blue Gum people. I reached Mr.Lette's a f t e r a hot day's r i d e , about sunset, & found him & Mrs.Lette very w e l l . - I remained the night at t h e i r house, & baptized t h e i r [1] l i t t l e boy .before I l e f t them on Wednesday morning. I had a very hot day again on Wednesday, & a f t e r c a l l i n g a t Turners, at Wyong, & having some conversation w i t h Mrs.Turner, proceeded to Reedy F l a t . ( Douall c a l l e d i n at Turners w h i l e I was there) - I f e l t the heat very much & was glad to f i n d myself under the s h e l t e r of Mrs.Lee's roo f . Mr.Lee was down here at the Court w i t h John Osborne & d i d not r e t u r n home as expected that n i g h t . I came home yesterday, t r a v e l l i n g again through the burden & heat of the day. I c a l l e d at the Sawmill, & spent the afternoon v i s i t i n g the people there, & about Blue Gum F l a t again. At Mrs.Davison's I was s u r p r i s e d to f i n d Mr.Horsburgh i n company w i t h John Osborne A d e l i g h t f u l change i n the weather came on i n the afternoon, when a thundercloud came up from the westwd. & a southerly wind soon sprang up & a gentle shower of r a i n a l s o helped to c o o l the a i r . - I reached home about dusk, & t h i n k I never was more d e l i g h t e d at f i n d i n g myself under my own roof f o r I was g r e a t l y fagged a f t e r my three hot days r i d e & 2 almost s l e e p l e s s n i g h t s . - We are disappointed today by the n o n - a r r i v a l of the "Black Swan".

[1] Ffiank limboLid LETTE, ion ol John Maxlmui -, SattlzK ol VcLKimoLlong i Saiah. Bonn 3 May 1854.

December 1855

17. Today we have h e l d an examination of the c h i l d r e n at 51. E.Gosford, which r e s u l t e d very s a t i s f a c t o r i l y . Mr.Moore & Mr.Battley, as members of the Board were In attendance.-On Saturday I was occupied a l l the morning Sermon w r i t i n g e t c . I n the afternoon I c a l l e d at C o t t r l l l s & Whites - Yesterday the weather was unfavourable, which caused s m a l l congregations.

19. Yesterday I went over to Kincumbar to examine the School c h i l d r e n t here, i n company w i t h Mr.Moore. On the way back I c a l l e d at Anson's & Tompkins' a l s o at Lucy's & Pattersons, i n E.Gosford. Today I have not been out anywhere, nor have I done much at home, f o r I t has been a gooddeal broken i n t o . - M r . S o i l i n g c a l l e d e a r l y i n the morning, & Mr.Moore afterwards, & then John Osborne looked i n i n the afternoon.- I was occupied a good part of the morning p u t t i n g down a board i n the f l o o r of the spare room i n l i e u of one which the White ants had demolished. Last n i g h t s m a i l brought us the welcome i n t e l l i g e n c e of the "FALL OF SEBASTOPOL."

31. Here i s the o l d year j u s t c l o s i n g i n upon us & I must, before i t i s qu i t e gone, make my l a s t entry f o r 1855. -On Fri d a y the 21st the Misses.Donnison a r r i v e d from Sydney per Black Swan to spend Xmas w i t h us.- Neither of them seems to be very strong i n h e a l t h but I hope a l i t t l e q u i e t r e s t w i l l b e n e f i t them.- This being a h o l i d a y time I have not been very much out among my p a r i s h i o n e r s , u n t i l today, which I spent at Kincumbar, v i s i t i n g a l l from Dunlops to Davis, i n c l u s i v e . - I t has I am a f r a i d , f a l l e n to my l o t to become c o l l e c t o r General f o r the Clergy Stipend, those who were appointed to the o f f i c e having shown a great a v e r s i o n to apply themselves to the work - w i t h the exception of F l e t c h e r at E r i n a , who has b e s t i r r e d himself i n the matter.-I am very much a f r a i d that the t h i n g w i l l prove a f a i l u r e i n the d i s t r i c t .

January 1856

1. Wrote a l e t t e r or two t h i s morning f o r the post per 52. "Black Swan" & i n the afternoon I rode up to Blue Gum F l a t to v i s i t Wm.Davis, who got h i s l e g broken a few days ago. - I sat some time w i t h him, reading p o r t i o n s of the B i b l e & endeavouring to p r e v a i l upon him to p r o f i t by the opportunity now afforded him by t h i s v i s i t a t i o n , but h a r d l y dare hope f o r success. - I found h i s brother John t h e r e , whom I had not seem f o r some years.

2. Spent t h i s day v i s i t i n g S c o t t , & McCullum.

3. I accompanied the Misses Donnison t h i s morning to E r i n a , & then went on to F l e t c h e r s to see what success he had had i n c o l l e c t i n g f o r the Clergy Stipend Fund. I found he had only obtained 50% more, which does not make up h a l f the amount set down as the E r i n a p o r t i o n . I f i n i s h e d out the day v i s i t i n g i n that neighbourhood, & then c a l l e d f o r the Misses Donnison on my way back.

4. Walked over to East Gosford t h i s morning to c a l l on Mr.Hargraves, & post a l e t t e r f o r Mr.Bode. - prepared f o r Mangrove e t c . - Mr.Davison c a l l e d i n the afternoon, & Mr.& Mrs.Nunn a l s o , towards evening.

5. (Saturday n i g h t ) I got everything ready t h i s morning, & my horse saddled f o r Mangrove but i t came on to r a i n , and had such an appearance of determined continuance, that when two o'clock came & no change f o r the b e t t e r , I had Mettle unsaddled w i t h the i n t e n t i o n of making an e a r l y s t a r t tomorrow morning, should the weather permit. I employed myself t h i s afternoon making a new t a b l e f o r my study, & am now t r y i n g i t & f i n d i t answer very w e l l .

January 1856

7. I rose before 4 o'c yesterday morning to start for Mangrove, but before 5 o'c: the rain commenced again so heavily, that I gave up a l l thought of proceeding, & thus for the f i r s t time, I have been kept from going to Mangrove by bad weather. - I made a few v i s i t s this afternoon at E.Gosford, & among others to Piper whom I found very poorly.

14. I have spent nearly the whole of this day in trying to collect contributions to the Clergy Stipend Fund, and a l l that I could muster were a few promises. From Mr.Joseph Spears I received a f l a t denial. Declining to assign any reason for not giving, he simply said that he was opposed to i t & desired no haranguing on the subject. - I fear our collection w i l l come very short of the sum required. - Last Tuesday I spent at Mosquito Town, vis i t i n g a l l about that quarter, the consequence was a good congregation last night at Erina. On Wednesday 1 set off in the forenoon for Mangrove Creek, & had a very hot ride up. A thundershower cooled the air a l i t t l e towards evening. I slept at (or rather I should say lay down) at H:Parry's that night. - On Thursday I made my way down the creek calling at a l l the houses as I went along, & by dusk reached James Watkins', of the (toss Keys, where I got a very comfortable bed & a good night's rest. It rained very hard for about 2 hours during the day. I rode home again on Friday, calling by the way at the house of a Sawyer named Mclsaac, whose child I baptized. [1

17. Had a hot ride today out to McMaster's, acccompanied by the Misses Donnison & Marianne. We were rather later in starting than we should have been, i.e. past 10 o'c: so that we had some of the hottest part of the day to ride in. - We went round by Green Point, to avoid the

Wlltiam kltxandoJi McISAAC, 4on Oj{ Vu.ga.ld SojMLjtn oi (Wyoming i Mafiga^zt, Eon.n 16 NovejnbeA 1855.

January 1856

17. h i l l , & looked in at the Church as we passed. Marianne 54. seem a good deal fatigued tonight as she well may be, -upwards of 20 miles on a hot day, being a good ride for one not used to i t . - Tuesday last I spent also at Kincumbar - vi s i t i n g f i r s t the »h school, & then some of the neighbours, with a view of getting subscriptions to the Clergy Stipend Fund, but got only one pound, after a l l my day's work. - Yesterday we a l l went & spent the day, that i s , the latter part of i t , at Wyoming.

19. Yesterday I spent visiting at the Sawmill & that neighbourhood, to remind them of the service tomorrow evening. - Mr.&Mrs. Harrison came & spent the day, but 1 did not return home t i l l towards 5 o'clock. - This morning I had a very unsatisfactory kind of a wedding at the church -William Robinson, & Eliza McKay - the latter being but a child of 17 or there abouts, & the former not bearing the very best of characters. - The rest of the day I have been occupied preparing for tomorrows services. This afternoon I was surprised by a v i s i t from The Revd. Mr.Toms, who i t seems has come down here with a view of opening a school, & has rented Peek's cottage in East Gosford.

28. Flagging again in my journal, which ought not to be, especially as I find my memory becoming less & less serviceable to me almost every day. - I should have noted before, that on Sunday, the 20th I w i l l hindered by the rain from going to the Sawmill in the evening. I went half way, but the rain came on so heavily that I thought i t needless to proceed, as there would have been no congregation. On Monday afternoon (this day week) I went & called on Mr.Toms, & paid one or two more vi s i t s in that neighbourhood. That afternoon a melancholy accident occurred, which caused the death of a l i t t l e boy, son of Smith, Mr.Nunns butcher. He [1]

. was sitting on the bullock

Tkomai Lm-U SMITH, WyomAjig, agtd 12 yzai^, thz 6on John - , ButchzK. Vlzd 21 January 1S56.

HELY'S HOUSE at "WYOMING

PHOTO: G W E N D U N D O N COLLECTION

"WYOMING" was the name F. A. H E L Y gave to his land grant at the head of navigation of Narara Creek. This cottage was built cl842 from plans by John V E R G E for the widowed Mrs Georgiana H E L Y . Rev. GLENNIE visited Mrs. H E L Y when she lived there.

''January, 1856, 17. — Yesterday we all went & spent the day, that is, the latter part of it, at Wyoming".

"February, 1860, 2. — In the afternoon Townshend & 1 rode up to Wyoming, calling on Mr. & Mrs. Hely by the way. While at Wyoming their new piano arrived from Sydney, & we awaited the unpacking of it, & I had the honor of being the first to sound it".

"May, 1863, 1. — Anne rode with me to Wyoming this morning to call on Mrs. Hely".

Plate XIV

January 1856

28. dray, when i t was overturned, & k i l l e d him on the spot. 55. On Tuesday morning I went up to see the poor parents, with a view of trying to lead them to the true source of consolation under their heavy a f f l i c t i o n , & found them both deeply a f f l i c t e d , & fear there is in them but a small portion of that truly religious s p i r i t , so requisite to make them resigned to the chastening Law of God. I read, & prayed with them, & then, after visiting Mrs.Nunn, returned, & went down to the burial ground to give directions about the grave. The funeral took place on Wednesday about noon. On Thursday I was writing a l l the morning. Towards evening I went up to v i s i t the Smiths again.- On Friday I went to Kincumbar, but finding very few children at the school, spent the afternoon in vis i t i n g . On Saturday morning 1 went to the school at Erina, & catechized the children there, spent the afternoon at home.- Had good congregations yesterday at a l l 3 places. Administered the Sacrament to 22 in the morng at E.Gosford. This morning I spent an hour at the school, & then went to see Mr.Toms, but he was not at home. Towards evening I rode with Miss L.Donnison to c a l l at Mona Vale.- Very hot day this has been.

29. 1 set out this morning intending to go as far as Fletchers, but not feeling very well, & observing heavy clouds gathering in the west, 1 returned & have spent the day principally letter writing, & reading a l i t t l e of Bp.Burnet on the Pastoral care.

30. I intended going out to Fletchers this afternoon, but Mettle could not be found, so I remained at home letter writing & arranging papers etc. Mr.Davison called this afternoon accompanied by a Mr.Butterfield, who had a letter of introduction from Ferris. He has come to see the d i s t r i c t with a view ofsettling here i f he can find a suitable farm, but that is not li k e l y . He is to come tomorrow morning & ride out with me to see some of the country.

January 1856

31. Rode up to Erina this morning with Mr.Butterfield, 56. intending to go on from thence to see Thos.Fletcher, who has been i l l , but while there, the lad came walking thro' the yard , quite convalesent, so 1 changed my plan, & went over to Kincumbar School, & after showing Mr.B: our l i t t l e church there, returned home via Green Point feeling rather tired from my lumbago, or whatever my back ailment may be.

February.

7. On Saturday last I rode up to Mangrove Creek, arriving there about 5 P.M: I called f i r s t at Mrs.Ferguson's, & then went on to see poor old Maria Atkinson, whom I had l e f t very unwell at my last v i s i t . - I was in hopes I might have got both her & her husband in to the Benevolent Assylum, but I found she was far too i l l to undertake the voyage, I saw her again on Sunday morning before services & again on Tuesday before leaving the creek I paid her another v i s i t which 1 am satisfied w i l l prove to be the last, for she was evidently sinking fast, & was suffering much bodily pain. - Dropsy I believe to be her complaint, the natural result, I fancy of her intemperate l i f e I was grieved to find that amid a l l her bodily suffering, there appeared to be no concern at a l l for the poor soul, nor could I then, or on any former occasion make any impression upon her. - I stayed at Chaselings on Saturday night, when I had very comfortable quarters.-My congregations on Sunday were both scanty, owing partly to a misunderstanding which appeared to exist about the order of the services. - On Sunday night (& Monday) I found comfortable quarters again at the Cross Keys. - On Monday I walked down to Wm.Woodbury's & round by

February 1856

7. Iron Bark Creek, vi s i t i n g a l l the folks in that quarter. - 57. I found that old Mrs.Goddard had died, & was buried only a few days before, I went up - She was about 85 years of age. - It was past one o'clock when 1 l e f t the creek on Tuesday afternoon, & I had a fine afternoon for my homeward ride. - Yesterday being Ash-Wednesday. we had morning service at E.Gosfd. and a f a i r congregation of 35. - This afternoon 1 rode over to the school at Kincumbar, & finished out the day visiting there.

8. The Mises Donnison l e f t us today & returned to Sydney per "Black Swan". I walked over to East Gosford & saw them safe off, & then walked leisurely home, calling f i r s t for the letters at the Post Office, & then looking in upon Capper, who being unwell, has been to consult Dr.Gwynn at Parramatta, & returned per Steamer today.-* I then went to see how Mr.Battley i s getting on with his housebuilding.

9. Having lent old Mettle, & James today to Mr.Battley, to draw in some timber for his new house. I footed i t up to Erina this morning to v i s i t the school there, & after spending an hour or so with the children, went on to see some of the folks in that neighbourhood. 1 found i t very warm & sultry, though a smart shower about noon cooled the air a l i t t l e . On my way home. Page told me I was wanted up at Joseph Spear's to baptize a young infant. I went up therefore, but finding the child was not seriously i l l , 1 prevailed upon the parties (Wilson, who live down at the heads) [1] to wait a week, & bring the child to church tomorrow week.

11. A wet day yesterday caused me to have three very thin congregations. - I had arranged to go round to Mr.Scott's today, & get Cullen to pilot me down the river, but rain again today obliged me to alter

[1] Gfiact Sanah iilTlSOU, daugktZfL VmloX - , Fame.H. BfiLibane. Watzn. HeM.d'i i Elizabeth. Bom 31 Januaiy 1856.

February 1856

11. my plans, so I remained at home a l l the morning, & 58. rode up to the neighbourhood of Wyoming in the afternoon, & made some calls there upon Buckland, Broadbent, etc. etc.

13. Yesterday morning being rainy I remained at home, & just as I was preparing to go out in the afternoon, young Scott called, & sat sometime, and he had scarcely l e f t the house, when in came Mr.Codrington, accompanied by one of Wyndham's sons, so that my afternoon was spent in being visited, instead of v i s i t i n g - 1 have spent the whole of this day at the Sawmill & Blue Gum Flat. - Made the acquaintnace of Mrs.Wm.Nunn at Wyoming, & Mr .Austin at the Mills.

14. Spent this day at Kincumbar - At tjie school & v i s i t i n g .

15. Met with a l i t t l e disappointment today. "Uncle Ferris" having written to say he was coming by today's steamer to pay us a v i s i t I went over to receive him on the arrival of the vessel, but no Uncle Ferris was there, nor was there any mail to bring us or letter from him, We must therefore wait patiently the arrival of next Tuesdays mail, to learn the cause of our disappointment. - I paid a few v i s i t s in E.Gosford this morning, & this evening we a l l took a l i t t l e s t r o l l out as far as the new road which they are making into the town, & called on Mrs.Kean as we came back.

16. At home a l l this morning. Towards evening I went over to pay Mr.Toms a v i s i t , calling by the way on Holmes & Hegin. - A most lovely evening i t was.

18. We have had a very hot day today. Thermo: 94i in the shade - I may say however, that i t is almost the only hot day we have had since the 11th November. -Yesterday I had rather a hard day's work o f i t , beginlng with Kincumbar where I had the Sacrament, & then

February 1856

18. Having a Baptism both at Gosford & at the Sawmill. [1] 59. At the two latter places I had very good congregation. At the Sawmill there were close upon 70 - the largest number I ever had there. I had a beautiful moon to light me home at night, & reached home about i p eleven. -I went up to the school this morning & had a l i t t l e catechising with the young people. - Called on Hegin by the way. - This evening I paid Mrs.Creighton a v i s i t .

20. Yesterday, by appointment, Scott Junr. brought his boat over in the morning to take me across to their house.- Mr.Toms accompanied me & we had rather a hard pull across, a very strong southerly wind having suddenly come on. Mr.Toms seemed pleased with the Banana plantation etc. etc: - I spent the whole of this day at Kincumbar visit i n g .

21. At home a l l today letter & sermon writing. Strolled as far as Mona Vale in the evening & called on the Harrisons, & on Mrs.Plggott also. - It has been very hot again today, (therm 90) & as frequently follows, a strong S:E. wind i s now blowing. -

25. (Monday) On Saturday morning I rode up to Erina to v i s i t the school, but found very few children there therefore did not remain, but came home again, after visiting some of the immediate neighbours, & spent the rest of the day preparing a sermon for Sunday on the subject of the Sacrament, which I did not bring to a close t i l l about 12 P.M: - a bad preparation for my Sunday duties. I had a large congregation at E.Gosfd. yesterday morning, & administered the Sacrament to 16. My usual congregation attended at Kincumbar & at Erina. - This day I have spent entirely at E.Gosford, beginlng with the school, & then vis i t i n g .

[1] BaptL&m cut Goi^ofid wa4 oi G^act Samh WJLSOM - 4ee page. 57.

BaplLim at thz Sawmill wa4 Safcak Ann EARL, daaghte.1 blUtLm ~, Smye.1 ojj Blut Gum Flat I SaKak, Bom 12 l^ovembeA. 1S55.

February 1856

28. I have been over to Kincumbar today, & after an hour's 60. catechising at the School, went on to Ward's, Taylor's etc. - On Monday morning I visited the E:Gosford School, & spent the afternoon visiting at E.Gosfd.- On Tuesday I rode out to Tuggerah Beach to see Frost & his family, and . having borrowed a horse from Mrs.Venteman, took Mr.Toms with me to show him the beauties of that part of the D i s t r i c t . - On returning in the evening, I found that two men had called, having come from Sydney to make enquiry about the building of the church.- I was occupied with them yesterday morning, showing them the ground, quarries, etc. etc. and in the afternoon they put in a tender for the whole of the stone work, at eleven hundred pounds which I was obliged to t e l l them is far beyond our means.

March 1856

3. (Monday evening) Returned from Mangrove this afternoon, calling i n at Wyoming as I rode by, where I found Mrs.Wm.Nunn & her licttle cbaby^jvery vrell. ~ J went to Mangrove on Saturday by Mooney Creek & Popram, having made an arrangement when I was last there, for Henry Singleton to meet me at the School House at 5 P.M. on Saturday, that I might consult with him about performing the necessary repairs ofthe building. On arriving there however, I learnt that Singleton was away down the river fishing & was not expected home for some days.-So much for my arrangement.- Yesterday was about the most miserable Sunday to me, that ever I spent in Mangrove, I was attacked with one of my very worst headaches, & was scarcely able to get through the morning service, which was lengthened by the addition of both Sacraments,

March 1856

3. I hesitated about going to the upper church, but expecting 61. there would be another baptism there, I mustered up a l l the determination I could, & pushed on, & I was afterwards glad I did so, for my headache began to abate before 1 reached the church, & I found Mrs.George Elm there with a l i t t l e infant for baptism.- 1 repaired [1] after the service to Cole's, where 1 was hospitably entertained, & I came straight away from his house after breakfast this morning, calling only at Chasling's, & on old Will:Atklnson, hurried home a day sooner than usual this time, in order to allow myself as much time as I can command this week, for finishing ofthe collection to the Clergy Stipend fund. & 1 am well pleased that I did so, for the rain set in this afternoon, & by the way i t is now coming down I think i t intends continuing.

5. Yesterday morning 1 went to v i s i t Mrs.Benson, who had been very poorly during my absence at Mangrove,-I found her much better than she had been, but very weak.- I made a few other calls in the neighbourhood, & in the afternoon went to E.Gosford again, to gather in some promised contributions to the Stipend Fund.-This having been a very wet day I have not been out any where, but have been letter writing etc: etc.

8. Thursday being wet I did not go out.- Yesterday we had one of the heaviest thundershowers I ever knew. I continued pouring in torrents for at least H to near 2 hours. In the afternoon I walked over to see Mrs.Benson, whom 1 found very poorly.- I went to see her again this morning & was glad to find her a great deal better. From thence I went to Erina & finished out the day i n that neighbourhood, vi s i t i n g the school etc. etc.

10. I was a l i t t l e Inconvenienced yesterday by a bad cold, which rendered my reading rather

[1] Lama ELLEM, daugkleA oi Gzotge. - , EamtK UppzA Hangnovt i Saia. Boftn 26 JanaaHLj 1856.

March 1856

10. more d i f f i c u l t . I had good congregations at a l l three 62. churches.- More than usual at Kincumbar, & upwards of 40 at Erina.- This morning I went to the school, and had a good hours catechizing with the children, I then called on Mrs.Benson whom I was glad to find much better again. In the afternoon I had a small class at home Jane & Margt. Crause came in, & our own servant g i r l s Jane & Fanny made up a small class of 4. Two of Mrs.Overall'8 l i t t l e children also came. After dismissing my class we a l l took a s t r o l l up the mountain at the back by way of a l i t t l e recreation.

24. This pause in my journal hais been caused chiefly by a v i s i t from H:Ferris, whose presence occupied the greater part of my spare time. He arrived per Steamer of last Friday week, & l e f t us again last (Good) Friday. On Tuesday we went across to Mr.Scott's, & took the gi r l s with us. - On Wednesday I took him up to the Sawmill, calling by the way at Wyoming & on Thursday we rode out as far as Tuggerah Beach.- By the time the service was over on Friday, the "Black Swan" had arrived, and we went over to Mr.Battley's to see the last of "Uncle Ferris" - after which we called on Mrs.Benson, & then came home. I did not go out at a l l on Saturday having to prepare for Sunday duties.-Yesterday was a very nice fine day, & I had 3 good congregations, - 25 communicants at Gosford, & had a baptism at each of the other places.- Mr.Fred Hely called on Saturday, & today Mr.George Bowman looked in, having come down to meet the Electors. - Anne was unable to go to church yesterday owing to a bad cold & swelled face, etc. etc.

26. Yesterday (Easter Tuesday), we had our annual vestry meeting to elect Church Wardens, four pewholders only were in attendance, I re-elected Mr.Battley, & they chose Mr.Harrison.- In the afternoon

March 1856

26. It was my Intention to have gone out, but old Mettle 53 thought proper to keep himself out of the way, & as 1 did not feel altogether well I remained at home. -This day I have spent at Kincumbar, visiting some of the folks in that quarter besides catechizing at the school.

29. On Thursday (27th) I was at home letter writing a l l the morning. - In the afternoon we a l l rede went up to Wyoming to c a l l on the Nunn's, Ann riding, the rest of us walking. - Yesterday morning I took the gi r l s over to Mrs.Cottril's to say good bye to Isabella, having been told she was going away by yesterday's Steamer, but we found she had decided upon staying another week. We just reached home again in time to escape a very heavy shower. In the afternoon I went over to see F.Piper in East Gosford, who has been ailing for some time past, & found him but very middling. - Contrary to my rule (of staying at home on Saturdays) I have been out the whole of today. First to the school at Erina, & then to Kincumbar, round by Dr.Auld's, & Mr.Roberts - Woodwards, Piper, etc.

31. Had a very satisfactory day yesterday - A congregation in the morning of about 40 at Kincumbar, where I administered the Sacrament to 15. -In the afternoon there could not have been less than 100 at E.Gosfd. There I baptized 2 infants one of which was Mrs.Wm.Nunn's. [1] This morning I went, as usual to the school, & in the afternoon had my class at home.

April

1. Went as far as McMasters today, calling in at the school as I passed & making a few other calls along my line of road

3. I was preparing for a ride to Blue Gum Flat yesterday morning, when Mr.Moore called in to say that old

AmzUa (ilyndkam mm, daiightZA oi WULim John -, Gzntlman o^ bJyomlng & Fanny. Bom 22 Ftbiaaiy 1856.

WU-llam JcuniLt PIGGOTT, ion o^ WU.tiam - , Labouttn. 0({ Mona \Jal(i i Lucy.

Bom 9 Ma^Lch 1856.

April 1856

3. Patrick Sloane, of Kincumbar was i l l , & wished to see 64 me, so I altered my course, & set off at once to see the old man. On the road I met Geo.Jarrett, who told me that a serious accident had just befallen Saml. Best, a limb of a tree having fallen upon him, & impaired him very much. I found poor old Sloane better than I expected, & after sitting more than an hour with him, I returned by Erina, & called to see Best whom I was grieved to find in a very bad state. - Several of his ribs are broken, but the most serious fracture is about the hip, which by the doctors account is dreadfully mutilated. I have been twice to see him again today, but as talking seemed to fatigue him in his very exhausted state, I thought i t prudent not to remain long with him, hoping that he may recover, & that I may have a favourable opportunity of endeavouring to turn this visitation to a profitable account.

4. Went this morning after breakfast to see Best, & was delighted to find him better. Dr.Auid was with him, just finishing dressing his wounds, & he seemed to entertain a very favourable opinion of him. - His hip bone I find i s not broken as badly as I at f i r s t understood, but is just a simple fracture, which in a l l probability w i l l unite again perfectly well. -From Erina I went over to Kincumbar to see how old Pat:Sloane was getting on, & found him better also.-Thls wonderful old man assures me that i f he lives t i l l June next, he w i l l then have completed his 102nd year & he is s t i l l at work, splitting in the bush, I returned by Erina again this evening to say Best once more before I start for Mangrove, which I purpose doing tomorrow.

April 1856

7. I returned from Mangrove this evening, having gone up 65 on Saturday (5th) - I had rather a miserable ride up, as i t turned out a gloomy afternoon with a l i t t l e rain, so that my feet got very wet from the bushes. -I had very small congregations yesterday, I think in short, that the i l l effects of their being l e f t without a Catechist, i s showing i t s e l f in the f a l l i n g off from the Church, & I hope the vacancy may soon be f i l l e d again. - On looking in this afternoon at Wyoming, I was very sorry to find poor Mr.Nunn confined to his bed, with an attack of Rheumatism. He told me he had a very severe attack a few years ago in England when he remained in a perfectly helpless condition for 14 weeks, & he naturally dreads a repetition of the same.

8. Went up to Erina this afternoon to see Best, & was very sorry to find that he is not so well. - He seems to have taken cold, & inflamation of the lungs i s dreaded. He has every attention that kind friends can bestow,& Dr.Auid i s doubtless applying the only remedies that human s k i l l can supply, & a l l we can do is to pray for God's blessing upon the means used for his recovery,in humble submission & perfect resignation to His w i l l . - I was grieved to learn this afternoon that poor Boston, who some few years ago lost the sight of one of his eyes by a chip ofwood striking it,when chopping was wood met with a similar accident on Saturday evening last , exactly in the same way, & which much fear w i l l deprive him of the use of the other eye. - I went to see him where he is lying at Pennington's, & tried to give him what l i t t l e advice & consolation I was able. - I find that Capper came back yesterday from his v i s i t to Dr.Bowker, who pronounces his complaint dropsy. - I hope I may be of some assistance in prevailing upon him at once to "set his house in order" for he i s evidently approaching the end of his pilgrimage.

April 1856

9. L i t t l e did I think, when penning the remarks I made 66 on the other side last night respecting poor Capper, that my prediction as to the approach of his end, was to be so soon verified & that the very next page of my journal would bear the record of his death but such is the fact: for he died quite suddenly about 3 o'clock this afternoon. I had been with him l i t t l e more than an hour before his death. - I was on my way back from v i s i t i n g Best & Boston, and as I was rather late, did not intend calling upon him then, but purposed going to see him after dinner before riding up to Wyoming. But I altered my plan, and thought I would go in & see him while I was so near. He was just getting up from dinner, & I went with him into the next room - his parlour - & sat some l i t t l e time with him. I was pleased to find him looking better, & to hear him say that he f e l t better, & after conversing upon the state of his body, touched upon the more important consideration of his poor soul, expressing an earnest hope that he would seriously turn his attention to his spiritual affairs, reminding him how much of his day of grace he had allowed to pass away unimproved, & that the night was coming on apace when no work could be done. I urged upon him the necessity of putting forth a l l his efforts, & being doubly diligent for the brief space of time he might yet be spared & try & make a l l the amends in his power on-acefor his past negligence. - He acknowledged the truth of my observations, owned himself f u l l y sensible of his past failings & expressed a determination by the help of God to be more mindful of his duty for the future. I then l e f t him & came home, & sent James over with the cart to bring some corn which had just arrived from Sydney per "Peacock", & when James returned about an hour or more after much to my astonishment he announced to me that Capper was dead- that he had died

April 1856

9. quite suddenly while in conversation with McCullum, 67 who had called in to see him. 1 immediately rode over to see poor Mrs.Capper after which I went up to Wyoming, where I found Mr.Nunn s t i l l confined to his bed, though they thought he was a l i t t l e better. -I was very glad to find Best much better this morning, but poor Boston, I fear has in t i r e l y lost his eye. flJ

12. On Thursday I was at work a l l the morning letter writing. -I sent away my account of our d i s t r i c t collections for the Clergy Stipend fund (amounting to £96.-) besides a letter to the Bishop & sundry other despatches. Towards evening the funeral of Capper took place, which prevented my going out that afternoon as I had intended doing to Kincumbar. - Yesterday I was unwell-headache so did not go out anywhere, except to see poor Mrs.Capper in the evening. This morning I went to v i s i t Best again, & Boston. The former seemed getting on tolerably well. - The latter I fear has entirely lost his sight. - This evening I paid Mr.Nunn a v i s i t , whom I found s t i l l confined to his bed. -

14. A sudden change in the weather took place yesterday afternoon. From being very hot & sultry in the morning, a southerly wind come on very cold, and at night i t began raining just after I reached Erina, & so prevented much of a congregation from assembling & gives me rather a disagreeable ride home. - It rained very hard a l l night but hold up again today. I ,went up to the school this morning, but finding very few children there, went & paid a few v i s i t s in the neighbourhood, & had my class this afternoon at home.

21. (Monday) A week's pause in my journal, occasioned chiefly by having visitors etc. Last week our l i t t l e community was somewhat enlivened by the election of Members of Council. Thursday was the polling day, & Mr.Child Junr. the Depty Returning officer, came down on Tuesday.

[1] WlZllm BOSTOl^, at onz. tunt, punt man at Ettna, ioid to have. poji^^oimoA hJU dutle.'i zwen beXng bJLLnd. He could handle, the. punt 01 appizciatc, MiXhout making a mistake, the natuKZ oi value, the. coln6 he. ie.ceJ.ved In payment oi the. ciO'tilng In the. punt.

April 1856

21. & took up his quarters with us. He was accompanied 68 by a Mr.Ellis, who proceeded to Mangrove on Wednesday, to take the poll in that quarter. Thursday was the day appointed for taking the poll, & I was pleased to find that every thing went off peaceably & orderly. Mr.Hely seems to be the favourable Candidate among the people here, & was at the head of the poll. On Tuesday last I went up to the Sawmill, to v i s i t as many as I could in that neighbourhood. On Wednesday & the 3 following days I went to Kincumbar to see Jones, who was very i l l with dysentery, & I did not think he would recover, but I was glad to hear yesterday that he was much better.- This morning I had to go to Blue Gum Flat, to bury Geo: Stockdale's l i t t l e child who died yesterday.

25. On Tuesday I went to v i s i t Jones again, at Kincumbar & found him a l i t t l e better, but his wife was i l l , also his mate, Andrew Rourke, with the same complaint.-Wednesday morning I remained at home, letter writing etc. After dinner, just as we were preparing to go up to Wyoming, Mrs.Wm.Nunn & Miss Nunn came in. -We walked part of the way home with them & on our way back called on Mrs.Overall. - Yesterday morning I remained at home again & after dinner went to see Jones, whom I found better. - Today i t was my intention to have spent the whole day at Erina, but Mettle could not be found this morning, nor did he make his appearance t i l l past noon. -.1 therefore altered my plans, & went to Wyoming this afternoon to see poor Mr.Nunn, whom I found apparently better, for he was sitting up. He seemed very weak however, which might be expected after three weeks confined to his bed.

26. Went to Erina this morning & after visiting the school, went to see Best & Boston. The former I found out walking about among his neighbours. Poor Boston I fear w i l l not recover his eyesight.

April 1856

29 (Tuesday) On Sunday I was gratified by seeing two new 69 members added to my number of communicants - namely Mr.Scott Junr., & Robt.White. Poor Mrs.Capper attended church also, for the f i r s t time since she became a Widow, & I earnestly hope I may often see her there in future. The sermon I preached was well calculated to administer comfort to her in her loneliness, from

the text "And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me." Yesterday morning Anne & myself set off in the morning, intending to reach E.Gosford, but by the time we had visited Mrs.Cottr11,White & Capper, the morning was gone, & we were obliged to return. Last evening Mr.Forster arrived,& is waiting to accompany me to Mangrove. Today I have been up to the Sawmill to see how Mrs.Davison i s , for the last time I was there she was rather poorly. I was glad to find her quite well again. - Mr.Wm.Nunn accompanied me. - I called to see Mr.Nunn & found him much the same. 1 also visited Mrs.Cater, at Blue Gum Flat, who has been very i l l but seems getting better.

May 1856

12. (Monday) Last Friday week I started for Mangrove, taking Mr.Forster with me. We had some rain on the road, & unfortunately Sunday was a very wet day, so that I had only one congregation, for though we rode to the Upper Church there was no one there. My time was chiefly spent, - Saturday & Monday - in arranging about getting the master ••s house repaired, & I returned on Tuesday, after i n i t i a t i n g Mr.Forster to his work at the Upper School,! was glad to find that he seems to like the place, & I hope w i l l be fi n a l l y settled there. - I called in at Wyoming on my way back, & found Mr.Nunn

May 1856

12. very poorly. On Wednesday morning I went over to 70 E.Gosford & made one or two calls but being attacked with my old friend lumbago, could not go out in the afternoon. Thursday I remained at home letter writing.-Friday morning went to Erina school & afternoon we a l l went to Wyoming - found Mr.Nunn better - Saturday at home sermon writing, visited Mrs.Capper in the evening, & called at C o t t r i l l s also. - Congregations yesterday middling. - This morning - School E.Gosford-aftern: class at home.

16. On Tuesday last, the 13th we a l l went to spend the day at Wyoming, In the afternoon I went to Blue Gum Flat to see how Mrs.Cater was, & found her pretty well recovered from her late illness. On Wednesday I remained at home, Anne being very unwell, form the effects, we concluded of the very cold wind which was blowing Tuesday. - She was better again however yesterday & I therefore went over to Kincumbar & spent the day in that neighbourhood. Today I have been to the Sawmill, calling to see Mr.Nunn as I passed, whom I found much as usual.

17. This morning I was called to go & v i s i t Mrs.Ashley.-On reaching her abode I found she had lost a l i t t l e infant, which was born yesterday, & only lived about 4 hours. The child dying unbaptized, I was compelled to decline giving i t Xtain burial, but the mother expressing a strong desire to have i t deposited in the burial ground, I said there would be no objection to that.- This afternoon I walked out to see Abdy, [1] who purposes bringing a child for baptism tomorrow, I found several other families in his neighbourhood whom I had never seen before & must henceforth look after them.

22. (Thursday) Last Sunday was one of my hard days work.-I had the Sacrament in the morning at Kincumbar, & the Baptismal service both at Gosford in the afternoon, & at the Sawmill

[1] EtLza ABVV, daughter. OjJ Thoma6 - , Smijzn. o{, McUxlm Eiu6k & Eliza.. Bom 13 Vzcmbtn. 1S55.

May 1856

22. in the evening, I was more fatigued than usual, & 7 1 , I suppose from this over-fatigue, was not at a l l well on Monday, so that I did not go out any where. Tuesday was a very wet day which kept me at home again. -Yesterday afternoon I walked over to East Gosford, & made a few calls there. This morning I did the same, & among others, paid Mrs. Johnston a farewell v i s i t , f o r I found she is about starting way for the Tweed River, with the hope of getting her son away from that. - I then went up towards Erina to see Mrs.Ashby whom 1 found s t i l l confined to her bed, & very weak.-This afternoon I went to see how Mr.Nunn was getting on, & was very glad to find him better, & sitting up.

26. (Monday) This morning, at Kincumbar, I celebrated the f i r s t Marriage under the new Marriage act, between Overton & Mrs.Kilpac - an elderly couple of 65 & 55 -widower & widow. - I came straight home after the ceremony, this being the afternoon for my catechism class, but my pupils, as on last Monday - did not make their appearance. - Last Friday I spent at K-ncumbar-f i r s t v isiting Jones, whom I found s t i l l poorly, & then making a round of calls from that to the school.-On Saturday morning I walked up to the school at Erina, to see how the young people were getting on with their catechism, & came back again to dinner. - Congregations pretty well yesterday. -

29. On Tuesday 1 went over Kincumbar-ward, v i s i t i n g - Auld, Roberts, & a l l the Davis families. Yesterday we a l l went across to Point Clair,to v i s i t the Scotts, -This morning I rode up to see Mr.Nunn, whom I was delighted to find very much better, sitting up, & regaining the use of his limbs. - This afternoon 1 went over to East Gosfd. to see Piper & wife, Mr.Wm.Nunn called this afternoon, with Miss Kate. - Now preparing for Mangrove tomorrow.

June 1856

5. Thursday. On Friday last I set off for my usual Mangrove duties, 72. & after enquiring for Mr.Nunn as I passed Wyoming, jogged leisurely along the road, with a very gloomy looking sky over head. When about half way the rain began to f a l l gently & continued a l l the way, increasing rather as I approached my journey's end. On reaching the f i r s t house. Burger's, I was told that Bowen's child was very i l l , & not expected to l i v e , & being unbaptized they wished to bring i t to me the next day. - 1 arranged to go the next day to their house, & accordingly set out on Saturday morning immediately after breakfast, but on reaching Bergers was informed that the child was dead. I went to Bowden's to see the parents, & spent the day visiting as many as I could up the creek. I had two very f a i r congregations on Sunday. Monday I spent among the people at the lower part of the creek & among others visited the old man Goddard, who was so i l l :. the last time I was at Mangrove. I found him apparently drawing very near his end, & could only try to impress upon him the necessity of acquiring that "broken & contrite heart" so essential for procuring the pardon of his sins. He died early on Tuesday morning - Having learnt from [1] Wm.Woodbury on Monday that Crumpton was very seriously i l l , I arranged to go down & see him on Tuesday, & accordingly did so - one of Woodbury's boy's taking me in the boat.-It turned out a very unfavourable day, for heavy rain came on when about half way there, & continued some 2 hours or more.- I found poor Crumpton very i l l , & doubt whether he w i l l recover. He & a l l his family were very glad to see me, & I found Crumpton in a very good frame of mind, & my v i s i t to him was far more satisfactory than are the generality of my v i s i t s to sick beds.- The sun shone out brightly again just as I l e f t Crumptons, but I was very cold sitting s t i l l in the boat for nearly 2i hours. - It was getting dark when I reached Woodbury's & then I had between 2 & 3 miles

[1] No tntiy iouYid in Ckuick RtgLiteA. ^OK baila.l6.

June 1856

5. to walk through wet grass & bushes, & swampy fl a t s . Indeed I f e l t very thankful when I found myself safe within the walls of the School house. Mrs.Foster having arrived at Mangrove, I found the house very much more comfortable than ever I saw i t before I hardly know what to make of poor Mr.Foster, & begin to fear that he w i l l breakdown under the t r i a l s of his new situation. His intellect i s evidently affected, & his memory seems quite f a i l i n g him. - Being unable to get any person i n the creek to build new chimneys at anything like a moderate renuneration (Edwd. Craft asks only £7 each for 2 wooden chimneys) I have commissioned Wm.Woodbury to try & pick up a stonemason in Sydney to come down & build stone chimneys.- I returned home last eveng. looking in upon Mr.Nunn by the way.-Today I have been occupied a l l day letter writing.

7. Saturday night. I remained at home a l l yesterday, t i l l about dusk, when I escorted the Misses Battley home & got a registered letter from Mrs.Champain, with some rent,-I was glad to learn by her letter that the cottage at Glenthorne has been re-shlngled at las t . - This afternoon I rode up to the Sawmill to see Mr.Davison about some Registration business, & find that he has determined upon quitting the District at once.

9. Yesterday (Sunday) I was visited with one of my disagreeable headaches, which proved a great hinderance to me in the performance of my duties.- I was a l i t t l e annoyed also by Cadby bringing his child for baptism in the morning. Their pretext was, the child being i l l - but I could not help thinking this was a mere pretence, to suit their own convenience. - I t came on to rain soon after the service, which caused a thin congregation at Kincumbar.- On my way back from Kincumbar, I was deliberating with myself whether to go to Erina or not

Mafiy Ann CAVBV, daugktai o{ Jamti - , Smyzi Mo^quUXo Town i Saiak. Bom 24 Maick 1856,

June 1856

9. my headache being bad, & the weather unfavourable, which made me think there would not be many persons there. I went, however, & was very glad that I did so, for I found a child there for Baptism, & a good congregation of about 45. I was rather surprised to see several R. Catholics in attendance. This day we have spent entirely in visiting over at East Gosford.- We a l l went over about eleven o'clock, & after making around of calls, did not get home again t i l l 5.-

19. (Thursday) This pause must be accounted for without further delay. So to begin with Tuesday the 10th I spent the whole of that day v i s i t i n g in the Blue Gum Flat neighbourhood, beginlng with Ralph Woods, & extending as far as Earl's when evening approaching 1 returned via Wyoming where I remained to dinner.- Wednesday I went to Kincumbar visited the school, & on the Ward's.- Thursday at home letter writing t i l l evening, when I accompanied Sarah Scott to Mona Vale, to spend the evening. On Friday I was kept at home by a bad headache which lasted t i l l past midnight. Thos.Scott &2 of his sisters came over.- Saturday I did not feel disposed from the effects of my previous headache, to. go out, so remained quietly at home. Towards evening I took the children & Sarah Scott to the top of Mount Recreation.- Sunday, good congregations, except at Sawmill which was very poor. Monday I paid a few v i s i t s from this to E.Gosford i n the morning. Tuesday to Kincumbar, where Mr.Moore & myself examined the school children, & were well satisfied with their progress. Yesterday, at home a l l the morning in the afternoon we a l l walked to Wyoming & back.- The Davison's came down from the Sawmills yesterday on route for Sydney. The two g i r l s slept here.-They went off this morning in the Uncle Tom.- Today we have had the examination of the children at E.Gosford & they acquitted themselves very satisfactorily.

Saiah Maiy BRVAhlT, daaghttn. Chailz6 SmysA of, Mo^quJUto Town i Etlza. BoKn 4 Movmbut 1855,

June 1856

21. Yesterday I spent out in the neighbourhood of Erina, v i s i t i n g a l l between that & Fletcher's,& returning in the evening by Ashby's & Garner's.- Today I have not been out any where, but remained at home preparing for tomorrows services.

28. Last Monday I had to go to Kincumbar to bury a l i t t l e child who had died there on Saturday night, the child of Wm.Taylor, at Davis'. On Tuesday morning I went to v i s i t Piper at E.Gosford. He returned on Saturday night per Sylph,from a v i s i t to Dr.Bowker, who pronounced his case uncurable, & intimated to him that his end is very near at hand.- Notwithstanding this plain warning of his approaching end, i t is painful to see in him so l i t t l e apparent concern for his poor soul. I can only hope that he may feel Inwardly more anxiety than his words & outward conduct would lead one to suppose.- On Tuesday afternoon we a l l walked down to pay a v i s i t to the Coulter family. We found Mr.Coulson there, & he told me that John Osborne had been seriously i l l . I was meditating a v i s i t to Cabbage Tree on Wednesday, & to go from thence across to Mr.Lee's & then to Mr.Iette's: but from the account I heard of John Osborne, I altered my plans, & started of on Wednesday morning to see him. I met Mr.Lee on the road, who told me that John was at his house, so I went strait thither.-I was glad to find him pretty well recovered again. It seems that Dr.Bowker had put a seton in his neck,and that after his return home, the wound had burst out bleeding, & they could not stop i t but i t stopped i t s e l f after bleeding some hours, & after he had lost a great quantity of blood. On Thursday I went to v i s i t Mr.Lette, at Yarramolong, & remained the night there. I found one family more come to settle near him, named Walter, from Hexham, & I hear there are several more families expected, so I shall soon have another congregation

[1] ¥zditOYiny TkVLOR, oi Cockle, Ciztk, aged 8 months, the 6on oi (jJU-tLam - , SawyeA. Vied 21 June 1856,

June 1856

28. up in that quarter. I returned home yesterday, calling 76. at Newman's at Blue Gum Flat, to v i s i t a sick man there, named Lang.- This morning I was busy making preparations for my next week's v i s i t to Mangrove.- I did not go out anywhere today,but spent about an hour this afternoon in my l i t t l e vineyard, pruning vines.

July 1856

7. Monday, Yesterday week, as I was returning from the Morning service at Kincumbar, I was suddenly seized with an attack of lumbago. It did not much Incommode me during the afternoon service at Gosford, but i t was bad enough to make me very thankful that I had no evening service elsewhere. It was very bad a l l night, & I had the greatest diffuculty in rising from my bed on Monday morning, so that going to Mangrove on that day (as I had engaged to do) was quite out of the question, nor was I well enough to go on Tuesday, which I was very sorry for as that was the day fixed for the marriage of Byrne's, & Eliza Parry.- I was thus compelled to disappoint them. On Wednesday Byrnes came down to see what was the cause of my absence, & on Thursday I accompanied him back to Mangrove, & performed the marriage ceremony on Friday morning, after which I made the best of my way home again, & here I found Townshend, who had come down from Sydney by the Black Swan. On Saturday morning I walked with him over to East Gosford, & in the afternoon down as far as Coulter's. Yesterday he accompanied me to the Sawmill for morning service, where I had but a poor congregation, nor had we a very good one here in the afternoon.- Townshend l e f t us again today per Black Swan, taking a fine bundle of Raspberry plants with him. We a l l accompanied him over to see him off, & then after looking in at the school, I l e f t the party

July 1856

7. to find their way home, while I went to see Piper, & make a few calls in that neighbourhood.- I found young Mr.Scott & two of his sisters here on my return, & after staying & dining with us they took Sarah home with them.

2. We had a great fright last Monday night or Tuesday morning rather. I was awakened soon after one o'clock by the noise of the crackling of f i r e upstairs in the l o f t , or garret where Fanny slept. On jumping out of bed & opening the door, I found the place quite in a blaze, which at f i r s t sight impressed me very forcibly with the notion that our house was doomed to destruction. It seems that Fanny had placed her lantern on a deal box beside her bed, & though she blew out the candle that was in i t , a spark must have remained alive, & caught something in the accumulated grease which must have been in the lantern,& this_ must have continued burning slowly for about 4 hours before the box on which the lantern stood caught f i r e , & communicated to the rug nailed against the wall, which in i t s turned conducted the flame up to the shingles, which i t had just reached, when providentially the noise awoke me, & I was just in time to get the flames under by beating & tearing down the rug, before the shingles ignited.- The box was s t i l l blazing however, but having deadened the flames by stuffing in rugs & bed clothes, whatever came to hand, I burled i t down the stairs & out at the back door, & thus was enabled, by God's blessing & assistance, to preserve the house from destruction. On Tuesday I did not go out anywhere, except in the afternoon I took the children up the mountain (with James) to look for the goats.- On Thursday afternoon I went & made a few calls in that quarter.- Thursday-pouring with rain a l l day. Friday (Yesterday) I went up to Mr.Lee's at Reedy Flat to baptize two l i t t l e German children. I had appointed Thursday

Chaile.6 Htnfiy KLUMPP, ion o^ CkiLitlan Joitph Vlne.diU'&M. i GaidmeA o^ iilaJLlaioo Paik & Johanna fiddtuia. Bom 15 May 1856.

Anna REJGLER, daughtZA AndKOxa, Laboufizn. oi iiiallaioo Paik i Anna WALBOURim. BoKn 16 May 1856.

July 1856

12. & hoped to have assembled a l i t t l e congregation for a 78. service, but the great rain of Thursday quite prevented that & although yesterday was a bright sunny day, the very high wind that blew a l l day made i t rather a hazardous ride for branches were f a l l i n g from the trees in a l l directions. I found the roads also exceedingly bad.-Today I have not been out.

21. This day week,(Monday) I was suffering from headache.-I went over to see Piper in the morning, & after sitting some time with him, went to see the Steamer arrive. The rest of the day I could do nothing. On Tuesday morning young Scott came, by appointment to take me across the water. I walked down to McCullum's & from thence on to a neighbour named Thurston, where there is an infant for baptisim.- I came home via E.Gosford being post night, & wishing also to see Piper.-The mail brought me a packet of the Forms for the Thanksgiving for Peace.-Sunday the 13th was the day intended, but not receiving them in time, I made yesterday the day instead.- On Wednesday last I went on to Kincumbar, calling on Mrs.Auld, & after looking in at the school, went on to Scaysbrook, Jones' & Mullards'.-Thursday & Friday I was busy Sermon writing, & part of Saturday.In the afternoon I went over to see Piper. He continues much the same, both as regards the body & soul. His case, is a very unsatisfactory one. I can make no impression upon him. He does not show the least fear of death, while I cannot help being persuaded that he has everything to fear, & nothing to hope for.- He seems quite void of a l l anxiety about his soul I can only continue praying for him, that God w i l l at length open his eyes that he may see his danger, & give him, even at the late hour, the grace of repentance.- Yesterday morning I had a very good congregation at Kincumbar, where I also administered the Sacrament. Among

THE PARSONAGE AT GOSFORD

4 ' *. :

PHOTO: MISS R. E. RENWICK

The old Church of England Parsonage at the southern end of Mann Street, Gosford, where the GLENNIE family lived during their stay at Brisbane Water — 1850-1863.

The Parsonage from the back looking towards the Broadwater.

A U S T R A L I A N HISTORICAL POST CARDS — HISTORIC BUILDINGS

Plate IV

July 1856

the congregation was a party of six strangers, ( 3 gents & 3 ladies) whom I set down for some visitors from Sydney, but I learnt from Mr.Lane that they are residents, though he could not t e l l me their names. - They have purchased the place where Captn. Lee used to l i v e , near Webbs reef.- I must go & pay my respects as soon as possible.- I had a very hard day o f i t yesterday, having no time for any dinner.- The road to the Sawmill was in a dreadful state, & i t became quite dark before I reached there.& I had to come away after the service, without even a cup of tea.- Mr.Austin was away in Sydney & the young man, the clerk, l e f t in charge, "regretted he had nothing to offer me" but supposed 1 had had my supper before I came" I had a tedious 2 hours ride home, & very cold.- It was just eleven o'clock when I got in, & found Ann had prepared a nice dish of sago which I enjoyed. But I woke this morning with a very bad head ache, which troubled me t i l l dinner time. Fancying i t was occasioned by fasting yesterday, I ate some roast beef & dry bread, which seemed to do me good, for the head got quite well soon after dinner, & I was able to go & work in the garden.

(Saturday) Last Tuesday I spent at Mosquito Town, visiting a l l the families in that neighbourhood, -about 20 in number.- I walked out, in order to give Mettle a rest.- Wednesday I went to Kincumbar, & after visiting the school went on to McMasters.- Thursday I remained at home letter writing.- Yesterday I rode out to Torigal to v i s i t a family who have recently come from the Hunter to Settle there, Wilson by name.-They seem to be an industrious family, & are making a new garden etc, about them.- The land he is clearing appears to be excellent. Today I have remained at home, & have spent the whole day in the garden, vinepruning. As usual I am a l i t t l e late, but I hope to find time to finish them before I go to Mangrove next week.

Friday, August 1. 1856

Here I am, a solitary being again for a short time, Ann & the children having gone up to Sydney this afternoon in the Black Swan "to spend a few days with the Misses Donnison, before they quit Redfern," which they think of doing before the end of this month.- We received letters by last Tuesdays mail, both from Miss Donnison & H:Ferris, urging Anne to go at once, & having weighed the matter, & turned i t over in our minds, we determined, should the weather prove favourable to accept the invitation at once. So the carpet bags etc. were speedily f i l l e d this morning, and off they started, about one o'clock, with as beautiful an afternoon as could possibly be enjoyed.- The day seemed to have been made for them, & 1 trust they are now having a cosy chat with the Misses D. at Redfern, I should have started for Mangrove this morning but for this sudden movement, but 1 hope to get away in good time tomorrow.- Last Sunday i had a good many Communicants at E.Gosford. Mr.& Mrs.Nunn being among them. Good congregations as usual at Erina.- On Monday morng. I went over to E.Gosford to post some letter, i see Mr.Battley upon Registration matters.- made one or two calls there besides. - In the Afternoon went on with my vinepruning.- On Tuesday I went to Kincumbar, & called upon the newly arrived family, before mentioned. I found the 6 young people who came to church, & their parents, & was much pleased with them a l l . Gittins is the name.I hope to find them an acquisition to the District. On Wednesday I remained at home. It was a kind of day of interruptions. Miss Kate Nunn came & spent a few hours, her Papa having some business at the court. Mr.Moore also called. Yesterday I was letter writing the greater part of the day. & took my despatches to the Post in

August 1856

18. good congregation at Gosford as well as at the Sawmill 81. in the evening. Neither Ann nor the children ventured to church, as they were a l l suffering from coughs & colds.- Having some letters to write this morning, I did not go out anywhere, & spent the afternoon laying out the children's gardens for them.

25, Last Tuesday morning 1 visited the school. -On Wednesday I went to Kincumbar & made a round of v i s i t s there.-Thursday letter writing in the morning - Mrs.Nunn called in the afternoon with Mrs.Wm.Nunn & Miss Kate.-Towards evening 1 paid a v i s i t to Mrs.Creighton. Friday I spent in the neighbourhood of Erina. Saturday at home. The day was broken i t into by the arrival of a large box of books for the schools which I had to unpack & take a catalogue of i t s contents.- Ann's cough being very bad & otherwise ai l i n g , she could not venture to church yesterday. But she is better today, & I trust w i l l continue to improve. I had rather thin congregations yesterday at both churches.-Erina pretty f a i r as usual.- This morning, the f i r s t thing after breakfast I went to v i s i t Overall's family. An alarming accident happened to them last evening, but the discharging of a pistol, which i t seems Overall was showing to James, who with Lydia & a l l their children were calling at his house. It was loaded with shot, & a portion of the charge lodged in the face of his l i t t l e g i r l Rachel. It has scarred her face of course very much, but I have reason to hope that no dangerous wound has been made & that the child w i l l soon recover. We have today come to the determination of sending Fanny home, being obliged to give her up as a "hopeless" case" after six months t r i a l . - Mr.Nunn called in this morning on his way to Sydney where he is going for the express purpose of trying to engage female servants, having

August 1856

25. heard of the arrival of an Immigrant ship, & I commissioned him to engage a servant for us i f he could.- I made one or two calls at the cottages in rear of Mr.Battley's today, I then had an hour's looking over the Register Books, Regulations etc. with Mr.B:

28. Tuesday was a sort of broken day - I went the f i r s t thing after breakfast to see how l i t t l e Rachel Overall was getting on, & found her progressing favourably.-On may way back I called & made a new acquaintance, at the new shop, opened a few months ago opposite:;the R:Catholic School.- Baron I believe i s the name of the person. He is himself in Sydney, but his wife told me they are both church people.- When I had been in a few minutes Mr.Battley called & had some more Registration chat - & in the afternoon Mr.Scott Junr. & two sisters came in & spent the evening.- Yesterday morning I went to the school, & i n the evening we a l l went & paid Rachel a v i s i t . Today has been my Kincumbar day. I took over to Mr.Lane a few of the new books which came last week, & paid a few v i s i t s about there.

September 1856

6. (Saturday) On Monday morning I was busy letter writing etc. Tuesday was very rainy the greater part of the day. Towards evening I went over to see Piper, & paid a v i s i t or two i n that neighbourhood. Wednesday I spent vi s i t i n g from Wyoming to Blue Gum Flat. Thursday i l l a l l day with a bad headache. Yesterday morning I was called to go & baptize a sick child at Torigal but on reaching the house found i t dead. The father however had himself baptized i t before coming for me.- They are newcomers, name Bowman St seem to be [1]

Lotviia BOWMAN, TM-fUgal, age.d 8 dayi, the. daughter JameA - , SawyeJi. VJied 5 SeptembeA 1856.

September 1856

6. a large party. Several families altogether. I came 83 direct home, & In the afternoon went up to the Sawmill, calling at Stockdale's etc.- This afternoon I had to bury the l i t t l e child that died yesterday.

8. Yesterday (Sunday) 1 had my morning service at the Sawmill, but owing to the very unfavourable weather.-Showery & very squally - I had not so good a congregation as 1 expected - About 30 only assembled, & at Gosford in the afternoon I had l i t t l e more than 40. The weather was most tempestuous a l l Saturday & Saturday night, & continued blowing pretty strong yesterday but this has been a lovely day again.- I went & paid Piper a v i s i t this morning & then called on Mrs.Lloyd, & on Partridge. This afternoon 1 rode out to v i s i t the Seamans & as usual, the purport of my v i s i t was to scold, having seem Seaman by the roadside on Saturday afternoon,- drunk.-

10. I took a round yesterday by Mr.Moore & Torigal, & so home by Frisby's. - I f i l l e d my saddle bags & valise with books for the Kincumbar School, & after depositing them wh went on to see Mr.Moore, whom I found suffering from a bad cough. After sitting some time with him I proceeded to Torigal, calling on Gascoyne & Wilson. The latter I did not see, only his wife being at home.- I then came home by Frisby's calling at the huts of the newcomers there, Bowman etc.- This morning I visited the school & Mr.Toms.- I intended going out to W.Creighton this afternoon, but i t began raining a l i t t l e after dinner & seemed so threatening that I had Mettle turned out & remained at home.

September 1856

18. Thursday. At home a l l today letter writing. On Monday 84. morning I went over to see Piper & made a c a l l or two there abouts. We had a v i s i t that morning from Mr.Keene, the Govt examiner of coal fields from Newcastle, who was staying at Mr.Scotts.- Mr.S: & son accompanied him. In the afternoon I rode out to see Mrs.Warburton who I heard on Sunday was unwell but she seemed only affected with the sort of influenza cold which has been so prevalent of late. On Tuesday I went over to Kincumbar, & extended my ride as far as Mr.Glttens' where I found them a l l well. Mr.G: & one of his sons had gone to Sydney that morning.- I also called upon another new family whom I had not seem before.- by name Moffat recently come from Hexham - he is settled upon a piece of land he has bought up Cockle Creek, quite under the h i l l s , & seemingly has some good land there. On returning at night I found Mr.Foster had come down from Mangrove to consult me on some money matters, which I managed to arrange for him. Yesterday afternoon I went with James & the cart out to William Creighton's for some f e l l i e s which I bought from him for Townshend, to go by tomorrows steamer.

20, Yesterday morning I remained at home preparing my sermon for tomorrow. In the afternoon I went to see Piper, & on my return called on Mr.Norris, who has lately come to reside i n the hollow where Capper used to l i v e . From thence I went to Mr.Harrisons & called also at Piggotts. This afternoon I went again to E.Gosford, taking the row of cottages by the church, & then visited Piper again. My v i s i t s to him are as unsatisfactory as ever, & i t is most painful to be unable to discover anything like true penitence in him.

September 1856

22. Congregations yesterday, middling, I had a beautiful 85. starlight night to come home from the Sawmill, & was at home before 11 o'clock.- This day has been a broken day. I was juat preparing to go to the school this morning, when a ring at the be l l announced Mr.Scott & his two eldest daughters accompanied by Mr.Keene, who came to bid adieu. The Scotts remained t i l l about 5 P.M. & after their departure we a l l walked as far as C o t t r i l l ' s , Mrs.Colt having begged the children to come & choose a l i t t l e kid which she wished to present to Emily.

26. On Tuesday morning I visited Piper, & in the afternoon walked up to Wyoming, taking Marianne & Emily with me. - We called in to see Rachel, as we passed Overall's. She has so far recovered from the accident as to be running about again, but I fear the sight i s quite destroyed from her right eye.- An approaching thunderstorm compelled us to hasten back from Wyoming, & after our return home we had a fine shower of rain. On Wednesday morning 1 visited the school & in the afternoon went to see Mrs.Dixon & looked in on old MrSiCreighton on my return. Yesterday was a thorough squally, rainy day, so that I did not go out. The wind has continued strong & very cold a l l today, but moderated towards evening, & the sky became clear again.- I went to see Piper again after dinner. His body powers are evidently becoming weaker, & I wish I could discover him to be waxing stronger in s p i r i t , but of this I can see no symptoms. I also visited Mrs.Lucy & Mrs.John Spears & Partridge.

27. Walked up to Erina to v i s i t the school, (there being no punt at present to put a horse across) & returned again to dinner. Met Mrs.Cole in E.Gosfd, who had come a l l the way from Mangrove in search of

September 1856

dissipated husband, whom I met on my way to Erina.

The repairs of the punt not being completed yet, I walked to Kincumbar church yesterday, & was not more than i of an hour behind the time. My congregations at both churches were tolerable. I had no service at Erina, as I was walking - & there was no moon to light me. I went to the school this morning,& from thence to Piper's - called also on Partridge who was rather complaining when I saw him on Friday - found him better.

This afternoon I visited the Nunn's, & thence proceeded to Gavenlock's where I had not been for a long time. On my way back I called upon a new family at Wyoming, Mr.Nunn's gardener.- I do not yet know their names.-The wife & children only arrived yesterday per Black Swan, which paid us her farewell v i s i t yesterday, so that we are now without a Steamer again.

October 1856

1. (Wednesday) A very stormy, rainy, boisterous day, 87. with a strong S.E: gale.- Did not go out any where, but spent the day writing,- making up my Returns of Parish Registers for 1855. etc. etc.

2. Busy letter writing the greater part of the day -Took my letters to the post in the evening calling on Mr.Harrison by the way to get him to witness my signature to Returns.

3. This morning I spent partly reading, & preparing for Mangrove, for which place I purpose starting tomorrow. After dinner I rode over to Kincumbar to v i s i t the School, but Mr.Lane had just dismissed the children when I reached there Owing to the threatening appearance of the weather he let them go earlier than usual. On my way back 1 looked in upon poor Piper, who so shocked me by the bitter, malignant, almost fiendish manner in which he spoke of his poor wife (who was sitting at the table with him) accusing her in short of "driving him to h e l l " & saying that she was "the devils' imp, sent on purpose to ruin him," & many other expressions of a like nature, that I was obliged to leave him. I fear he has sullenly resigned himself into the hands of the wicked one, allowing him l i t e r a l l y to "lead him captive at his w i l l " - among other things he said he "should not read or pray any more as long as he lived."- I saw i t was quite useless my attempting to reason with him while in such a wicked frame of mind, & that my presence seemed only to exasperate him, therefore I withdrew.

4. Started for Mangrove about 11 o'clock in the rain, & had a very disagreeable ride

October 1856

4. for though the rain ceased when I was a l i t t l e more 88. than half way there, the bushes were very wet & so kept my feet continually wet.

5. Owing to the rain of Saturday, the people at Mangrove did not expect me up, so that 1 had scarcely any congregation at the Upper church - only Chaselings family, & two other individuals.- At the lower church I had 35. the people there being aware of my arrival on Saturday. There would have been more, but for heavy thunderstorms which came on about Church time, & so drove them back again.

6. Spent the day vi s i t i n g among the people - went down to Wm.Woodbury's & then walked a l l up that side of the creek to Turnbull's, crossed over to Wm.Crafts, & on to Worley's, & then back again to the school house, which I reached about dusk.

7. Started with Mr.Foster to the upper school, calling at several houses by the way. I spent about an hour in the school, & then after calling on Mrs.George Ellem & Mrs.Ferguson, set out homeward between 1 & 2 o'c: Reached Wyoming as they were preparing for dinner, & accepted an invitation to stay.- Met John Osborne there. Miss Kate Nunn kindly came on Saturday evening to keep Ann company during my absence at Mangrove.

8. Not very well this morning, as is often the case after 3 or 4 days bacon & eggs at Mangrove.- This afternoon I went to v i s i t poor Frank Piper whom I found in a very sullen mood, & disposed to find fault with me. He wanted to distort his expression to me on Friday last that "he would not read or pray any more as long as he lived" into my t e l l i n g him that i t •"'.3 no use his reading or praying

October 1856

8. any more. He seemed dissatisfied with me for not 89 giving him any hopes,& while he thanked me for a l l that I had done for him, he added, that he did not wish to see me again, unless he sent for me. I l e f t the poor man at that, & can only continue to pray for him, that God may yet have mercy upon him, & give him grace to become a true penitent, "before he go hence, & be no more seen." ~ I called also on Mrs. Venteman, Mrs.Lucy, & Mrs.Hardwicke.

9. Busy a l l today letter writing until towards evening when we a l l took a s t r o l l up to the top of recreation h i l l . It was a lovely evening, & Miss Kate Nunn, as well as ourselves, enjoyed the beautiful view exceedingly.

10. Visiting at Kincumbar today, beginlng at Dr.Auld's, & from thence to Robert's & Davis etc. I also called to make the acquaintance of a new family, who have been living some l i t t l e time at Henderson's, where Coglan used to l i v e . - I find they are church people, the man's name is Luke Warbridge.- He was away from home, but I had a l i t t l e chat with his wife, whom I found gardening with her children.

11. I walked up to Erina this morning, to v i s i t the school there, & found a good assemblage of l i t t l e people.-Finding i t rather hot, I did not extend my walk, as I had some thought of doing, lest any over exertion today might t e l l upon me tomorrow & so hinder my Sunday duties. I just looked in at Swadlings & then came home again.

13. My congregation at Gosford yesterday morning was rather below the average but at both Kincumbar & Erina they were very satisfactory. I had a baptism at each of f these places.

Jant VICKTORV, daagktzn. John - , SmyZA. o^ MoiquAjto Tom i Maiy. BoKn 6 Match 1856,

Hznty PIPER, 6on o^ Jonathan - , ShlpwfUght o/J CockZz Cttzk i Ann. Bom 6 StptmbzK 1856.

October 1856

13. The rain prevented me from going to the School this 90. morning, but 1 went up after dinner to see how matters were getting on there.- Poor Mr.Rudkin was suffering very much from toothache,- I finished the afternoon visiting the following persons - Battley - Irvine, Hay, Jos.Spears, Partridge, Foster, Capper, & Holmes.-Foster is a nice respectable looking elderly person, father of the two brothers who run the vessels Peacock & Angus & Henry. He has (or they have among them) opened a store lately in the house formerly occupied by Mr.Hargraves.- Poor Partridge, who has been absent from Church the last two Sundays, acknowledged his delinquincies,- former bad habits had returned & tempted him to transgress.- He seemed however, really sorry for his faults, & I l e f t him in tears, which I hope were tears of penitence.- 1 made acquaintance also with a man, whom I ought to have spoken to long ago, but at f i r s t refrained from doing so under the impression that he was a Roman.- Dawkins is his name -the man who befriended me one morning & brought me two buckets of water.- I found he is a churchman, & he promises to come to church next Sunday.- Miss Kate Nunn l e f t us this afternoon & returned home.

16. (Thursday) On Tuesday last I visited the Sawmill, & Blue Gum Flat neighbourhood, calling at almost a l l the cottages by the way.- I made the acquaintance of some new comers, vizt, the family of Walmsley - lately come to reside in the cottage which was formerly Mr. Mannings. They appear to be nice, c i v i l , well disposed people, possessing that usual characteristic of Natives, hospitality. Yesterday I did not go out any where, but made i t my letter writing day instead of today, & was otherwise engaged indoors.- It was my intention

October 1856

16. to have accomplished a l i t t l e town visiting in the 91. afternoon, but about 3 o'clock there came on one of the most violent southerly gales we have had for a long time, with some heavy rain too. Today has been fine again & I have spent i t at Kincumbar. First at the school, & then visited Ward, Conroy, Godwin, Futcher, & Scaysbrook, by which time the day was far spent, & i t was nearly 8 o'clock before I reached horn.

17, I have had rather a long day's visiting in the neighbourhood of Erina today. I began with the school, & then, after calling at Swadllng's & Boniface's took a round past Bert's etc. to W & A Swadllng's, Channels, & over the h i l l to Anson's & Mcintosh. & then home through Mosquito Town, where I made the acquaintance of some new comers, among them a family from Mitcham, in Surry, named Tagge.

27. A very unsettled week last week, must account for this pause in my journal. On Saturday, the 18th 1 did not go out any where (as far as my recollection serves me) being rather inclined for headaches.- Sunday, being Sawmill day, was as usual, a hard day. Sacrament at Kincumbar in the morning, 3 children to baptize at E.Gosford after, & at the Sawmill also. On Monday ^ •' morning the plasterer, Mr,Gladding, came to commence sundry repairs in the plastering line, which the house has been wanting a long time, & a good deal of my time was taken up that day, as well as subsequent interruptions during the week, in removing things from room to room, - This, and the preparation of a Charity sermon on behalf of the Benevolent Asylum, prevented my doing much in the way of visiting during the week.- 1 spent Friday, however, at Kincumbar, going as far as McMaster's, & calling in upon the Kirks, whom I missed from church the previous Sunday.

[1] Gtoigz SWKDLIUG, ion oi (JjULim - , Sowj/CA oi Eilna ^ RuXh. Bom Z SeptmboA IBS6,

William RUVKJU, ion oi VanleZ SckoolmaiteJi oi Ea.it Goiiond i Magdalen. Bom 27 Saptmbet 1856.

John IRVIN, ion oi William - , Laboun.zfL oi Eait Goiioid i Ann Jant. Bom 25 Auguit 1856.

Haiilet Matilda, daughter oi Chilitlan HARRIS, SawyeA. oi Blut Gum Flat & Maiy COLE. Bom 15 Se.ptembe.K 1856.

All baptUed 19 OctobzK 1856.

October 1856

I found they had both been unwell, but were then better. On Saturday afternoon I called upon some new neighbours, who have lately come to occupy the house next to us, Mr.Crause's. Mr.Inches brotherinlaw to Mr.Pringle of Peel's River has just come down with his wife and one l i t t l e child, having made some contract I believe with the Sawmill Company to cart their timber for them.- I also paid old Mrs.Creighton a v i s i t . - Yesterday I preached my Charity Sermon at E.Gosfd & at Kincumbar, collecting at the two churches, £5.16 which is more than I expected.- I intend preaching i t next;Sunday at the Sawmill, & the following Sunday at Erina, & again at Mangrove Creek, so I may hope to collect about £10 altogether. I commenced this morning with a wedding at E.Gosfd - Thos.Sharp & Eliza Ingram.- after which I called on Mr.Battley, & delivered to him the Certificate of their Marriage.- I then called to see Mrs.Mcintosh, who returned last week from Sydney.-This afternoon I went to see Betzy Muddle, & had a long conversation with her she has not been near the church for a long time, although William comes pretty regularly & I endeavoured to remind her of the necessity of attending to that part of her Xtain duty.- Among other occurences of the last week James gave me a months warning, to provide a successor.-The reason he gave for wishing to leave was, that he could not do a l l the work, & was ashamed for anyone to see the garden in the state in which i t now i s .

(Friday) I remained at home on Tuesday morning, & in the afternoon rode up to Wyoming to c a l l on the Nunn's, & then visited some of their neighbours.-Among the number I called to see the old man Holland (whom I mentioned before) I found him very unwell &

October 1856

evidently in great pain. He seemed desirous of going 93. up to the Hospital in Sydney i f there were any means of getting there, Finding there was one vessel in at East Gosford & l i k e l y to go on Wednesday, I sent my cart up on Wednesday morning to bring him down i f he chose to venture, but being then a l i t t l e better than when I saw him the previous evening he preferred waiting for the "Uncle Tom" which goes up to Wyoming.-Tuesdays mail brought me a letter from Mr.Manning stating he intention of following out my suggestion as to the running of the "Black Swan" Steamer, & deciding to resume her trips on Monday the 17th November, coming in future the 3rd Monday & following Friday in each month. This was joyful news for us a l l . -But the same post brought me a letter containing distressing tidings. It was from John David, announcing the somewhat sudden death of our dear brother William who was attacked with paralysis in June last, & died on the 20th of that month.- This is the f i r s t death, from natural causes, which has occured among us, (except that of an infant, I believe before I was born) & the long period of 40 years has elapsed since we had to mourn the death of our brother George, who f e l l at Algiers in the year 1816 as a midshipman, in one of the ships forming Lord Exmouth's squadron on that occasion. We have indeed much cause for gratitude that so large a family - eleven in number- should have been a l l spared so long together, although much divided as to place of residence, & scattered abroad upon the world.- On Wednesday Mrs.Nunn & Miss Kate called in the afternoon & we had a l i t t l e music which they seemed to enjoy much - after they had gone we went & called on- our new neighbours the Inches.- I was busy a l l

Of.tober 1856

yesterday morning writing letters. In the afternoon I went to see Holland, & found him much better.- Today Intended to have spent visiting at Blue Gum Flat, but i t has been pouring of rain nearly the whole day, by which I have been confined to the house, & to my books.

November 1856

I don't think I ever had to record such weather as we have been visited with during the last few days. I was prevented by the torrents of rain that f e l l on Sunday morning, from going to the Sawmill for morning service.- The rain held up towards the afternoon, & I went to East Gosford, where I had a congregation of about 24. Monday & Tuesday were tolerably fine, but in the afternoon of the latter thunderclouds appeared in the westward, & distant thunder warned us of the appearance of more rain. It commenced again on Tuesday night, with a gale of wind from S:E: & from that time to this (Thursday evening) i t has rained without ceasing & mostly very heavy rain indeed. A l l last night & today i t has been blowing quite a gale of wind, & every place about is deluged with water.- I walked through i t to the post office this evening, & found the road through the swamp below the house, quite under water for the most part. In short the salt & the fresh water met & joined forces a l l along the road. It is making sad havoc with our roof, coming in, in a l l directions, & so quite spoiling a l l that Mr.Gladding has been going by way of making the house tidy

November 1856

& respectable. I done't think I ever witnessed such heavy rain to continue so long, & with such a gale of wind.- We shall certainly hearofgreat floods in various parts of the country.- On Tuesday afternoon I called on some of the people in the row of cottages by the church, & then on Partridge & Hegin. The latter i s a i l i n g a good deal & has lately been to consult Dr.Bowker.- I called to see him again this evening. He is s t i l l poorly, but I have reason to hope that his ailment is not very serious.

Yesterday the weather seemed inclined to take up again, I remained at home a l l the morning, sermon writing, & in the afternoon went up to Wyoming to v i s i t Holland, who sent me word in the morning that he was very poorly.-He is desirous of going to Sydney to the Hospital, & I have given him the necessary order for admission.-I called also at Mr.Nunn's.- Today I have spent visiting at Mosquito Town, which occupied me the whole day.-I was anxious to secure a good congregation, i f possible, for my Charity Sermon tomorrow evening on behalf of the Benevolent Asylum.

I have a sad, melancholy entry to make now in my journal.-As I returned from Erina late on Sunday evening, when crossing the creek by the punt, Page informed me that young Mr.Nunn had that day met his death, being drowned in attempting to cross Wyong Creek. I went up to Wyoming on Monday morning for the purpose of offering what consolation lay i n my power to the distressed family, a l l of whom were of course greatly overwhelmed by

November 1856

12. the terrible shock they had received. Poor Mr.Nunn 96. was almost inconsolable; but heavy as is the sudden bereavement they are suffering, I trust they have a l l the principle of our holy religion so strongly implanted within them, as to enable them to bear up with patient resignation to the w i l l of the Almighty.-I remained some time with them in the morning, for poor & ineffectual as I f e l t my powers of soothing & comforting them to be, they seemed glad to have me among them. Mr.Wm.Nunn & Mr.Codrington having gone up to Wyong creek to search for the body, I went up again in the evening to ascertain what success they had met with; but they returned without having effected their object.- I went again yesterday to see them, & after spending the day vi s i t i n g about Blue Gum Flat & the Sawmill, spent the evening again at Wyoming. Smith returned in the afternoon from the creek, but no body had as yet been found, nor is i t li k e l y they w i l l discover i t u n t i l the water subsides.- A sad t r i a l awaited poor Smith on his return. The tragic accurrence of poor Gordon Nunn's death had affected her to such a degree as to deprive her of her reason. But I trust with God's blessing on the means used for her recovery, a few days w i l l bring her back to her right mind. This morning I went to E.Gosford, to make one or two ca l l s , but chiefly to v i s i t Hegin, who i s far from well, & I cannot help entertaining fears that the .time has come for him to ''set his house in order." & prepare for leaving this world. This afternoon I rode over to Kincumbar, & after calling at the school went to v i s i t the Kearnes family I found Mrs.Kearnes only at home.

13. I rode up to Wyoming this morning to see how the poor mourners there were getting on

November 1856

sorry for having offended me, but I endeavoured to turn his thoughts more to the manner in which he had offended his God, & to urge him to seek reconciliation there by hearty repentance & true faith. I called in upon him on my return from Erina, & having visited him three times today. He is quite subdued from what he used to be, & I am not without hope that a l l may yet be well with him.

Yesterday morning I went to v i s i t poor Piper again after breakfast, I found him him s t i l l weaker, & i t was with great d i f f i c u l t y he could articulate a word. He could however ask me to pray which I was glad of. I read the 11th of St.John's Gospel to him & he seemed very attentive, & I think heard me thoughout. On asking him whether he wished to die, he said "yes, I hope tonight." - I visited the school also, yesterday morning, & looked in upon Hegin, who is much better, & at work again.- In the afternoon Ann & myself went & called at Wyoming where we found them a l l pretty well.- We could not take the children with us, as Emily was very poorly a l l yesterday, & i s s t i l l rather out of sorts.- I visited Piper again last night, when I found the power of speech had quite l e f t him, though he was s t i l l conscious. I offered up prayers, concluding with the last, commendatory prayer, feeling almost assured that i t wd. be my last prayer with him. & so i t was, for on going over early this morning I found he had just lived through the night & expired soon after 6 o'clock. I spent this morning letter writing, & in the afternoon went to see poor Mrs.Piper again, & called on Mrs.Venteman.- Mr.Moore & Mr.Osborne dined with us today.

December 1856

Piper's funeral took place on Thursday afternoon last (this is Monday) - I was occupied a l l the morning letter writing.- On Friday I went to Kincumbar, & besides vi s i t i n g the school, made calls on the following-Mrs.Dunlop, Piper, Darbyshire, Overton, & Bullock -also on Wm.Taylor, & Dr.Auid. On Saturday afternoon I went to Erina, & visited several families there, namely Swadling, Boniface, Berry, Bert, Jarrett, Britton, Ashby, & Garner.- Poor congregations yesterday rather, but the squally weather might probably have deterred some from coming to church. I rode round by Pagans this afternoon to v i s i t the Scotts -found them complaining of colds

Yesterday I went to Kincumbar, & down as far as Mr.Gittins-found him just preparing for a trip to Sydney & saw him start with his son Charles. On my way back I called at Moffats also.- On reaching home I found among other letters one from Mr.Manning consenting to my suggestion about an extra tr i p of the black Swan after Xmas.- I have not been out anywhere today, except as far as the blacksmiths, to see whether he could remove Mettle's shoes for him - James & his brother commenced yesterday to s p l i t timber for fencing in my land. I have engaged to give them 10/- per rod for a good two railed close paling fence.

Returned this afternoon from Mangrove, having had rather a long & harassing time of i t , among sick people affected with Typhus Fever, or something very nearly resembling i t .

December 1856

9. It was my intention to have started on Friday, but a 99. messenger (Grif.Parry) came for me on Thursday morning, requesting me to go as soon as possible to v i s i t old Ellem, whom he described as being i n a dying state, (tho' not affected with the fever.) & very anxious to see me. I got ready therefore as soon as I could, & leaving home about 2 o'c: reached Mangrove at Sunset. I went straight to Richard Ellem's house, where his father was lying, & where R.Ellem & a youth named Horty, were sick with the fever. The poor old man was very glad to see me, & I visited him & the other sick folks each day I was in Mangrove, except Saturday, which being excessively hot, & I rather fatigued with the labors of the two previous days, I thought i t prudent to remain indoors & rest, otherwise I might have been hindered in my Sunday work. Old Ellem like many others, has led a very dissipated l i f e having been a terrible drunkard, & a l l my repeated efforts to reclaim him were always unavailing. He fu l l y acknowledged a l l his past e v i l doings, saying he had been as great a*sinner as a man could be, & expressed his sorrow over & over again, that he had not followed the good advice I had given him- I endeavoured to urge upon his sons, who have hither to shown very l i t t l e disposition to care much about their souls, to take warning by their poor father, who, while in the season of health & prosperity, "would none of the counsel" which I so frequently gave him, now when death stared him in the face, sent 25 miles to fetch me up to minister to him.- It was at a l l events a favourable time for trying to sow the good seed in their hearts, & I must only hope & pray for God's blessing upon my feeble efforts to promote their spiritual welfare. On reaching the lower school at lOP.M: I found that Mrs.Foster was away in Sydney, & Mr.F. there alone.- Friday

December 1856

9. I went up again to see them a l l , & extended my ride 100. to Philip Gould's, where was another fever patient, a lad about 18. son of Mrs.Gould.- He was almost delirious, & I could be of no service to him, for 1 could not make him understand me.- I had small congregations on Sunday, & my collection at the lower Ch: where I preached a charity sermon on behalf of the Benevolent Asylum, amount to 10/6 only. Yesterday 1 spent vi s i t i n g the sick again & came away about 8 o'clock this morning.- Mrs.Foster returned about 4 o'c: yesterday morning, having walked, with Mrs.Mcintosh & her daughter, by the Lane Cove route & of course very much fatigued.- For some weeks past the Upper school has been closed on account of this contagious fever that is among them.- I am in hopes however that i t w i l l not spread any farther as there do not appear any new cases, & the old ones are on the mend.

13. (Saturday night) This has been, since Tuesday, rather an idle week with me, that i s , as far as attending to my flock is concerned. Having been among those at Mangrove, who were sick of a contagious disorder, I thought i t right not to v i s i t , more than was necessary, among my parishioners, un t i l I f e l t satisfied that I had brought no contagion with me. Therefore, with the exception of calling to enquire after Hegin on Wednesday afternoon, & then, on my way back looking in at Moore's (who wanted to see me.) & calling at Mr.Battley's new building, to ask whether he wanted my horse & cart to help him move house this week, I have not been out at a l l : but have employed the time in knocking off a few necessary jobs about the house which have been hanging on hand for some time, waiting for an opportunity to do them.- On Thursday, with Watson's

December 1856

13. assistance, I got the galvanized iron guttering fixed [T] 101. along the east side of the house, & a place prepared at the end for the new water cask. - Yesterday & this morning Watson was away with the horse & cart helping Mr.Battley to move to his new house.- I was employed the whole of yesterday at at upholsterer's work, stuffing & sewing through a hair mattress.-A variety of carpentering jobs have occupied my time today - mending a washhand stand, & preparing some makeshift furniture out of packing cases, & so forth.-Among other things, we got the water cask fixed in its place this afternoon, & i t is a l l ready now for a good shower ofrain to f i l l i t .

29. My journal seems to have been spending i t s Xmas holidays, but i t is now time to note what I have been about a l l this time. On Monday the 15th the Misses Donnison came from Sydney, per Black Swan, & remained with us t i l l the Friday following on which day "Uncle Ferris" came down to spend Xmas with us.- I had f i r s t of a l l to go & receive him, & then go back & despatch the Misses Donnison.- Mr.& Mrs.Foster, from Mangrove, also went up to Sydney by the same conveyance.- On Saturday, the 20th Ferris accompanied me up to the Sawmill.- On Sunday, I had my usual routine of services, Morning at Kincumbar, where I had the addition of the Holy Communion - Afternoon, Gosford, with the Baptisimal Service, & evening, Sawmill where I preached my Charity Sermon in aid of the Benevolent Society, & had a very good collection, - about 50/- It was a very dark night with a l i t t l e drizzling rain, I reached home at 25 m: to 12.- I was sorry to be obliged to refuse to baptize Thomas Davis' child at Kincumbar in the morning.- Why they should have fixed upon the morning service

f J j Jt Xa iMteAZitrng to note, tkat galvanlztd XAon uja6 avaXJiabtz. at Goi^oid ai exLity ai 1856,

December 1856

29. I know not, but having to administer the Sacrament, 102. I told them I could not possibly have the Baptismal service in addition, & then get to Gosford by 3 o'clock. As i t was, I was a quarter of an hour late at E: Gosford.- On Tuesday I took Ferris to c a l l on the Gittins', riding a l l round by Kincumbar. On Thursday -Xmas day - we had a favourable congregation at E.Gosford,-not far short of 100.- Mr.Moore came over from Kincumbar, & dined with us.- Friday we remained at home.- Great thunderstorm in the afternoon.- On Saturday we a l l made an excursion out to the Sea back at Torigal.-Ferris on horse back, & a l l the rest ofus in the cart.-The weather seemed so doubtful in the morning, that we hesitated for some time about venturing, & this brought i t to 12 o'clock before we started. We made out the journey very well however, & had about an hour & a half on the beach, for our pic-nic & a l i t t l e ramble.- Rain came upon us before we reached home,, but not very heavy. - A great thunderstorm came on during the morning service yesterday, & the rain continued for some time, & put us out a l i t t l e . I had a congregation of 5 only at Kincumbar in consequence, & a very small one at Erina i n the evening. I had to go over to Kincumbar this morning to marry a couple, - Pritchard, & Elizbt. Garner.- It rained a l l the way there & back.- Indeed so foul was the weather that we did not expect to see the "Black Swan"-To our surprise however, she came in a l i t t l e before one o'clock, so Uncle Ferris had to hurry away from us. & we are once more alone again.

January 1857

1. Here we have the begining of another new year, & I t 103. has commenced w i t h a s m i l i n g face, as f a r as the weather i s concerned, - A f t e r the three pouring days of Monday, Tuesday, & yesterday - days which I t h i n k I never saw surpassed f o r gloominess & steady soaking r a l n , -i t was q u i t e d e l i g h t f u l to see the sun s h i n i n g so b r i g h t l y t h i s morning to welcome i n the new year.-A f r e s h N:W! wind has done a good deal towards dr y i n g the roads today i n t o the bargain. - I d i d not venture out of the house e i t h e r yesterday or the day before, but t h i s evening, having f i n i s h e d my despatches f o r the post, 1 went to c a l l at Keene's, & Barron's -I should have c a l l e d i n upon o l d Mrs.Creighton a l s o , but there seemed to be s e v e r a l people at the house, & being a h o l i d a y , I thought I would defer my v i s i t to her.-

2. I got ready d i r e c t l y a f t e r breakfast t h i s morning to conduct Mr.£f Mrs.Foster s a f e l y onto the Mangrove road, in t e n d i n g then to proceed, i f time enough, to the Sawmill, but a f t e r w a i t i n g t i l l past 12 o'clock, I r e c e i v e d a note from Mr.Foster, saying they had put o f f t h e i r journey t i l l tomorrow, I then s t a r t e d , & a f t e r c a l l i n g & lunching at Wyoming, rode on to Kings & M u l l i n s on the Mangrove Road, & from thence proceeded to Blue Gum F l a t & c a l l e d at Deeves, Newman, H a r r i s , Gowdle, Cater & Walmsley.

3. I have had r a t h e r a hot days work today, v i s i t i n g among the Sawyers about E r i n a . - A f t e r c a l l i n g f i r s t at Moores, Hegin's & Rudklns, I proceeded to "Scotch town" to see Mrs.White, and arrange w i t h her about opening the E r i n a s c h o o l , which she w i l l be prepared to do next Monday week. I then took a round to see what I could so towards mustering p u p i l s f o r her, & the r e s u l t of my e f f o r t s promises favourably.- I c a l l e d at the f o l l o w i n g

January 1857

3. houses, namely - Duffy - N a i l o r - Bryant - Chennel - Jackson ~ 104. Whittaker - F l e t c h e r - Avery - & Barber's. - By that time the day was g e t t i n g f a r spent, & a black thundercloud to the westward warned me that 1 had b e t t e r make my way home, which I d i d as q u i c k l y as I could persuade ol d M ettle to c a r r y me. - I t has been an exceedingly hot day, & I f e l t i t so. - The thermor; was 91 i n H J the shade.

5. I had a f a i r congregation of 36 at the Sawmill yesterday morning, & a t o l e r a b l e one at E.Gosford i n the afternoon, where I baptized 3 i n f a n t s . - This morning I paid f2j a few v i s i t s close at home, & began my disagreeable work of c o l l e c t i n g f o r the Stipend Fund. I n the afternoon I went over to E.Gosfd, and made a few c a l l s i n that neighbourhood. - I found the Bensons had removed to Peek's cottage, l a t e l y vacated by Mr.Toms.

10. (Saturday) Last Tuesday being a very r a i n y day, I di d not venture out anywhere. On Wednesday I paid a round of v i s i t s i n the Kincumbar neighbourhood (vide " v i s l t a t l o Parochlallum) Thursday I was engaged a l l the morning l e t t e r w r i t i n g , c h i e f l y to the Bishop, from whom I receiv e d a l e t t e r on Tuesday n i g h t , announcing h i s Intended v i s i t t o t h i s D i s t r i c t i n March. -In the evening I went & paid the Dickson f a m i l y a v i s i t . Yesterday I had a long days v i s i t i n g at E r i n a , commencing w i t h Taafe, & t a k i n g a l l i n succession to Warbertons, & beyond t h a t , to a l i t t l e c l u s t e r of h a l f a dozen f a m i l i e s r e c e n t l y come to the d i s t r i c t . On my homeward r i d e I turned o f f to v i s i t poor Mrs.Chennel, who, I have very l i t t l e doubt i s f o l l o w i n g her brothers George & Joshua, that i s , going i n t o a consumption. She seems to be f u l l y persuaded so h e r s e l f & I t r u s t w i l l use her utmost endeavours to prepare f o r the awful change which i s e v i d e n t l y not f a r d i s t a n t . Today I have been able to adhere to a r u l e

[1] That JU ° In ceMtigiadii 4>calt.

[21 EtizabeXh BARRON, daughtOA oi Vavid Voang Stoitkttp^K Go6^oid & EllzabeXh. Bom 17 NovmbZA 1856,

Gtofige. WlUJjm KING, ion o^ Gdoigt -, Ma^lrnn. o^ Wyoming i WaKuLat, %QKn 28 Uo\j(imbQJi 1856.

EmanuoJi Hilton OJRJNG ion o^ Emanuel -, CuKilan. & ShomakoA. of, Eftlna i Ann, Bom 25 Novmbex 1856.

January 1857

10. which I made some time ago, (but l i k e most of my r u l e s , 105. Is f r e q u e n t l y disregarded) not to go out v i s i t i n g on Saturdays. I had two reasons f o r making t h i s r u l e . 1st to avoid b r i n g i n g on a Sunday headache, which I have sometimes done by a long day's v i s i t i n g & f a s t i n g on Saturday; & 2ndly because i t i s a day when most of my f l o c k are busy c l e a n i n g up t h e i r houses, & so do not wish any I n t e r r u p t i o n . - I wrote a long l e t t e r to Mr.Simpson & have a l s o done a l i t t l e gardening by way of a l i t t l e change. I sowed some cabbage & swede t u r n i p s t h i s morning, & budded a few trees t h i s evening.

12. I went over to East Gosford a f t e r breakfast t h i s morning & made a few c a l l s there. Among the r e s t I c a l l e d at Mr.Lloyds, where I found that Mrs.Lloyds s i s t e r , Mrs.Ingram,had been confined & being rather anxious about her l i t t l e babe(which was prematurely born) I administered p r i v a t e baptism to I t . I y i e l d e d the more r e a d i l y to t h e i r request, as I purpose l e a v i n g home f o r a few days tomorrow. - I afterwards went to see Mrs.Rudkln, who was complaining yesterday, & found her up, though very poorly. We had a nic e c o o l Sunday yesterday, & tho' the congregation was below the average a t E.Gosford, I had good ones both at Kincumbar, & E r i n a . The G i t t i n s had some Sydney f r i e n d s w i t h them. A Mrs.Lord & her daughter. -Tomorrow I hope to r i d e to Yarramolong to v i s i t Mr.Lette, & baptize h i s l i t t l e c h i l d .

17. (Saturday n i g h t ) I have accomplished my v i s i t a t i o n as f a r as Cabbage Tree very s a t i s f a c t o r i l y t h i s week. -S t a r t i n g on Tuesday morning, I had an exceedingly

hot r i d e to Mr.Lette at Yarramolong, where I a r r i v e d about 4 P:M: I found that he & h i s s l s t e r l n l a w , Mrs. Cornish, purposed s t a r t i n g f o r Sydney the next morning. I could not c o l l e c t a congregation

[1] Ellm INGRAM, daughtex Ge.on.gz -, Labouieji o^ Bail Goi^ofid i EtLzd. EoKYL TO Janamy 1857,

[2] Donald LETTE, ion o^ John Maxlmui -, SeltleA oi Vatiiajmalong & Sanah. Bonn 29 November 1856

[1]

12]

January 1857

there, as I had hoped, the neighbours being away from 106. home, but I arranged to v i s i t them again, & have Divine s e r v i c e on Wednesday the 15th A p r i l , at 10A.M. - I baptized another l i t t l e son f o r Mr.Lette on Tuesday evening. - On Wednesday morning I s t a r t e d e a r l y (accompanied f o r 9 miles of the road by Mr.Lette & Mrs.Cornish) & a f t e r c a l l i n g at Wyong & Reedy F l a t , proceeded to Cabbage Tree, where I was h o s p i t a b l y received & entertained by Mr.Hargraves. There was no one there but himself & son W i l l i a m , & two men. He i s b u i l d i n g a very spacious & commodious house, which i s p r e t t i l y s i t u a t e d on a s l o p i n g t e r r a c e overlooking the sea, not f a r from B i r d I s l a n d . I l e f t h i s place soon a f t e r 10 on Thursday morning, & reached Mr.Lee's between one & two. - Mr.Lee was away at Newport, but returned before 3 o'c:, at which hour I had arranged to have a s e r v i c e t here, & I was much g r a t i f i e d at the numerous congregation that assembled, amounting to about 22_. I gave n o t i c e of my i n t e n t i o n to v i s i t them again f o r d i v i n e s e r v i c e on Thursday the 16th Ap; at 10 A.M., & purpose, now that there are more people In that neighbourhood, to make a q u a r t e r l y v i s i t a t i o n among them. I remained w i t h Mr.Lee on Thursday n i g h t , & came home yesterday, c a l l i n g by the way upon a f a m i l y whom I had not v i s i t e d before of the name of G l l c h l s o n . I had some d i f f i c u l t y i n f i n d i n g them out f o r they are i n a very secluded spot, about 2 miles o f f the road, & a very i n d i s t i n c t t r a c k l e a d i n g to t h e i r house. - Today I thought myself e n t i t l e d to a r e s t , & have enjoyed a very agreeable h o l i d a y , rendered much more so by a v i s i t from the G i t t i n s f a m i l y , whose acquaintance I have been desirous f o r Ann & the c h i l d r e n to make, ever s i n c e I knew them. The party mustered 7 i n a l l , c o n s i s t i n g o f Mr.G, son & 2 daughters, Mrs.Lord &

January 1857

17. daughter, & Mr.Omfrey. - They came about 12 o'c, & 107. spent the day, r e t u r n i n g about 5. I t was f o r t u n a t e l y a very f i n e day, not very warm, & they a l l seemed much d e l i g h t e d w i t h the s i t u a t i o n & view.

19. Our u s u a l l y q u i e t l i t t l e place was enlivened today by the a r r i v a l of the "Black Swan" Steamer, soon a f t e r 12 o;c: w i t h a f a i r number of passengers from Sydney-s t a r t i n g again a 2 w i t h I t h i n k a goodly number i n r e t u r n . - F i n d i n g that Mr.Battley was going to make up a M a i l , I was occupied part of the morning w r i t i n g a few l e t t e r s f o r Sydney, & then a f t e r t a k i n g them to the post, went over to meet the Steamer, c a l l i n g i n upon Hegln by the way. I d i d not f e e l equal to much p a r o c h i a l work today a f t e r my long days work of yesterday, so d i d not go out any where a f t e r dinner.-I had the a d d i t i o n of Seven of the G i t t i n s f a m i l y yesterday to my Kincumbar Communicants, At Gosford & the Sawmill the congregations were below the average.-Mr.Davison was among them at the l a t t e r p l a c e . - he came down a few days ago, to see about some arrangements which may probably r e s u l t i n the r e t u r n of h i s f a m i l y to t h i s d i s t r i c t .

21. Yesterday we had another day of pouring r a i n - ra t h e r an unusual k i n d of day - very calm & warm, what l i t t l e breeze there was, coming from N:E: - I d i d not leave the house. - I t was my i n t e n t i o n to have gone to Kincumbar today, but the M. weather looked so threatening & f o r b i d d i n g i n the morning that I postponed i t , i n hope of a f i n e r day tomorrow. - This evening I rode up to Wyoming to v i s i t the Nunn's, & see whether Miss Kate was anxious to be confirmed a t the approaching v i s i t of the Bishop & f i n d i n g that she i s , I must see what others I can c o l l e c t to j o i n her. The evening was most b e a u t i f u l .

January 1857

24, (Saturday) On Thursday I rode down to see M r . G i t t i n s , 108. (whom I had commissioned to look out f o r a boat f o r me i n Sydney) before answering a l e t t e r I had received from F e r r i s , i n which he mentioned a very good boat which was f o r sa l e i n Sydney. Unfortunately Mr.G: had gone away to Sydney e a r l y that morning. - That was not, however, my only errand, - wished to a s c e r t a i n whether t h e i r youngest daughter was o l d enough, & desirous of being confirmed, & found that she i s so, being 15. yesterday. - On my way back I c a l l e d at Taylors & Wards, & arranged that Sarah Taylor & Sophy Ward should be confirmed. - Mr.Moore came & took up h i s quarters w i t h us that n i g h t , preparatory to t a k i n g h i s departure per Steamer yesterday, which he d i d , i n company w i t h a goodly number of passengers, among whom was the Roman C a t h o l i c Arch bishop. Dr.Folding.-A f t e r seeing Mr.Moore o f f by the Steamer, I f i n i s h e d out the day v i s i t i n g among the neighbours. - Today I have adhered to my r u l e of remaining at home on Saturday, & have been occupied c h i e f l y sermon w r i t i n g .

26. I have spent t h i s day c h i e f l y v i s i t i n g i n the neighbourhood of E r i n a & was grieved to f i n d the demon of Intemperance making such ravages among some of the people there. I t has th e r e f o r e been anything but an agreeable day w i t h me. - Amidst much however that was so very u n s a t i s f a c t o r y , 1 was pleased to f i n d so good an assemblage of l i t t l e people under Mrs.Whites' charge at the school. There were 28 i n attendance, but she t e l l s me she has 36 on the books. - Mr.Rudkln had an accession of 5 new s c h o l a r s t h i s morning, which brings h i s number above 50 now, so that t h i s new arrangement has caused a considerable increase i n the number of c h i l d r e n at the schools. - Poor congregations (except Kincumbar by the bye) r a t h e r yesterday.

January 1857

28. Today's work l a y over at Kincumbar, I c a l l e d up Kearnes, 109. & asked him to take upon himself the task of c o l l e c t i n g f o r the Clergy Stipend Fund, which he has k i n d l y undertaken to do. I l e f t w i t h him a paper, headed, & r u l e d a l l ready f o r e n t e r i n g the names of Subscribers, & amount of t h e i r s u b s c r i p t i o n s , and f o r the information of those r e q u i r i n g i t , 1 appended a copy of the Bishops P a s t o r a l l e t t e r on the subject. I a l s o l e f t w i t h Mr.Lane a n o t i c e i n v i t i n g tenders f o r r e - s h i n g l i n g the schoolhouse, which has become so very leaky as to be almost u n i n h a b i t a b l e . - I expected to have commenced my c l a s s today at the Kincumbar Church, f o r Candidates f o r Confirmation, but not one appeared. - Learning from Mr.Lane that K i r k was very i l l , I went on to v i s i t him, but found him b e t t e r than I expected. ~ I a l s o l e a r n t today that a l l the Roman C a t h o l i c c h i l d r e n and been withdrawn again from our s c h o o l , & t h e i r parents threatened w i t h excommunication (or something l i k e i t ) should they continue to send t h e i r c h i l d r e n to a protestant school.

29. This morning I spent at home, making preparations f o r my Mangrove journey, e t c . A f t e r dinner I rode out to F l e t c h e r ' s to e n l i s t h i s s e r v i c e s as C o l l e c t o r f o r the Stipend Fund, a task which 1 found him very w i l l i n g to undertake. - I provided him w i t h a S u b s c r i p t i o n l i s t prepared as that above mentioned which I l e f t w i t h Kearnes yesterday. I c a l l e d upon Swadling i n passing & gave him a l i t t l e admonition on the subject of h i s d r e a d f u l d r i n k i n g propensity. But i t i s not the f i r s t that I have been compelled to bestow upon him, & f e a r w i l l not be the l a s t .

January 1857

30. I had every t h i n g packed up ready upon s t a r t i n g to 110. Mangrove today at noon but Ann being r a t h e r unwell, I thought i t advisable to a l t e r my purpose, & remain at home today, & make a very e a r l y s t a r t tomorrow morning. 1 hope to get away about 5, or sooon a f t e r , so as to reach the creek by 10 o'c: & thus I s h a l l have the day before me, besides g e t t i n g the journey over i n the c o o l of the morning. - I went out t h i s afternoon & c a l l e d f i r s t at Watkins', then at Barrow's & then at Dickson's. - E m i l y , A r a b e l l a & H a r r i e t B a t t l e y came to spend the day w i t h us today.

February 1857

4. 1 s t a r t e d soon a f t e r 5 o'c on Saturday morning, & reached Mangrove at 101. Mrs.Ferguson's was the f i r s t place I c a l l e d a t , & she informed me that Mr.Foster was g e t t i n g on very badly w i t h the schools, i n f a c t that there was s c a r c e l y any school at a l l being c a r r i e d on & added that he had so f a r f o r g o t t e n h i m s e l f , as to spend 3 days d r i n k i n g at the p u b l i c house. This was confirmed by Chaseling, & afterwards, when I a r r i v e d a t Mr.Foster's i n the evening acknowledged to be true by both Mrs.Foster & h i m s e l f . This occurrence took place previous to my l a s t v i s i t to Mangrove, at the begining of December, & I t o l d the p a r t i e s they ought to have reported i t to me then. Some of them I found were prepared, & anxious to do so, but they d i d not see me. I found u n i v e r s a l d i s s a t i s f a c t i o n p r e v a i l i n g throughout the creek, & both schools & Churches almost deserted & no wonder - f o r Mr.Foster has e v i d e n t l y shown h i m s e i * a greater p r e d i l e c t i o n f o r the P u b l i c House than the Schoolroom.

February 1857

4. I was grieved to f i n d that when I taxed him w i t h h i s 111. misconduct, although he could not do otherwise than plead g u i l t y to the charge, he was more angry w i t h those who had acquainted me w i t h h i s f a u l t s than w i t h h i m s e l f . - I found only 4 c h i l d r e n attending the Upper School, & none at the lower, & although some few s a i d they would send t h e i r c h i l d r e n again, others declared most p o s i t i v e l y that they would never do so, while Mr.Foster remained there, nor could I p o s s i b l y urge them to do so. I therefore gave n o t i c e at both churches on Sudnay of my i n t e n t i o n of v i s i t i n g them again the f i r s t Sunday i n March, & I must resume my monthly v i s i t s again.- I have now the disagreeable task to perform of r e p o r t i n g Mr.Foster's conduct to the Bishop, X spent Monday v i s i t i n g among the f o l k s of the lower creek, & came home yesterday.- This afternoon I rode over to Kincumbar to commence my Confirmation c l a s s there, & found Sarah Taylor only i n attendance,

6. At home a l l yesterday l e t t e r w r i t i n g - This afternoon I walked up to E r i n a . (Mettle being at work i n - t h e e a r t drawing i n fencing) to meet my confirmation c l a s s , & had 4 a l t o g e t h e r . I fear there w i l l not be many whom I s h a l l f i n d conpetent & q u a l i f i e d f o r c o n f i r m a t i o n .

9. On Saturday morning I was occupied p a r t l y i n marking out the l i n e of fence f o r James & h i s brother who are c l e a r i n g the same, & p a r t l y l o o k i n g out sermons f o r yesterday.- I n the evening I s t r o l l e d as f a r as Mr.Harrison's to i n v i t e A l i c e to come over t h i s afternoon to form one of my confirma t i o n c l a s s . - I had but samll congregations yesterday - that i s at Gosford & E r i n a . -Kincumbar was p r e t t y good,- I preached my Confirmation sermon both

February 1857

9. at Gosfd. & Kincumbar, where most of the candidates 112. were present. I was to have commenced my confirmation c l a s s at home t h i s afternoon, but u n f o r t u n a t l e y i t has been a very r a i n y day, which prevented the young people from a t t e n d i n g , w i t h the exception of Jane Crause, who managed to step i n between the showers.

12. Tuesday was again a wet day, so that I d i d not go out anywhere, but spent the day c h i e f l y sermon w r i t i n g & reading. Yesterday I spent at Kincumbar - going round by Green P o i n t , & c a l l i n g f i r s t a t P i p e r ' s , & then working my way up to the school. - I had two Confirmation p u p i l s at the Church, Sarah Taylor, & Sophy Ward - who a c q u i t t e d themselves very w e l l . -Today i t was my i n t e n t i o n to have v i s i t e d the Sawmill e t c : but coming on to r a i n again, I d i d not get beyond Wyoming where I spent an hour or more c a t e c h i s i n g Kate Nunn, preparatory to her c o n f i r m a t i o n . -Mr.Boniface's man, Chas.Bate, came to me t h i s afternoon f o r a marriage Licence, being about to marry a widow by the name of Jones, - not long out from England.

19. Having despatched my l e t t e r s to the post, i t i s now time f o r me to record the t r a n s a c t i o n s of the past week. - Last F r i d a y I v i s i t e d the school a f t e r b r e a k f a s t , & spent the morning i n that neighbourhood, & then walked on to meet my Confirmation c l a s s at E r i n a . -A very bad headache came on i n the afternoon, which forced me to dismiss my c l a s s e a r l i e r than I should have done. On Saturday I went up to the Sawmill, to remind them of the Sunday ni g h t s e r v i c e , & c a l l e d at a l l the i n t e r v e n i n g houses. - Began my Sunday duties very much out of s o r t s , having been tr o u b l e d w i t h headache again a l l Saturday n i g h t . - I t was a pleasant day however, & I found myself Improving as the day advanced. - I l e f t home at i p 8 i n the morning, &, returned near 12 P:M:- I had one or two l e t t e r s to w r i t e on Monday morning, & a few

February 1857

19. other l i t t l e matters which prevented my v i s i t i n g 1 the school as 1 intended, 1 went over to meet the Steamer ( P e l i c a n ) which appeared before 12 o'c: & to d e l i v e r my l e t t e r s to the Captain. - I n the afternoon I had three young p u p i l s , as a Confirmation c l a s s . -A l i c e H a r r i s o n , Jane Crause, & Mary P a r t r i d g e . - I was c a l l e d out that i night by Mr.Norris, to baptize [1] h i s l i t t l e i n f a n t c h i l d who had been very poorly since the day before. On Tuesday I rode down to M r . G i t t i n s ' to c atechise h i s youngest daughter, who i s a l s o preparing f o r Confirmation, & found her very apt & p r o f i c i e n t . On my way home i n the evening I c a l l e d i n at Mr.Norris' & found h i s poor l i t t l e c h i l d had j u s t expired. Yesterday morning I had to go down to the b u r i a l ground a f t e r breakfast to show where the grave was to be dug, & remained there t i l l the f u n e r a l took p l a c e , about eleven o'clock. I c a l l e d on Mrs.Coulter on my way back. - I was going to Kincumbar i n the afternoon, but a great s q u a l l coming on, accompanied w i t h thunder, & r a i n , I was prevented. Today I have spent at home, l e t t e r w r i t i n g . We had a c a l l t h i s morning from Mr. Drew, who came up per steamer on Monday, to see h i s [2] property at Wyoming.

Ann d i d not see him, being o b l i g e d to keep her bed a l l the morning w i t h s t i f f neck & pains about the shoulder. - I n the afternoon Mrs.Nunn Junr. & Miss Kate c a l l e d & enjoyed some grapes.-

23. On Fri d a y morning I went over to E.Gosford, & a f t e r c a l l i n g a t Orpin's & Spears, went to the school & stayed there t i l l the a r r i v a l of the Steamer, -On going to the wharf I found a female servant on board f o r us, engaged by M r . F e r r i s , P i t t S t r e e t . - In the afternoon I went to ray c l a s s at E r i n a where the young people a c q u i t t e d themselves t o l e r a b l y w e l l . - On Saturday I remained

[1] Maty Eltm WRRJS, daaghttn. oi Jame.6 Chadwlck -, Ctzxk oi Eait Goiioid ^ Haty. Bom S Ttbrnaiy 1857.

[2] MfL. VREW wa4 F. A . HELY'6 ion-ln-lm

February 1857

23. at home sermon w r i t i n g e t c . - Yesterday - t h i n 114 congregations at Gosford & E r i n a - good at Kincumbar. t h i s morning I went down to Coulter's to see whether he would come & draw i n my fencing s t u f f f o r me. -I c a l l e d at P i g g o t t ' s by the way, had a long t a l k w i t h him, which I hope w i l l not be e n t i r e l y l o s t upon him. Very heavy r a i n came on while I was at C o u l t e r s , but they l e n t me an umbrella, which kept o f f the worst of i t . - I was o b l i g e d to t e l l Watson t h i s morning to look out & s u i t himself w i t h another s i t u a t i o n , as our patience i s w e l l n i g h exhausted w i t h him.

24. The anniversary of my admission to Deacon's Orders.-t h i s day seven years. - Would that I c o u l d , on reviewing t h i s b r i e f term of years, f e e l s a t i s f i e d that they have been spent as p r o f i t a b l y , as they have passed r a p i d l y . - But a l a s ! when 1 ask myself the question "what have 1 done"? the only answer that I can give myself i s , the r i s i n g up before my eyes, of a mountain of d u t i e s l e f t undone, which completely shuts out from my view any l i t t l e amount of good which I may have been made the instrument of performing. -I t was my i n t e n t i o n to have spent t h i s day at Kincumbar, endeavouring to r a i s e a s u b s c r i p t i o n among the people there to r e - s h l n g l e the schoolhouse - but the heavy r a i n wh: f e l l n e a r l y a l l the morning prevented my going out. - This afternoon I spent paid a few c a l l s about home.

March

5. I have now more than a week's blank to f i l l up. & to begin w i t h l a s t Wednesday, 25th. As I was s t a r t i n g f o r Kincumbar towards the afternoon, Watson informed me of an occurence which had taken p l a c e , namely, the drowning of two men i n the broadwater. One a man

March 1857

5. named Thurston, (near McCullum's) & the other h i s mate, [1] 115. both s h e l l g a t h e r e r s . I t seems they came across to the Township, on the previous Saturday, and from some cause unknown,must have upset on the way home. I t i s conjectured that they were q u a r r e l l i n g . - The bodies f l o a t e d up on Wednesday, that of Thurston being found on the beach opposite Henessy's & the other man Mr.Battley's & Mr.Harrisons. An inquest was hel d [2] on Thursday, & I had the disagreeable o f f i c e of reading the B u r i a l s e r v i c e over them i n the evening. On Frida y morning I went to see Mrs.Thurston at East Gosford, I i n the afternoon went to E r i n a f o r my Confirmation c l a s s . - On Saturday I went to Mangrove where nothing p a r t i c u l a r occurred. - Returned on Monday, accompanied by Mr.Foster, who came down to see Mr.Woolfrey, w i t h a view of g e t t i n g him to recommend him to Mr.Plunkett, f o r the o f f i c e of Teacher i n a Na t i o n a l School, as there i s no longer any hope of employment i n the church f o r him. - Both Tuesday & yesterday I spent at Kincumbar. This morning I was going to Wyoming by appointment, but sundry i n t e r r u p t i o n s prevented me. - This afternoon my con f i r m a t i o n p u p i l s came to me, - & the i n t e r v a l s of the day have been occupied l e t t e r w r i t i n g .

7. I was out the whole of yesterday, begining my work at E.Gosford, & then proceeding to E r i n a v i a Garner's St Ashby's. - I went to v i s i t Mrs.Chennel, who i s e v i d e n t l y s i n k i n g under Consumption, & then returned to meet my young p u p i l s at the school. - Quite dark by the time I reached home. - Today, Saturday - I have not been out anywhere, occupied c h i e f l y sermon w r i t i n g , & preparing f o r tomorrow's d u t i e s . - I got r i d of Watson yesterday, being q u i t e s i c k & t i r e d of him. -James & h i s brother have been g e t t i n g firewood f o r me today, & have got a good supply drawn i n .

[1] filWUjm HURSTON, agzd 36, UdKinoji oi the. BKoadwateA. Vied 21 ftbiaaiij 1857 - and

JameA (Surname. Unknown), agzd 29 yzati, Uailnzi oi the Bioadwatti. Vltd 21 Fe.bn.uaKy 1857.

[2] BATTLEy i HARRISON wzne. nelgkbouni. HARRISON llvzd at Uona Vale, which li, whzne. the. cottage oi that name., In the. gnoundi oi St. Edwand'i College., now standi.

March 1857

18. I was to have s t a r t e d today to M meet the Bishop 116. tomorrow evening at Mr.Chlld's, but was g r e a t l y r e l i e v e d by r e c e i v i n g a l e t t e r from him by yesterday's post, p u t t i n g o f f h i s v i s i t f o r the present i n consequence of the unfavourable weather & dangerous s t a t e of the roads. Indeed I had proof of the danger i n t r a v e l l i n g on our roads i n t h e i r present s t a t e as i was going to the Sawmill l a s t Sunday n i g h t , f o r I found myself suddenly stuck f a s t i n a bog a l i t t l e beyond Stockdales. Fortunately o l d M e t t l e took i t very q u i e t l y , & gave me ample time to q u i t the saddle before s t r u g g l i n g to e x t r i c a t e h i m s e l f . Last week was spent much as i t s predecessors.- Monday morning to E.Gosford & afternoon c l a s s at home.- Tuesday to M r . G i t t i n s ' , Wednesday Kincumbar - Thursday morning, a Wedding at E.Gosfd -c l a s s again afternoon - F r i d a y E r i n a a f t e r n . Saturday at home. On Monday morning I went over to meet the Steamer - a f t n c l a s s at home again. - Tuesday morning to Kincumbar as per n o t i c e which I gave i n the church on Sunday, to meet any persons wishing to be confirmed, but who had not given me the opportunity of examining them. I was glad to f i n d a young man there whom I had not known before, named Evans, & w i t h whom I was much pleased & gave him h i s t i c k e t a c c o r d i n g l y . This afternoon I v i s i t e d most of the p a r t i e s between t h i s & E.Gosfd.- Miss Kate Nunn has been s t a y i n g a week w i t h us, & went home t h i s afternoon.

19. At home a l l the morning l e t t e r w r i t i n g e t c : - Took my l e t t e r s to the post i n afternoon & went on to East Gosford to make a c a l l or two.

20. Went over to the Steamer to meet E l i z a b e t h & Kate, who, w i t h t h e i r f e l l o w passengers per "Black

March 1857

20. Swan" had a very nice passage from Sydney. - I 117 v i s i t e d Mrs.Mcintosh a l s o , who i s s t i l l confined to her bed, but her doctor (Benson) gives her hopes of being up again i n a few days. I found a l s o on board the Black Swan, a new manservant, whom Mr . F e r r i s has engaged f o r me i n Sydney, James Foote by name. -

21. Did not go out anywhere today, being Saturday, but employed myself c h i e f l y sermon w r i t i n g , & preparing f o r tomorrows d u t i e s .

28. Here's a weeks blank again, the r e s u l t of my p r o c r a s t i n a t i n g propensity. - On Monday morning l a s t I v i s i t e d the sc h o o l , & at the same time v i s i t e d poor Mrs.Powrle, who has been s e r i o u s l y i l l f o r a few weeks - a l s o Mrs.Mcintosh. I n the afternoon I rode up to E r i n a , as f a r as B r i t t o n ' s to see whether they Intended to a l l o w Annie to come to us. & Mrs.B: t o l d me she would be prepared to come next Monday. - We have agreed to commence w i t h £12 per an: wages. On Tuesday I went over to Kincumbar as f a r as McMaster, c a l l i n g at the i n t e r v e n i n g p l a c e s . On my r e t u r n i n g home at n i g h t , I found among the l e t t e r s perpost, a most ex t r o a r d i n a r y & d i s t r e s s i n g l e t t e r from Mr.Foster, dated Sydney, 20th March enclosing one to h i s w i f e dated 21st announcing h i s I n t e n t i o n of destroying h i m s e l f . -He concluded h i s l e t t e r by saying he had "purchased some a r s e n i c , & he supposed the newspapers would t e l l the r e s t . " There was nothing i n Monday's or Tuesday's paper (which 1 saw yesterday at Kincumbar) showing that he had up to that time perpetrated the deed, & i n the absence of any c e r t a i n i n t e l l i g e n c e , I cannot of course communicate w i t h h i s poor w i f e , nor s h a l l we know anything f u r t h e r u n t i l next Tuesdays m a i l a r r i v e s . - I d i d not go out on Wednesday or Thursday-On Wednesday Mr.Battley c a l l e d , at my request, i n the

March 1857

28. afternoon to a s s i s t i n the execution of some deeds - 118. one from ourselves to one Short, of part of the Newtown property, the other the deed of C o t t r i l l to Crane.-On Thursday morning (having prepared some pieces of smoked glass overnight) I took the c h i l d r e n out as f a r as Moore's cottage, on the r i s i n g ground to view the T o t a l E c l i p s e of the Sun. I t was a b e a u t i f u l c l e a r morning & we saw i t i n p e r f e c t i o n , & enjoyed the s i g h t very much, f o r i t was indeed b e a u t i f u l , & c u r i o u s . The sun was t o t a l l y obscured f o r a few minutes, & during that time the s t a r s were qu i t e v i s i b l e , & Mercury among the number. Yesterday I went to Kincumbar again, f i r s t c a l l i n g to see the two i n v a l i d s , Mrs.Powrie & Mrs.Mcintosh. The former seemed very p o o r l y , but the l a t t e r a l i t t l e b e t t e r . I found that Sarah Piper has been very s e r i o u s l y i l l , but was recovering again. I a l s o found that Conroy had commenced r e - s h i n g l i n g the school-house at Kincumbar, & I hope he w i l l make a good job of i t . - I went to see Mrs. Powrie again t h i s afternoon & sat sometime w i t h her. - She seems to be very i l l - bad cough e t c . but I am not without hopes of her recovery.

A p r i l 1857

1. Sunday & Monday were such d e l i g h t f u l l y f i n e days, -almost winter days, w i t h c l e a r sky & bracing westerly wind, that we f l a t t e r e d ourselves that f i n e weather had r e a l l y come at l a s t . I t has turned out otherwise however, f o r yesterday morning d i s p l a y e d a Southerly wind & a cloudy sky, & by noon the r a i n began again, & drove me home from Kincumbar where I had reached a l i t t l e beyond Kearnes & Moirs on my

A p r i l 1857

1. way to T o r i g a l , & today i t has been r a i n i n g very hard 119. again. - On Sunday my congregations were much smaller than they ought to have been, c o n s i d e r i n g the b e a u t i f u l weather. - The wetness of the roads however might be an excuse f o r some. On Monday morning. I paid Mrs.Capper a v i s i t , and gave her two boys a long l e c t u r e about n e g l e c t i n g t h e i r Sunday d u t i e s , which I hope w i l l not be l o s t upon them. I then made a few more c a l l s i n E.Gosfd. - I n the afternoon, j u s t as I was preparing to walk w i t h the c h i l d r e n to Wyoming. I receiv e d a message to go out & baptize a s i c k l y l i t t l e i n f a n t at Avery's. - Mrs.McMahon's. - I have not been out anywhere today, owing to the heavy r a i n . - Annie B r i t t o n came on Monday the 30th having agreed to take her as housemaid at £12 per an:

4. This has indeed been most i4f unprecedentedly wet season, & instead of any appearance of f i n e weather, the r a i n seems to increase upon us. I t has continued ever since Tuesday up to today, - not one continued r a i n without i n t e r m i s s i o n - but r a i n i n g very hard at times, both night & day, & then h o l d i n g up f o r a w h i l e . This evening the clouds appear to be d i s p e r s i n g , & the moon i s s h i n i n g through them, g i v i n g hopes of a f i n e day tomorrow. - The very f o u l & r a i n y weather has compelled me to abandon my Mangrove t r i p t h i s time, f o r independently of the heavy r a i n which f e l l at i n t e r v a l s today, the roads must be almost dangerous to r i d e on. Added to t h i s , I am f o r a time deprived of the s e r v i c e s of my charger " M e t t l e " , who has somehow co n t r i v e d to s p r a i n h i s f e t t l o c k j o i n t , & i s so lame that I cannot use him. I r e c o l l e c t e d on Thursday morning, that Mr.Moore's grey was i d l i n g away h i s time

[1] Ckailzi, McMAHOW, 6on John -, Shlpmlght ol Matcham'i Land & Mail} knn. Bom 26 MaKch 1857.

A p r i l 1857

4. i n Mr.Dwyer's paddock: so w i t h Dwyers consent I got 120. him up, & had 2 shoes put upon him i n t e n d i n g to take him to Mangrove had the weather permitted. - 1 must endeavour to r i d e up & pay them a v i s i t when the water has drained o f f somewhat from the roads.

6. I d i d yesterday, what probably never occurred i n Brisbane Water before, namely, had both morning & afternoon s e r v i c e s at E.Gosford. - Having no appointment e l s e where, I thought I could not employ the afternoon b e t t e r , so gave n o t i c e of my I n t e n t i o n i n the morning, & c o n s i d e r i n g the very wet s t a t e of the roads, had a f a i r congregation. - This morning I went to the school, & t h i s afternoon rode up to Wyoming to see the Nunns, not having seen any of them f o r some tlme.-I found Miss Kate & her Papa were s u f f e r i n g from bad c o l d s .

13. Owing to M e t t l e ' s lameness, I d i d not venture out on horseback l a s t week u n t i l Good F r i d a y when I rode him to Kincumbar f o r s e r v i c e i n the morning. - Tuesday was not q u i t e so unfavourable a day as the postboy has g e n e r a l l y had since the beginning of the year-, but he was stopped by f l o o d s at Mooney Creek, & d i d not come i n t i l l Wednesday morning. - I was occupied the greater part of the week indoors, w r i t i n g l e t t e r s , -sermon - & reading. On Thursday we had a v i s i t from the G i t t i n s p a r t y , 8 i n number. They had a b e a u t i f u l day & seemed to enjoy i t much, as we d i d t h e i r company, we only wish they were a l i t t l e nearer to us. - Yesterday I had b e t t e r congregations almost than I could have expected c o n s i d e r i n g the s t a t e of the roads. - Today we have a l l ( w i t h the exception of Anne) been to v i s i t the Scotts.- The day has been fine,& E l i z : seemed much pleased w i t h the excursion

A p r i l 1857

16. Tuesday being the day f o r appointing e l e c t i n g Church 121. Wardens, I went up to the church at the appointed hour w i t h Mr.Battley, and we were the only two i n attendance, consequently we very soon transacted a l l our business.-Mr.&Mrs.Harrison (& A l i c e , ) came & drank tea w i t h us on Tuesday evening. Yesterday I was to have s t a r t e d f o r Wyong & that neighbourhood having appointed to hold s e r v i c e s at Reedy F l a t & Yarramalong, but having rec e i v e d such an e v i l r eport of the roads, I wrote both to J.Osborne & Mr.Lette, p u t t i n g o f f me journey u n t i l more favourable weather.- Today I have spent v i s i t i n g about Blue Gum F l a t & the Sawmill, & f i n d i n g the roads i n such a deplorable c o n d i t i o n , I t o l d the people not to expect me up next Sunday n i g h t . - The weather has been very f i n e f o r s e v e r a l days past, & I do hope i t w i l l continue now, & we s h a l l soon have dry roads again.

18. Yesterday morning 1 went to pay a few v i s i t s i n East Gosford. - On my r e t u r n I found Mrs.Nunn & her daughters here who remained to dinner. - The B a t t l e y s came & spent the evening w i t h us. Today, (Saturday) 1 have not been out anywhere, except t h i s evening to see Wm.Muddle. - We have now enjoyed a whole week of b e a u t i f u l weather, & I t r u s t the r a i n has f a i r l y taken up now.-

29. Last week may best be described as being a l l broken to p i e c e s . - To begin w i t h Monday - E l i z a b e t h & Kate had everything prepared to take t h e i r departure per Black Swan, & had a c t u a l l y taken leave, & I was walking w i t h them over to the steamer, when whom should we meet on the road but Uncle F e r r i s , j u s t come up from Sydney to stay t i l l F r i d a y . He had w r i t t e n the week before announcing t h i s arrangement, but h i s l e t t e r was detained

A p r i l 1857

29. i n Sydney & he got here before i t . This quite a l t e r e d 122. a l l our plans. - In the afternoon I rode out to F l e t c h e r ' s , to see what he had c o l l e c t e d f o r the Clergy Stipend Fund, and r e c . from him £1 as the t o t a l amount of h i s c o l l e c t i o n s . - On Tuesday morning F e r r i s & I walked over to E.Gosford & v i s i t e d Venteman's Sawmill, -a l s o brought back a horse, that we might go out r i d i n g together. - Towards evening I went & c a l l e d at Mona Vale, & begged f o r Mr.Harrison the loan of h i s boat and b l a c k f e l l o w f o r Wednesday, on which day we made a l i t t l e p i c n i c excursion to Wye Wye, & enjoyed i t very much. On Thursday afternoon, F e r r i s & I rode up to c a l l at Wyoming. - On Fr i d a y I had to do double Steamer duty that i s , - 1 went over f i r s t of a l l to b r i n g the Misses Donnison back, & then had to scamper o f f as q u i c k l y as p o s s i b l e w i t h E l i z a b e t h & Kate,-Uncle F e r r i s walking over meanwhile to prevent the v e s s e l going without them. - I t was n e a r l y one o'clock before the v e s s e l a r r i v e d , so that I was very much h u r r i e d . - In the afternoon I s t r o l l e d down as f a r as Coulter's, and borrowed from him some numbers of the M a i tland Mercury, c o n t a i n i n g correspondence between the Bishop of Newcastle & the people at Morpeth & Raymond Terrace, the p e r u s a l of which gave me much pain. As I was going out that afternoon, I heard a c c i d e n t a l l y that Mrs.Stockdale had met w i t h a misfortune & burnt h e r s e l f . Wishing to see her on other matters as w e l l , I purposed r i d i n g up on Saturday to v i s i t her, but e a r l y i n the morning G a r r e t t came down & reported her death which took place during the night from the e f f e c t s of the burning. - Thinking the f u n e r a l would take place on Monday, I remained at home to be i n readiness, but towards noon Mr.Norris c a l l e d to say that i t would not take place t i l l Tuesday. Thus, I was prevented from going out both Monday

A p r i l 1857

29. & yesterday. The f u n e r a l took place about 2 P.M. 123. yesterday. - I was s u f f e r i n g r a t h e r from headache, which was not improved by standing bare headed i n the hot sun (part of the time) & i t increased upon me towards evening, & continued the whole n i g h t , much to my discomfort. Nor have I been qu i t e w e l l a l l today - I t h i n k want of good, n o u r i s h i n g , & r e g u a l r d i e t , i s the cause. I can't get time f o r dinner now on Sundays & hard work w i t h scanty f a r e w i l l not do.-The Misses Donnison remained w i t h us t i l l today, when they departed f o r t h e i r own quarters at E r i n a . - I took a walk t h i s afternoon to E.Gosford, & made a few c a l l s t h e r e .

May 1857

1. Yesterday morning I went over to Kincumbar and made a few c a l l s there c h i e f l y w i t h a view of c o l l e c t i n g money to pay Conroy f o r s h i n g l i n g the schoolhouse, but had to come home e a r l y to enable me to w r i t e some l e t t e r s f o r the post, among which was my report to Mr.Blomfield, w i t h the account of our c o l l e c t i o n s f o r l a s t year. - which I reg r e t to say e x h i b i t e d a great f a l l i n g away from the previous year, being about £.53 ins t e a d of £96. Today I spent v i s i t i n g i n the E r i n a neighbourhood, extending my r i d e as f a r as Anson's. -1 went c h i e f l y to see Chennel, who has j u s t been a f f l i c t e d w i t h the l o s s of h i s poor w i f e , who died i n Sydney on Good F r i d a y , l e a v i n g him w i t h 5 c h i l d r e n to maintain.

6. Sta r t e d f o r Mangrove on Saturday morning (2nd) & had a most b e a u t i f u l day f o r my r i d e . P e r f e c t l y c l o u d l e s s sky w i t h moderate w e s t e r l y breeze. Reached Mrs.Ferguson's about 3 P.M. & then worked by way gr a d u a l l y down to Watkin's Inn, where I had comfortable quarters f o r the

May 1857

6. n i g h t . I had about 22 i n my congregation at the Upper 124. Church i n the morning,& double that number below i n the afternoon, where I baptized 2 i n f a n t s . - Mrs.Foster [7J was at the lower church, & l e f t Mangrove on Monday morning i n Woodbury's v e s s e l . - I spent Monday at the lower part of the creek, going f i r s t to the poor deserted schoolhouse, & re-arranging a l l the books e t c . which had not been l e f t i n the most t i d y s t a t e . I then crossed over, & walked down to Richd.Woodbury's, & then worked my way back as f a r as Watkins Senr. by which time the day was nea r l y spent, & I returned to the "Cross Keys", where, a f t e r my days walk, I enjoyed some b o t t l e d a l e & bread & cheese. - Yesterday morning I worked my way up the creek as f a r as John S i n g l e t o n ' s , whose wi f e had been very poorly l a t e l y , & about one o'clock s t a r t e d homeward & got to Wyoming soon a f t e r s i x , where I found them at dinner, & remained to dine w i t h them, & then reached home about 9 o'c:_ This morning I went to the school, & had an hours c a t e c h i s i n g w i t h the c h i l d r e n . - At home t h i s afternoon, gardening a l i t t l e . - Mr.Battley looked i n & o f f i c i a t e d i n the execution of another deed of conveyance. [2]

8. Out a l l today v i s i t i n g at E r i n a & Mosquito town. Being a b e a u t i f u l c l e a r day, w i t h bracing westerly wind I pr e f e r r e d w alking.- besides, o l d Mettle was employed c a r t i n g good from the Sylph. I was at home a l l yesterday l e t t e r w r i t i n g , e t c . John Osborne c a l l e d & arranged to go up next Monday to h i s house, so as to have an e a r l y s e r v i c e i n the neighbourhood, (at Freemans) on Tuesday morning.- & from thence go to Mr.Lette's. - Mr.Nunn & h i s daughter Kate a l s o looked i n upon us.

11. Rain again, began yesterday morning, & so caused a t h i n congregation. - At Kincumbar I had only S.­Mr.Lane, Mrs.McMaster, & Scaysbrook. - I t came on to r a i n very hard towards evening

[1] Uaiy Ann CRAFT, daaghtZK WLttiam -, Famzn. Lowzn. Mangtovz S Rabzcca. Bom 25 Ftbiuaiy 1857.

AithuK William WOOVBURV, ion o^ Rlchaid -, Fanmzn o^ Lowzn. Mangnovz £ Janz. Bom 10 Mich 1857.

[2] BATTLEV izzmzd to havz had iomz Izgal tiajjilng OK wai hz a cai>z oi thz czlzbKoJtzd. "Buih LawyZK"?

May 1857

11. w i t h o c c a s i o n a l thunder, though very c o l d . - I came 125. s t r a i g h t home from Kincumbar, without going to E r i n a , as there could have been no congregation there. -This day has been showery a l s o some very heavy showers i n the morning, but i t seems i n c l i n e d to c l e a r up again t h i s evening. - Having l e a r n t from Rudkin yesterday that M r s . C o t t r e l l was i l l , I went to pay her a v i s i t t h i s morning, & found her s u f f e r i n g from the e f f e c t s of a f a l l she had on F r i d a y l a s t . She was out g e t t i n g some firewood, & f e l l upon her side across a l o g , & t h i n k s she has broken some r i b s . She seems g e t t i n g b e t t e r however, though o b l i g e d to keep her bed.

14. I v i s i t e d M r s . C o t t r e l l again on Tuesday afternoon & found her somewhat b e t t e r . - 1 made a few other c a l l s a l s o i n that neighbourhood. - On coming home, I found that a young woman had c a l l e d w i t h a s i c k baby, wishing to have i t baptized. - Mrs.Henry by name, the w i f e of a sawyer out at the back of D o u a l l ' s . I set o f f d i r e c t l y a f t e r breakfast yesterday morning, and administered p r i v a t e baptism to the l i t t l e c h i l d , [1] & then proceeded as f a r as Wyoming, intending to go on to Stockdale's, but the r a i n set i n again, & a f t e r w a i t i n g In v a i n f o r i t to c l e a r up, I returned home.-Today I have spent c h i e f l y l e t t e r w r i t i n g - took my l e t t e r s to the post t h i s evening, & a l s o c a l l e d to see M r s . C o t t r e l l , who i s improving. I found her up» -Mrs.McMaster & a young f r i e n d from Bathurst c a l l e d e a r l y t h i s morning. They had s l e p t at C o t t r e l l ' s l a s t n i g h t .

16. Saturday n i g h t . This has been a thorough wet week again, so that I have been kept from going abroad, & have occupied myself at my books & sermon w r i t i n g . -Yesterday i t r a i n e d n e a r l y the whole day & continued very hard a l l n i g h t , & u n t i l about 9 or 10 t h i s morning when i t ceased, & the wind rose & g r a d u a l l y c l e a r e d the sky. But the ground under foot i s i s as wet as i t can be.

[1] Maiy Ann HEMRV, daughZtn. Wllllajn -, Smyzt Goi^oKd i Mmy Ann. Bom 12 ApnJit 1857.

May 1857

17. by that time have paid o f f a l l other l i a b i l i t i e s . On 126 Monday I was prevented by the heavy r a i n s from going out to v i s i t , though I went up to the church a f t e r b r e a k f a s t , expecting to f i n d a couple there to be married. - They d i d not come however, but i n the afternoon, a man named Watson came to e x p l a i n the reason of t h e i r non-appearance, namely, that they had discovered the Intended bridegroom to be already a Married Man. On Tuesday I was c h i e f l y employed v i s i t i n g about home, i n v i t i n g the d i f f e r e n t members of our b u i l d i n g Committee to meet on Thursday morning to consider the Bishops p r o p o s i t i o n of a i d i n g us i n the church work. " On Wednesday I went over to Kincumbar to v i s i t Mrs.Moffatt, & l e t her know that I had traced her husband a l i t t l e f u r t h e r along the road. I met McMaster coming to see me, who put a l e t t e r i n t o h i s my hand, f o r b i d d i n g me any longer to administer the Sacrament to h i s w i f e . - On Thursday morning we h e l d our Committee meeting, but none seemed disposed to make themselves p e r s o n a l l y l i a b l e f o r the money we want to borrow to complete the b u i l d i n g . I read to the meeting part of a l e t t e r which I r e c e i v e d from Mr.Cape l a s t Week, expressing h i s w i l l i n g n e s s to j o i n Mr.Hargraves i n p u t t i n g a b i l l through the Bank, and i t was resolved that Mr.H: be communicated w i t h on the subject so to prevent unnecessary delay. I s t a r t e d o f f to Cabbage tree on F r i d a y to consult w i t h Mr.Hargraves who seems disposed to a i d us to the utmost^ but at the same time reasonably & prudently r e q u i r e s some t a n g i b l e s e c u r i t y f o r the money he may advance. I t o l d him I had money myself i n the hands of H . F e r r i s , but I could not say whether he could conveniently l e t me have i t at the present time. We agreed therefore that I should w r i t e to him f i r s t on the s u b j e c t , & then be guided by h i s r e p l y as to f u t u r e proceeding. A c c o r d i n g l y ,

May 1857

23. Another week gone, & l i k e many of l a t e , i t s work has 127. been much hindered by r a i n , Monday was r a i n y e a r l y i n the morning, & we doubted whether the Steamer would make her appearance but she came i n about one o'clock.-I v i s i t e d the school that morning - & made a few c a l l s i n that neighbourhood. - Tuesday 1 went to Kincumbar, as f a r as McMasters, c h i e f l y to v i s i t Mrs.McKechnie, who has been p o o r l y , but recovering. - Wednesday & Thursday I remained a t home, been r a i n y . - Yesterday afternoon I rode up as f a r as Garner's, - I n one part of the road my horse stuck f a s t i n a bog & I had to dismount i n the middle. - Today I have been X c u t t i n g firewood w i t h James, & making a new Maul f o r him to s p l i t firewood, f o r we have been sadly put about l a t e l y w i t h our wood, being unable, from the d r e a d f u l s t a t e of the roads, to send the c a r t out f o r any. - Today however, the weather has c l e a r e d up from the west, & promises f a i r again.

25. A b r i g h t sun rose upon us yesterday morning, & gave promise of a b e a u t i f u l day, but i n the forenoon i t became overcast again, & by the time the morning s e r v i c e was over, a very dark, f o r b i d d i n g bank of clouds extended along the SiWestern h o r i z o n . Before I had got more than h a l f way t o Kincumbar, I had to u n f u r l & put on my cloak, & we had not been long i n church there, before the r a i n descended again i n t o r r e n t s . & so i t continued the whole evening. - There were two l i t t l e I nfants brought f o r baptism - B.Davis, & Frost from [1] Tuggerah Beach. - The congregation was p r e t t y numerous, & I feared most of them must have been q u i t e drenched before they reached t h e i r homes. I thi n k I was neverout i n a more f r i g h t f u l n i g h t . I t became qui t e dark before I reached the punt road, and as I waded slowly along i t , knee deep almost i n mud, the r a i n came beating down upon me i n great vehemence, & my cloak was p r e t t y w e l l saturated before I reached

Saiah Jam VAVJS, daugkteA Bznjomln Shlpmlgkt Cockle, Cizek i Etiza. Bom 4 Apill 1S57.

Emily FROST, daughtZA o^ Joseph -, VouUiyman of, Tu.gge.fiah Beach i Eliza. Bom 5 ApnJJi 1857.

May 1857

25. that f a r . I f e l t r e a l l y g r a t e f u l when I found myself 128. safe w i t h i n the w a l l s of the parsonage, having been brought s a f e l y thro* a l l the dangers of the boggy roads, & p i t y l e s s storm. - I was not a l i t t l e g r a t i f i e d yesterday morning at the appearance among my communicants, of one,who then came f o r the f i r s t time, & though formerly, a great s i n n e r , I s i n c e r e l y b e l i e v e presented h e r s e l f as a true p e n i t e n t , & t h e r e f o r e , a welcome guest. - & that was - Mrs.Mcintosh - I t was the f i r s t time she had been able to reach the church since her long confinement to her bed, - & I t h i n k she must have found the sermon a very appropriate one, the subject being the m parable of the Marriage f e a s t . -I c a l l e d on her t h i s afternoon, & was glad to f i n d her s t i l l b e t t e r , & apparently improving i n b o d i l y h e a l t h . - I t has been a b e a u t i f u l c l e a r day today, & I do hope & t r u s t that we may now be b l e s t w i t h f i n e weather again.

26. Spent t h i s day v i s i t i n g - the morning at E.Gosford, & the afternoon about home. Among others I c a l l e d on John B e a t t l e t h i s morning, & hope that I may have p r e v a i l e d upon him to come to h i s church again, f o r though he had been long absent from i t , (& Indeed while he was keeping a p u b l i c house he only acted, as I t h i n k , c o n s i s t e n t l y i n not attending church) I thought I could detect i n h i s moistened eye, & h i s manner of expressing himself an inward f e e l i n g of sorrow f o r past d e l i n q u i n c i e s , & a d e s i r e of amendment, & reformation. - May the Lord Grant him the grace of repentance, & so r e s t o r e t h i s l o s t , wandering sheep, to the f o l d from which he has so widely strayed. -

30. Saturday n i g h t . - The f i n e weather which commenced on Monday, has continued throughout the week, but the appearance again today has been very of unpromising, & I cannot help f e a r i n g

May 1857

30. that more r a i n i s close at hand.- I took advantage of the f i n e weather to pay o f f s e v e r a l v i s i t i n g debts that have been long owing. On Wednesday afternoon I went across by Pagan's punt & rode up that side of the creek to Wyoming c a l l i n g on a person at Mr.Hely's whom I ought to have v i s i t e d long ago, namely Mrs.Hayes. She has l a t e l y r e c e i v e d the r e s t of her f a m i l y (3 daughters) from England. - On Thursday I went f i r s t to E r i n a , & then across to Kincumbar. - Yesterday I went up Blue Gum F l a t way, c a l l i n g upon a l l the people as f a r as Stockdales e t c . but d i d not reach the Sawmill. - I stayed & dined at Wyoming on my r e t u r n . Today I have remained at home, according to my Saturday r u l e . Mrs.William Nunn popped i n t h i s afternoon, one of her sudden unpremeditated c a l l s . Here i s the r a i n , now p a t t e r i n g down on the shingle s again.

June 1857

4. Thursday. - Preparing to s t a r t f o r Mangrove tomorrow morning. - 1 had s m a l l congregations on Sunday owing to the continued r a i n . At Kincumbar there were not enough communicants, 2 only remained, so I d i d not administer the Sacrament. On Monday morning I was i n t e r r u p t e d by Mr.Foster, who came to see me about sending i n h i s papers f o r January & part of February. I had to make them out f o r him, as w e l l as to w r i t e a long explanatory l e t t e r to Mr.Roberts which occupied a good d e a l of the day, prevented my going out. On Tuesday morng. I v i s i t e d the school, & c a l l e d on Hegln on my returned. Yesterday morning I v i s i t e d Betsey Muddle, who on Monday night was d e l i v e r e d of a s t i l l born c h i l d . & was happy to f i n d she was doing w e l l f o r I f e a r she had been i n some danger. - She seemed very g r a t e f u l f o r my v i s i t .

June 1857

4. These expressions of g r a t i t u d e which one not i n f r e q u e n t l y 130. received beside a s i c k bed, (the s i n c e r i t y of which i s manifest from the t e a r s which accompany them) are some of the great rewards that o c c a s i o n a l l y f a l l to our l o t , & tend to compensate f o r many of the b i t t e r discouragements which we are compelled to bear w i t h . -I paid her another v i s i t t h i s morning, & found her g a i n i n g s t r e n g t h , & recovering n i c e l y . - I a l s o found another s i c k p a t i e n t t h i s morning at E.Gosfd. i n Mrs.Lucey, who has been a i l i n g more or l e s s f o r some time, but now seems very poorly w i t h cough & great weakness.

13. I had very f i n e weather f o r my Mangrove journey, but f i n d i n g I could not so e a s i l y accomplish my usual v i s i t i n g work, owing to the q u a n t i t y of water i n the creek.- the bridges a t the upper part being washed away, I came home on Monday, a f t e r having agreed w i t h a stonemason to b u i l d a double chimney at the school house f o r £15 he f i n d i n g a l l the m a t e r i a l , & labour.-I c a l l e d at Wyoming on my r e t u r n & dined there. On Tuesday I had one of the worst headaches 1 have s u f f e r e d , f o r a very long time, which prevented me from Going out u n t i l towards evening, when i t got b e t t e r , & we a l l went to see how Betsy Muddle was g e t t i n g on. On Wednesday I went to Kincumbar, and made s e v e r a l c a l l s i n that quarter, - On Thursday morning I had a marriage to solemnizej- Lees & E l l e n [1] Gowdle - & i n the afternoon a f u n e r a l , the c h i l d of [2] one P l c k f o r d , a Sawyer at Mosquito Town. Yesterday 1 v i s i t e d E r i n a , but having to look i n upon Mr.Battley f i r s t , as w e l l as v i s i t Mrs.Lucy - i t was l a t e before I got there, so I f i l l e d up the afternoon at E r i n a without going f a r t h e r . Today I have remained at home wi t h the exception of a v i s i t to Betsy Muddle, who i s now convalescent.- Miss Donnison c a l l e d t h i s afternoon

nj n June. 1857, Jo6e.ph Sutton LEES, 23, MckeloK, Sydney, Labouiex - and

Ellzn GOWVIE, 21, SplniteA. Bom at Ayie. Shine. In Scotland -daughter o^ Jame.i SoMyex o^ Bluz Gum Flat.

WltneMe.'i: Robcnt GOWVIE and EllzabeXh TAYLOR.

[2] Jane. PICKFORV, ne.an Enlna, aged 15 months, the. daughttn. o{, John -, SoiuyeA.. Vied 10 June. 1857.

June 1857

17. Sunday being a b e a u t i f u l day, a f t e r ten days or more 131. of f i n e weather, I had the g r a t i f i c a t i o n of seeing l a r g e r congregations at E.Gosfd. & E r i n a than I have had f o r s e v e r a l months, though at Kincumbar there were not so many. I thought I was f u l l y j u s t i f i e d a f t e r the f a i r & apparently s e t t l e d weather of the previous 10 or 12 days, to r e t u r n thanks f o r the same, & d i d so a c c o r d i n g l y at a l l the churches. Monday again was a most d e l i g h t f u l day, but at night a small shower f e l l between 10 & 11 which rather made us quake again, & yesterday the weather t o t a l l y changed & heavy r a i n set i n i n the afternoon which continued a l l n i g h t , & u n t i l near 8 o'c: t h i s morning accompanied by one of the most t e r r i f i c gales of wind I ever witnessed. I t forced i t s way through our roof i n a l l d i r e c t i o n s , more so than ever i t d i d before.- I t has rained very h e a v i l y at I n t e r v a l s throughout the day, & though I t cl e a r e d up towards evening. I f e a r there i s more i n store f o r us yet.

19. I l e a r n t yesterday that two vessels were t o t a l l y wrecked at T o r i g a l during the gale on Wednesday morning.-One, the o l d Rainbow, belonged to F r l s b y , the other, a v e s s e l from Newcastle laden w i t h c o a l . - I f e a r we s h a l l hear of many more l o s s e s when our next m a l l a r r i v e s . - I went to v i s i t Mrs.Lucey yesterday morning, & found her i n a f a i r way to get w e l l again, having given b i r t h to a son the previous n i g h t , & both doing w e l l . - I was busy w r i t i n g l e t t e r s t i l l post time i n the afternoon.- This morning I went over to E.Gosford to meet the Steamer but w i t h many others, was disappointed, f o r she never came & on r e t u r n i n g home & r e f e r r i n g to Monday's paper, I saw she was a d v e r t i z e d to come on Monday next again.-This evening I rode out as f a r as Dickson's.

29. Here i s a blank of ten days without any record. Press of business a l l l a s t week must be my excuse but I must now endeavour to make up the d e f i c i e n c y as w e l l as my memory w i l l a l l o w me

June 1857

29. Saturday the 20th I spent v i s i t i n g i n the E r i n a neighbourhood, 132. The c h i e f object which took me i n that d i r e c t i o n was to v i s i t poor b l i n d Boston, at Pennington's w i t h whom 1 read a l i t t l e , & l e f t him a t r i f l i n g donation. The road to the Sawmill being s t i l l so very bad. 1 of course made no attempt to go there on Sunday ni g h t On monday morning I went over to meet the Steamer, & as I was coming away was accosted by a gentleman passenger, who turned out to be Mr.T.W.Cape, of Sydney, the owner of Wyong & other p r o p e r t i e s i n the d i s t r i c t -we had not exchanged many words before I discovered that i n our younger days we had been very near neighbours i n England, as h i s f a m i l y r e s i d e s a t Forest h i l l . He put up at Mr.Crause's, but I i n v i t e d him to spend the evening & we had a very pleasant & agreeable chat. In the afternoon of Monday I walked out to v i s i t Mrs. Henry, who had l o s t her l i t t l e baby i n Sydney.- I was r a t h e r s t a r t l e d by a d i s c l o s u r e she made to me regarding her husband, that he i s not baptized. I promised I would seek an e a r l y opportunity ofseeing & conversing w i t h him on the s u b j e c t . - On Tuesday I rode up to the Sawmill, & arranged w i t h Mr.Austin to go up & hold a s e r v i c e t h e i r on Friday afternoon, f o r the s p e c i a l b e n e f i t of some who were anxious to get t h e i r c h i l d r e n b a p t i z e d . - On Wednesday I rode out to a place c a l l e d the Sandy r i d g e , where a l i t t l e c l u s t e r of f a m i l i e s r e s i d e , - Abdy - Rlmmer, Richards & Grey. & f i n d i n g there are 3 i n f a n t s there unbaptized, I t o l d them that as they were so f a r away from the church, I was go out any day they could make i t convenient, & hold a s e r v i c e w i t h them & baptize t h e i r c h i l d r e n . -On Thursday I went over to Kincumbar to marry Michael Scaysbrook & Margaret Garner, & a most d e l i g h t f u l [1] sunny day they had f o r t h e i r wedding.- On Fri d a y I accomplished my v i s i t to the

[1] 25 June 1857, Hlchael SCAISBROOK, nzaily 19, Baahdion, KlncumbeA, SawyeA - and

MaigaKQJt GARNER, 16 yuan 6 montki, Spinitvi. Bom aX. Runcorn, man. Llvzipool, England - daaghttn o^ Samuel SawytK.

Wltm6ie.6: WltUam MELVIN and Man.y Ann SCAYSBROOK.

June 1857

29. Sawmill, & had a very t o l e r a b l e congregation, b a p t i z i n g 133. 4 i n f a n t s . - I had Mr.Lette's company. He had come [1] down w i t h Mr.Cape the previous day, Thursday, & spent that eveng w i t h us. On my r e t u r n on Fr i d a y evening I was glad to f i n d that Mr.Cape had acted upon my suggestion, & brought h i s carpet bag from the Inn to the Parsonage. On Saturday morning Mr.Cape & I s t r o l l e d over to E.Gosfd. f o r the purpose of borrowing John B e a t t i e s boat to cross the water to Mr.Scott, but I found he had s o l d h i s boat, & i s preparing to leave the d i s t r i c t & r e t u r n to Sydney.- In the afternoon we a l l s t r o l l e d to the top of Mount r e c r e a t i o n , the view from which pleased Mr.Cape exceedingly - I had a good congregation, & a goodly number of communicants yesterday morning at E.Gosfd., but poor attendance elsewhere.- This morning Mr.C: & I s t r o l l e d up as f a r as the wharf at E r i n a . On the way I was t o l d of a man who had met w i t h a grievous misfortune, & got severely burnt.- I had to come back to meet the steamer, but rode out t h i s evening to t r y & f i n d the hut where the poor man l i v e d , according to the d i r e c t i o n s given to me, but I could not f i n d i t so I must t r y again tomorrow.- I saw Mr.Cape o f f per "Black Swan" t h i s afternoon. He seemed very much pleased w i t h h i s v i s i t t o B.Water & I am pleased a t having made h i s acquaintance, & am not a l t o g e t h e r without a hope he may someday become a re s i d e n t here.

J u l y 1857

2. On Tuesday morning I walked out & found the hut where the burnt man was l y i n g about a mile out In the bush from Grant's house.- He seemed s u f f e r i n g very much, being d r e a d f u l l y brunt a l l up the l e f t arm, & the l e f t s ide of the head. He was unable to speak much, being

[1] Haniy John TOOT, ion o^ WWlMm -, Smyti o^ Omimbah Saimlll i Many Ann, BoKn 4 Udich 1S57,

MaigaieX ROBERTSON, daughtZA oi Wlltiam -, SmyeJi oi Oaiimbah SmmU.1 i Haiy. Bom 22 Ftbiuaiy 1857,

(Ullllam EARL, ion oi WAlHam -, Smyzi oi Blue Gum Flat & Saiah. Bom 4 My 1857.

William Thomai WAMSLEV, ion oi Eduiand -, Famzi oi Blue Gum Flat i liabdlla. Bom 7 June 1857.

J u l y 1857

2, i n so much p a i n . - I read a l i t t l e & prayed w i t h him, & 134. then came home again.- Yesterday morning I went f i r s t to Dr.Auld's, to a s c e r t a i n h i s opinion of the burnt man (Ambrose) and got a l i t t l e medicine from him to stop the vomiting, of which he complained very much the day before.- I then went on to Piper's & so round by the church & over the h i l l to Ambrose, whom 1 found a l i t t l e b e t t e r : the vomiting had ceased, & he was able to eat a l i t t l e . Today I walked up to the Sawmill, to v i s i t a young g i r l - E l i z a Babbage - one of an Immigrant f a m i l y l a t e l y a r r i v e d there, who seems to be i n very d e l i c a t e h e a l t h . - Mettle having met w i t h a l i t t l e mishap yesterday, when clo s e to Dr.Auld's, by tr e a d i n g too near the edge of a hole i n a l i t t l e g u l l y near the house, when the earth gave way, & down h i s hind legs went i n t o thehole, I thought he would be a l l the b e t t e r f o r a days r e s t today as w e l l as tomorrow, preparatory to my journey to Mangrove on Saturday.

8. (Wednesday) Last F r i d a y morning I went over to meet the Steamer, & arrange about the conveyance to Sydney H o s p i t a l of the burnt man, Ambrose.- His f r i e n d s had co n t r i v e d to b r i n g him down i n a boat from the E r i n a Wharf but when the v e s s e l a r r i v e d I found they had arranged to remain a l l n i g h t , & not r e t u r n to Sydney t i l l Saturday morning so I arranged w i t h Page to rec e i v e Ambrose f o r the ni g h t i n t o h i s hut, & they put him on board the Black Swan on Saturday morning. I s t a r t e d f o r Mangrove about 10 o'c: on Saturday, but had not gone f a r before I discovered that Mettle had not recovered from the i n j u r y which he must have rec e i v e d t h i s day week, & that he was qui t e u n f i t f o r the journey. I turned back th e r e f o r e & a f t e r a l i t t l e enquiry f o r a horse to c a r r y me up Buscombe o f f e r e d h i s mare, which,being recommended to me by other, I accepted, & had my saddle e t c . put upon her, & made a second s t a r t . - I had a

J u l y 1857

8. l i t t l e delay at the Blacksmith's, g e t t i n g her shoes 135. tightened, & then, made a f t e r proceeding a short distance 1 found that the animal, having apparently been starved during the days of the races, was q u i t e u n f i t to go a journey. I determined therefore to feed her w e l l a l l Saturday, & make an e a r l y s t a r t on Sunday morning. Accordingly I was up at 4 o'c: & In the saddle, f o r the t h i r d attempt, before 5. I t was a most b e a u t i f u l morning, though f r o s t y & c o l d . - The moon was j u s t s i n k i n g i n the west as I l e f t the house, & Venus & J u p i t e r were s h i n i n g most b r i l l i a n t l y i n the east. My borrowed nag d i d not seem to have acquired any very great amount of s t r e n g t h & a c t i v i t y from my feeding her, & a f t e r g e t t i n g o f f the pathway, & blundering among the bushes i n the dark, I .came to the f i r s t creek, about 3 miles away, & I t was j u s t l i g h t enough to show me that the bridge had been washed away by the recent f l o o d , so that I was completely stopped,

& gave up the journey as unaccomplishable. I had 2 s e r v i c e s on Sunday at E.Gosfd., morng. & afternoon.-On Monday a f t e r c a l l i n g at Mr.Harrison's & Mr.Battley's, I set o f f to walk to Dr.Auld's, to consult him about removing a k i n d of s t y which f o r some months has been growing on my e y e l i d . As he thought i t b e t t e r to have the operation performed at home, we arranged that he should come up the next day f o r that purpose.-He very k i n d l y saved toe the long & disagreeable walk back again, by p u t t i n g me across i n h i s boat, & l a n d i n g me at the Burying Ground.- Yesterday he came up, & brought Mrs.Auld w i t h him, & the operation upon my e y e l i d , c o n s i s t e d merely of p r i c k i n g the l i t t l e tumour w i t h h i s l a n c e t , & squeezing out the eheesey substance contained i n i t . I remained at

J u l y 1857

8. home a l l today u n t i l l a t e i n the afternoon when we 136. s t r o l l e d out to see Betsy Muddle going round to show Margt.McMaster the way to M r s . C o t t r i l l ' s . - We were obl i g e d to hurry home from Betsey's to avoid the r a i n which was f a s t : approaching, & I regret much that i t has apparently set i n f o r more r a i n again.

9. Contrary to our expectation we rose to a b e a u t i f u l , b r i g h t , sunny morning, & the day has continued f i n e throughout.- I have occupied today c h i e f l y l e t t e r w r i t i n g , but walked over to E.Gosford t h i s afternoon to make a few c a l l s there.

10. Set out t h i s morning a f t e r breakfast intending to v i s i t Mrs.Hayes & her f a m i l y , & from thence proceed to Mr.Scott's, but both punt & boat being at the other side of the creek, & f i n d i n g when I began p u l l i n g the b e l l rope that i t was attached to a dumb-bell, i . e . , a b e l l w i t h a clapper, I had to a l t e r my plans and rode up to Wyoming & so down the other side of the creek, c a l l i n g at each house as I passed, Mrs.Hayes being the l a s t . I t was the f i r s t time I had ridden Mettle t h i s week, but I was sor r y to f i n d him as bad as ever, & not able to move out of a walk, or at most, a slow jog. Among other c a l l s , I paid a v i s i t to Lindsay Hely, & had a l i t t l e admonitory conversation w i t h him. Having been r a t h e r taken up w i t h horse r a c i n g of l a t e , I reminded him of the race i n which he i s p r o f e s s i d l y engaged, in, & the grand p r i z e of heaven that i s the object f o r which we are or ought to be contending, p o i n t i n g out to him the n e c e s s i t y of our s t r i v i n g & e a r n e s t l y contending i n our X t i a n course.- His brother was engaged i n conversation w i t h Mr.Nunn outside the house, a l l the time I was there.-I hope & pray that my words spoken to Lindsay, may not have been spoken i n v a i n . -

13. I had the g r a t i f i c a t i o n of seeing goodly congregations assembled yesterday, both a t E.Gosford & Kincumbar.

J u l y 1857

13. At E r i n a there were not a great many.- As the people 137. have been taken up l a t e l y w i t h Horse r a c i n g . - I thought i t a favourable occasion f o r reminding them of the race i n wh: they are a l l professedly engaged, choosing f o r my t e x t that of St.Paul to the C o r i n t h i a n s , "So run, that ye may o b t a i n . " & X hope, & pray that the exh o r t a t i o n which X d e l i v e r e d , may not be e n t i r e l y unproductive of good f r u i t . - Poor o l d Mettle not having recovered s u f f i c i e n t l y from h i s l a t e d i s a s t e r , I d i d not attempt to use him yesterday except to c a r r y Anne to & from church, & 1 walked to Kincumbar, & from thence to E r i n a , - Miss Donnison was k i n d enough to lend me a horse to come home upon, which I was very t h a n k f u l f o r , as the night was dark,& I should have found d i f f i c u l t y i n p i c k i n g my way through the mud. This morning I went to the school, & a f t e r c a t e c h i z i n g there a l i t t l e went & c a l l e d on Mrs.Foster. This afternoon X had my opened my Confirmation Class again at home, w i t h 8 p u p i l s . - On Saturday morning, I c a l l e d on P i g g o t t , & i n the course of conversation, to my great s u r p r i s e , discovered that he i s unbaptized. & I f e a r , i s too l i t t l e concerned about the matter.-X must endeavour to awaken him to a sense of h i s awful danger.- We are again l e f t without a female servant, Anne having l e f t us t h i s morning & gone home again.

16. Hearing on Monday from Mrs.Powrie, that Mrs.Roberts was very i l l , X determined to go & v i s i t her on Tuesday, & wishing a l s o to see Mr,Scott, & t a l k over the a f f a i r s of our church b u i l d i n g w i t h him, X thought my best plan was to r i d e to Mr.Scott's & get him to put me across the water to Mr.Robert's.- I found them a l l very busy a t t h e i r w e l l , or shaft s i n k i n g f o r c o a l , & Mr.Scott, being most e a s i l y spared, he took one oar & X the other, & 3 of h i s g i r l s accompanied us. I t was a most d e l i g h t f u l day - i f anything too warm & the water l i k e a sheet of g l a s s . - To my astonishment.

J u l y 1857

16. I found Mrs.Roberts p e r f e c t l y w e l l , nor had she been 138 i l l at a l l . I was not s o r r y however, that I paid her a v i s i t , f o r I had not been there f o r a long time, & owed her one.- Yesterday 1 went over to Kincumbar, & a f t e r paying a few v i s i t s went to meet my expected Confirmation C l a s s , when only one appeared, - W i l l i a m K i r k . - This has been my post day, & I was j u s t s t a r t i n g f o r E.Gosford, to make a few c a l l s there, a f t e r f i n i s h i n g my l e t t e r s , when I met the Misses Donnison coming to c a l l so I returned again.- I n the evening I took my despatches to the post & c a l l e d on Mr.Harrison a l s o .

17. Walked up to E r i n a t h i s morning, making a few c a l l s i n E.Gosford by the way.- Miss Donnison l e n t me a horse to r i d e out as f a r as Whittakers, & on my r e t u r n I had a small c o n f i r m a t i o n c l a s s of 3. - I hope however by t h i s day week, to have the a d d i t i o n of a few more.

20. At home a l l Saturday except a v i s i t I paid to Plggot.-Ju s t as we were seated at tea on Saturday evening, a loud rap at the door announced the a r r i v a l of a t r a v e l l e r , & on opening the door, the loud voice of Townshend echoed through the house.- He had come a l l the way from Richmond Vale.- He accompanied me to Kincumbar church yesterday morning - & went o f f by Black Swan today f o r Sydney, l e a v i n g h i s two horses i n my charge.- Mr.Keane, from Newcastle, i s here at present.- He spent l a s t evening w i t h us. - John Osborne a l s o c a l l e d today.-

21, Held a meeting of our church B u i l d i n g Committee today, & resolved to a d v e r t i s e at-once f o r tenders to erect e i t h e r the whole or part of the b u i l d i n g - i . e . - p a r t i e s may contract f o r the whole, or separate tenders may be o f f e r e d f o r the masonry & Carpenter's work.- I have a l s o , by d e s i r e of the Committee w r i t t e n to ask the Bishop whether he can a i d us by a loan of money.

August 1857

7. ( F r i d a y ) Here Is a long pause again, which must not be 139. allowed to grow longer.- My hands have been f u l l e r than usual during the l a s t f o r t n i g h t or three weeks.-On Friday the 24th J u l y , Anne & the c h i l d r e n l e f t me, & went to Sydney i n the Black Swan, Intending, a f t e r a few days sojourn i n Sydney, to go on to S i n g l e t o n , w i t h the hope of p i c k i n g up a l i t t l e renewed h e a l t h & s t r e n g t h . - The same steamer brought Townshend back again.- On Sunday the 26th I preached a C h a r i t y Sermon at Gosfd. & Kincumbar, i n a i d of the Fund f o r the r e l i e f of the s u f f e r e r s by the floods at M a i t l a n d . -A bad headache o b l i g e d me to cut short my s e r v i c e at E r i n a , & dispense w i t h the sermon. Townshend accompanied me i n my rounds, & we had no sooner reached home than the r a i n began again, & continued In t o r r e n t s up to the Wednesday f o l l o w i n g . - The consequence has been, another, & higher f l o o d , not only i n the Hunter, but up the Hawkesbury a l s o . - where they have not had such a f l o o d these 40 y r s . - A great gale of wind accompanied the r a i n on Tuesday n i g h t , which has done much damage i n various ways, both at sea & on shore. Among the Sawyers s e v e r a l accidents occurred by the f a l l i n g of trees upon t h e i r huts. James B e a t t l e & f a m i l y had a p r o v i d e n t i a l escape from being crushed to death by the f a l l i n g of a t r e e , which shattered t h e i r hut a l l to p i e c e s . - B e a t t l e had h i s l e g broken, & h i s wife her c o l l a r bone while the c h i l d r e n a l l escaped. At another hut, that of Richard Hedgecock - h i s f a t h e r o l d Solomon had s e v e r a l r i b s broken, & otherwise, I f e a r , dangerously i n j u r e d . While h i s w i f e received a severe b r u i s e , from which, h a p p i l y she i s r e c o v e r i n g . -B e a t t i e ' s l e g , by a l l accounts from neglect & mismanagement, has become very bad, & they made an e f f o r t the night before l a s t , to take him up to Sydney i n an open boat -but meeting a s o u t h e r l y wind i n Broken Bay they were forced to b r i n g him back yesterday.- Should the

August 1857

7. weather prove favourable, they s t i l l hope to accomplish 140. i t tomorrow by a v e s s e l now l y i n g at the heads.- Townshend, being weather bound here, there being no l i k e l i h o o d of the creeks becoming fordable f o r s e v e r a l days, accompanied me to Mangrove l a s t F r i d a y , t h i n k i n g to get home sooner by the Wollombi.- On reaching Mangrove we found they had had a t e r r i b l e f l o o d there, higher than any ever known before.- The water reached about 4 f e e t up i n the house of James Watkins, where we stopped, and was up to the c e i l i n g i n h i s f a t h e r ' s house. The schoolmaster's d w e l l i n g , which I had always considered q u i t e out of danger, was a l s o surrounded w i t h water, & i t must have been about l e v e l w i t h the f l o o r . - I was vexed to f i n d that the stone chimney which had j u s t been erected at the school-house, had a l l f a l l e n down. The mason s a i d the f l o o d undermined i t , but I am persuaded i t was the shamefully u n s u b s t a n t i a l manner i n which i t had been put up, that was the cause of i t s f a l l i n g . - Townshend swam h i s horses over the creek on Saturday morning, & I think would meet w i t h no o b s t r u c t i o n s to hinder h i s reaching Wollombi that n i g h t , - I returned home on Tuesday.- On Wednesday I walked out to see the s i c k people about E r i n a . -Yesterday morng. I v i s i t e d Mrs.Holmes.- the r e s t of the day at home, l e t t e r w r i t i n g . Today went to E r i n a again.- Was so r r y to f i n d o l d Solomon very poorly, & the Doctor t e l l s me not out of danger.

8. Rather a busy day today.- The f i r s t t h i n g a f t e r breakfast I went out to see Solomon Hedgecock.- As soon as I returned I had to go to the B u r i a l Ground f o r the Funeral of Underwoods c h i l d . - Thomas soon as I had [7J f i n i s h e d my dinner I went as f a r as Grif.-Parry's to see h i s l i t t l e c h i l d , that i s s i c k , found i t much b e t t e r . - C a l l e d i n at Mrs.Overall's whom I found w i t h another young i n f a n t , & I then f i n i s h e d the day w i t h a v i s i t to M r s . C o t t r e l & Mrs.Holmes

[1] Emma Jane. UMVERWOOV, Eilna, aged IS montki, the daughlei Anthony Sawyzn.. Vied 6 August 1857.

August 1857

15, Poor congregations at a l l the churches l a s t Sunday- 141 hope f o r b e t t e r things tomorrow. On Monday morning I rode out to see Solomon - found him much the same. In the afternoon I had my confirmation Class at home.-On Tuesday I rode up to the Sawmill, & made the acquaintance, of the new p r o p r i e t o r , Mr.Scott - Found that he i s acquainted w i t h some of Cousin John's f a m i l y at Aberdeen.-Arranged to have s e r v i c e at the Sawmill on Sunday morning, the 30th, being the 5th i n the month, as i t i s q u i t e Impracticable to resume my night s e r v i c e s w i t h the present roads. I stayed & dined at Wyoming on my way back. A l e t t e r from Anne that night (& one from H.Ferris)brought me t i d i n g s of Marianne being very unwell i n Sydney, & suggesting my going up per Black Swan of Monday next.- I hope to hear b e t t e r accounts on Monday morning, but i f necessary, I must go up, & then b r i n g them home on F r i d a y . - On Wednesday-Mett l e being lame, I walked over to Kincumbar to meet my c l a s s at the church.- On Thursday I walked out to see o l d Solomon again, & paid a few other v i s i t s i n that neighbourhood - c a l l i n g i n upon Mrs.Holmes as I returned.- Yesterday morning was r a i n y again, but i n the afternoon I got up to my c l a s s thereat E r i n a . - Today, by appointment, I went out to Sanday Ridge, & h e l d a s e r v i c e there, f o r the purpose of b a p t i z i n g 3 i n f a n t s , c h i l d r e n of Abdy, Rimmer, & Richards.- [1 I mustered a n i c e l i t t l e congregation of t h i r t e e n , & they a l l seemed g r a t e f u l to me f o r coming to them, which made i t a r e a l pleasure to me.

31. When the Steamer came i n on Monday, the 17th, i t brought me l e t t e r s saying that Marianne was so s e r i o u s l y i l l , t h at i t has been found necessary to seek the advice of a second

Ellen RIMMER, daughXtfi Thoma-i, -, Smyei neat Wyoming & Maiy. Bom 15 KpnlL 1857.

Jane ABVV, daugktet o^ Thomai Sawyen neat Wyoming £ Eliza. Bom 17 May 1857,

Thomai Jamei Ollven., ion ol Joieph RICHARDS, SoMiyen. neat Wyoming £ Many MeKAV, Bom 16 June 1856,

August 1857

31. to the country.- I came back per Steamer on Monday, [7J 143. & f e l l Into my usua l r o u t i n e s of duties the next day.-Found Solomon g e t t i n g b e t t e r , & Mrs.Holmes, whose case i s hopeless, g e t t i n g worse.- Yesterday morning, according to appointment I went up to the Sawmill f o r morning s e r v i c e . I t was a l o v e l y morning, but my congregation there was s m a l l . - I n the afternoon I had a l a r g e congregation at E.Gosford.- This morning I went to the s c h o o l , & then c a l l e d on Mrs.Benson: Confirmation Class at home i n afternoon.

September 1857

11. High time that I made a note of my proceedings. On Tuesday the 1st of the month I had to go over to Kincumbar to marry a couple, Edward Davis & Lydia P i p e r . - A f t e r [2] the ceremony I f i n i s h e d out the day v i s i t i n g i n the neighbourhood. On Wednesday I went to Kincumbar again,-Thursday, l e t t e r w r i t i n g , & went up to Wyoming i n the evening. F r i d a y to my confirmation c l a s s at E r i n a , & on Saturday morning set o f f to Mangrove a f t e r b r e a k f a s t . -Got to Mrs.Fergusons about 3. & worked my way down the creek to Watkins'.-^1 found they had been v i s i t e d w i t h an awful f l o o d again, the f l o o d mark i n Jus.Watkins' (3] being about a foot higher than the preceeding one.-I t had come i n t o the Masters d w e l l i n g t h i s time, about a f o o t deep & had done great mischief to the land i n many p l a c e s , covering i t w i t h beds of sand.- Having a cough upon me, I d i d not t h i n k i t prudent to remain longer than I could h e l p , s l e e p i n g i n a house r e c e n t l y f i l l e d w i t h water, & so as soon as 1 had Married

[1] Smuzl PEEK and kU wXjJe, Caroline., pZAliked In tht mecfe the. "Vunbai", Tkei/ wejte. letuinlng liom a itay X.n England to iettle. In theJjL home at Eait Goi^oid [on Peek'i Point].

[2] 1 September 1S57, at the Chaieh at KlneambeA, Edwaid VMIS, 20, BacheloK. Bom at Uollongong, Shipwright, o^ Klnembeji - ion ol (Ullllam -, BakeA, and Satah [both deeeaied] - and

Lydla PIPER, IS, Splnitex. Bom at Klncumben. - daughter o^ Jonathan -, Shlpmlght o^ KlneumbefL and Ann [BATES].

Wltneiiei: Thomai PIPER and Saiah Ann PIPER.

[3] Re^eii to Jai. WATKIMS.

September 1857

11. a couple on Monday morning. 1 made a s t a r t f o r home [1] 144. again, & j u s t had l i g h t enough to b r i n g me safe past Wyoming. I had a very disagreeable r i d e home, f o r i t r a ined a good part of the way, w i t h a l i t t l e s m a l l h a i l , & c o l d S.W wind. On Tuesday morning I went to see MrS.Holmes, whom I found a l i t t l e b e t t e r , that i s , not s u f f e r i n g so much p a i n , as she had been. In the afternoon I walked up as f a r as the wharf at Wyoming, to c a l l on a young couple named Smith, who l o s t and i n f a n t l a s t week, but I d i d not see them. They were moving house that day & had gone to t h e i r newabode. On Wednesday morning I went over to Kincumbar, where 1 married a couple - W i l l i a m Guy Taylor & Rosina [2] Barb, (formerly Saverland), & a f t e r paying a few v i s i t s i n the neighbourhood, received my confirmation c l a s s at the church c o n s i s t i n g of Wm.Klrk & E l i z h . J o n e s . yesterday I was occupied l e t t e r w r i t i n g the whole day & today - F r i d a y - I have spent at E r i n a - v i s i t i n g i n forenoon, & Confirmation Class i n afternoon.

12. At home i n the morning. In the afternoon I walked iK>6iii to Henry's wishing to see him on the subject of h i s baptism, but he was not at home.- C a l l e d i n upon,& had a long t a l k w i t h "Magnus Jacobus" , as we g e n e r a l l y c a l l poor o l d James H a l l Kinder found him a i l i n g from rhumatics.

ti. Here i s another week s l i p t away, & numbered w i t h the 18. departed.- Monday morning I v i s i t e d the scho o l , &

had my con f i r m a t i o n c l a s s & a headache i n the afternoon. On Tuesday 1 set o f f Intending to have a good day's v i s i t i n g about E r i n a ; but r a i n came on & hindered me, so that I could not accomplish a l l I d e s i r e d . On Wednesday afternoon,I went to Kincumbar school.-yesterday I s t a r t e d w i t h the i n t e n t i o n

[1] No mtiy loand in CkuKck RzgliteA Ion. man.nAM.gt6.

12} 9 Se.ptmbzK 1S57, at the. Chunch at KlncumbeK, WilUam Guy TAYLOR, about 42, BacheZon. Bonn at LtomlniteA, HeAz{,on.d6hiAe., SawyeA oi KincwnbeA - ion oi Wlllijm -, UiZleA oi KincumbeA, and Man.y [GUY] both de.ce.aizd - and

Roiina BARB, Wldouj, oi William -, LabouKZn, [26 ApnJJ. 1851, onz child allvz i 3 dead], - daughtzn. oi Thomai SAVERLANV, Boot & ShoemakeA, and Mn.y [MURPHY] both dzczaizd.

Wltnzii: Jamzi BULLOCK.

September 1857

t$, of v i s i t i n g the Davis v i l l a g e , but a l i t t l e mishap 145. 18. which b e f e l me on l e a v i n g Dr.Aulds, drove me back

again. I n attempting to cross a swampy hollow, which I have f r e q u e n t l y crossed before, o l d Mettle got qui t e bogged & a f t e r f l o u n d e r i n g about & making a few plunges, he f e l l down upon h i s s i d e , & p r e c i p i t a t e d me i n t o the water & mud.- I f o r t u n a t e l y escaped from being under him & rece i v e d no i n j u r y , Mrs.Auld was spectator to thewhole a f f a i r . I came s t r a i g h t home & got me dry c l o t h e s . - M r . S o i l i n g came i n the evening, & took a bed here.-This afternoon I walked to my Confirmation Class at E r i n a .

28. (Monday) On the morning of Saturday, the 19th, j u s t as 1 had f i n i s h e d b r e a k f a s t , I received a summons to hurry out & v i s i t M r s . B a r t l e t t , a Sawyer's w i f e , near F l e t c h e r ' s who was s a i d to be dying. I met Dr. Auld coming from her place, who t o l d me there was no hope whatever of her recovery.- I had a p a i n f u l , u n s a t i s f a c t o r y task to preform. There seemed no sense of s i n , consequently no c o n t r i t i o n , & the poor woman's b o d i l y s u f f e r i n g s were so great, that she could pay very l i t t l e a t t e n t i o n to anything I s a i d to her. I remained some time w i t h her, & then l e f t & v i s i t e d poor o l d Warburton, & had a long conversation w i t h him, endeavouring to convey something In the form of i n s t r u c t i o n i n the way to heaven, to him, of which he expressed a d e s i r e , which I hope was s i n c e r e . I then returned to M r s . B a r t l e t t , whom I found j u s t i n the same s t a t e , & apparently not expecting death, but hope to be " a l l r i g h t again i n a few days." In short her s u f f e r i n g was so great, that she showed symptoms of d e l i r i u m . F i n d i n g I could not b e n e f i t her by conversation, a l l I could do was to c a l l upon those present to j o i n i n prayer f o r her.

September 1857

28. & so returned home, r e s o l v i n g , by God's h e l p , to w r i t e 146. a sermon from the t e x t i n I s a i a h "Seek ye the Lord, while he may be found." e t c . f o r never was I more deeply impressed w i t h the n e c e s s i t y of urging my ca r e l e s s f l o c k , to act up to that necessary but much neglected precept. On Sunday morning a messenger came to announce the poor woman's death, which took place on Saturday n i g h t . - The f u n e r a l took place on Monday morning, [1] a f t e r which I took my departure f o r Sydney i n the "Black Swan", & had a famous passage, reaching the wharf at i p 6.- Found them a l l improving i n h e a l t h , -had b e a u t i f u l weather a l l the time I was away, & a f i n e passage home again on Friday morning.-I soon had to resume my du t i e s again, begining Saturday w i t h a wedding (Foster & widow Robinson) & then r e p a i r i n g [2] immediately to the B u r i a l Ground f o r a f u n e r a l . - a l i t t l e c h i l d of one Geo.Williamson, a sawyer, who [3] was a c c i d e n t a l l y burnt to death.- Yesterday I was so r e l y hindered i n performing the various s e r v i c e s by a very bad c o l d , which attacked me on Saturday, & my hoarseness rendered my reading very d i f f i c u l t , but I got t h r o ' a l l three s e r v i c e s , notwithstanding, & had at E r i n a the best congregation I have had the whole year. This morning I walked over to E.Gosfd. to consult our Committee members upon the p r o p r i e t y of abandoning our o r i g i n a l church plans, & adopting i n view of i t the plan of a church now i n progress at P i t t Town, & as a l l q u i t e approve of i t . I s h a l l w r i t e to Mr.Blacket f o r t h w i t h .

[1] Honota EARTLETT, aged 34, Matckam'i Land, EiUbane d/ateji, wl^d oi Rlchaid -, SawyeJi. Vltd 19 Stpttmbtn. 1857.

[2] 26 Stptmbtn 1857 aX tht TtmpoKaiy Chuich at Ea6t GoiioKd, (JJlUlam FOSTER, 28, EacktloK. Eom at Voddlngton, County oi Ktnt, SoMytA., oi Eilna - ion oi Vavld -, Labouifi oi Eilna and Maiy VORREL - and

AnnLt ROEINSOH, 20, Widow oi John Mlntl, [10 Januaiy 1857 ont child]. Bom at BiLitol - daughtti oi John BLAIR, Bookiellti and Maiy Ann [BURMS] dtctaitd.

Wltntiiti: Patilck O'NEAL and Caiollnt HARRIS.

[3] Roianna WILLIAMSON, Ntai Eilna, agtd 2h, tht daughtti oi Gtoigt -, Savoyti. Vied 24 Stpttmbti 1857.

THE TWIN CHURCHES CHRIST C H U R C H - GOSFORD

P H O T O : G W E N D U N D O N C O L L E C T I O N

A contemporary rear view of the O l d Christ C h u r c h , Gosford .

(I consulted) our Committee members upon the propriety of abandoning our original church plans, & adopting in view of it the plan of a church now in progress at Pitt Town . . . I shall write to Mr. BLACKET forthwith.

September 1857, 28.

ST. J A M E S - PITT T O W N

The two Churches, both designed by Edmund B L A C K E T , built at the same period, have exactly the same measure­ments. Their plans are mirror imaged. The vestry and the porch have been placed on alternate sides.

Plate IX

October 1857

2, ( F r i d a y ) F i n d i n g my c o l d & cough so troublesome, 1 d i d 147• not go out at a l l on Tuesday l a s t . On Wednesday 1 was prepared to go to Kincumbar, as u s u a l , but was stopped by another f u n e r a l , which re q u i r e d my attendance [?J at the B u r i a l ground i n the afternoon. 0tt John Osborne c a l l e d here that day, & I a l s o saw Mr.Lette, at Crawse's & I arranged w i t h them to v i s i t t h e i r part of the country the week a f t e r next, & to have d i v i n e s e r v i c e at ^ i i c i i i t i i L e t t e s on the morning of Tuesday, the 13th & at Turner's on Wednesday the 14th.- Mrs.Rimmers l i t t l e g i r l , A l i c e , c a l l e d a l s o that day to beg me to go out & see her mother the next day, as she was very poorly. A c c o r d i n g l y I s t a r t e d away to Sandy Ridge yesterday, & saw her & a l l her neighbours, c a l l i n g at Ralph Wood's & Brown's & H a r r i s on my way back.-Today I walked up to E r i n a by way of Seamons, & had my c l a s s there t h i s afternoon.

8.th (Thursday) My journey to & from Mangrove t h i s time was not the most agreeable one I ever had. I got on w e l l enough t i l l Sunday n i g h t , when a headache came on & r a t h e r d i s t u r b e d my n i g h t s r e s t . - I got up f e e l i n g very unwell on Monday morng. but s t a r t e d , nevertheless about 8 o'clock to r i d e up the creek to v i s i t poor o l d Ellem who i s again very i l l , & not expected to l i v e l o n g , dropsy being h i s complaint.-1 got up as h i g h as Gould's & then a great thunder storm came on, which detained me n e a r l y an hour.- I got a l i t t l e wet r i d i n g down again, & on Tuesday, though i t ceased r a i n i n g before I s t a r t e d , I had a disagreeable journey homeward owing to the wet bushes.-I came home very t i r e d , 6f have not been very w e l l s i n c e .

Han,ij Jam AMITAGE, Ea6t Go6^o^d, agtd 2 months & IS day6, tht daugkleA Jamz6 fJuka^man i labQiiKVi. VLdd 29 Sdptmboji 1857.

October 1857

8.th being i n c l i n e d to be b i l i o u s , b u t I hope i t w i l l pass 148. o f f again.- Yesterday I rode over to Kincumbar sc h o o l , & came s t r a i g h t back again, a f t e r examining my c o n f i r m a t i o n c l a s s of one. E l l z t h Jones.- Today I have stayed at home w r i t i n g l e t t e r s . - Mr.Nunn came & took h i s daughter home today, she had been s t a y i n g here during my absence at Mangrove.

17. I returned l a s t n ight from a l i t t l e v i s i t a t i o n tour which I have made t h i s week among some of my d i s t a n t p a r i s h i o n e r s . - But l e t us begin where we l e f t o f f . On Friday the 9th I d i d not f e e l q u i t e w e l l enough to go out so remained at home.- Saturday was spent i n removing my study to what was the c h i l d r e n s bedroom, i n order that they might have my study f o r t h e i r bedroom, t h i s former room being too damp. On Sunday I had poor congregations at a l l my churches. Mr.& Mrs.Nunn accompanied me to Kincumbar church i n the afternoon. I found there Mr.Aaron Booth, the B u i l d e r from Balmain, having come down to see the spot & gather information r e l a t i v e to our intended new church.- I met him & Mr.Venteman on the ground on Monday morning, & showed him the stonequarries e t c . w i t h which he seemed qu i t e s a t i s f i e d , & I l e f t him, w i t h the understanding that he should, send down a tender by the Black Swan next Monday.- I was attacked on Monday morning w i t h one of my worst headaches, which was so bad that I could not set out f o r Yarramalong as I had appointed. On Tuesday morning I set out on my journey, & a f t e r c a l l i n g i n at the Sawmill, & a few other places along the

October 1857

17. road, reached John Osborne's about sunset, where I 149 passed the n i g h t . Mr.Fred: Hely was there a l s o . -On Wednesday morning, according to appointment, I had a congregation at Wyong, i n Turners house, & baptized 4 c h i l d r e n there. I n the afternoon I went on to Cabbage Tree, where I found Mr.Hargraves very w e l l . In the evening I had s e r v i c e & preached a sermon to h i s assembled household. On Thursday I rode from Cabbage Tree to Mr.Lette's, about 28 m i l e s . Yesterday morning. I had a n i c e congregation of about 30, i n Mr.Lette's new house that he i s b u i l d i n g , & baptized another i n f a n t there.- A f t e r s e r v i c e I mounted Old M e t t l e , & we jogged q u i e t l y home together. I reached home about 8 p.m. w e l l s a t i s f i e d w i t h the r e s u l t of my journey.

26. (Monday) I have now the whole of l a s t week to account f o r , & to begin w i t h Sunday, I had a small congregation & very few communicants at Kincumbar.- Good congregation at Gosfd, a f t e r which I went up to the Sawmill, where I had a very good attendance. Being a dark & d r i z z l y n i g h t , I d i d not attempt to come home, but took a bed at Mr.Scott's & g e t t i n g an e a r l y breakfast next morning, came home i n good time. On the a r r i v a l of the Black Swan I found a Mangrove Schoolmaster on board, a Mr.Wheeler, q u i t e a young man, & q u i t e Inexperienced as f a r as country l i v i n g i s concerned, but I hope he w i l l prove competent f o r h i s o f f i c e . - I had a good many l e t t e r s to w r i t e , & other matters which prevented my going out much on Tuesday & Wednesday. On Thursday I borrowed Constable Conway's pony. & took Mr.Wheeler a r i d e over to Kincumbar as f a r as McMasters.- On Friday morng

October 1857

26. I had to be at the wharf again to meet the Steamer, 150. & recieve two female servants from Sydney - Jane a l s o to her departure by r e t u r n of Steamer, & a p e r i l o u s voyage she must have had, f o r a t e r i f i c s q u a l l of thunder, r a i n , & wind from the S.W. came on between 4 & 5 which upset one of our small v e s s e l s i n the Broadwater, & I regret to l e a r n , wrecked another l a r g e Merchant Vessel from England, at the Sydney northhead, causing the l o s s of many l i v e s . On Saturday morning I went out as f a r as Seaman's, & i n the afternoon to Wm.& Robt.Creighton's - Mr Wheeler accompanied us i n my rounds yesterday - poor congregations, a l l of them - This morning was taken up v i s i t i n g a s i c k shoemaker - Chas.Fisher - & m i n i s t e r i n g to h i s wants.-Afternoon Confirmation Class - Then c a l l e d to see Mrs.Harrison, whom I found b e t t e r .

November 1857

9. Here i s a f o r t n i g h t ' s blank to be f i l l e d up, as w e l l as my poor memory w i l l enable me. I was Prepared to s t a r t to Mangrove w i t h Mr.Wheeler on Thursday the 29th , but the weather being r a i n y , we put i t o f f t i l l F r i d a y , when we got o f f i n good time, & had a f i n e day f o r our journey.- We made the creek at Mrs. Ferguson's, & then worked our way down to Watkin's, c a l l i n g on a l l the people as we passed along. Saturday we spent v i s i t i n g a t the lower part of the creek.-On Sunday, though the weather was b e a u t i f u l & I might reasonably expect good congregations, they were unusually s m a l l . - On Monday morning we opened the Upper school, & a f t e r r i d i n g up to v i s i t poor

November 1857

o l d Ellem, I s t a r t e d homeward about 3 o'clock, & reached home at 9. On Tuesday afternoon I rode over to Kincumbar to see Godwin about h i s horse f o r Mr, Wheeler & agreed to purchase i t f o r £15. paying £5 down, & the other £10 to be p a i d on 1st January. On Wednesday I remained at home, & sent James over to Godwin's i n the afternoon, to f e t c h the horse, but i t was so l a t e before they could f i n d i t , t h a t James remained a l l n i ght at Mr.Lane's,& d i d not r e t u r n t i l l Thursday morning. On Wednesday evening Mr.Lette's present, " L i t t l e N e l " a r r i v e d , & on Thursday morning Mr.Lette himself c a l l e d to see us.- As usual, I was busy that day l e t t e r w r i t i n g . On F r i d a y morning, j u s t as I was preparing to set out f o r a long days v i s i t i n g a t E r i n a , over came Mr.Venteman, accompanied by Mr.Booth, the c o n t r a c t o r f o r our church b u i l d i n g , having the plans & s p e c i f i c a t i o n s w i t h him.- This stopped me, & caused an a l t e r a t i o n i n my plans. We arranged to assemble our b u i l d i n g committee, i f p o s s i b l e , the next morning, f o r the purpose of co n s i d e r i n g Mr.Booth's tender namely, to complete the t whole b u i l d i n g f o r £1000 or i f s l a t e d i n s t e a d of s h i n g l e d . £25 more. I rode up to E r i n a to see Mr.Boniface i n the forenoon, he being l a i d up w i t h a severe i n j u r y which he r e c e i v e d from the f a l l of h i s horse.- A f t e r dinner I went round to Mr.Scott's t o i n v i t e him over to our Committee meeting, but found that he was away i n Sydney.- Mr. Hargraves came i n while I was there, & I had thus the opportunity of showing him the plan of the church, of which he q u i t e approved as w e l l as Booth's tender.-On Saturday morning we had our meeting

November 1857

9. Mr.Battley, Mr.Venteman, & myself, being the only members 152 present, & we had no h e s i t a t i o n In agreeing to accept Mr.Booths tender, & to take the s l a t e s , i n l i e u of s h i n g l e s . - The Misses Donnison came & spent Saturday w i t h us.- Yesterday my congregations were p r e t t y good, at a l l p l a c e s . - At E r i n a very good.- This morning I rode out as f a r as Seamans, & on l o o k i n g i n at the stonequarry on my way, found Mr.Booth & h i s l a d at work, so that when I came home I was able to announce to Annie & the c h i l d r e n the, THE CHURCH WAS BEGUN.

12. Tuesday we a l l spent at Wyoming, but unfortunately i t proved a very hot day, q u i t e a hot wind, which detracted from the pleasure of the v i s i t , & to make matters worse, I had to scamper o f f i n the very heat of the day, a f t e r " L i t t l e N e l " , who c o n t r i v e d to get out of the paddock & was making her way back to Yarramalong.- 1 caught the truant however, w i t h the a i d of two men, a l i t t l e at t h i s side of Blue Gum F l a t . - Yesterday I went to Kincumbar a f t e r f i r s t marking out the s i t e of the church, w i t h Mr.Venteman's a s s i s t a n c e , & c a l l e d at Ward's & T a y l o r ' s , & on my way home v i s i t e d Mrs.Holmes & the Whites. I t was my i n t e n t i o n to have v i s i t e d the Sawmill & Blue Gum F l a t today, but i t has been r a i n i n g the greater part of the day, so I postponed i t t i l l Saturday, when I hope to have f i n e r weather.

18. On F r i d a y (the 13th) I went to E r i n a making a round of c a l l s out i n that neighbourhood, as f a r as B a r t l e t t ' s , & then round by Whittakers to Ingrams - Ramos, Bushby, & I r w i n . - On Saturday I went to the Sawmill, c a l l i n g on a l l the Blue Gum F l a t f o l k s by the way. On Sunday I went through my u s u a l s e r v i c e s - Kincumbar - E.Gosfd & Sawmill.- I f e l t r a t h e r vexed

November 1857

18. on a r r i v i n g at the Sawmill to f i n d that Mr.Scott & 153. h i s c l e r k , Mr.Williamson were both away from home, & had l e f t no orders about arranging f o r the evening s e r v i c e . - I had a good congregation, however, & a f t e r partaking of a glass of water, by way of refreshment, had a b e a u t i f u l s t a r - l i g h t r i d e home, & was backagain by 2 p 10. - unusually e a r l y . - On Monday 1 rather f e l t the e f f e c t s of the previous day's e x e r t i o n s , & was not f i t f o r much. I went over to meet the Steamer & get the Sydney time, & remained at home a f t e r dinner. The Miss Nunns c a l l e d , & I i n v i t e d them to j o i n me i n a r i d e which I purposed t a k i n g the f o l l o w i n g day to M r . G l t t i n s ' , an I n v i t a t i o n which they r e a d i l y accepted, & a c c o r d i n g l y were at the gate by 9 o'clock yesterday morning.- We had a most d e l i g h t f u l day f o r our r i d e , & the g i r l s e v i d e n t l y enjoyed the excursion much. M r . G l t t i n s & Charles were away to Sydney, but the r e s t of the party were found a l l w e l l . - I have been to Kincumbar again today, to r e c e i v e my Confirmation C l a s s , & c a l l e d at Scaysbrooks, where I got a cup of t e a . -

19. To Kincumbar again today, that i s to " D a v l s v l l l e " , c a l l i n g on Mrs.Auld by the way, & at Woodwards a l s o . -V l s i t e d f o r the f i r s t time the Poole f a m i l y , who came about 6 months ago to s e t t l e opposite the Rom: Cath: Chapel.- On c a l l i n g at Woodwards I re c e i v e d confirmation of what I was t o l d by Mr.Lane yesterday, namely, that John Woodward has taken upon himself to leave the church, & j o i n the Roman C a t h o l i c s . - The motive, which has l e d him to take t h i s step I suspect to be h i s d e s i r e to b r i n g about an a l l i a n c e w i t h a Rom: Cath: f a m i l y .

November 1857

21. I t was my i n t e n t i o n to have had a long day's v i s i t i n g 154. about E r i n a yesterday, but f e e l i n g rather fagged from having been out the whole of the three previous days, I remained at home a l l the morning, & j u s t rode up to my Confirmation c l a s s i n the afternoon. This has been very hot day, & being Saturday I have not been out anjrwhere, except a l i t t l e walk i n the c o o l of the evening to see how Mrs.Holmes was.- She continues to s u f f e r great b o d i l y p a i n , w i t h very few i n t e r m i s s i o n s of ease, & I cannot perceive any t h i n g very s a t i s f a c t o r y as regards things s p i r i t u a l . -Mr.Coulter has f i n i s h e d ploughing my l i t t l e piece of land today.

23. Good congregation at Gosford yesterday, & 25 Communicants. At Kincumbar & E r i n a the attendance was scanty. I was much vexed i n the evening at E r i n a , by a most unseemly i n t e r u p t i o n of the s e r v i c e , & that was some drunken p a r t i e s coming & t a l k i n g c l o s e to the place j u s t outside the b u i l d i n g , so that I was compelled to stop i n the middle of my sermon, & go out to t r y & discover whom they were but they made o f f when they heard me coming.- A r e p e t i t i o n of such conduct, should i t occur w i l l almost i n c l i n e me to discontinue my se r v i c e s t h e r e . - Among the Communicants yesterday morning. I was d e l i g h t e d to see Rosa B a t t l e y again. She returned from Sydney per Friday's steamer very much b e t t e r - i n short, apparently q u i t e h e r s e l f again.-She & her two s i s t e r s came w i t h John t h i s afternoon & took tea w i t h us.

25. I had a long day's r i d e yesterday, s t a r t i n g at 8 A.M. & r e t u r n i n g towards 7 P.M: I went down nearly to the heads, to c a l l f i r s t on a f a m i l y l a t e l y come to r e s i d e at Ward's o l d place.

November 1857

25. McDonald by name. I found, however, that McDonald & 155. h i s w i f e were both away i n Sydney but two grown up s i s t e r s were there besides some younger f o l k s . - I went on f u r t h e r to c a l l at Wilsons & John Spears, but they a l s o were out. I c a l l e d at Moffat's on the waydown & at Wards on the way home found Mrs.Ward w i t h another l i t t l e son, born about a week ago. Today I have been to Kincumbar again, v i s i t i n g about Kearns' & then had my c l a s s at the church, coming home by P i p e r s & so round by Green P o i n t .

December 1857

12. Although the c l o c k has s t r u c k 10 (Saturday n i g h t ) I must not a l l o w another week to c l o s e , as I d i d the l a s t , without an entry i n my j o u r n a l , p a r t i c u l a r l y as there are matters to be recorded, which should have been n o t i c e d before.- Mr.Booth returned from Sydney about the time of my l a s t entry, & commenced vigou r o u s l y at h i s work about the church. On Monday the 30th 1 signed, w i t h him, the c o n t r a c t , by which he engages to have the work f i n i s h e d by the 1st of June next. As he was anxious to make a s t a r t w i t h the b u i l d i n g , & i t being q u i t e u n c e r t a i n when the Bishop would be down, we f i x e d upon Thursday, the 3rd i n s t , as the day on which to l a y the foundation stone. & I gave n o t i c e i n the church, i n v i t i n g a l l the members of our church to attend.- On Tuesday 1 remained at home to prepare an address f o r the Occasion. On Wednesday afternoon I went over to meet my c l a s s at Kincumbar, & on the way back was caught i n a Thunderstorm. Thursday morng. unf o r t u n a t e l y was r a i n y , & I feared we shd. have to put o f f the ceremony, but the r a i n ceased a f t e r b r e a k f a s t , & enabled us to proceed, I was

December 1957

pleased to f i n d a very t o l e r a b l e assemblage, i n s p i t e 156. of the unfavourable weather, & the ceremony seemed to give great s a t i s f a c t i o n . - When i t was over, the party adjourned to a f e a s t f o r the school c h i l d r e n , at which, thanks to the various C o n t r i b u t o r s , there was an ample supply f o r a l l , & both young & o l d seemed to enjoy the whole days entertainment. I was very much disappointed that the Misses Donnison were prevented from j o i n i n g us, by a very unpleasant a c c i d e n t , namely, t h e i r horses g e t t i n g bogged on the punt road, & they themselves having to dismount i n t o the water before t h e i r nags could recover t h e i r legs again.- This was occasioned by an unusually high t i d e which covered a l l the f l a t f o r some di s t a n c e . I t was my i n t e n t i o n to have gone to Mangrove on F r i d a y , but the e x t r a work of Laying the Foundation Stone of Xt. Church took up my time so completely u n t i l the ceremony was over, that I was glad of a l i t t l e r e s t on F r i d a y , & so put o f f my journey t i l l Saturday, when I had Worley's company.- I was much pleased to f i n d that Mr.Wheeler i s g e t t i n g on w e l l at Mangrove, g i v i n g great s a t i s f a c t i o n to the people, & seeming content w i t h h i s l o t . - I returned on Tuesday, a f t e r being n e a r l y roasted i n Mangrove Creek, which I d i d not leave t i l l towards 3 o'clock.- With the exception of a r i d e to E r i n a yesterday afternoon, & to Wyoming t h i s morning, I have not been out much, having a great many l e t t e r s to w r i t e . - The weather has been very hot t h i s week, & we f e e l i t r a t h e r j u s t at f i r s t s e t t i n g i n . - I am now having my l i t t l e farm, as I term i t , planted w i t h corn & m i l l e t e t c . I v i s i t e d Mrs.Holmes

December 1857

12. f o r ' t h e l a s t timevon F r i d a y & then f e l t convinced 157. that 1 should not see her again In t h i s world. She died on Sunday n i g h t , & was burled on Monday afternoon .., by Mr.Battley. ^

18. My congregations l a s t Sunday were small a t a l l the Churches, tho'the weather was c o o l & agreeable, & no reason e x i s t e d , as f a r as I know, to prevent a good attendance. On Monday morng. I went over to East Gosford, but was too l a t e f o r the s c h o o l , being Interupted a l i t t l e before s t a r t i n g . Charles G i t t i n s came In about 10 o'clock to make arrangements f o r our long t a l k e d of v i s i t to t h e i r house, & we determined upon going the next day, weather p e r m i t t i n g . But on g o i i i the gale of wind which blew so hard a l l Monday ended i n r a i n at n i g h t & continued the e a r l y part of Tuesday morning, so that M r . G l t t i n s d i d not venture to come f o r us.- I n the afternoon I rode up to Wyoming, & paid a few v i s i t s i n that neighbourhood.-On Wednesday I went to Kincumbar, & hel d the h a l f y e a r l y examination of the c h i l d r e n - few i n number, & small i n s i z e , - but they a c q u i t t e d themselves w e l l . -I had a small c o n f i r m a t i o n c l a s s afterwards, & was grieved to be compelled to dismiss W i l l a i m K i r k from the c l a s s having detected him i n c o m i t t i n g a robbery on h i s way to the c l a s s . He went i n t o Melvin's hut, & s t o l e a watch that was hanging up th e r e . - Mr.Lane took the watch from him i n the schoolroom & I was sor r y to l e a r n , that p i l f e r r i n g i s a propensity to which he i s addicted. I went out at once to see h i s parents, & by the way c a l l e d to see Futcher who i s very poorly again.- Yesterday M r . G l t t i n s & Charles brought up t h e i r f i n e l a r g e boat & took us a l l down to spend the day.- We were fortunate In having a c o o l cloudy day, but we ahd a very scanty supply of wind, which made both

[1] Wo mtiy {ound -in Chufich RzgL&te.i ion. baiJuoili.

December 1857

outward & homeward voyages tedious. I t was past 10 158. at night before we returned home. Miss Kate Nunn accompanied us down, & Alexd.G: returned w i t h us to stay a few days. Today ( F r i d a y ) Mr.Battley a s s i s t e d me to examine the school at E.Gosford which i s now a p r e t t y f u l l one about 50 c h i l d r e n . - As usual they a c q u i t t e d themselves very w e l l .

31. Here we have a r r i v e d s a f e l y at the end of the year 1857 & so have completed another stage i n the journey of l i f e . - I t has been an e v e n t f u l year, being marked w i t h occurrences which w i l l long be remembered by those who have witnessed them. & w i l l doubtless be recorded i n the h i s t o r y of the Colony, such as the sweeping f l o o d s of l a s t w i n t e r , & the d r e a d f u l shipwrecks that have happened not only on our own coast, but i n various parts of the world, & other more important events i n I n d i a , e t c . e t c . Then to come down to smaller matters, the commencement of our new Church i s an event worthy of being recorded i n the annals of the Gosford P a r i s h , & I t r u s t that the completion & consecration of the church w i l l form part of the h i s t o r y of 1858. Our Xmas h o l i d a y s have passed over very q u i e t l y & the people seem to be g e t t i n g to work again, but I suppose tomorrow - New Year's Day - must be observed as a h o l i d a y . - Uncle F e r r i s came by l a s t Thursday's Steamer to spend h i s Xmas w i t h us & returned to Sydney on Monday l a s t . - Two deaths have occurred i n my f l o c k t h i s week - Thos.Futcher at Kincumbar, & a young c h i l d [1] of Richd.Hitchcock. [2]

[1] Tkomai TiancU, FUTCHER, aged 39, Salloi & SmyeA KincumbeA, Vied 28 VccembcK 1857,

[21 Solomon William HITCHCOCK, oi Eilna, aged 13 months & 22 dayi,, the. 6on oi Rlchaid -, SaiAjyei. Vied 29 VecembzA 1857.

January 1858

9. days of the new year have slipped away before I have 159. taken any notice of i t . On the morning of Friday the 1st I went over to see Mrs.Benson, who was very i l l , & in the afternoon rode out as far as Warburton's, calling at most of the intervening houses. On Saturday, the 2nd I started for Yarramalong, having appointed to have service there & at Wyong on the 1st Sunday in the year. It was exceedingly hot, & I got a great roasting upon the road.- I called at Gilchison's on the way up, & reached Mr.Lettes about 6: P.M:- On Sunday morning I had a congregation of 25 at Mr.Lettes, & then rode 10 miles to Wyong where another congregation of 20 awaited me.- I started homeward at 5 o'clock, & arrived at about i p 8. The day, tho* hot,was a l i t t l e cooler than Saturday. On Monday morning I went over to meet the Steamer, & found Mr.Cape there, with 3 of his family, Minnie, Alfred, & Emily.- Mr.C: rode " L i t t l e Nel" home, while I walked with Minnie, & the 2 others came in the cart.- It was awfully hot, & we came in quite in a fever a l l of us.- Tuesday was s t i l l hotter, a regular hot N:W; wind which quite unhinged us a l l . - Wednesday was cooler, being cloudy.-In the afternoon I accompanied Mrs.Cape & a l l the young folks to Wyoming - taking the two horses, & riding turn about.- On getting up on Thursday morng.-6 o'c: I found Mr Gittins & Charles at anchor by the wharf, having come, by appointment to take us down for a p i c n i c - The morning was very hot but taking a l l things together we enjoyed the day very much. We had f i r s t to go down & fetch the rest of the Gittins party, & then returned to Wye Wye Bay, where we found a delightful shady nook, with a beautiful stream of water among the rocks.- We mustered 16 in party altogether, 10 ladies & 6 gents.- Yesterday

January 1858

9. morning I got an early breakfast & rode up to the 160. Sawmill to see Eliza Babbage, whose mother had sent a message during my absence on Thursday, requesting me to come up. I found her better than I expected, but I fear in a very precarious state, I returned by eleven o'clock, & when the Steamer came in, accompanied Mr.Cape & party over & saw them safe off.- I was glad to find Mrs.Benson much better, I mentioned the case of Babbage's daughter to Dr.B: who promised to go up & see her this morning, provided his wife were well enough.- Today been very hot again, & I cannot help fearing that we are doomed now to be visited with drought & heat.-

11. (Monday) Learning from Mr.Lane yesterday that Ben:Davis had been a great loser by a f i r e , which I had previously heard had occurred on his premises on New Years day, I set off this morning to pay him a v i s i t of condolence.-His workshop, with a l l his tools, & various articles to the value of something like £150, were entirely destroyed. Sad however as this disaster i s , i t is nothing in comparison with a circumstance connected with a neighbouring family, which was made known to me by Mrs.Auld, & the Dr. & which I shall say nothing about here, as i t i s possible, some further light may yet be thrown upon the matter.

15. One of the hottest days I ever experienced. It was my intention to have gone to McMasters today, but finding, after breakfast, what sort of a day we were going to have, I abandoned the ride, & well I did so for I fear I should have been made quite i l l by i t . I rode over to E.Gosford to see the church work, & also to v i s i t Mrs.Garrett & see her l i t t l e g i r l , Harriett who has been confined to her bed for a fortnight with a bad leg, & I only heard of i t yesterday

January 1858

15. at Blue Gum Flat. On my return home I found the Gittons 161. family here, 8 in number, having come up for the purpose of going on to c a l l at Wyoming; but in consequence of the intense heat of the day, they prudently abandoned their purpose & remained with us t i l l past 3 o'clock, when they started back again, fearing that the N:W: wind might l u l l i f they remained too long.- It was one of the most oppressive days I ever f e l t . On going up to inspect the church work on Tuesday morning, I found that Mr.Booth was departing very widely from his contract, in allowing too great a space between the stretchers in the centre of the wall, & so £ackin^, contrary to agreement. The fault was so glaring that I went & brought Mr.Venteman up to look at i t , & I am very much vexed thus to discover that we must watch the progress of the work very narrowly.- I called to see Mr.Battley on my way back, & in the afternoon I rode up to see Mr.Nunn, & was glad to meet him out riding with his daughters.- On Wednesday I remained at home writing, & yesterday I went up to the Sawmill, visiting a l l the Blue Gum Flat people by the way.

16. At home the greater part of the day.- In the morning called on Worley & family, who arrived from Mangrove on Tuesday evening las t . - also on Mrs.Creighton, & in the evening we a l l walked as far as Mona Vale, to see Alice, & enquire what tidings she had received of her Mamena from Sydney & we were glad to hear a favourable report.

18. Quite out of sorts today from my overwork of yesterday.-At the conclusion of the service in the morning at Kincumbar, I found Dr.Auld at the door begging me to come round by his house to baptize his infant child, [1] who was very i l l , which I did.- Had another Baptism [2] at

[1] Robojut SpottL&mod fa.iqu.ha.fi AULV, i>on V.obQAt Thomas -, Saige.on Saiahvlllt, MLibant WatZK g. Uany Wtbb, Eon.n 26 May 1857,

12] OJlltiam WHITE, ion o^ RobzKt -, Samynn. ojj Ea4i Goi>{on.d i MaKqaKzX.. BoKH 5 Uovmbzt 1857.

January 1858

18. Gosford, & then proceeded to the Sawmill, from which I 162. had the darkest ride home that I ever had, & on arriving, near 12 o'clock (with a very bad headache) f e l t really thankful that I had reached home in safety.- I went over to the steamer this morning, & inspected the church with Mr.Battley. This afternoon had a funeral,-a young child of Seamans, died yesterday.- Much sickness [1] abroad now, caused by the late excessive heat. Something of a bilious diarrhoea,many children are affacted with i t . - Had a v i s i t from John Osborne today.

23. Saturday night.- Went to Kincumbar on Tuesday to v i s i t Mrs.Futcher, & came round by Dr.Aulds to enquire after the child, & was glad to find i t better. On going to the Post Office after my return, I found Ephraim Bushby there, come to report the death of his infant [2] child. Hearing that there were several sick people at the Sawmill, I rode up there on Wednesday to see them & found Mrs.Foot &child both very i l l , also Miller's brother & several others more or less a i l i n g . Came back in time to bury Ephraim's child. On Thursday I remained at home letter writing & among my dispatches was grieved to have writen a letter of condolence to poor Mr.Caper, whose wife's death we saw announced in last Monday's Herald.- During the day Foot called from the Sawmill to announce the death of his child & arrange about i t s burial at Blue Gum Flat.- Yesterday [3] morning I went out to see Mrs.Bushby after loss of her baby, & in the afternoon to the funeral of Foot's child after which I proceeded to the Sawmill to see Mrs.Foot who was very i l l . This morning I went with Mr.Battley to the church, & this afternoon I rode up to the Sawmill again to v i s i t the invalids, who seem to be progressing favourably.- Worley rode home with me.

[1] Maltha Rtbe.caa SEAMAM, Spilng^leZd, age.d 2 yzai'i S 6 months, thz daughte.n. John -, Laboaitt. V.ie.d 17 Januaiy 185S.

[2] Thoma^i Htniy BUSHBy, Eilna, agzd 10 monthi ^ 17 dayi, Ihz ion EphiaJjrt -, SpUXtOA.. VJ^nd 19 January 1858.

[3] Hznuy John FOOT, o^ OatJutnbah Sajimlll, agzd 10 monthi i 17 day6, the. ion oi UJlllum -, Laboutzt. Vldd 21 January 1858.

February 1858

13. Saturday night.- A sad blank this in my journal - 163. 3 whole weeks without an entry! Let us see what can be recalled. On Wednesday the 27th Jany, I set off for Morpeth to see the Bishop, having various l i t t l e matters to consult with him.- Mr.Nunn accompanied me that day as far as Mount Vincent, where I remained the night, he going on a l i t t l e farther. I reached Morpeth about the middle of Thursday, found the Bishop at home, & well - had a very nice chat with him -saw Mr.&Mrs.Boodle also,& Mr.& Mrs.Bolton.- On Friday I returned homeward as far as John Osborne's,& on Saturday afternoon found myself safe back again. Sunday the 31st I had morning service at the Sawmill-called in & saw Eliza Babbage before the service, & finding her evidently approaching her latter end, suggested to her my obtaining the prayers of the congregation on her behalf, which I did - & i t was rather singular that within about half an hour of my leaving the place, she expired.- Her funeral took place the next day.- [1] On Tuesday, the 2nd instant I rode down to v i s i t the Gittinses. I was again at the Sawmill on Wednesday or Thursday (I forget now which) & was very sorry to find poor Foot's other l i t t l e boy very i l l , apparently sinking like his l i t t l e brother.- On Saturday I went to Mangrove, & remained my usual time there, returning on Tuesday night. Found Mr.Wheeler going on very well & giving great satisfaction. On reaching home, the f i r s t announcement was of death of Foot's child, [2] whom I went & buried on Wednesday evening calling in to tea at Wyoming on my return. On Thursday afternoon I went again to the Sawmill to v i s i t poor Mrs.Foot, & the other sick & a f f l i c t e d up there - found another l i t t l e infant apparently going the way of the others -the child of McDonald the

[1] Eliza BABBAGE, OjJ Ouiimbah Sawmill, agtd 18 ymii i 8 months, tho. daugktzn. John Slzatli -, LaboafLZK, Vlzd 31 January 1858.

12] OJWULam Joitph FOOT, oi Owiimbak Sajmlll, age.d 2k ymM, tht 6on oi Wlltiajn -, LabouKZA. Vlzd 9 Ftbiuaiy 1858.

February 1858

13. engineer. Other children there & in the neighbourhood 164. are suffering from the prevailing sickness, whatever i t may be, a sort of bilious fever, or diarrhoea & I f u l l y expect there w i l l be more deaths.- I never had such a time of sickness before.- Yesterday morning 1 rode up to Erina to c a l l on the Misses Donnlson & see how Mrs.Swadling was, called also at Mr.Wm.Nunn's for they moved on Saturday last to their new abode, Grant's former residence.- In the afternoon I went to c a l l upon the Mann's, for the f i r s t time, & from thence to Point Clare.- Today I have remained at home.

17. On Monday last,(finding i t desirable to have a complete change of ministry) the whole of our domestic establishment took their departure for Sydney per Black Swan.- I had previously agreed with a man to take James's place -one Gabriel Cubis, from the Sawmill, & he came down on Monday morning to commence his duties.- Hearing on Sunday that Scaysbrook was very i l l , I rode over on Monday afternoon to see him - I went again yesterday morning, & persuaded them to send for Dr.Auld, who came to see him during the day & pronounced him to be suffering from liver complaint.- I extended my ride as far as McMasters, calling at the intermediate places.- This morning, being Ash-Wednesday, we had service at E.Gosford, where a good congregation attended that i s , above 40. In the afternoon I again rode over to see how Scaysbrook was getting on. Found him very weak, but I think he was feeling the effects of the medicine the Dr. gave him yesterday.

March 5th (Friday) On this day fortnight, when I went over to the Steamer, I was not a l i t t l e surprised at meeting Uncle Ferris there among the passengers.

March 1858

5. He had had a serious attack of illness in Sydney, & 165. came down to recruit his health & remained with us t i l l today. That afternoon I went out to see a sick boy, son of Luke Wallbridge who was suffering from [1] Sun stroke, of which he died the following week.-On Saturday I wrote out a Will for Scaysbrook, & in the afternoon took i t over for him to sign, getting Mr.Lane to Witness i t with me.- On Sunday I was unfortunately visited with one of my bad headaches, & in consequence did not go to the Sawmill that night.- My memory I regret to say w i l l not allow me to record now the daily transactions of the past fortnight.- I must therefore endeavour to conquer that procrastinating propensity which too frequently occasions me to postpone from day to day making the proper entries. My time however has been employed much in the usual way. Last Week (I think Tuesday) I went out beyond Stockdales on the Chittaway road to v i s i t a sick lad there named Smith, another case of Sun stroke.- Visited the Sawmill also. Last Tuesday being Emily's birthday - we a l l went out to Torigal for a sort of Picnic & as on a former occasion, got caught in the rain on our way back. On Wednesday I went to Kincumbar & yesterday & today staid at home.

11. John Osborne came & stayed here on Saturday night, & we rode up to Wyong together on Sunday morning, where a congregation of upwards of 20 assembled soon after ten o'clock. John accompanied me to Mr.Lette's also where Id* we had a very small congregation.- On Monday I rode to Mr.Hargraves' at Cabbage Tree, & [2] preached to his household in the evening. Returned home on Tuesday afternoon by Tuggarah Beach -got a l i t t l e wet crossing the

[1] Gzofcge. Cddil WALLBRWGE, oi Eail Goi{,ofid, agzd 11 yzaii i 4 months, thz ion ol Lukz -, LabouizfL. Vlzd 24 EzbiuaKy 1858,

[2] Cabbagz TKZZ ti nzai HoKahvlltz.

March 1858

11. entrance.- Had Orpan & young Freeman as fellow travellers.- 166. Brought home a headache with me, which obliged me to take some medicine, so did not go out anywhere yesterday.- Writing a long letter to the Bishop this morning.- After dinner I rode out to v i s i t Mrs.Rimmer, whose l i t t l e g i r l called during my absence to say she was unwell,

13. Yesterday morning I set out to pay a few v i s i t s toward E.Gosford, but did not get beyond Mr.Battleys. After dinner I rode up to Erina, by the old road at this side the creek,(the punt being out of the water) calling at Cadby's by the way)- This morning I paid one or two v i s i t s near home, & in the afternoon, after calling at Mona Vale, went on to the church to pay Mr.Booth his weekly sum, & found the church getting on very nicely. We have had a few grateful showers of rain lately, which have fresherned up the surface of the ground a l i t t l e , though water is much wanted in the wells etc.- Cubis has made an end today of potatoe planting, having got a nice large bed f i l l e d in the new ground, with Californian seed. He gets on very well with his work, & I think w i l l suit me well.

14. Tolerable congregations at a l l three places yesterday. This morning I was busy writing letters for the steamer t i l l past 12 o'clock, & then went over to despatch them. I commenced my confirmation class again this afternoon, taking in some new candidates. Margaret Crawse, Elizabeth Worley, & Miss Smith, the young Governess at Mona Vale.- Mrs.Harrison came over to c a l l , & Mr. Osborne & Mr.Scott also looked in upon us, so that i t has been a kind of long day. We have again had a change of Ministry in our household establishment Margaret l e f t us per Steamer today

Mf.rch 1858.

15. & our only domestic now is a l i t t l e g i r l from the 167. Sawmill, who came this morning as a sort of juvenile housemaid.- Isabella Prigg by name.

16. Had a long day's vi s i t i n g beyond Erina, round by Whittaker & Fletchers.- The latter I found have l e f t their former residence, where they have been located 22yrs. & have removed to the hut abandoned by Avery.

17. Went straight to Kincumbar this morning, & from the school passed on to Mullards, & from thence, took them a l l in succession on the road to Avoca, by which I passed over to Torigal, & so home by Wilson's & Frisby's. I am mustering up as many candidates for Confirmation as I can.

18. Started this morning with the intention of going to the Sawmill, but hearing by the way that there was sickness s t i l l at Smith's house on the Chittaway road, I altered my course & went there instead,- The lad whom I saw a few weeks ago, is s t i l l very bad, almost out of his mind, & a most pitiable object, & his mother is also very i l l in bed.- Altogether the family are in a deplorable state, & I know not how to help them otherwise than by interceding for them at the throne of grace.- I called in also to see the l i t t l e g i r l (Smith) at Stockdales who got burnt so badly.- She is also a wretched looking object, though her mother said the wounds were healing nicely.- I visited Harris also, 5f gave him and his partner (Mrs.Cole) a farewell admonition, as they are on the point of leaving the d i s t r i c t . From his house I went to young Brown, & had a very long admonitory conversation with him, on the subject of his present perilous position (living as he is with Mrs.Taylor). I hope my words may not have been altogether in vain

March 1858-

19, Went over to E.Gosford this morning - called on Mrs,Benson, 168. then at the school, & saw Mr.Booth & the building. After dinner I rode up to Erina to meet my class of candidates for confirmation - six were in attendance, but there should have been several others.

20. Out again a l l today, contrary to my rule of always remaining at home on Saturday.- Went f i r s t to v i s i t the two Smith Families, (at Stockdales & Chitterway) found the sick patients apparently better. Then went to the Sawmill, & made a few collections for the Clergy Stipend Fund, & came home very late, past 8 o'clock.-- bad preparation for the Sunday duties.

26. Last Sundays congregations were good, except that at the Sawmill, which was very small. On Monday morning I went over to see Partridge about Mrs.Pipers Mangle, which has given her great trouble.- Rain came on about noon, but not very heavy. It prevented most of my pupils however from coming in the afternoon to the Confirmation class.- On Tuesday we went out, a l l of us, to spend the day.- We l e f t the children at Mrs.Wm.Nunn's, and then Anne & myself, accompanied by the Misses Donnlson; rode out to Torigal.- The object of our v i s i t was chiefly to engage a young g i r l as a servant,-daughter of Mrs.Wilson.- We went on to the heads, & enjoyed the ride very much. On returning home in the evening,I found Stockdale's man. Smith waiting here, to announce the death of his poor l i t t l e g i r l , [1] whom was burnt about a month ago. On Wednesday I rode out to v i s i t the other Smith Family at Chittaway, & buried the l i t t l e g i r l at Blue Gum Flat on my way back - rained nearly a l l the time I was out.- Yesterday I took a long round on the Kincumbar side, going f i r s t to Moffat's then to McDonnell's, & from thence home via Mr.Gittins'. It was i p 5 when I l e f t there

[1] ChailottiL SMITH, Bluz Gum Flat, ageA ntaily 6 yzaii, tht daughtOA. GtoKgz -, LabouiZK. Vltd 23 Maich 1858,

March 1858.

26. & I was caught in a great thunderstorm on the road 169. home. The thunder was very close & loud, & the rain poured in torrents. - This morning I went over to see the church work etc. in the afternoon went to my Confirmation Class at Erina, which was rather a small one, owing, I suppose to the threatening state of the weather, for I am happy to say i t has been raining greatly again this evening.

27. At home a l l day (with the exception of a walk to Mr.Battley's in the evening) preparing for tomorrows duties. Some glorious rain f e l l in the forenoon, for which, together with that which has fallen previously, during the week, we must be mindful to return thanks tomorrow.

April 1858.

2. Good Friday. A Fair congregation of upwards of 50 this morning at E.Gosford. On Monday Morning last I went over as far as Mr.Fosters in E:Gosfd - to leave with him a copy of last years report of the Newcastle Ch: Socy. etc. - In the afternoon had my Confirmation Class at home.- On Tuesday I rode out towards Chittaway to v i s i t the invalids there, found them much as usual.-Called in at Wyoming on my return in the evening & took tea there.- At home on Wednesday morning -(except a walk up to the church) & in the afternoon went over to Mr.Scott's, having heard that Mr.S. Junior was i l l . - Found him better, tho' s t i l l confined to bed.-At home a l l yesterday letter writing. - Tomorrow I must start for Mangrove.

10. This day week (Saturday) I had a very disagreeable ride to Mangrove, starting away from home with a headache, which continued a l l the way.- Passed a sleepless night at Mr.Wheeler's, (from the number of fleas that disputed the possession of the bed with me.) which did

April 1858

10. not render me better qualified for the Sunday Services. 170. On Sunday night I fared very l i t t l e better, & therefore did not grieve much at having to return on Monday, which I was compelled to do on account of Tuesday being the day for electing church Wardens. I did not leave, however, u n t i l after I had catechized two of Wm.Woodbury's lads, who are Candidates for Confirmatlon.-On Tuesday we had, f i r s t of a l l our meeting to elect church Wardens, which was better attended than usual, Mr.Battley, & Mr.Scott were duly elected for the ensuing year.- We then had a meeting of our Church Building Committee, at which several resolutions were passed, (see minutes thereof). On Wednesday 1 made a round of calls,commencing with Dr.Auld, & finishing with the Piper family whom I had not been to v i s i t for some months.- The object of my v i s i t to them was a very painful one, & as I may have occasion to revert to i t again at some future time, I w i l l say no moreabout i t here.- On Thursday I remained at home letter writing.-In the afternoon I had a funeral - another l i t t l e infant.- We had a v i s i t from some of the Gittins party HJ on Thursday.- Mr.Homfray & Ellen, Charles & Alexa. & a most beautiful day they had for their excurion.-Yesterday morning I went to see Dr.Auld, & returned to dinner, after which I went to Erina for my confirmation class.- At home a l l this morning, towards evening we a l l went out intending to c a l l on the Manns, & from thence I purposed proceeding to Mr.Scott's, to see how young Scott i s , but we could not get over the creek by Pagan's punt, so after walking up the creek side, & saying a few words to Mrs.Mann across the waters, we returned home.

[1] Jam. ABVy, Wyoming, agzd 10 months S 20 dayi, thz daaghtzi OjJ Tkoma6 -, SawyZA. Vlzd 6 Apill 1858.

A p r i l 1858.

Another week has slipped away, & where are i t s f r u i t s ? I have gone through my usual routine which may be b r i e f l y expressed, as follows:- On Monday morning I v i s i t e d the school, & the church building etc. I had made an appointment to v i s i t the G i t t i n s e s on Tuesday accompanied by the Miss Nunn's but t h o ' t h e y came i n the morning, the weather proved unfavourable & we abandoned our r i d e , so I returned with them to Wyoming, & then made a round of c a l l s down the other side of the creek as f a r as Point Clare, where I found Dr.Auld i n attendance upon young Mr.Scott. I t rained pretty smartly f o r about an hour while I was on my road.- On Wednesday I went to Kincumbar, Thursday morning I was at home l e t t e r w r i t i n g , & a f t e r dinner went to see Mr.Scott again whom I was glad to f i n d a l i t t l e better.- Yesterday morning, at home Sermon wri t i n g , & i n the afternoon went to my class at Erina, where 2 pupils only met me.- I t was my intention to have v i s i t e d the Sawmill today, but such r a i n came on as we have not witnessed since the floods of l a s t winter, therefore I remained at home, & t h i s i s the sum t o t a l of my week's work.- My time today has been occupied, 1st looking out sermons f o r tomorrow, & then, w r i t i n g a long l e t t e r to Mr.Bode.

Saturday night.- This week commenced rather unfavourably.-I started as usual for Kincumbar on Sunday morning, i n the r a i n , & on reaching E.Gosfd., found the punt has sunk, & I could not cross.- I paused a moment or two to consider whether i t was worth while r i d i n g round by Erina, (fearing I should hardly reach the church i n time), but I pushed on as f a s t as I could make old Mettle carry me, & was very glad afterward that I did so, as I found a small congregation, & among them, to my surprise, s i x of the G i t t i n s family.- The day continued very wet, so that I had very few at Gosford, & I d i d not attempt the Sawmill at night.

April 1858

24. Monday morning was rather finer.- I went to E.Gosford 172. after breakfast, to see Mr.Booth, & v i s i t the school etc. also met the Steamer & got the time from Cap.Brett.-Mr.Osborne came from Sydney by the Steamer, & took up his quarters with us t i l l Wednesday.- My class came as usual on Monday aftn. - Tuesday & Wednesday being wet, I remained at home, letter writing etc. On Thursday I went up Blue Gum Flat way & on to Chittaway, where I found Mrs.Smith s t i l l very i l l , -1 found two more cases of fever at Blue Gum Flat.-Wm.Deeves & his sister Mrs.Barden. On Friday morning I rode down to Mr.Scott, where I found the young man s t i l l in bed, but they thought he was improving.-In the afternoon to Erina, where a class of two met me. Today I have been to see poor Mrs.Moffat, & tried to console her in her present loneliness hoping that some thing may soon lead to the discovery of her absent husband. I went on as far as the Gittinses also.

29. On Monday morning I went to Mr.Scott's after breakfast, to see how the young man was progressing & was glad to find every thing going on favourably. In the afternoon I had my confirmation class, but a small one only attended.- On Tuesday I went to Chittaway & the Sawmill.-Found Wm.Deeves up, & much better, but his sister, Mrs.Barden much the same, & s t i l l in bed.- Mrs,Smith also, much as usual,- Yesterday morning I spent visiting between this & E.Gosford.- Mrs.Nunn & daughters came & dined with us, & we a l l accompanied them on their way home nearly to Dickson's.- On our return we called at Overall's & Worley's,- Today Bessy accompanied me on L i t t l e Nel to McMasters, & on the way there had a f a l l . As we were cantering along a nice level piece of road just beyond Godwins, some piece of stick or something suddenly

April 1858

29. tripped her, & down she was right on her head, & 173. Bessy was thrown violently over her head sprawling on the road, but received no damage beyond a l i t t l e graze on her nose, which bled slightly, & a t r i f l i n g hurt of one elbow.- I f e l t very thankful when I saw poor Bessy safe upon her feet again.- The saddle was injured a l i t t l e , & I think i t was the outer pummel of that, which stopped Nel from rolling over on her side.- We found a l l well at McMasters, & after enjoying some nice bread & butter & eggs, took a s t r o l l upon the beach, & then came back in good time, with no further mishap than a pretty smart shower, which damped us a l i t t l e .

TkU, Li, the. e.nd

PART 1

FEB. 1855

APR. 1858

ol the. ^Ive. Volumes

Faci,lmU.e. EdJUJion 1982

REV. ALFRED GLENNIE

JOURNALS

TtvU L6 the. btg-innlng

PART I I

MAY 1858

MARCH 1861

of the. fjLve. \JoZ.ume.6

fac6.mllt EdJjtion of 1982

up to Page. 128 of

REV. ALFRED GLENNIE

JOURNALS

May 1858.

On Saturday the 1st Inst. I started off for Yarramalong, where I had service on Sunday morning,- Afternoon Service at Wyong, & then accompanied John Osborne home to his house. On Monday morng. I went to Cabbage Tree. Mr.Hargraves was not at home, but I assembled his household & preached them a Sermon i n the evening.-Tuesday morning was so very rainy, that I began to despair of proceeding on my journey to Maitland, but towards 10 o'clock i t brightened a l i t t l e , so off I started, & had a tolerably fine ride to Mount Vincent, where I found Mr.Child's family w e l l . - L i t t l e Nel being rather lame, I borrowed a horse from Mr.Child, & went on to Maitland next morning. Mr.Addams came to meet me at Morpeth & I accompanied him to Paterson & slept there. Our annual meeting of the Church Society was held at Morpeth on Thursday, & I returned to i t with Mr.Addams & Mr.Townshend i n the morning. We had a beautiful day for the meeting which went off very w e l l , & the result was very satisfactory. I remained at the Bishops that night, & on Friday, after a l i t t l e chat with the Bishop, made my way back as far as Mt.Vincent.- On Saturday I had a long & tedious ride home i n the r a i n . Starting at 7 A.M. & reaching home about I p 6 p.m.- Among other matters arranged with the Bishop, his lordship consented to take Mr.Foster i n hand again, and give him another t r i a l as teacher of a school at Murrurundl, which piece of new Mr.F. very thankfully received & i s now preparing to s t a r t . -The Bishop also made a very l i b e r a l proposition with regard to our church a f f a i r s , offering to advance £250, at 5 per cent i n t e r e s t , to be repaid by yearly payments of £50 with the interest due, on the 30th June 1859. i f the parishioners

May 1858

17. on my return home on Saturday night, I wrote a long 2. l e t t e r to F e r r i s , which I posted per Black Swan this morning & hope to have his answer on Friday.- I staid some time at Frosts on Saturday, catechizing his children, who acquitted themselves pretty w e l l . Had a beautiful day yesterday, which brought a large congregation to E:Gosford i n the afternoon, I went to the Sawmill i n the evening, where I baptized two infants.- I found [1] that the infant c h i l d of McDonald the engineer, which had been a i l i n g so long, was buried at Blue Gum Flat i n the evening, Mr.Foster reading the funeral service. [2]

22. On Tuesday l a s t , after v i s i t i n g one or two sick folk i n E.Gosford, I went up to Erina, & having paid a short v i s i t to the Misses Donnison (the elder of whom has been very poorly of l a t e , but seems getting better again) I went on to v i s i t some sick people i n the bush.- two of Ingrams lads, who have been i l l some weeks with the "Blue Gum Flat low fever" Also Mrs.Irvine, a l i t t l e farther on.- On Wednesday morning I rode out to Luke Wallbridge•s, where there i s another lad of about 13 on the sick l i s t . - The rest of the day I spent at home, l e t t e r w r i t i n g . On Thursday I went out to McMasters.- Yesterday morning I went over to the Steamer, being anxious to get the mail & see whether there was a l e t t e r from F e r r i s , so as to answer i t , i f possible by the return vessel. The steamer however was late i n coming i n , & was off again before the le t t e r s were sorted.- After dinner I rode up to see Mrs.Nunn, who i s suffering from a bad hand.- Today (Saturday) I have remained at home Sermon writing, but had to go to the b u r i a l ground this evening to read the service over David A l l e n , who died at Joseph [3] Spears' on Friday morning - He was by profession a presbyterian, but 1 have been v i s i t i n g him frequently since l a s t tuesday week, the day on which I f i r s t heard of his i l l n e s s , & I fear that he has gone into eternity

[1] William Eioom LEES, ion of Jo6tpk Sutton LabomoA. of Blut Gum Flat i EUm. Bom 25 MaKch 1858

Martha DUTCH, daugkteA of Chanlti Laboun.M. of OufLimbak Sawmill i MaKga^et. BoKn 22 OctobeA 1857

[2] No itdoid in CkuKck Rtgi^teA.

[3] Vavid ALLEhl, about 37 OK 38, Ston&maion of Ea6t Goifoid. Vied 20 May 1858.

May 1858.

22. as unprepared for death as i t i s possible for a man 3. to be. He has been a t e r r i b l e drunkard, i n fact that dreadful e v i l has brought him to a premature grave, dropsy been the disease under which he died. From the f i r s t he seemed to entertain no fear of death, saying that he should die happy, & he expected to have a l l his sins pardoned because he had never injured anyone. My sole e f f o r t i n a l l my v i s i t s was to try & awaken him to a sense of his dangerous error, & persuade him, while there was any portion of time l e f t to remove his house from so sandy £ foundation, & endeavour to build i t upon the rock provided for him, I fear however, that my efforts were unavailing. He listened to me always, but seemed l i t t l e affected by a l l that I could say of myself, or by what I read to him from the Bible.

28. I began this week - Monday - by ri d i n g round to Point Clare, to see how young Mr.Scott was getting on, & was glad to fi n d him recovering from his late i l l n e s s . -A l l he seems to require i s to regain his strength, & make up his l o s t f l e s h . - I was v i s i t e d with one of my b i l i o u s headaches that day, which increasing i n the afternoon, I dismissed my Confirmation Class with a short lesson. On Tuesday my headache returned, worse than the previous day, & being moreover a rainy day, I did not go out. On Wednesday, being s t i l l rainy, I remained at home, & made i t my post-day. Towards evening I went out to pay one or two v i s i t s -c a l l i n g on Orpin, whom I found i n bed with his rheumatic neck, & from thence to Wallbridge's whose boy I found better. - Yesterday morning I went to Klncumbar & from thence crossed over from Kearnes's to Mosquito Town, & then went to v i s i t the sick people at Ingrams, & also Mrs.Irwin.- I found Ingram's eldest boy very i l l - Indeed, apparently insensible & speechless though from his mentioning my name

May 1858.

28. he thus gave proof that he was not entirely bereft of 4. his senses.- Mrs.Irwin I found much better. I t r i e d to get out again pretty early this morning, but a variety of interruptions kept me at home t i l l past 12 «-ga-iti o'clock.- I went to Ingram's again, & was sorry to fi n d the sick lad apparently worse than yesterday, & I greatly fear he w i l l not recover. He was quite insensible, but tho'he could not j o i n with us i n prayer, a l l that we could do was to commend him to God i n our prayers for him - I call e d at Erina where I expected a confirmation class, but none of my pupils came.'

29. Broke through my rule again today, as I too often do, about staying at home on Saturdays. But not having been to the Sawmill for some 3 weeks or more, I took a round i n that direction today, c a l l i n g on the way up at a l l the houses along the road, & going f i r s t to Chittaway, where I found Mrs.Smith on her legs again - Mrs.Barden I also found convalescent, i n short they seem a l l to be pretty well again about Blue Gum Flat . At the Sawmill I found the Misses Horsburgh & I learnt from H.Horsburgh that Ingram's son, mentioned above, died t h i s morning. The father came i n today to report the death & arrange about the funeral, which they wish to take place tomorrow, but i t w i l l be impossible for me to o f f i c i a t e , therefore the father said he wd. arrange with Mr.Battley to do so. [U

31. Yesterday was one of my very brightest Sundays.- bright i n every sense of the word - for I set off for the morning service at the Sawmill with as b r i l l i a n t a sunny sky over head, as could possibly be,& as I approached the place, passed several groups of people winding their way to church. I had a very nice congregation at the M i l l , both the Misses Scott being present.-On reaching home, I found a party of people here, who had come a l l the way from P i t t water, to have a c h i l d

[1] No e,yLtfiy found In Church. Reglite.^ fofi bu^-iali.

May 1858.

31. baptized.-Mr.Ross, the Custom House o f f i c e r (or whatever 5 his o f f i c e maybe) had come up early i n the morning with a party of three l a d l e s , & a l i t t l e Infant, hoping f/J that the service might be i n the morning. They were anxious to get away as soon as possible, having such a distance to go, (at least 15 miles I suppose) but I could not possibly baptize the c h i l d here, & then be at the Church by 3 o'clock, so I requested them to make their way up to the Church, having f i r s t taken down the particulars for my regi s t e r , so that they might depart immediately upon the conclusion of the baptismal service.- I had an unusually large congregation, at least 100. & no less than 6 children to Baptize - [2] the greatest number I ever had at once.- I t was to myself at l e a s t , & I hope to many others present, a very interesting service, & I gave them a Sermon on Baptism, which I had prepared s p e c i a l l y for the occasion, & which I think was attentively listened to by a l l . - So much for my bright yesterday.- But the events of th i s day, or rather, an event which has only this day come to my knowledge, has sadly i l l u s t r a t e d the fact that l i g h t & shadow are continually following each other i n rapid succession. I t not u n t i l after breakfast t h i s morning, when on my way to Mr.Battley's, that I met a man named Montgomery, from whom I learnt a most melancholy occurrence which happened on Saturday evening, when, by the upsetting of a boat i n the broadwater, poor Mrs.Moffat, of Klncumbar, was drowned, with one of her children, and a man, whom I did not know.-Mrs. Bogan was also i n the boat, but by clinging to i t , preserved her l i f e , & was rescued, as I am told by her husband, who, getting uneasy at the delay of the party coming home, set off i n a boat to meet them, & being attracted by the c r i e s of the poor woman, found on reaching the spot, that she was his wife. The body of

[1] Je^iA-e. Ro44 MacVONALV, daughteA of Jaimi -, ViapZA of Moizton Bay & HabeJUa Gordon. Bom 20 Ap^li 1858. Ju6lz Ro44 MacVOkALV wa6 not the. daughter of ROSS the. Ca.itom'6 Hoa^e. Officer, but probably the. God-daugkteA.

Rey. Gle.nnJie. baptJizzd 6 chULditn on 30 May 1858. Thz flvt otheA.<i uie.ie.:-

[2] RobeAt MUVVLE, •ion of WUIlam -, SauiyeA of Gafoid & Elizabeth. Bom 31 Ma^ch 1858

Samuel HENU, 6on of djlttiam -, SawyeK of Haiaia C>ie.dz & Maxy Ann. Bom 7 May 1858

Man.y CRANE, daughteA of Jame.^ -, LaboufieA of Go^foid i Lydla. Bom 17 Apill 1858

Sanah Ann CRANE, daughter of (JJlttiam Labouizi of Goifoid & Ann, Bom 17 Apill 1858

Anna SMITH, daughteA of Gzoige. -, LabouieA of Eait Go^foid & Maiy Ann. Bom 28 Apiil 1858

May 31. the c h i l d has been picked up today, & deligent search 6. is being made for the others. I must go tomorrow, & see what has become of the poor children who are l e f t at home now fatherless & motherless.- I went up to the church this morning with Mr.Battley expecting the Black Swan to come i n , & probably with Mr.Hargraves on board.- To our disappointment, however, & that of many others, the steamer did not come.- This afternoon I had a nice class of eleven candidates for Confirmation.

June 1858

3. (Thursday) On Tuesday morning 1 went out, prepared to go over to Klncumbar, & see what was to be done about Moffatt's children. On c a l l i n g at Mr.Harrison's I found that an inquest was about to be held on the body of the infant, Catherine, & as I should be required i n the afternoon for the funeral, I altered my course, & did not go to Klncumbar, but rode out to Ingram's, to v i s i t his family,where I found four i n v a l i d s . -Charles G i t t i n s came up i n the boat with the Bogan's, Mrs.B:having begged him to do so, & while the Inquest was going on he came over to c a l l at the Parsonage.-I returned about 2 o'clock & towards 5, went to the B u r i a l Ground, with Anne & the children, to perform the Funeral service on the poor l i t t l e c h i l d . -Singular that i t was buried on i t s birthday. -YesterdayI went down as f a r as the Glttlnses, c a l l i n g to see Mrs.Bogan by the way,& returning by Moffatt's place. The children 1 found at Mrs.Leary's, hard by, & 1 arranged for disposing of them among the neighbours.-Mr.Law takes the eldest boy - Pickett the two g i r l s , & Mrs.Leary keeps the l i t t l e boy, the youngest. -Today Mr.Dwyer has been down to arrange with

[1] CatkojLlne. MOFFAT, of Cocklz Qfittk, agtd one. yeai, the, daaghte.fi of RobeAt -, Fa>ime.>i, wai diovjned 29 May 1858.

Thejie. JU no tntiy foi he.1 mothe.1 on. the. othe.n. man - po^i-dibly the. bodi.e.6 we-te, not n.zcove.>ie.d.

June 1858.

3. Leary about the disposal of some flour that was l e f t 7 i n the house, as well as two pigs and some remnant of a standing maize crop - for a l l of which he brought me £7. I have been at home a l l today, c h i e f l y l e t t e r w r iting, & preparing to st a r t for Mangrove tomorrow.

19. Saturday evening. Just come i n from a ride to Wyoming with Marianne, & while tea i s getting ready I w i l l f i l l up the i n t e r v a l , & thi s long gap i n my journal at the same time. I went to Mangrove on Friday the 4th, & returned on Tuesday 8th. Found everything going on s a t i s f a c t o r i l y . & the people a l l highly s a t i s f i e d with Mr.Wheeler. As he had lodgers i n his house I took up my abode at Watklns' where I had very comfortable quarters.- On the Saturday 1 walked down as far as Wm.Woodbury's where 1 administered private baptism to twin daughters. The younger was very delicate, [1 & they seemed apprehensive that i t would not l i v e , therefore, i t being rather too soon for Mrs.Woodbury to come to church, & as I should not v i s i t them again for two months,! thought i t better to baptize them both, with the understanding that they be brought to the church at my next v i s i t . - 1 had my usual congregations on Sunday. Monday I spent v i s i t i n g as I rode up the creek to the Upper School, where I had a small confirmation class. I slept that night at Chaselings, but spent the evening at Richard Elm's. My object i n v i s i t i n g him was to p r e v a i l upon him & his wife to be confirmed when the Bishop comes, & I was happy i n succeeding with them. I had a l i t t l e more catechism with Chaselings boys before I l e f t on Tuesday morng & then had a beautiful ride home.-On Wednesday morning I went over to

MafiganeX TheAe.6a and SaKah AnaUaila WOOVBUHV, daughteA^ of ULttiajn -Tamtfi of LoMVi Mangiove. i MaKy. Bom 15 May 1858.

June 1858

19. E;Gosford to see Mr.Venteman & Spears on Church matter.- 8. Called by the way at Mr.Battley's & got the two lads to come over & help to gather my maize harvest, being anxious to take advantage of the fine weather.- In the evening I called on Mr.Harrison.- Thursday I spent as usual, l e t t e r w r i t i n g . Friday morning went up, to the church, & to the Steamer, i n the afternoon to Erina - no class attended, but I went out & v i s i t e d the Ingrams, whose children were much the same. Saturday morning at home, i n the afternoon went to Wamsley's where I had invited the neighbours to meet me about getting a temporary place of worship erected upon Cox's land. Some 7 or 8 attended, and we determined upon building a slab. Instead of weather boarded building, & I am now preparing a plan & specification preparatory to c a l l i n g for Tenders, Last Monday morning I made a few c a l l s i n E:Gosford. In the afternoon had my home class. On Tuesday I went by appointment to Mooney Creek, where I had a nice l i t t l e congregation of 15 at Roe's hut, & baptized an Infant - Sutton's. I t [1] was rather a rainy day which made the ride disagreeable.-On Wednesday I went to Klncumbar to see how Moffatt's l i t t l e children were fa r i n g , & found them a l l very w e l l . Mrs.Leary accompanied me to Moffatt's hut, where I unlocked the box & got out some clothes for the l i t t l e children.- Thursday I spent at home, l e t t e r writing t i l l dark - most of my despatches being on church matters. I have now, I think, by the assistance of Mr.Hargraves f i n a l l y arranged every thing i n the way of borrowing the sum of money required to f i n i s h the Church- I am to advance £200 myself, for which I made myself l i a b l e to Mr.Booth,

Jame.5 SUTTOM, •ion of WWUjm Hmiy -, Smyzn. of Moonzy Moonty Citdz i Maiy Ann. Eon.n S May 1S5S,

June 1858.

& Mr.Hargraves has consented to advance £150 for the f i n i s h i n g of the i n t e r i o r f i t t i n g s upon my giving him a P.Note at 12 months, with 8 per cent discount.-I accordingly signed & sent him the P:Note by yesterdays post, together with a cheque for the discount, £12 & as the tenders for the f i t t i n g s are to be received next Wednesday, 1 hope th e i r w i l l be no more delay. Yesterday morning Mr.Battley & myself had a sort of half examination of the School at E;Gosford. I have been so very much pressed of l a t e , that I could not secure a Whole day for a f u l l examination, so we must hope for a better one next time.- From the School I went to Erina, where the two Cooks met me, & learning from them that Ingrams children were better, I did not extend my ride. I found another patient at Erina.-Poor George Swadling met with an unfortunate accident the other day, his horse f e l l with him, & broke his right arm close to the elbow Joint. I t i s rather a serious case, but I hope they may yet save the arm. This morning I remained a t home Sermon writing, & when I had finished that work, began one of rather a different character, namely f i x i n g a new grindstone, which I have had by me some time, waiting t i l l I could find time to set i t up: but I have not completed my job yet, for hearing that poor Mr.Nunn met with an accident the other day on his way to Sydney, & was l a i d up i n consequence, I determined to go up & see him t h i s evening, & being a beautiful evening, I took Marianne with me on L i t t l e N e l l & she enjoyed her ride exceedingly. Last Tuesdays Mail brought me a nice budget of English Papers, the "Guardian",which I ordered some time ago from Mr.Clarke.

June 1858.

Sunday commenced very impropitiously, with a Thunderstorm, & smart shower of r a i n . But i t soon passed off & was followed by a fine day so that although the Klncumbar congregation was small, a f a i r one assembled i n the afternoon at E:Gosfd. 1 had a bright moon to l i g h t me to & from the Sawmill, but was disappointed by finding a congregtn. of eleven only there. - The smallest I ever had. - I suppose because I did not go up during the week to remind them of the day. Yesterday morning after writing a few l e t t e r s for the post, I went to the Church, & Steamer. - Class as usual i n the afternoon.-This morning I walked up to Erina to see how George Swadling was progressing & think he seems doing favourably. In the afternoon we a l l walked over to E;Gosfd. &• called on Mrs.Benson after looking i n upon Mrs.Mcintosh. This evening's mall brought me 5 Tenders from Sydney for the i n t e r i o r f i t t i n g s of our church, varying from 93 to £139-10.

Here ends another week.- The most important transaction of i t has been my making a contract with Mulligan & Taylor for the i n t e r i o r f i t t i n g s of the church, the whole of which they have agreed to perform for £105. & to have i t a l l completed by the 4th September. Mr.Hargraves has paid £150 into the Bank, which we have borrowed from him to enable us to f i n i s h the Church & now that everything i s so s a t i s f a c t o r i l y arranged, I f e e l a great weight off my mind. I was much gladdened also by a l e t t e r from Mr.Blacket l a s t Tuesday night, i n reply to one I had previously written to him,stating his intention to come & inspect the building as soon as Booth pronounces i t ready for inspection.- Yesterdays post, per Steamer, also brought me agreeable Church matter l e t t e r , namely - a note from the Bishop, enclosing his promised contribution of £10.- I have had so many church l e t t e r s to write, that I did not go to Klncumbar this week.

July 1858.

Saturday night & though more than i p 10. I must not r e t i r e to bed without making some note of the l a s t fortnight though i t be but a short & hurried chapter. I was prevented from going out much l a s t week, by wet weather. I t was my intention to have v i s i t e d B:G:Flat on the Tuesday but i t rained Incessantly the whole day. Wednesday & Thursday were wet days also, so I found employment i n doors, writing l e t t e r s , making up accounts, etc. On Friday I went to Erina, & v i s i t e d Mrs.Irwin, who was s t i l l poorly - also George Swadling, where I found Dr.Auld i n attendance, & he seemed anxious about the broken arm, which had not been going on so favourably.- On Saturday afternoon I again rode to Erina to see the Miss Donnisons & George, & found J.Osborne here when I returned home.-On Sunday morning he & I started for Wyong about sunrise, i n as b i t t e r cold morning almost as ever I was out i n . Ice abounded on the puddles as we rode thourgh the paddocks at Wyoming, & I do not remember to have ever suffered so much from cold feet i n my l i f e . The weather favoured me a l l the time I was away.- Sharp frosty mornings, with bright sunny days.-Monday I spent at Yarramalong, v i s i t i n g . Tuesday I rode to Cabbage Tree, c a l l i n g at Dorringtons by the way & on Wednesday I rode home again, by Wyong, the entrance of the lake being impassable.- At Blue Gum F l a t , I found Robert Lang very i l l at Taylor's & arranged for him to go to Hospital per Steamer of yesterday, which he did.- Thursday morning I went to the Church to inspect, & spent the afternoon l e t t e r w r i t i n g . - Yesterday morning we a l l walked over to E:Gosford, expecting to meet the Miss D's there on thr way to Sydney, but they did not come.- I went to my class at Erina i n the afternoon.- Today at home Sermon writing.

July 1858.

13. I had very good congregations at Gosford & Klncumbar 12 on Sunday, but a gloomy, & rather rainy evening prevented any from assembling at Erina, so that I had no service there. Yesterday morning I went over to E:Gosford, & made a few c a l l s there, c h i e f l y I v i s i t e d Armitage, & had a long conversation with him on the subject of his drinking propensity, but I fear, without leaving any impression behind me.- Today I have been over to Davis', v i s i t i n g a l l the branches of that family & the i r neighbours, - Found a fine batch of l e t t e r s on my return home, & among them one from Elizabeth, with a very urgent i n v i t a t i o n for me to go up & o f f i c i a t e at the wedding of Lucy, & I am rather puzzled how to answer i t .

14. To Klncumbar again today - went to v i s i t Mrs.McKechnie, who i s recovering from severe i l l n e s s again, - & then had a nice class of young folks at the Church - four new candidates for Confirmation, namely Edmd. Taylor, Henry Woodward, & two of Poole's daughters.

21. Last Thursday - the 15th - I went f i r s t of a l l to Mr.Scott's, to get some cheques signed, called at Mr.Mann's on my way back, then rode over to the Church, & spent the rest of the day l e t t e r w r i t i n g . On Friday morning I went out to Wilson's at Torigal, & took Erina on my way back. On Saturday 1 went to the Sawmill to remind the good folks there of the service the next evening. On Sunday I had a famous congregation at E Gosford the place being crowded.- I had also a very good assemblage at t the Sawmill, & a fine Moonlight night to ride home. On Monday morning the two g i r l s accompanied me to the Steamer, where we expected to meet Mr. Blacket & his l i t t l e boy, but they did not come.- In the afternoon we a l l went & called upon Mrs. Mann.- Yesterday morning I went over to the Church & found the B e l l Turret finished & the

July 1858.

21. b e l l handing i n i t s place, & the Slater just f i n i s h i n g 13. off his work.- We had a v i s i t from 3 of the Miss Scotts i n the afternoon.- Today 1 have been over to meet my Confirmation Class at Klncumbar, & paid a v i s i t to Scaysbrook, as w e l l . - We are now making preparations for a v i s i t to Singleton - Lucy's wedding i s to take place this day week, & I am asked to go & perform the Marriage service. We have therefore arranged that Anne & the g i r l s go round by water, leaving this per Black Swan next Friday, while 1 start by land on Monday morning.

24. Saturday night.- I went up to the church on Thursday morning, to inspect matters there & then spent the remainder of the day at home, l e t t e r writing etc. Yesterday morning was occupied packing up & preparing for the journey to the Hunter. The weather threatened to be unfavourable i n the morning, & i t began raining a l i t t l e , but before 12 o'c: i n ceased, & turned out a beautiful afternoon.- I saw them a l l safe off per Black Swan at i p one & then walked up to Erina, where I had only George Jackson for my class.- Called & dined at Mr.Wm.Nunn's by the way.- Found George's arm progressing favourably.- This morning I went over to the church to pay the carpenters some money,- At home the rest of the day - pruned a few vines i n the afternoon.

August 1858.

2. Monday.- Returned home at noon today, having accomplished my journey to Singleton i n the most satisfactory manner.-I l e f t home th i s day week at 20m: to 8 am & reached Mount Vincent just about Sunset. On Tuesday morning I proceeded to Singleton where, after a windy ri d e , I arrived about 4 P.M. & found them a l l w e l l . - Anne & the g i r l s

August 1858

with Uncle F e r r i s , W i l l y & Harry, had reached there i n safety two days before me.- The Marriage ceremoney was duly solemnized on Wednesday morning, by the"Uncle of the Bride" (myself), assisted by Mr.Blackwood.~ I t was most propitious morning, & as the sun shone brightly through the chancel window, upon the b r i d a l party, who quite f i l l e d the chancel, I thought i t emblematical of the blessing of heaven upon the youthful couple. I t was a gay & j o y f u l ceremoney, such as I have never before taken part i n , or even witnessed. A goodly array of bridesmaids attended on dear Lucy no fewer than 9. including the baby, or youngest of her s i s t e r s , Marianne & Emily were also of the number,-Mr. & Mrs.Wyndham were present, also Mr.Townshend, Uncle F e r r i s , Mr.Read, Cousin John & his wife & Mr.McKenzie, (soninlaw to Mr.Wyndham) & Mr.Chas.Wyndham.- Everything was well arranged, & the ceremoney passed off admirably.-When concluded, we a l l adjourned to the breakfast, which was a very sumptuous one & beautifully arranged.-Soon after twelve o'clock, John & Lucy set off i n a gig to Maitland, & Mr.& Mrs.Wyndham also took thei r departure - In the evening there was a b a l l & supper, to which several of the neighbours were inv i t e d , as the Dangars, Larnacks, McDouall's,Collets, etc. etc. who swelled the party to about 50, & dancing continued t i l l about 3 o'clock. A l l parties seemed highly g r a t i f i e d with the days proceedings, & I think none more so than myself, for the match which Lucy has made, i s a very excellent one i n every respect. John Wyndham being a great favourite with a l l who know him, &, which i s of chief importance, a sincere Xtian.- I remained over Thursday at Singleton, &

August 1858

2. accompanied Henry i n the afternoon to Mr.Dangars, to 15. see Miss Douglass, who has been lyi n g some weeks there with a broken leg. She was s i t t i n g by her bedside, & was very glad to see me, though we are comparatively strangers, for I think I have only seen her once before.-On Friday morning Townshend & I started together, & rid i n g round by Cessnock, reached Mr.Whinfields at Wollombi about sunset. On Saturday I rode into Mangrove Creek, & took up my abode at Chaselings. Yesterday morning, " L i t t l e Nell"could not be found anywhere, so Chasellng lent me a horse to ride to the lower church & I arranged with Worley for a horse to bring me home today, but fortunately " N e l l " came to l i g h t this morning i n Richd. Ellem's paddock.-I l e f t Chasellng's about 8 o'clock, & on reaching home at 5m: p: 12. saw the smoke of the "Black Swan" down the r i v e r , & had just time to write a hurried note to Singleton, to announce my safe a r r i v a l , & then get over i n time to deliver i t to Captn. Brett.-I found Mr.Blacket at the wharf, who had given the church a rapid inspection, but to my surprise, he was obliged to return to Sydney - I was much pleased however to find that he quite approved of the building. He pronounced i t a very good job, & said he could find no f a u l t i n i t . - Thus have I been brought safely through my week's journeying, & am very thankful at finding everything so satisfactory as regards our church.-

7. Saturday night. My time has been a l l broken up into small pieces this week.- I never remember to have had such a series of interruptions.- This has been owing c h i e f l y to my having

August 1858.

7. called for Tenders to build a temporary church at 16. Blue Gum F l a t . - Several parties have been c a l l i n g to see the plans, etc.- Last Monday Tuesday morning I went up to the church, & paid a v i s i t to Mrs.Powrie, who was very unwell.- In the afternoon I rode to Wyoming to see the Nunns. Sn-We Mr.Lette came that evening, & took a bed here. On Wednesday morning I took him over to see the new church, with which he was highly pleased, as a l l must be who see i t : & he very generously authorized me to put his name down for £5.subscription.- I remained at home that morning, with the exception of v i s i t i n g at Wm.Muddle's & Barron's, where there were sick children. After dinner I rode up to Erina, to see how Miss Donnison was,& George, Found the l a t t e r out walking about & Miss D: rather better.- At Mr.Wm.Nunn's too, the children are a l l sick.- Thursday I was at home l e t t e r writing, Friday morning, more l e t t e r w r i t i n g , & then, after dinner to Blue Gum F l a t , to meet the members of my Committee there, & show them the Tenders.- This morning I went up to the church, & settled some of the church accounts, that i s , gave Mr.Booth £95, which paid off the Carpenters & a few other small debts, & there now remains above £100 i n hand, for the windows etc.

21. Saturday night & the events & doings of a fortnight to be recorded - On Monday morning the 9th I rode over to Mr.Scott's,to gethfs his signature to some cheques, & had my confirmation class i n the afternoon. Tuesday being rainy, I remained at home l e t t e r writing. Wednesday to Klncumbar - Thursday to Sawmill, taking tea at Wyoming on my return - Friday morning to Torigal,-afternoon class at Erina.- Saturday at home. Sunday, services as usual, having a fine moonlight night home from the Sawmill. On Monday I took my departure per Black Swan for Sydney, but finding such a

August 1858

21. high sea outside, & strong S:W: wind, the Captain 17. very prudently put the vessel about, & took refuge i n P i t t Water for the night. We started again about 5 A.M. on Tuesday & reached the Phenix wharf about i to 9. I found Anne & the g i r l s lodging at Mrs.Dixon's, i n Cumberland Place. I could not accomplish a l l my work, & was therefore compelled to come away leaving some undone.- We returned yesterday, with a very strong breeze from W:N:W, which, though very unpleasant I t s e l f , yet gave us a d e l i g h t f u l l y smooth sea for our short voyage. And here we are, a l l safe, sound, & snug again.- I went up to the Church this morning to inspect matters there, & found a l l the seats fixed i n the i r places, & the glazier busy putting i n the windows 6 painting etc.- From thence I rode to Erina, to see Rix's c h i l d , - s t i l l very i l l .

25. Fine weather continues to favour us.- Sunday was a most d e l i g h t f u l day, the high westerly winds having abated, & I had good congregations at a l l places. Monday & yesterday were quite mild spring days, especially yesterday which was quite hot. I rode down as far as the Glttlnses, & made a few other c a l l s by the way. On Monday morning I went up to the church. In the afternoon confirmation class at home.- To Klncumbar again today - v i s i t i n g i n the morning, & confirmation class at the church i n afternoon.

October 1858.

High time, I think, to remember my journal, which seems to have been quite forgotten for some weeks past. The a l l important event of Consecrating our new Church, with the necessary preparations for the ceremony, so completely engrossed my time & attention, that 1 was obliged to l e t my journal sleep the while. Having settled down again pretty well now, I w i l l endeavour to record a brief outline of the most important occurrences since I l a s t wrote.- About the 1st September Townshend, arrived, with a cart load of orange trees. He accompanied me to Mr.Lette's on Saturday the 4th, & seemed much pleased with his l o c a l i t y . 1 had my usual service on Sunday, the 5th, returning home at night, after the Wyong service. On Monday Townshend took the Steamer to Sydney & returned the following Friday. Next day, Saturday the 11th, he took his departure homeward; & I started away to Mangrove, to be ready to meet the Bishop, as appointed, on Monday morning,- I slept at Chaselings on Sunday night, & early next morning rode up to the 10 mile hollow, where the Bishop met me at | p 8, accompanied by Mr,Bolton, who came on with us to take part i n the ceremony of consecrating the Church.- We had service at the Upper School, where 13 were confirmed, after which we had a fine ride of 5 hours home.- On Tuesday morning, the Bishop walked up with me to inspect the Church, with which he seemed very much pleased,& over & over again during his stay with us, pronounced i t to be "a great work accomplished". On Wednesday we went over to Klncumbar, where we had morning service & 13 young people were confirmed. Called at Erina on the way home again. Thursday the 16th, was a day of days, never to be forgotten i n Brisbane Water,

October 1858.

5. I suppose that I was not the only one In the Parish who 19 had prayed for a fine day, & we were favoured to the utmost, for I t could not possibly have been f i n e r . -Not a cloud was to be seen i n the sky, & the westerly wind, which had been rather boisterous the two preceding days, seemed l u l l e d for the occasion, so that the scenery presented i t s most attractive aspect, the calm broadwater r e f l e c t i n g the deep blue of the sky above & a l l the surrounding h i l l s looking as bright & smiling as i f they too, shared the joyous oeeaaion event. Mr.Boodle & Mr.Wayn had arrived from Morpeth & Hexham the previous evening. Long before eleven o'clock numbers had assembled at the Church & a l l the seats were soon f i l l e d . - Several parties came over from Klncumbar, & among them I was glad to see the Glttlnses.-In order to make as much room as possible, most of the Candidates for Confirmation were arranged i n the Chancel. Precisely at eleven o'clock the service commenced.- The Bishop, attended by The Revd Canon Boodle (his Chaplain) & Mr.Bolton came round from the vestry to the porch, where Mr.Wayn & myself, & a number of the p r i n c i p a l residents were i n readiness to receive his lordship.- Here the P e t i t i o n was presented by Mr.Scott, one of the Church wardens, & the Bishop handed i t to Mr.Harrison, acting Registrar, who read i t out, & handed i t back to his lordship.- The procession then entered the Church, & the interesting service proceeded.-At the conclusion of the Nlcene Creed, the Rite of Confirmation was administered to 26 young persons,- 16 g i r l s & ten boys. The scene must have been most interesting & imposing to a l l who witnessed i t , but to none so much so as to myself. Indeed the r e a l , s o l i d gra-

October 1858.

t i f i c a t i o n which I experienced that day, i s far beyond my power to describe, & w i l l never be forgotten as long as the power of reco l l e c t i o n remains with me.-The Bishop gave a beautiful sermon, from Geneses.28-20-22 & afterwards the Holy Communion was administered to Seventy three Communicants, (Including the 5 clergy), among whom were 25 of the young people who had just been confirmed, as we l l as some of those confirmed the previous day at Klncumbar.- The Offertory c o l l e c t i o n amounted to £.18-6-9.- By the time the service was concluded, i t was drawing towards 3 o'clock, & we immediately proceeded to the Burial ground which the Bishop also consecrated. That done, we returned to the church, i n the neighbourhood of which a school feast had been provided, which afforded ample refreshment for a l l . - 1 suppose the number who assembled altogether could hardly have been less than 250.- Having finished the proceedings with a Scamble of Sweetmeats among the children, we returned to the Parsonage & at an early hour the next morning. The Bishop & his party ( i . e . Messrs.Boodle & Wayn) set out for Mount Vincent, having constable Gorman for their guide. I accompanied them as far as the new bridge beyond the Sawmill, & then bid them a l l farewell.- On Saturday I remained at home, preparing my opening sermon for the next day.- On Sunday the 19th had my three usual services with some increase at Klncumbar to the number of Communicants.- On Tuesday I went down to see Mr.McDonnell & t e l l him that the Bishop would, i n answer to his application, give him the appointment of Schoolmaster at C a s s i l i s .

CHRIST CHURCH -CHURCH OF ENGLAND

Peek's Point, East Gosford, 1858

ETCHING FROM BOYD & KING'S "FARMERS AND SETTLERS' GUIDE' BOOKLET, 1885

''February, 1855, 13, — I received a most satisfactory letter this evening from Mr, G, K, HOLDEN, telling me that the long lost Deeds of the Church land at East Gosford. had come to light at last having been mislaid all this time in his office''.

''November, 1857, 9, — This morning I , , . found Mr, BOOTH & his lad at work, so that when I came home I was able to announce to Annie & the children , , , 'The Church was Bemn' '\

"October, 1858, 5, — Thursday, the 16th, was a day of days, never to be forgotten in Brisbane Water , , , "Precisely at eleven o'clock the service commenced — the Bishop , , , came round from the vestry to the Porch , , . there the Petition was presented by Mr, SCOTT, one of the Church wardens, & the Bishop handed it to Mr, HARRISON, acting Registrar, who read it out & handed it back to his lordship".

Plate VIII

October 1858

The Miss Nunns accompanied me to the Git t i n s e s . -on Friday, the 24th, the people assembled, according to notice, to select their seats i n the Church, & with the exception of one party, (Dr.Benson) a l l seemed s a t i s f i e d . - On both Sundays, the 19th & 26th the church was nearly f i l l e d , & on the l a t t e r day I administered the Sacrament to 43 comts - On Tuesday afternoon l a s t we a l l went up to c a l l at Wyoming.- On Wednesday 1 went to Klncumbar to v i s i t several parties there. Thursday I remained at home l e t t e r writing etc. but i t was a day of unusual interruption from v i s i t o r s . We were delighted to have a v i s i t from the Glttlnses, who had not been here for a very long while. After dinner they walked up to c a l l at Wyoming.- The others who called during the day were the Miss Donnisons, Mr.Soiling, & 4 of the Harrisons family. On Friday I set out about noon for Mangrove & reached Mr.Wheelers about dark. 1 hoped to have found his house habitable again, & that I might make i t my resting place as before. I found my mistake however, for the fleas seemed determined I should have no rest so I did not attempt i t a second night, but f e l l back upon the comfortable & cleanly retreat of the "Cross Keys." On Saturday I got one of Woodbury's boys, (Thomas) to row me down to the mouth of the creek, where I v i s i t e d Crumpton, Lewis, etc. etc. That night I t commenced raining & has scarcely ceased since, Sunday was a very wet day. I had a congregation of 10 only i n the morning at the Lower Church, & the rain poured down so heavily i n the afternoon that I did not attempt to go to the Upper Church.- On Monday morning, yesterday, I married a young couple John Andrews & Sarah Craft, & about ip 12, mounted old Mettle, & after a disagreeable

October 1858.

5. through the wet bushes, & along the sloppy road, 22. was thankful to f i n d myself once more sungly housed within the walls of the Parsonage. Something however had disagreed with me during the day, & I was very sick before going to bed.' Today I have been doing a l i t t l e carpentering work, making two kneeling stools for the Communion Table of our Church.

I should have mentioned the melancholy termination of the earthly career of one unfortunate member of my flock - George Doel - who was accidentally k i l l e d by the overturning of his cart, as he was riding home i n i t on the night of the 6th September, I fear the words of his poor wife, which she spoke to me when I went to acquaint her with the tidings the following morning,, too t r u l y declare the cause of his untimely end. "Had he been sober, the accident would not have happened."

16. Saturday night. Here i s another week s l i p t away, & l i k e most of i t s predecessors, has I fear not been very f r u i t f u l i n good works on my part. Monday being very wet I did not go out any where.- Sunday was a very rainy day also, which caused very scanty congregations at both places.- The Punt at East Gosford being sunk, I had to ride round by Erina to Klncumbar, & so did not stay for evening service at Erina as I would not attempt to ride that bad road i n the dark.- On Tuesday I took a l i t t l e round, going f i r s t to Wyoming, & then by Mr.Mann's down to Mr.Scott's - As I crossed the punt at Fagan i n the dusk of the evening I discovered a beautiful Comet i n the western sky. I t had been seen as I afterwards learnt, on Monday evening. I t has appeared

[1] Ge,on.ge. VOEL, aged 45, BuXchzi of Wyoming. Vlzd 6 Se,ptmbe.K 1S5S,

October 1858. 23 16. every evening since, getting higher & higher i n the sky & seems

t r a v e l l i n g i n a S.E. direction. I t i s a very clear & d i s t i n c t Comet, though nothing equal to that which appeared i n March 1843.- On Wednesday. I went over to Klncumbar. Thursday at home l e t t e r wr+ttwrlting a l l day. - Yesterday morning over to E:Gosfd, afternoon to s i g singing class at the church - having commenced the Friday before to have a class, every Friday afternoon. Today I have been v i s i t i n g at Blue Gum Flat & Sawmill.

19. Got through my Sunday duties very w e l l , & had f a i r congregations, & a nice moonlight ride home from the Sdwmill.- yesterday morning I went to v i s i t Orpin, & then to the Steamer.- Miss Scott & Jane paid us a v i s i t i n the afternoon - also Mrs.Rudkin came over to have a l i t t l e music- Today I have made a round of c a l l s i n the Klncumbar neighbourhood, commencing with Dr.Auld, & f i n i s h i n g with Poole. I had to run * for i t coming home again, seeing a storm gathering i n the Westward. The r a i n began just as I crossed the Punt, & I got a good soaking before I reached home.

November 1858.

4. Everything going on much as usual. On Wednesday the 20th went to Klncumbar i n the afternoon. Met Wm.Stephens (commonly called "Mischievous") on the Klncumbar H i l l , who had somewhat to say to me on the subject of S:Piper, quite confirming a l l that had previously been made known to me by other parties. On Friday, the 22nd the Miss Donnisons returned from Sydney per Steamer, Miss D: looking alarmingly i l l . On Saturday

November 1858.

4. the 23rd I went to see Mr.Henderson, having discovered 24. that he was one of the Trustees of E:Gosford Church. He seemed not a l i t t l e surprised when I told him of i t , for he had never been made acquainted with the fact before. He seemed quite w i l l i n g however to assist i n anyway i n which he could be made useful -I then went on to Davis's & got a lad (A:Settree) to row me down to Mr.Gittins's. The purport of my v i s i t was to see a boat which I had obtained from Mr.McDonnell, & ascertain from Mr.G: what repairs were necessary: that I might judge as to the propriety of keeping the boat or otherwise. As Mr,G:'s opinion was favourable to my keeping the boat 1 determined upon doing so, for I r e a l l y require one to enable me to reach some of my Parishioners across the water, whom I cannot otherwise v i s i t - After dinner, with the assistance of Charles & Mr.Homfray we brought the boat up to Rock Davis's, with whom 1 have l e f t i t for the necessary repairs.- On Monday-.25th-5ffe a l l went up to see poor Miss Donnison, whom seemed very weak & i l l , but before we l e f t i n the evening she was a l i t t l e more l i v e l y . - Emily Battley, who was staying with us at the time, accompanied us.-A melancholy accident happened at the Sawmill that day - A young la d , H:Smith by name, (step son of Cater's) was k i l l e d by the wheel of the timber carriage passing over him.- The funeral took place on Tuesday afternoon, [1] & was very numerously attended.- On Wednesday afternoon 1 went to Klncumbar.- On Thursday aftn. I went to see poor Mrs.Cater to condole with her upon the loss [2] of her boy.- On Friday aftn. 1 learnt from Mr.Crawse, whom I met on my way to the singing class, that Ralph Wood had met with a serious accident, having got his shoulder broken by the overturning of his dray.-Went to see him on Saturday evening - The Intervals of l a s t week were f i l l e d up, preparing

[1] Hmntj SMITH, agtd 17, Laboufizi of OunJunbah SmmWi. Vl<Ld 25 OctobeA 1858,

[2] Wo entfiy of that name, found In ChuKck RtgiAteA foi builali.

November 1858.

4. a Sermon which I Intended to have preached l a s t Sunday 25. on the subject of the proposed New Bishopric at Moreton Bay, but i i t turned out so rainy a day, that I postponed i t for another occasion, when I may hope for larger congregations. 1 went to the Sawmill for morning service & had a wet, disagreeable r i d e . - Monday, I was glad to see ushered i n with a bright sun, for 1 had invited my flock to assemble for morning prayers & Communion at the church, & then adjourn to the school house for a meeting to elect a Lay Representative to attend the forthcoming conference at Morpeth, on the 15th Deer. A good congregation of females attended, but only 5 adult males. I administered the Sacrament to 26 communicants, & after the service we adjourned to the Schoolhouse where 5 persons attended to take part i n the proceedings, namely Messrs.Harrison, Nunn,(Senr.), Scott (Senr.), Rudkin, & Partridge, and Mr.Harrison was unaminiously chosen as the Lay Representative of t his D i s t r i c t . Last Tuesday we a l l went to spend the day at Wyoming. Anne ri d i n g Nelly, & a l l the rest of us walking.- Yesterday morning soon after breakfast, Charles & Alexa.Gittins arrived i n their "dingy", the l a t e r having come to spend a few days with us.- In the afternoon I went out to v i s i t Wm.Creighton's family, & from thence on to Ralph Woods. Today I have been l e t t e r writing etc: - In the evening, after posting my l e t t e r s , I called on Mr.Harrison, & thence went to see Orpin.

6. Yesterday morning went to the School & Steamer.- Afternoon to singing class. Mr.Hargraves came from Sydney per Steamer, and asked me to postpone my Intended v i s i t to his place, as there were scarcely any people there, & himself might be absent. Today I have been at home, preparing for my service tomorrow at Wyong & Yarramalong.-Alfred Settree brought my boat

November 1858.

6. home today from Davis's, & I have moored her to a 26. stake out i n front,

13. Had a very pleasant ride to Wyong l a s t Sunday morning, & found my usual congregation assembled there. Mr.Osborne accompanied me to Mr.Lette's.- The day turned out exceedingly s u l t r y , & the appearance of a storm gathering i n the west, made us ride b r i s k l y up the creek: & before we reached Mr.Lette's s l i p r a i l , "The nimble lightning mix'd with showers began, and o'er our heads, loud r o l l i n g thunder ran." Five minutes l a t e r , & we shd. have been drenched i n the heavy storm which followed. On Monday morning, after walking round the wheat paddock, & paying M r s . H i l l a v i s i t , who was i l l i n bed, we rode down the creek again, c a l l i n g at Dorrington's & then, Mr.Osborne returning to his home, I struck off to Wyong, & went over to c a l l on Roland & Wilde, & came home that evening.-On Tuesday I was c h i e f l y employed about my boat, cutting some stakes for mooring her etc. In the evening 1 made a t r i a l of her, taking Alexa. & the g i r l s across the water & back again. On Wednesday I went to Klncumbar, & on to the Glt t l n s e s . Thursday at home again, except a trot over to East Gosford i n the morning.- In the afternoon we a l l went i n the boat to c a l l on Mrs.Mann.-Yesterday morning I took Alexa.,Marianne & Emily across to Point Clare, & found I could manage the boat pretty well by myself.- Singing class i n the afternoon, but owing to a cold I have upon me, I could not manage to sing very comfortably.- At home a l l today preparing for tomorrow's duties, etc. etc. Rain has set i n again tonight & I fear a wet Sunday tomorrow.

November 1858

Sunday, the 14th was very rainy i n the morning, from which cause I had only 14 at Gosford Church.- I had more at Klncumbar, as the weather Improved i n the afternoon. There being no punt at East Gosford, I had to go a l l round by Erina, & so had no evening service there.- Some time during the evening, the verandah room occupied by Alexa. & Marianne was entered, & Marianne's work box removed from the table & Alexa's brooch from the pincushion. The former 1 found on the ground outside, where i t had been dropped, but the brooch was carried o f f . - On Monday morning I discovered that i t must have been a very juvenile offender, from the footmarks outside - Went over to the Steamer at noon. I r v l n was taking the cart over, but old Mettle thought proper to f a l l just going up the h i l l from the swamp, & we had some d i f f i c u l t y to extricate him. He was not much hurt,- In the afternoon we walked over to the creek i n front of Mrs.Mann's to carry a bottle of medicine which I obtained from Cap:Brett.^ On Tuesday I did not f e e l very w e l l , so stayed at home.- Wednesday to Klncumbar, going down to Davis', & c a l l i n g on Dr.Auld on the way back - Thursday afternoon I rode out to see Orpin, & then on to v i s i t Mrs.Anson, who i s i l l . On Friday, Charles came up to take Alexa home, & was accompanied by E l l e n & Mr.Homfray.- They came to breakfast, & spent the day. Charles moored my boat for me - Singing class i n afternoon - On Saturday I went out to Chittaway to v i s i t the good folks there, c a l l i n g at Blue Gum Flat by the way & reminding them a l l of the c o l l e c t i o n to be made on Sunday night for the Moreton Bay B i s h o p r i c - Sunday being a beautiful day I had good congregations at a l l places. On Monday the Nunns came from Wyoming & spent the day with us.

November 1858.

24. Yesterday I was going to have a good day's v i s i t i n g at 28 Erina, but i t came on so intensely hot, that I did not go beyond E:Gosford.- Today has been much hotter.-I have been over to Klncumbar today.-

December 1858.

3. Judging from the above wr i t i n g , & my having stopped short i n the th i r d l i n e , I imagine that my besetting i n f i r m i t y of sleep must have overtaken me, & so prevented further progress. I had a very hot ride on that day, over to Klncumbar. I t was something of a hot N:W: wind, the thermo: reaching 93 i n our verandah.- A change of wind however came on during the night,.& i t was cool enough next day. I had good congregations on Sunday, both at Gosford & Klncumbar & collected about £6 for the Moreton Bay Bishopric endowment Fund. The weather became gloomy towards evening, & rained a l i t t l e so that I had but a small congregation at Erina, & a bad headache to boot. Monday was very rainy i n the morning, which prevented the Seat holders assembling to elect Trustees, - Three only being i n attendance I adjourned the meeting for three weeks, t i l l Monday, the 20th i n s t . - On Tuesday I had a good rid e , going f i r s t to v i s i t poor Kirk, at Klncumbar, who i s very poorly, & very poor withal. From thence I returned & took the road for Avoca, & then on to Torigal, & so home by Erina, v i s i t i n g Mrs.Anson, & Orpin by the way. Wednesday I remained at home l e t t e r reading the report of the Church Conference i n Sydney. Yesterday also, I was at home, except a short v i s i t to the

December 1858.

3. morning.- Having finished a l l my despatches for the 29. mail, I took the g i r l s out a l i t t l e way i n the boat about sunset, & we a l l enjoyed the beautiful cool breeze upon the water. Today I have removed a burden which has been sorely pressing upon me for many months, that i s , I have been to v i s i t a l i t t l e sawyer v i l l a g e , fpr the f i r s t time, which I ought to have v i s i t e d long, long ago, but never could accomplish i t before.-The place i s but a short distance from Erina, across what they c a l l the Bangelow Bridge.- I find a cluster of 9 families located there.- not new families altogether, though 1 made some new acquaintances among them.-I trust I s h a l l not allow myself to be so long without seeing them again.- I dined at Mr.Wm.Nunn's on the way out. and on my return found the two Miss Nunns here.-1 took them out i n the boat for half an hour about Sunset. - & now I must begin to pack my valise for Mangrove, i n order to make an early start tomorrow morning.

11. Had a dreadfully hot ride to Mangrove l a s t Saturday -never f e l t i t so hot before, i n a l l my journeyings to that place.- I returned on Tuesday, having had 2 good congregations on Sunday, & having married a couple on Monday morning, & examined & feasted the HJ school children afterwards.- On reaching home, the f i r s t thing that greeted my ears was another death by drowning - Vincent Montgomery, down the r i v e r . - [2] The funeral took place on Wednesday evening.- On Thursday 1 went to v i s i t Mrs.Anson, Orpin, etc. Yesterday, School examination at E:Gosfd.- At home today, preparing for tomorrows duties, & my journey to Morpeth next week.

[7J Wo maiiJiagt mtfiy aX thout datz found In Chutch Ragl^toJi foi ma.fLila.gzi,.

[21 Vlnctnt Vouglaa MONTGOMERY, agtd 28, MailncA of BiiAbanz Watzi. Vltd 5 Vzcmbtfi 1858.

December 1858.

23. On Sunday, the 12th I did not go to Erina i n the evening 30. owing to the r a i n , which came on just at the conclusion of afternoon service at Klncumbar, & so wetted my feet & legs, that 1 deemed i t imprudent to remain in wet clothes & therefore came straight home. Mr.Harrison came by appointment, & breakfasted with me at | p 5 on Monday morning, (13th) & we set out together on our journey to Morpeth. At Currumbong we stopped for about an hour at Geo:Stockdale's, where 1 baptized an infant i n a German family there. We then then proceeded to Mount Vincent, where we were entertained for the night with t h e i r accustomed h o s p i t a l i t y . -Reached Morpeth next day between 1 & 2. I found Mr.Bode at the Bishops, come down to receive Priests Orders on Sunday. I took up my quarters at Mr.Boodle's where I met Mr.Coles Child, Mr.Greaves & M r . N a s h . T h e next day our conference commenced, after Morning Prayers & Communion i n the church. There was a goodly assemblage of both Clergy & l a i t y . At the close cif the day's proceedings I accompanied Mr.Addams & Townshend to Paterson,^ for the night & we came i n to Morpeth again early next morning.- The subject of our Conference.-the Synod B i l l - had been so thoroughly discussed i n Sydney that we had nothing hardly to do, but simply to adopt the B i l l , as amended by the Sydney Conference.-We went through the b i l l clause by clause, with a l i t t l e discussion upon some of them, & I was rejoiced to f i n d that everything passed off most amicably, & by about 4 o'clock our business terminated. Mr.Harrison & I then got our horses & reached Mount Vincent about 8 o'clock. Next day, Friday, we had a cloudy day for our homeward journey, & making an early start reached home i n good time.

[T] Gzoige. REIGLER, 6on of AndKzai, -, Laboumi of Canitmbong i Anna Walbou/tlng. Bom 8 OctobdA. 1858.

December 23 1858.

23. On c a l l i n g at Turner's at Wyong Creek, I was sorry to learn that Mrs.Tomllnson, at the Sawmill had l o s t her l i t t l e g i r l during my absence,- I went i n to see her as I came by & found her sadly grieved at her loss , the c h i l d having been taken off rather suddenly, that i s with only a few days sickness.- I did not go out any where on Saturday but prepared for Sunday's duties. I t was a very hot day & I was thankful to be at home rather than t r a v e l l i n g from Mt.Vincent.-Sunday was s t i l l hotter, but I got through my long day's work, without much fatigue.- On Monday morning I went up to the Schoolhouse for the Meeting then & there appointed to be held for electing Trustees & after waiting an hour, & only three parties attending, I closed the meeting by suggesting that i t should be l e f t to the Bishop to nominate three persons as Trustees, for i t seems hopeless to geti the Seatholders to meet for the purpose. On going down to the Steamer, I met Mr.Scott ( of Sawmill) & his Bride, just arrived from Sydney:- In the evening we a l l went & called on M r s . C o t t r i l l , who has been rather poorly the l a s t few days. On Tuesday I went out beyond Erina, to v i s i t Orpin, Mr.Anson, & some other of the good folks thereabouts & did not get back t i l l about 8 o'clock, & having passed the whole day (about 12 hours) without eating a mouthfull I f e l t the i l l e f f e c t s of i t yesterday. I was quite unfitted to day anything & therefore did not go to Klncumbar, as i t was my intention to have done but staid at home, & wrote a l e t t e r or two.-

Mo zntKy found In Chuich RtgLitZA. foi builali.

January 1859-

An unpardonable f i t of procrastination, & I fear I must add, downright laziness, combined therewith, has been the occasion of t h i s long pause i n my journal. But feeling a l i t t l e over-fatigued from a hard day's work yesterday i n the boat, 1 have decided upon remaining at home, instead of v i s i t i n g the Davises, as I purposed doing, & before doing anything else, w i l l endeavour to record a brief outline of what has passed during the l a s t month. We had a very quiet Xmas time, -as usual, the Misses Donnison came & took their Xmas dinner with us.- I paid my accustomed v i s i t to Yarramalong, Wyong, & Cabbage Tree, the f i r s t Sunday of the month. 1 began with morning service at Yarramag. & at the conclusi of the Wyong afternoon service set off for Cabbage Tree by a new route, (to me) passing Mr.Harrisons place at the mouth of Wallard Creek. Turner's Boy went with me as guide, but proved a very bad one, for he led me into a soft boggy place» & i t was as much as 1 could do to keep my seat while Nelly plunged her way thro to shore. The boy was thrown off i n the water & had to wade through leading his horse.-Not withstanding this disaster, however, 1 reached Mr.Hargraves by 7 o'clock, & had my t h i r d service there after changing my wet clothes, & refreshing myself with a cup of tea. I found Mr.Hargraves a good deal affected by the rather unexpected death of a young friend i n Sydney - the daughter of our old acquaintance "Tom Balcombe" - He i s very intimate with Balcombe's family, & the death of this young g i r l seemed to have made a deep impression upon him, & I was rejoiced to f i n d i t was an impression i n the right d i r e c t i o n , for i t opened his eyes more p l a i n l y to discover the vanity of a l l earthly things & to lead him to view more c l e a r l y , the unspeakable importance of things eternal. I t gave me rea l joy

January 1859.

26. to hear him make the enquiry, "when do you administer the Sacrament at Gosford?" & to express h i s re s o l v e to come down, & present h i m s e l f , f o r the f i r s t time i n h i s l i f e at the Lord's Table. I l e f t him on Monday morning, & returned home, W i l l i a m accompanying me as f a r as F r o s t s , at Tuggerah Beach. On F r i d a y the 7th, F e r r i s a r r i v e d per Steamer to spend a few days w i t h us. Mr.Balcombe a l s o came down to v i s i t Mr.Hargraves. During the f o l l o w i n g week we made two attempts to reach M r . G i t t i n s ' by boat but d i d not succeed. The f i r s t day I was unwell & o b l i g e d to t u r n back & the next time the wind & sea began to r i s e upon us, & we judged i t prudent not to venture on.- On F r i d a y , the 14th, we a l l made a l i t t l e p i c n i c excursion to T o r i g a l . The party c o n s i s t e d of the Harrison & B a t t l e y f a m i l i e s , the Miss Donnisons, Mrs.Wm.Nunn, & the Miss Nunns.- The day was b e a u t i f u l & a l l enjoyed the party much.- On Sunday, the 16th on going to Kincumbar, I found Mr.Hargraves & Mr.Balcombe j u s t mounting t h e i r horses at L l o y d s , to accompany me over to Kincumbar, f o r the purpose of p a r t a k i n g there of the Holy Communion, as they were both to depart f o r Sydney the next day. They came & took tea here i n the evening, but I could not remain to r e c e i v e them, having to go to the Sawmill -The next day Uncle F e r r i s l e f t us per Black Swan, & Kate Nunn, who had been s t a y i n g a f o r t n i g h t w i t h us, a l s o returned home, l e a v i n g us q u i t e an empty house again. Tuesday was one of those t e r r i b l e scorching days which ended i n a great storm of Thunder, wind, & r a i n i n the evening. I went to Blue G: F l a t l a t e i n the afternoon, to see how Boscombe was g e t t i n g on w i t h the b u l l d -

BUSCOMBE wai a. BuJUdoA, uiho had fitce.YiX.ly afifilvtd in the. dl&tiijcX, The, family iA itlll >ie.pKe.6ente.d In the. dl^tfilct.

January 1859.

26. there, & had to scamper home at a great r a t e to avoid 34. the coming storm. Wednesday morning being wet I d i d not go to Kincumbar, but rode out on Thursday as f a r as McMaster. F r i d a y I went over to steamer i n morning & i n the afternoon resumed by s i n g i n g c l a s s again. Anne & the g i r l s accompanied me & we c a l l e d on Mrs.Benson. Saturday I remained at home.- Monday morning 1 got my boat out of the water, & cleaned i t , & then gave i t a coat of c o a l t a r preparatory to our Intended v i s i t to the G i t t i n s e s , Charles, Miss G: & Alexa. were up here on Thursday l a s t & s a i d t h e i r Papa was very i l l & Dr.Auld was attending him, which made me more desirous to go down.- I asked John B a t t l e y to come & help me p u l l , & r i s i n g yesterday morning we set o f f at i past 6, & had a d e l i g h t f u l row of I f hours reaching t h e i r house at 8 o'clock. To our s u r p r i s e we found that Mr.& Mrs.G: had s a i l e d f o r Sydney j u s t about an hour before we a r r i v e d . I t was at Dr.Auld's urgent advice that they took that step, & I t r u s t we s h a l l hear i n a few days that he i s convalescent.-We had a very l a b o r i o u s p u l l home l a s t evening, against a s t i f f N:E:er, & r a t h e r a lumpy sea i n the broadwater. We took 2| hours to come what we accomplished i n l i i n the morning.- We had wind, t i d e , & sea a l l against us & not being used to such hard work of l a t e I f e e l the e f f e c t s of i t a l i t t l e today.

Mrs.Anson died on Monday the 10th & was burled on Wednesday the 12th & I was much grieved to l e a r n from Anson, when I enquired of him the p a r t i c u l a r s necessary f o r the r e g i s t e r , that they were Not M a r r i e d . H J

J u d l l h BUFF, nmily 37, ol Eilna. Lived uJjth John kUSOU a SawyzK. Vltd 10 Janaaiy 1S59.

January 1859,

28. Rain yesterday morning stopped me from going to Blue 35, Gum F l a t , Sawmill e t c . as I had purposed doing. In the afternoon I rode up as f a r as Wyoming to make a few c a l l s i n that neighbourhood.- This morning I spent l e t t e r w r i t i n g , & a f t e r dinner r e p a i r e d to the Church f o r my s i n g i n g c l a s s , which was but a small one. On my way home c a l l e d to see M r s . C o t t r i l l , who has been very unwell f o r the l a s t 7 weeks, & whom I have v i s i t e d 3 or 4 times a week. She remains very weak & low, - q u i t e unable to gather s t r e n g t h . Mr Harrison's l i t t l e boy James, has been very i l l a l s o f o r the l a s t f o r t n i g h t , w i t h a bad l e g , but they hope he i s now i n a f a i r way to recover.

29. S t a r t e d t h i s morning, Intending to v i s i t a l l the Blue Gum F l a t , Chattaway & Sawmill f o l k s , but a great thunderstorm came on when I was at EiWaXmsley's, & by the time the r a i n ceased the day was too f a r advanced to accomplish what I had intended, so I j u s t rode on to see Stockdale, who had been a i l i n g f o r sometime past, & then returned home again.- I was glad to f i n d that Boscombe had made considerable progress w i t h the b u i l d i n g , having put on the r o o f , & battened i t , & he seems to be t a k i n g pains w i t h h i s work, & doing i t very w e l l .

February 1859

1. Sunday was a day not to be f o r g o t t e n i n a moment, from the tremendous r a i n that f e l l . - I t was pouring i n t o r r e n t s up to about i p 8, j u s t the time f o r me to s t a r t f o r my morning s e r v i c e at the Sawmill, when i t h e l d up, so o f f I s e t , but when I got |IH8S past Blue G: F l a t , i t came on again as hard as ever & continued more or l e s s the whole day. I was compelled to s t r i p on coming home

February 1859.

1. & then, p u t t i n g on my I n d i a Rubber boots, walked through 36. the water to E:Gosford where I had, of course a very scanty congregation. The r a i n came on w i t h increased v i o l e n c e towards the conclusiion of the s e r v i c e , & continued a l l the evening & n i g h t . - Yesterday was very r a i n y again, & at night i t came on In such s t y l e as I am sure I may say that I never knew r a i n l i k e I t before. I t was t r u l y f e a r f u l , & so that up to nea r l y 12 o'clock, I har d l y f e l t i n c l i n e d to go to bed. I f i t has been a general r a i n , & I have every reason to b e l i e v e i t has, & has been as heavy i n other p l a c e s , I f e a r we s h a l l hear of t e r r i b l e d i s a s t e r s from f l o o d s , a l s o of shipwrecks a t sea, f o r i t blew very hard from S:E: l a s t n i g h t & t h i s morning. C o t t r i l l came over t h i s morning & s a i d the f l o o d has c a r r i e d away part of h i s fence, & James Crane's. I went out yesterday afternoon to v i s i t M r s . C o t t r i l l & see how Mr.Harrisons l i t t l e boy was g e t t i n g on, & found them both, apparently improving. Today I have not been out anywhere, as the ground i s so overflowing w i t h water, & nothing very urgent to c a l l me abroad.-Both yesterday & today I have been busy making up my church accounts & squaring them o f f . Caught a l i t t l e g i r l i n the garden h e l p i n g h e r s e l f to quinces yesterday afternoon, (daughter of Conroy, the R:C: Schoolmaster) We are c o n t i n u a l l y being robbed of our f r u i t , & I fear t h i s same l i t t l e g i r l i s a frequent v i s i t o r to our garden.

2. Some heavy showers of r a i n again today, so I d i d not venture out, but spent the day l e t t e r w r i t i n g , reading, & preparing my sermon f o r next Sunday at Mangrove Creek.

3. A f t e r Sunday detensions between t h i s & E.Gosford, I c o n t r i v e d t h i s afternoon to make my way across Kincumbar H i l l to the 'School, & returned by way of E r i n a , to see how the Miss Donnisons fared a f t e r the r a i n . -I l e a r n t that the f l o o d had been very severe

February 1859.

3. i n t h e i r neighbourhood, doing considerable damage to 37. the l i t t l e gardens e t c . A few d r i z z l y showers have f a l l e n today, but the weather gives promise of c l e a r i n g up.

4. A d e l i g h t f u l b r i g h t sunny day dgain, & I have been out the whole day. Having l e a r n t from Mrs.Swadling l a s t evening that Mrs.Wrights baby was very i l l , I went out to see i t , - v i s i t i n g M r s . C o t t r i l l f i r s t , & l i t t l e James H a r r i s o n , both of whom were much the same as yesterday - the l a t t e r , seemingly b e t t e r . I found Mrs.Wrights c h i l d e v i d e n t l y very p o o r l y , but am not without hopes i t may recover. I v i s i t e d a l l the people i n that l i t t l e v i l l a g e , & by the time I had got through them a l l , i t was n e a r l y sunset.- 1 must now prepare f o r Mangrove Creek to which I s t a r t tomorrow.- Worley came down t h i s evening, & gave a s o r r y account of the unfortunate creek, which has s u f f e r e d s e v e r e l y from f l o o d .

15. I had three very hot days i n Mangrove creek, Monday I rode q u i t e to the top of the creek, as f a r as Gould's -found o l d Mr.Barry very i l l , seemingly breaking up a l t o g e t h e r . Tuesday I spent walking about the lower part of the creek, & was almost roasted, not withstanding the shade of an umbrella, I t r i e d to c o l l e c t f o r the Clergy Stipend Fund but could only get £2-2-6. I found the f l o o d had given them a severe scourging again, & I f e a r has destroyed a great d e a l of t h e i r corn.- I returned on Wednesday by the Sawmill, the f l o o d having c a r r i e d away the bridge, & so stopped my usual road. On Thrusday I d i d not go out, save to v i s i t M r s . C o t t r i l l , & c a l l at Mona Vale e t c . I was glad to f i n d that the Harrisons had taken t h e i r l i t t l e boy up to Sydney, by Dr.Auld's recommendation. On Friday morning, a f t e r w r i t i n g a few l e t t e r s , I went to

February 1859.

15. the Steamer, & i n the afternoon to the s i n g i n g c l a s s & 38 when that was over I went to t r y & see Mr.Venteman, who I was grieved to hear had given h i m s e l f up to d r i n k i n g , & i s f a s t h u r r y i n g himself to d e s t r u c t i o n . I could not see him then & Mrs.V: advised me to come the f i r s t t h i n g i n the morning, that being the most l i k e l y time to f i n d him sober.- I went over, t h e r e f o r e , before breakfast on Saturday, but he was not up.-I made a second attempt a f t e r b r e a k f a s t , but found he had gone out. Again, towards evening made another attempt, & found him at home, but never was I more shocked than by f i n d i n g the deplorable c o n d i t i o n i n t o which the poor man has f a l l e n . He seems indeed to be f a s t t i e d & bound i n the chains which Satan has succeeded on winding round him. A l l r e l i g i o n gone, the B i b l e s c o f f e d a t , & b e l i e f i n a f u t u r e s t a t e discarded. And w i t h a l d e s c r i b i n g himself as p e r f e c t l y happy, & that he d i d not intend to l e t anything t r o u b l e him any longer.- He s a i d he knew he should not l a s t long & then there would be an end of him. Finding i t qu i t e impossible to make any impression upon him, & that my [1] t a l k i n g only seemed to i r r i t a t e & anger him, I withdrew, & can only adopt the words of Samuel & say, "God f o r b i d that I should s i n against the Lord, by ceasing to pray f o r him." that h i s eyes may yet be opened to see the awful danger of h i s p o s i t i o n , & h i s heart turned back again to seek the Lord, while yet he may be found.

We had a very n i c e day on Sunday, & my three places were w e l l attended. On Monday morning, I took the two g i r l s up to Wyoming, & l e f t them there, to spend t h i s week w i t h the Nunns. I made one or two c a l l s In the neighbourhood &

[1] See zntiy In Qononoji'^ Book,

February 1859.

15. i n the afternoon went to see M r s . C o t t r i l l , & to get the 39. l e t t e r s from the post o f f i c e . The Miss Donnisons came i n the evening to spend a day or two w i t h us. Today I rode down to Myrtle Grove, to see whether M r . G i t t i n s had returned, & how he was, & was very glad to see him at home again, & l o o k i n g so w e l l . A f t e r dinner I went on to c a l l on Mrs.Joyce. Charles took me down i n the boat, so that N e l l y had a good r e s t & a good feed of grass besides.- Captn.Joyce returned from Sydney w i t h h i s v e s s e l w h i l e we were there. They are ra t h e r i n confusion at present, b u i l d i n g t h e i r house, but when a l l i s f i n i s h e d , they w i l l be snug enough. They have only two l i t t l e boys.- one about 12, & the other 7.

16. At home a l l day - f e e l i n g not very w e l l . The Miss Donnisons l e f t us t h i s evening, & we walked w i t h them a l i t t l e way, & then tursed i n to see M r s . C o t t r i l l who keeps much i n the same s t a t e .

17. Wet weather again - r a i n i n g hard the greater part of the day - e c l i p s e of the moon t h i s evening, but being cloudy & r a i n y we could not see i t - Wrote a long l e t t e r to Mr.Greenway today, i n r e p l y to one that I received from him the other day.

19. Went up to Wyoming t h i s evening & brought the g i r l s home again. The creeks were a l l running p r e t t y h i g h , but they managed to get over on l o g s .

February 1859.

21. While on the wharf t h i s morning, at the a r r i v a l of the Steamer, I l e a r n t that Woodward, of Kincumbar died suddenly l a s t n i g h t . He was i n Church yesterday morning w i t h h i s w i f e & f a m i l y & went to bed quite w e l l but was taken i l l about h a l f an hour a f t e r , & died w i t h i n an hour. He had been s u f f e r i n g f o r sometime, & was under medical treatment f o r disease of the heart, & I am t o l d was forewarned that he might be c a l l e d away suddenly. His l a s t day i n t h i s world was at a l l events spent s a t i s f a c t o r i l y , but i t would have been more so had he & h i s wi f e remained to the Sacrament. In the afternoon I went out to v i s i t Seaman's & Wallbridges f a m i l i e s

22. Went over to Kincumbar to bury Woodward. A great many attended the f u n e r a l . On my way back c a l l e d to see Orpin, who i s g e t t i n g much b e t t e r , being now able to walk about alone.- V i s i t e d a l s o Mr.WVentemans Sawmill establishment.

23. Went t h i s afternoon to inspect the b u i l d i n g at Blue G: F l a t , & c a l l e d at Wamsley's. He had j u s t returned from Wyong Creek where Mr.Nunn had met w i t h some d i f f i c u l t y i n c r o s s i n g .

24. Spent t h i s day at Kincumbar, c a l l i n g f i r s t on Mrs.Auld, & MrS.Woodward, & then went the round of the Davises.

25. At home. Steamer i n the morning, s i n g i n g c l a s s afternoon.

26. -do - preparing f o r tomorrows d u t i e s .

28. My s e r v i c e s as usual yesterday. This morning I made a few c a l l s c l o s e at home, endeavouring to c o l l e c t f o r the Clergy Stipend Fund. T h i s , I am sor r y to say, w i l l f a l l very short t h i s year. In the afternoon, a f t e r going to see M r s . C o t t r i l l , & c a l l i n g to see Mr.Harrison, I rode up to the wharf at Wyoming to inspect some windows, which

Jame.6 WOOVWARV, aged 56, Famen. i Scwjyzi Cockle. Cieek. VJieA 20 Tehiaaiy 1SS9.

February 1859.

28. came per Uncle Tom f o r the Blue G r F l a t Church, but 41. found not at a l l the t h i n g , so must send them back again.

March

1. Went to Blue Gum F l a t i n the morning to see whether there was any p o s s i b i l i t y of making the windows answer, but found there was not, so on my r e t u r n 1 wrote a note to M r . J o l l y , s t a t i n g my i n t e n t i o n of r e t u r n i n g them by the v e s s e l & towards evening took my note on board the Uncle Tom, at anchor o f f the mouth of the creek, g i v i n g the g i r l s thus a l i t t l e "aquatic excursion."

2. To the school i n the morning, c a l l i n g at Mr.Battley*s by the way to I n v i t e Mrs .-Park to come &.dlne w i t h us, & b r i n g some of the g i r l s w i t h her.- She & Emily came & John came i n the evening to escort them home; but a great thunderstorm coming on i n the afternoon, & the r a i n c o n t i n u i n g a t n i g h t , we made them up beds, & kept them here.

3. Went over to East Gosford t h i s morning to see Mr.McDonell, a storekeeper there, who a day or two ago, (while s u f f e r i n g , 1 imagine, under an attack of "Delirium Tremens") attempted to destroy himself by c u t t i n g h i s t h r o a t , but most p r o v i d e n t i a l l y , d i d not succeed. I had never c a l l e d upon him before, though he has been some months i n the d i s t r i c t ; but hearing of t h i s d r e a d f u l crime he had committed, I took t h i s s p e c i a l occasion to Introduce myself, w i t h a hope of being s e r v i c e a b l e to him.- I found him up, & about i n the house, & he was e v i d e n t l y glad to see me. On the whole I was pleased w i t h the s t a t e of mind In which I found him. He expressed himself quite s e n s i b l e of the grievous offence he had been g u i l t y o f , & very

March 1859

3. g r a t e f u l to the Almighty f o r f r u s t r a t i n g the wicked 42. attempt he had made upon h i s l i f e . He acknowledged that Intemperance was the cause,- that he had been d r i n k i n g i n Sydney, & r e t u r n i n g home s u f f e r i n g from the e f f e c t s of h i s l a t e debauch, h i s d i s t u r b e d mind & i n t e l l e c t made him view h i s l i t t l e w o r l d l y troubles as through a microscope. & hence he was d r i v e n to the rash a c t . He explained to me that though not an h a b i t u a l t i p p l e r f o r he could r e f r a i n aitogether from-liqaor f o r months together from i n t o x i c a t i n g d r i n k s , yet i f he were ever tempted to take but one g l a s s , i t created an i r r e s i s t i b l e c r a v i n g f o r more, which quite mastered him, & therefore he e a r n e s t l y begged me to administer the t o t a l abstinence pledge. I had some conversation w i t h him on the s u b j e c t , l e a d i n g him to view the pledge e n t i r e l y i n a r e l i g i o u s l i g h t , not as possessing any charm or v i r t u e i n i t s e l f , but r a t h e r as a remembrancer, c a l l i n g to mind that most solemn pledge - h i s Baptismal vow - & f i n d i n g he quite coincided w i t h the views I expressed, a f t e r reading a short passage from St.Paul's Ep. to Epesians VI.10 et c . & praying w i t h him, I l e f t him, promising to come again i n the evening & administer the pledge, which I a c c o r d i n g l y d i d , i n the form provided by our Church Soc i e t y . I have great reason to hope that the Lord, who so f r e q u e n t l y brings good out of e v i l , w i l l cause the wonderful & m e r c i f u l escape he has j u s t had, to awaken & r e c l a i m t h i s poor wandering s i n n e r , & b r i n g him back again to the f o l d from which he has so widely strayed.

4. Went over to Kincumbar today to bury a l i t t l e c h i l d , (George Parry's l i t t l e g i r l ) who died q u i t e suddenly [1] yesterday morning. Made a few c a l l s a l s o i n the neighbourhood.

5. At home a l l the morning. I n the afternoon I went to v i s i t M r s . C o t t r i l l & then on to see Mr.Venteman, who had a f a l l from h i s horse l a s t evening on Gorman's bridge, & cut h i s head very s e v e r e l y , but i t seems f o r t u n a t e l y to be only a f l e s h wound.

Alice. Ann PARRY, Klncumbeji, age.d 7 ytai 9 months, tht daughteA 0^ Ge.on.ge. -, SkomakeA, Vied 3 MaKck 1859,

March 1959.

6. (Sunday) L e f t home e a r l y i n the morning f o r Wyong, 43. where I had but a small congregation. Having received a l e t t e r from Mr.Lette begging me to pass them by t h i s time, owing to Mrs.Lette's i n d i s p o s i t i o n , I went on from Wyong to Cabbage Tree, c a l l i n g and d i n i n g at John Osborne's. 1 found Edward Hargraves only at home, h i s f a t h e r being i n Sydney. Had evening s e r v i c e s w i t h the houshold & arranged f o r a morning s e r v i c e next day, f o r the b e n e f i t of the fishermen at "Canton", who could not come that f a r at n i g h t .

7. Had a ni c e l i t t l e congregation i n the verandah at 9 A.M. w i t h the a d d i t i o n of two fishermen, & the wife & daughter of one of them. They a l l seemed very a t t e n t i v e , & pleased w i t h the opportunity of attending p u b l i c worship. A f t e r the s e r v i c e , Edward & I mounted our horses & t a k i n g James Freeman f o r a guide, rode 14 miles to v i s i t Taafe's f a m i l y on the border of Lake Macquarie. The day was b e a u t i f u l i n the extreme, & I don't know when I have enjoyed a days r i d e so much. Lake Macqe. i s a very b e a u t i f u l sheet of water & coming back we took the path along the top of the range by which we had o c c a s i o n a l glimpses of the "glad waters of the deep blue sea." I found Edward a very agreeable companion. He seems a very goodnatured, s e n s i b l e , w e l l disposed youth.

8. Came home round by reedy f l a t & Wyong & had rat h e r a long day's r i d e , i : e : I was a long time on the road, & so very t i r e d when I came i n .

9. Ash Wednesday.- Morning s e r v i c e i n the church.- At home afternoon.

10. Went to Kincumbar, & v i s i t e d Mrs.Kearnes, whom I found recovering n i c e l y from her l a t e i l l n e s s - a l s o went to see Mrs.Parry & her neighbours.

11. To Steamer i n morning - s i n g i n g c l a s s (a very poor one) afternoon. I went to see Sarah Swadllng a l s o , who came from Sydney per Steamer, wretchedly i l l , to t r y the e f f e c t of change

March 1859.

11. of a i r . She i s s t a y i n g w i t h Mr.Mcintosh at present.

12. At home a l l the morning, went to ErGosfd. i n afternoon to c a l l on Mr.McDonell; a l s o v i s i t e d P a r t r i d g e & c a l l e d on Mrs.Jas.Spears.

13. (S) Three very good congregations today;- baptized 2 i n f a n t s at Kincumbar & one at E r i n a .

14. Rainy day. I n the morning I went to v i s i t Sarah Swadling, & looked i n upon M r s . C o t t r i l l on my way back. She seems to gather s t r e n g t h very s l o w l y , but I t h i n k i s g r a d u a l l y improving.

15. Had a long day v i s i t i n g at Blue Gum F l a t & the Sawmill. Did not come i n t i l l past 8 o'clock, having been more that 12 hours without e a t i n g . - Won't do.

16. Rainy day. Did not go out any where, but spent the day sermon w r i t i n g .

17. Showery day. At home a l l the morning, afternoon went to see M r s . C o t t r i l l & Sarah Swadling, both of whom I t h i n k are improving g r a d u a l l y . The Miss Donnisons c a l l e d f o r a few minutes;- Thus being S t . P a t r i c k s day, the people have been amusing themselves w i t h horse races, some of the e v i l attendants of which were p a i n f u l l y f o rced upon my a t t e n t i o n as I returned home. In one place P i g g o t t & h i s wife were r o l l i n g i n the mud i n the middle of the road, & Barber the blacksmith I found l y i n g i n the gutter i n f r o n t of my own door.

18. Rode up to Mangrove to perform the f u n e r a l s e r v i c e over Mrs.Atkins, who died there on Monday l a s t . Had a very disagreeable r i d e , owing to heavy r a i n which f e l l soon a f t e r I s t a r t e d , & kept my f e e t wet the whole way. Remained w i t h Mr.Wheeler t h i s time, but got no sleep a l l night owing to the f l e a s . & had a bad headache i n t o the bargain.

19. The Funeral of Mrs.Atkins took place soon a f t e r eleven, A:M; so that i t was near one o'clock before I could get away. Had a b e a u t i f u l afternoon f o r my homeward r i d e .

21. My congregations yesterday were s m a l l , tho' that at the Sawmill was t o l e r a b l e com

Wo enZfiy (,oand In ChuKch RzgLit&K ioK bapt-Umi.

Ann ATKJHS, aged 39, 0|$ MangKove. Cittk, wL^e. oi Thomai -, famnn.. Vldd U Match 1859.

March 1859.

21. pared w i t h those I have l a t e l y had there.- Today Mary 45. Townshend a r r i v e d per Steamer, to spend a short time w i t h us.- I rece i v e d a l e t t e r from Mr.Manning acquainting me of an a l t e r a t i o n i n the Steamer's t r i p s f o r the fu t u r e . She i s to come r e g u l a r l y every Monday.

22. At home a l l the morning - A f t e r d i d I went to pay a v i s i t to Old Warburton, who i s f a i l i n g a good d e a l now from age, & i s almost past work a l t o g e t h e r . - I a l s o v i s i t e d some of h i s neighbours, whom I had not seen f o r sometime.

23. Went over to Kincumbar today to see Mrs.Ward who had requested me to c a l l upon her. She had some complaints to make of Mr.Lane, & wished me to give him a check as she termed i t , but at the same time d e c l i n i n g to make any s p e c i f i c charge against him. I could only point out to her the i m p o s s i b i l i t y i6 of reproving a person unless I were made acquainted w i t h the f a u l t s he had committed. On speaking to Mr.Lane afterwards & hearing h i s side of the s t o r y , I could c l e a r l y see that the whole a f f a i r was the o f f s p r i n g of some b a c k b i t i n g , t i t t l e t a t t l i n g busybody, s t r i v i n g to make mischief among neighbours. From Wards, I went across the water to Poole's, f o r the purpose of asking whether they would a l l o w one of t h e i r daughters to go to s e r v i c e : h a r d l y expecting they would. But though at f i r s t Mrs.Poole s a i d she could not spare one them, E l i z a , the g i r l I had i n view, expressed a great d e s i r e to come. Their f a t h e r being i n Sydney, i t was agreed to wait f o r h i s r e t u r n & consult him i n the matter.

24. Began t h i s day w i t h a wedding, Robert Wm.Taylor, one []] of the carpenters engaged i n b u i l d i n g the church, was the f i r s t t o be married i n i t . Being the f i r s t marriage

24 Ma^c/i ?^59, oJi CknUt Chuich, Ea6t Goiloid, RobznX WllUm TAYLOR, 28, BachzZoi. Bom at Appltby, County ol Wtitmotzland, Caiptnttn., o^ GtLU(iOn.d, UppoA ?ateA6on - 6on o^ RobsAt -, ButchsA i, Innkttpm, and Annie. [THOMPSON] dzctaitd - and

Maty Jane. BROOKS, 28, Spln6te.fi. Bom at MafUock, SomeKietiklfie., England, SeAvant, oi Nafcafia Cittk, Bfilibane. Wattfi - daughteji o^ Samuel -, Laboufiex, dtceaizd, and Elizabeth [SULLJVAt^].

Wltne.66e.6: Jame.6 HASLZHGS and Eliza BROOKS.

March 1859.

24. i n Xt Church, Marianne & Emily accompanied me to witness 46 i t , w i t h Mary Townshend a l s o . On our way home we c a l l e d on Mrs.Capper, to see a ni c e p i c t u r e she has of Wrexham Church, & other views i n that neighbourhood, w i t h which Mary i s w e l l acquainted. This afternoon, a f t e r making a new back board to the seat of the boat, I took the three g i r l s across the water to Mr.Holdens o l d place & we walked on as f a r as Point C l a r e , to get a s i g h t of the Banana p l a n t a t i o n , but d i d not go to the house as i t was too l a t e .

25. P a i d a v i s i t to M r s . C o t t r i l l i n the morning. Afternoon to the s i n g i n g c l a s s , or rat h e r to the Church, to f i n d no c l a s s there., f o r only Mrs.Mcintosh & Mrs.Rudkin attended.- On the way home I met the B a t t l e y party going, but they were n e a r l y an hour behind the time.-Found Mrs.Nunn & Kate here when I returned, & when they had gone, I dug up a few bulbs i n the garden, to send by Taylor next week to Mary Anne.

26. At home sermon w r i t i n g & l e t t e r w r i t i n g . - Took a l i t t l e walk out i n the evening w i t h Mary Townshend & the g i r l s .

28. Good congregation at Gosford yesterday morning, & had 35 communicants.- Went over to the Steamer t h i s morning, & v i s i t e d the s c h o o l . - Received a l e t t e r from Mr.Manning s t a t i n g that he had f i x e d upon Wednesday as the day f o r the weekly t r i p s f o r the Black Swan f o r the f u t u r e , commencing on Wednesday the 6th A p r i l . -We had a v i s i t t h i s afternoon from Mrs.Park & some of the young f o l k s .

29. This being a n i c e c o o l day we took advantage of i t to accomplish our long t a l k e d of v i s i t to Mrs.Scott at the Sawmill. Mary & the g i r l s walked w i t h us to Wyoming, where we l e f t them, whic w h i l e we rode on to the m i l l . C a l l e d a t Mr.Wamsley's by the way, Anne seemed to enjoy the r i d e very much.-

March 1859.

30. Rather a long day at Kincumbar today.- Went to v i s i t 47 poor o l d Stacy, whom 1 found very well weak & a i l i n g , & I f I mistake not, drawing very near to the end of h i s journey. I remained sometime w i t h him, endeavouring to i n s t r u c t & guide him i n the way of preparing f o r h i s departure from t h i s world, & I hope my words were not l o s t upon him. He seemed very g r a t e f u l f o r my v i s i t - which I must endeavour to renew as soon as p o s s i b l e . Mrs.Kearnes gave me a nice cup of tea & bread & b u t t e r & eggs, when I returned to her house from Stacey's, & then I rode on to Ward's where I endeavoured so f a r to r e c o n c i l e Mrs.Ward as to induce her to send the c h i l d r e n back to s c h o o l , f o r she had taken offence at Mr.Lane about something or another, & had withdrawn the c h i l d r e n from school.

31. With Tom B a t t l e y ' s a i d , I went down the r i v e r i n my boat today. I had two objects i n view. F i r s t to see how M r s . G i t t i n s was, having l e a r n t from Charles l a s t Sunday that she was very unwell w i t h Lumbago.-The second object was to b r i n g home E l i z a Poole, daughter of Mr.Poole of Cockle Creek, whom I had p r e v i o u s l y engaged as a servant, & arranged to meet her at M r . G i t t i n s ' today. I was very glad to f i n d M r s . G i t t i n s q u i t e recovered again. - Alexa had gone to Sydney w i t h her Papa, so I d i d not see her.- We s t a r t e d soon a f t e r 3o'clock, b r i n g i n g E l i z a w i t h us, & on the way home c a l l e d a t a l l the l i t t l e cottages by the r i v e r s i d e , some 5 i n number as w e l l as on Mr.Henderson. ( I found I have made a mistake w r i t i n g as I now am on the 6th A p r i l , t h i s t r i p down the r i v e r was accomplished on F r i d a y l a s t the 1st A p r i l . ) On Thursday the 31st, we took h o l i d a y & spent the day abroad, as f o l l o w s . Mr. Nunn & h i s two daughters came down e a r l y , & we a l l set o f f a f t e r breakfast f o r E r i n a , where we were jo i n e d by Mr.Wm.Nunn & Miss Laura Donnison. Then, l e a v i n g the c h i l d r e n w i t h Mrs.Nunn, & Ann w i t h Miss Donnison, the r e s t of us rode out to Tuggerah Beach. The day was r a t h e r warmer than q u i t e d e s i r a b l e , but on the whole they seemed to enjoy the excursion.

A p r i l 1859.

6. Went to Mangrove on Saturday the 2nd, & a f t e r going 48. through my accustomed d u t i e s there, remaining on Monday to v i s i t among them, I returned l a s t evening, having had b e a u t i f u l weather a l l the time.- This morning I went over to the Steamer, to put Mary Townshend on board, who has taken her departure from us today. The Black Swan has now a l t e r e d her day, & i s to v i s i t us r e g u l a r l y every Wednesday. This evening I c a l l e d at Mona Vale to see how the l i t t l e boy was; a l s o on M r s . C o t t r i l l . Both much as us u a l .

7. Went to Kincumbar today & paid poor o l d Stacey a v i s i t , found him much the same as l a s t week, very feeble -I afterwards worked my way down as f a r as Mrs.Woodwards, c a l l i n g by the way on Mrs.Dunlop, whom I had not v i s i t e d f o r a very long time. Returned by Dr.Auld's, & g e t t i n g home very l a t e - a f t e r dark - found that some of the G i t t i n s e s had been up during the day & had taken Marianne home w i t h them.

8. A s l i g h t c o l d , which I f e l t coming on yesterday, has increased upon me today, so that I have remained at home as much as p o s s i b l e , to get r i d of i t the sooner. I only went to Mr.Battley's to t e l l them there would be no s i n g i n g & then paid M r s . C o t t r i l l a v i s i t .

9. My c o l d very troublesome today, remained at home sermon w r i t i n g , & preparing f o r tomorrows d u t i e s .

11. Had such a bad c o l d yesterday,(Sunday) that I deemed i t prudent not to go to E r i n a f o r the night s e r v i c e , 1 sent the people word by G:Swadling, & so came s t r a i g h t home from Kincumbar - This morning I went f i r s t to the sc h o o l , & from thence to Dr.Benson's, to b i d adieu to h i s e l d e s t boy, Thomas, who i s about to leave home, & j o i n h i s Uncle, on board s h i p , - I took him a few l i t t l e books & t r a c t s , which I

A p r i l 1859

11. hope w i l l read w i t h p r o f i t . - This evening I took Anne 4 9 . & Emily i n the boat, to c a l l on Mrs.Mann whom we had not been to see f o r sometime, having always been prevented, whenever we attempted to go there. The evening was b e a u t i f u l , & we a l l enjoyed the t r i p .

12. V i s i t e d Blue Gum F l a t & the Sawmill today, having borrowed Tom B a t t l e y ' s horse f o r the occasion, N e l l y ' s back being a l i t t l e touched w i t h the saddle & o l d Mettle r e g a l i n g himself on C o t t r i l l ' s c l o v e r . - The B u i l d i n g at the f l a t not being q u i t e f i n i s h e d enough, that i s , the reading desk e t c . not being up, nor the candle sockets, & a few other r e q u i s i t e s , I have decided upon going to the M i l l again next Sunday n i g h t , which I t h i n k w i l l be the l a s t time.- H,Battley l a d s & Mr.Felton have had my boat today on a l i t t l e f i s h i n g excursion down the r i v e r , & brought us a few samples of t h e i r sport t h i s evening.

13. C a l l e d t h i s morning at Mona Vale & on M r s . C o t t r i l l on my way to the Steamer.- I hoped to f i n d our cask of oatmeal on board the Black Swan t h i s morning, having n o t i c e d the a r r i v a l of the Canaan i n the paper l a s t week, but was disappointed. A f t e r dinner I rode over to Kincumbar to see how poor o l d Stacey was & found him a l i t t l e b e t t e r .

14. The Miss Nunns came down t h i s morning, by appointment, to cross the water to P o i n t C l a r e . But u n f o r t u n a t e l y a strong S.W. breeze had r a i s e d too much of a sea. We therefore determined upon r i d i n g round by Pagan's a f t e r dinner. In the meantime however the wind l u l l e d a l i t t l e , so about 3 o'clock we a l l got under weigh. We had a b e a u t i f u l calm evening f o r our homeward voyage & Mr.Nunn came f o r h i s daughters, & took a cup of tea w i t h us.

A p r i l 1859

15. At home a l l the morning reading & w r i t i n g . In the 50. afternoon went to the s i n g i n g c l a s s , having f i r s t been to see o l d Mr.Parry, who t a l k s of r e t u r n i n g home tomorrow, f i n d i n g himself a good d e a l b e t t e r f o r h i s v i s i t to Gosford.

16. At home a l l the morning, preparing f o r tomorrows d u t i e s . Towards evening went to pay M r s . C o t t r i l l a v i s i t , & sat some l i t t l e time w i t h her.

17. Sunday - Administered the Sacrament to 13 Communicants at Kincumbar. Had a very good & a t t e n t i v e congregation at Gosford, & the same at the Sawmill. A b e a u t i f u l f u l l moon a s s i s t e d me very m a t e r i a l l y to f i n d my way home.

18. Went to see Mr.Battley t h i s morning on Church business. This afternoon I rode up to c a l l on the Miss Donnisons, & Mrs.Wm.Nunn & made one or two c a l l s a t E'.Gosford.

19. Today I went to b r i n g Marianne home from M y r t l e Grove. John B a t t l e y came over to a s s i s t me w i t h the boat, accompanied by Mrs.Park, who seemed d l s l r o u s of going to make acquaintance w i t h the G i t t i n s e s . We could not p o s s i b l y have had a f i n e r day f o r our excursion. We l e f t soon a f t e r 9 o'clock, & reached our d e s t i n a t i o n i n about 1| hour. We found Captn. & Mrs.Joice there before us:& we made a party to ascend the h i l l a t the

western side of Webb's reef & w e l l were we r e p a i d , on reaching the top, f o r our e x e r t i o n i n clambering up the rugged r o c k s , Mrs.Park had provided h e r s e l f w i t h sketching m a t e r i a l s , & from the top of the rocky p r e c i p i c e , took a view of Broken Bay, w i t h i t s surrounding c l i f f s & headlands. The view on both sides was very b e a u t i f u l , & the b r i g h t c l e a r sky above imparted a corresponding hue to the calm & p l a c i d waters below. A f t e r spending an hour or so on the top of the h i l l , we a l l returned to Myrtle Gi?ove to dinner, & soon a f t e r sunset we re-embarked i n our l i t t l e boat & had a most b e a u t i f u l moonlight voyage home.- Miss G i t t i n s came

A p r i l 1859.

19. back w i t h us to spend a few days w i t h us, & we reached 51. home i n s a f e t y soon a f t e r 8 o'clock, a l l h i g h l y g r a t i f i e d w i t h the days excursion.

20. Went over to the steamer t h i s morning, c a l l i n g to see M r s , C o t t r i l l by the way, found a packet on board from Mr,Cape, w i t h a note i n t i m a t i n g h i s d e s i r e of coming up to see us during the Easter h o l i d a y s . I was s u r p r i s e d to l e a r n from him that the Colonel of the 12 Regt. now i n Sydney i s one of the " P e r c i v a l s " who as boys were at our school at Dulwich, but at present I know not whether i t i s Robert or John. A strong wind from the South came on about noon today which I almost f e a r would prevent the Black Swan from r e t u r n i n g to Sydney, & o b l i g e her to take refuge i n P i t t Water f o r the n i g h t . Took a l i t t l e s t r o l l out t h i s evening by the water s i d e .

21. Busy the greater part of the morning making out my account f o r the Newcastle Church So c i e t y f o r l a s t year, 1858:- I n the afternoon walked down to the B u r i a l Ground.

22. Good F r i d a y . I went over to Kincumbar f o r morning s e r v i c e s , Mr.Battley o f f i c i a t i n g at E:Gosford.- Had a very f a i r congregation, about 40.

23. Preparing today f o r tomorrows s e r v i c e s . - Made a few c a l l s about home i n the morning.- In afternoon we went over to E:Gosfd.- C a l l i n g i n at M r s . C o t t r i l l s by the way, a l s o at the church.

25. Yesterday (Easter Day) I had good congregations at a l l three p l a c e s , & i n the morning administered the Holy Communion to 41 Communicants,- the greater number I have ever had.- This morning the G i t t i n s e s came up, f o r the purpose of accompanying us to a l i t t l e p a r t y at Mr.Battley's t h i s evening.

26. The party went o f f very p l e a s a n t l y l a s t n i g h t . I t c o n s i s t e d of the two f a m i l i e s of B a t t l e y & H a r r i s o n , w i t h the G i t t i n s e s & o u r s e l v e s . - The dancing commenced soon

A p r i l 1859

26. a f t e r 8 o'c: & about 2 we took our leave & came home. 52. The G i t t i n s party set o f f i n t h e i r boat about 4 o'clock, as Mr.G: had to s t a r t t h i s morning f o r Sydney. This afternoon I rowed them a l l up to Mrs.Mann's i n the boat- a b e a u t i f u l evening & we enjoyed our t r i p .

27. On going over to the Steamer t h i s morning, 1 met there Mr.Cape & h i s l i t t l e g i r l Emily, whom 1 h a l f expected to f i n d , as Mr.C: had w r i t t e n to in t i m a t e the p r o b a b i l i t y of h i s coming. In the afternoon we a l l set o f f to walk up to Wyoming, but i t threatened r a i n so much that we judged i t prudent to r e t u r n ; &,going i n the opposite d i r e c t i o n down to the B u r i a l ground, i t there began to r a i n , & so we had a wet walk a f t e r a l l . There was some ni c e r a i n during the n i g h t , which was much wanted.

28. Rainy day-that i s , a succession of heavy showers from the N:E: a l l the fore part of the day. Towards evening Mr.Cape & I walked over to c a l l on the B a t t l e y s & Harrisons.

29. B e a u t i f u l day. We took advantage of i t , & went across the water to v i s i t the S c o t t s , The party c o n s i s t e d of Mr.Cape & h i s l i t t l e g i r l . Miss G i t t i n s & my two g i r l s . Being very calm I f e l t the sun rat h e r hot while rowing the boat over.

30. Having borrowed Tom B a t t l e y ' s horse f o r Mr.Cape, he & I set o f f f o r Yarramalong a f t e r b r e a k f a s t , & had r a t h t e r a tedious r i d e of i t , Mr.C. not being used to r i d i n g , we walked our horses the the whole way ne a r l y . Found a l l w e l l at Mr.Lette's; Mrs.Lette having been confined a week, w i t h a l i t t l e g i r l , & doing w e l l .

May 1859.

1. Sunday: Had my morning s e r v i c e a t Yarramalong, w i t h a congregation of about 24. Leaving Mr.Cape there, I rode down to Wyong f o r afternoon s e r v i c e , where I had but a poor congregation of 15. A f t e r s e r v i c e I r e p a i r e d to John Osborne's f o r the n i g h t , & met

May 1859

1. Mr.Nunn there on h i s way from Maitland w i t h b u l l o c k s . 53. Mr.Coulson was a l s o there.

2. L e f t Mr.Osborne's e a r l y , a f t e r b r e a k f a s t , & took the road to Cabbage Tree. Hearing that the Freemans had l e f t Mr.Hargraves & were l i v i n g at Wyhee, I went round that way to c a l l on them, & while there, Gorman the constable came i n , a l s o bound f o r Cabbage Tree & a f t e r p a r t a k i n g of a cup of t e a , we rode the remainder of the way together. On a r r i v i n g a t Cabbage Tree, found Mr.Hargraves & Edward both w e l l . I n the afternoon I rode out w i t h Edward to "Canton" to see what fishermen were there to attend my s e r v i c e next morning. Found two Germans there, l a t e l y a r r i v e d , one of them a married man named Smith, who had an i n f a n t about eleven months o l d . unbaptized, & they seemed very glad of the opportunity of g e t t i n g t h e i r c h i l d Xtend. I found these Germans [1] had been l i v i n g at Wye Wye, w i t h i n s i g h t of me, f o r about 12 months, as s h e l l gatherers, but I had never met w i t h them.

3. Had a n i c e l i t t l e congregation i n Mr.Hargraves p a r l o u r , & baptized Smith's c h i l d during the s e r v i c e . - S t a r t e d homeward about 2 P.M. Edward accompanying me across the entrance to F r o s t s . Reaching home about 7 P.M. & found Mr.Cape had only returned about noon, he & Mr.Lette having come down as f a r as the Sawmill l a s t n i g h t .

4. Mr.Lette & h i s Emily took t h e i r departure per steamer today. Charles & Alexa came up soon a f t e r b r e a k f a s t , f o r the purpose of t a k i n g Miss G: home w i t h them, & we a l l walked over together to the steamboat, to see the Capes o f f . - Mrs.Park & Mrs.Hargraves were t h e i r f e l l o w passengers, & they had a b e a u t i f u l afternoon f o r t h e i r t r i p . A f t e r dinner, having arranged that Miss G i t t i n s should remain here t i l l Monday, Charles & Alexa. took t h e i r departure i n the dingy & then went to see M r s . C o t t r i l l whom we found much the same.

[1] knnle SMITH, daughter o{, John Haimon -, Manlndt OjJ Cabbage Tiee. i MaKy Mania, Bofin 14 Jane 1858.

May 1859.

5. Went over to Kincumbar today, & a f t e r having a l i t t l e 54 catechism at the sch o o l , c a l l e d to see o l d Stacey, whom I found much b e t t e r - From thence I proceeded to T o r i g a l v i a Avoca, & so home through Mosquito Town, c a l l i n g at each house by the way u n t i l I came to Cork's which was the l a s t , f o r i t was then g e t t i n g dark, so I made the best of my way home.

6. At home w r i t i n g l e t t e r s a l l the morning. Went to the Church f o r a s i n g i n g c l a s s i n the afternoon, but no one came. Miss G i t t i n s & Marianne were w i t h me, & we went & c a l l e d on Mrs.Benson,

7. Today I have r e l i e v e d my mind from a burden which has been pres s i n g h e a v i l y upon me f o r a very long time & that i s , I have been to v i s i t McCullum, & Coulter's f a m i l y , besides a few others l i v i n g about Wye Wye.-The want of a boat has always been a serious impediment, preventing me from v i s i t i n g those who l i v e across the water, & since I got my boat, I have had to p r a c t i s e p u l l i n g w i t h both oars, before I could attempt going to any d i s t a n c e . - This morning, the weather being calm & f a i r , I set o f f a f t e r b r e a k f a s t to McCullum's, & f i n d i n g I accomplished that w i t h ease, I went on to C o u l t e r ' s , & a f t e r hearing the young people repeat t h e i r Catechism e t c : set out on my homeward voyage, & reached the wharf comfortably about Sunset, not so much fa t i g u e d as I expected to have been.- I must endeavour, now that I f i n d I can manage the boat, to give them a l l t h e i r p e r i o d i c a l v i s i t s across the water.

8. Sunday. A l i t t l e r a i n e a r l y i n the morning seemed to f r i g h t e n many from the Church, & caused me a small congregation. At Kincumbar & E r i n a there was a f a i r attendance

May 1859.

9. Took Miss G i t t i n s home today, according to promise. 55. Mr.Osborne promised to come down to accompany us, i f w e l l enough, but d i d not appear. Anne & the g i r l s went, & Miss G i t t i n s took one of the oars & p u l l e d n e a r l y a l l the way down. Charles came to meet us as f a r as Henderson's, & there being a f a i r wind, took us i n tow. A f t e r enjoying a nice ramble to the top of the h i l l behind t h e i r house, & a good hearty dinner, we set out on our homeward voyage about i p 3. accompanied by a l l the young people, l e a v i n g the " o l d f o l k s at home" by themselves. The reason of t h e i r coming was, to be present at a gathering which i s to take place tomorrow at Wyoming, on the occasion of a C r i c k e t Match which i s then & there to come o f f between the clubs of Wyong & the McDonald R i v e r . As soon as we returned home. I set o f f to Wyoming to see Mr.Nunn, f o r having understood that the Messrs Horsbrugh were to be of the p a r t y , I had scruples about meeting Mr.B:H, without some previous s o r t of r e c o n c i l i a t i o n , as I have not spoken to him since h i s outbreak, & I thought i t a good opportunity to b r i n g about a r e t u r n to our former f r i e n d l y i n t e r c o u r s e , & that Mr.Nunn would undertake to speak to him w i t h that view, which he promises to do tomorrow morning.

10. A l l went to Wyoming a f t e r b r e a k f a s t , but u n f o r t u n a t e l y i t turned out a r a i n y day & so prevented our witnessing the game at c r i c k e t , although i t d i d not stop the play. One good however r e s u l t e d from i t , namely, the re establishment of f r i e n d s h i p , ( i f that term be a p p l i c a b l e ) between Mr.Horsbrugh & myself. I only hope & pray that he has sought the peace of h i s offended God, by humble co n f e s s i o n , & deep c o n t r i t i o n f o r h i s s i n . I brought Anne & the c h i l d r e n home before dark, but the G i t t i n s e s remained f o r a l i t t l e dancing i n the evening & returned about 12 o'clock

May 1859

11. The G i t t i n s e s l e f t us about i past 6 t h i s morning, so 56 as to get home to brea k f a s t . I went up to the school a f t e r b r e a k f a s t , & i n the afternoon to see M r s . C o t t r i l l .

12. Went to the Sawmill today, to warn the people of next Sunday nig h t ' s s e r v i c e , & a l s o of my i n t e n t i o n of opening the new b u i l d i n g at the f l a t on Sunday f o r t n i g h t , when there w i l l be morning s e r v i c e .

13. Remained a t home today, & wrote to the Bishop about nominating Church Wardens, the people having f a i l e d on Easter Tuesday to perform that part of t h e i r duty. Went to the Church i n the afternoon f o r s i n g i n g c l a s s but on 4 met me.

14. Went up to E r i n a today, to see what I could do i n the way of c o l l e c t i n g f o r our Church Fund.- I wrote out s e v e r a l copies of the account of a l l monies received & paid on acct of the Church, & l e f t one w i t h F l e t c h e r , & another w i t h Dan: Berry, & s h a l l d i s t r i b u t e a few more, to l e t them a l l see e x a c t l y what has been done, & what remains to be done.

15. Sunday. Most un f o r t u n a t e l y one of my very bad headaches came on to day, & prevented me from accomplishing the whole of my days d u t i e s . I f e l t so unwell i n the afternoon that I dismissed my congregation at E:Gosford without a sermon. Nor could I attempt to go to the sawmill In the evening.-I t was r a t h e r a r a i n y day besides.

16. Went up to Blue Gum F l a t , t h i s morning, to give Buscombe d i r e c t i o n s about f i x i n g the reading desk, & making a Communion Table f o r the l i t t l e Church. I n the afternoon we a l l walked down to c a l l on Mrs.Coulter, whom we had not v i s i t e d f o r some time, looked i n at Mr.Battley's & at Mona Vale on our way home.

17. Being a n i c e b r i g h t bracing day, I took a walk out today as f a r as Anson's & Long's c a l l i n g at the various houses which l a y i n my route outwards & homewards.

18. Wrote some l e t t e r s t h i s morning to post per Steamer. Afternoon to Kincumbar

May 1859.

19. This being Marianne's bir t h d a y (now 14) I gave myself a h o l i d a y & remained at home. Mr Harrisons 4 g i r l s came to spend the day w i t h her. By way of a l i t t l e amusement f o r myself, I spent an hour t h i s afternoon improving my boat wharf a l i t t l e , by r a i s i n g i t higher.

20. Spent the morning v i s i t i n g Mrs.Muddle, Owen, Capper & C o t t r i l l . Afternoon to s i n g i n g class,* but had a very small attendance.only 3 & 2 c h i l d r e n .

21. At home a l l the morning sermon w r i t i n g . Towards evening I walked over to E:Gosford to see Mrs.Piper, & some others about Mr.Venemans M i l l . Saw Orpin among the r e s t who i s so f a r recovered now, as to be able to s p l i t shingles - i n the bush. I found him j u s t coming home from h i s days work.

22. Sunday - Usual s e r v i c e s at a l l three places.

23. Got John B a t t l e y to help me p u l l the boat to Wye Wye & l e a v i n g i t at Cou l t e r s I walked across to Gaskin's & v i s i t e d a l l at that l o c a l i t y .

24. Went to Chittaway & Sawmill, summoning a l l the people to come to the opening of the new Blue Gum F l a t Church next Sunday.

25. Went to the steamer, & a f t e r dinner rowed Mr.& Mrs.Nunn up to c a l l on Mrs.Mann. Anne & the g i r l s a l s o accompanied us.

26. Was j u s t preparing to go to Kincumbar t h i s morning, when 1 heard that somethings I had sent to the Wyoming wharf f o r the Blue Gum F l a t Church, had not been sent, so 1 had to a l t e r my plans, & r i d e up to see about them, & put a l l to r i g h t s .

27. To Kincumbar d i r e c t l y a f t e r b r e a k f a s t , & back to dinner to attend the s i n g i n g c l a s s , at which only 3 or 4 attended.- Found Mr.& Mrs.Mann here on my r e t u r n .

28. At home a l l the morning. To Blue G.Flat afternoon to see that a l l things were ready f o r tomorrow.

May 1859.

29. Sunday.- A b e a u t i f u l day - most favourable f o r the opening 58. of our l i t t l e church at Blue Gum F l a t . Mr. & Mrs.Nunn, & Kate rode up w i t h me, & we had a very g r a t i f y i n g s e r v i c e . The l i t t l e b u i l d i n g was q u i t e f u l l , & our c o l l e c t i o n amounted to £4-4-1. At the afternoon s e r v i c e at E.Gosfd., I had two r a t h e r troublesome^chlldren to baptize one being 4 yrs o l d & the other more than one year- the c h i l d r e n of Edwd.Couche of Wye Wye.

30. Had an e a r l y b r e a k f a s t , & went up to Blue Gum F l a t to open the l i t t l e school House. Found Margaret Bates & about 12 l i t t l e c h i l d r e n , w i t h whom she made a begining. I n the afternoon I rode up to E r i n a to see Mrs.White, & give her an order f o r admission to the Infirmary i n Sydney.- Found slohn Osborne here on my r e t u r n , ready to accompany me (by appointment) to Myrtle Grove tomorrow.

31. S t a r t e d f o r M y r t l e Grove i n the boat a f t e r b r e a k f a s t , w i t h the two Miss Nunn's & my own g i r l s , Mr.Osborne & myself p u l l i n g . We had a d e l i g h t f u l day, but unfortunately a l l the gentlemen were from home. The wind having freshened a l i t t l e i n the afternoon, we had to p u l l a l i t t l e harder coming home.

June 1859.

1. Mr.Cape a r r i v e d per Steamer today upon an e l e c t i o n e e r i n g v i s i t , to meets address the e l e c t o r s of the d i s t r i c t . -I n the evening he accompanied me to c a l l on M r s . C o t t r i l l , Mr.Battley & H a r r i s o n .

2. At home a l l day preparing f o r my Mangrove journey.

3. Set o f f f o r Mangrove a f t e r b r e a k f a s t , & had a b e a u t i f u l day f o r my r i d e . Went by the upper road i n t o the creek, & worked my way down to Watkin's.

June 1859.

4. Found i t r a i n i n g on g e t t i n g up t h i s morning, & the t i d e s 59. not answering f o r going down the creek as I intended, I spent the day v i s i t i n g among those about the neighbourhood, i n c l u d i n g I r o n bark Creek, & Wm.Woodbury's.

Sunday - 5th - Two very good congregations. Was glad to see P h i l i p Gould i n Church again, f o r he has been a stranger there f o r a long w h i l e ,

6. Went up the creek a f t e r breakfast to v i s i t poor o l d Mr.Parry whom I found very i l l , & s u f f e r i n g great b o d i l y p a i n . He s t i l l c l i n g s to a hope of g e t t i n g b e t t e r though I f e a r there i s l i t t l e chance of h i s ever r a l l y i n g . I read s e v e r a l passages of the B i b l e , & t a l k e d & prayed w i t h him, & he appeared r e a l l y g r a t e f u l f o r my v i s i t & expressed himself very w e l l . -condemnlng himself as a very great s i n n e r . I hope he was sin c e r e i n h i s expressions of penitence.- A f t e r v i s i t i n g Gould's f a m i l y I made my way down to Watkin's by dark.- Met Mr.Cape & h i s f r i e n d s coming from t h e i r meeting at Mclntoshs, where Mr.C: was w e l l r e c e i v e d .

7. Wet morning - St a r t e d soon a f t e r 9. & reached home towards sunset a f t e r a disagreeable wet f e e t r i d e through the wet bushes.- On reaching home I was shocked to f i n d poor I r v i n absent on the p a i n f u l duty of burying h i s l i t t l e i n f a n t which was born about 10 days ago.- H J

I t died rather unexpectedly, a f t e r a short i l l n e s s , & unbaptized.

8. To the Steamer t h i s morning a f t e r w r i t i n g a l e t t e r or two. In the afternoon I paid M r s . C o t t r i l l a v i s i t , & then the two g i r l s rowed me across to Po i n t Holden & back again, without my touching an oar.

9. Went up to the church t h i s morning to marry Robert Goldie & Han.Lees.-the second couple only that I have married since the Church was f i n i s h e d . At home i n f ^ J the afternoon.

[1] No e.ntiy lot that baby eJjthzK baptiAm on baiLall

[2] 9 Jane. 1859, at ChnLit Ckaiak, Eait Goi,ioid, Robejit GOLVIE, 25, EacheZoK, BoKn at Manchlane., MtikiAt, Scotland, SpllttZA, o{, Blue. Gum Flat - 6on o^ Jame.6 -, Smyex i Baibana [BROOM] - and

Hannah. LEES, 18, SplniteA. Bonn at Klajtna, daughter ol Jame.6 -, 0^ Blue. Gum Flat, and Many [LEES].

Wltm66eJ,: Vavld GOLVIE and HeJie.n LEES. [Robext GOLVIE wa6 a Pnt6byte.nlan].

June 1859.

28. I have suff e r e d t h i s gap to a r i s e i n my j o u r n a l , & though I cannot f i l l i t up a c c u r a t e l y , w i l l now record as much as my poor memory w i l l enable me to do. On Monday, the 13th I went down the r i v e r , rowing myself alone to M r . G i t t i n s ' , A f t e r d i n i n g w i t h them, Mr.G. & Charles rowed me down to Captn. Jone's, On the way back I c a l l e d on Mrs.Booker & most of the other f o l k s by the waterside. The westerly wind being ra t h e r s t r o n g , Charles took compassion on me, & helped me home. M I found he had bought me a nice p a i r of l i g h t paddles f o r my boat, & we brought them home w i t h us. On Tuesday we a l l went to spend the day w i t h Mrs.Auld, & I was glad of Charles' help to row across, as the wind got up soon a f t e r we had s t a r t e d . We c a l l e d on Mrs.Roberts a l s o , & took tea there on our way back. E l i z a went w i t h us, & I discovered that she i s a very good hand at an oar f o r she took one of them & rowed a l l the way home. On Wednesday, the 15th, a f t e r going to the steamer, I rode over to Kincumbar, to examine the school c h i l d r e n , I then went to see Mrs.Godwin, & gave p r i v a t e Baptism to her young i n f a n t , from thence I went across to Mr.McKechnie, whom I found very p o o r l y . On r e t u r n i n g home, I found a l e t t e r from Mr,Cape, ( t h i s by the bye was on Thursday, a f t e r having been out to v i s i t o l d Warburton) announcing the g r a t i f y i n g f a c t of h i s having been e l e c t e d member f o r the Wollombl e l e c t o r a t e , without o p p o s i t i o n . -On F r i d a y , 17th Mr.Battley a s s i s t e d me at the school examination at E:Gosford.- On Saturday I went up to Blue Gum F l a t to f i x the c a n d l e s t i c k s i n the Church there, to be a l l ready f o r the f o l l o w i n g evening's s e r v i c e . Sunday the 19th wet morning - small congregation at Kincumbar, p r e t t y f a i r at E.Gosfd. & very good at Blue Gum F l a t . Monday 20th at home.

Mo zntKy ^ound JLYI ChuKch Rzg-titeA Ion. baptL&m6.

June 1859.

28. Tuesday the 21st, went over to Kincumbar, & v i s i t e d 61. Mrs.Mckechnie, whom I was very glad to f i n d doing w e l l a f t e r her confinement, w i t h a l i t t l e daughter. Paid a few other v i s i t s i n that neighbourhood, i n c l u d i n g Mrs.Booth at Avoca. On Wednesday morning 1 received a note, requesting me to go over & marry Bentley & [1] Mrs. Futcher at Kincumbar, which I ac c o r d i n g l y d i d . On r e t u r n i n g home, I found that among other a r r i v a l s per steamer, a box from England had come, containing two b e a u t i f u l sets of books f o r the two churches, Xt. Ch: & Kincumbar, presented by S.P.C.K. On Thursday [2] morning I v i s i t e d a l l the f a m i l i e s i n t h i s township, i n v i t i n g them to send t h e i r l i t t l e c h i l d r e n to Sunday School at the Parsonage, every Sunday, a p r o p o s i t i o n to which they r e a d i l y assented. On F r i d a y afternoon I rode out to see o l d Warburton again, going round by Swadlings & F o s t e r s . Remained at home on Saturday, w i t h the exception of walk up to the Church towards evening w i t h the g i r l s , who helped me to c a r r y up the new Books.- Sunday was u n f o r t u n a t e l y a wet day, so that I had very scant congregations at the two churches, & none at a l l at E r i n a . - yesterday I went to C o ulter's i n the morning, to ask him to b r i n g me i n some firewood today, f o r I am now without a manservant, & have to perform a l l the menial work of c u t t i n g wood et c . myself. Today 1 have made a round through Kincumbar, Avoca, & T o r i g a l , & being sleepy & t i r e d , & the clock j u s t upon the s t r i k e of eleven, 1 must wipe my pen, Sf go to bed.

29. This morning I rec e i v e d a l e t t e r from Mr.Hargraves, ( i n r e p l y to one which I wrote to him l a s t week, as'tcing him to renew my b i l l f o r 1150)Hi/i s t a t i n g h i s i n a b i l i t y

[1] 22 June. 1859, at the. PanUh Ckunck, KlncwmbeA, AU^ied BENTLEY, 27, BackeJioH.. Bom at Buiy St. Edmund, Stexun Engine. ModelmakeA, ol Kinc.umbe.>i - 6on o^ Tkomai ~, UoodtumeA, and Sophia [HEAD] - and

Maty FUTCHER, Wldouj o^ Thomas FUTCHER, 6 zhJULdizn, 31. Bom at Dog Ttap Road, Patiamatta, Klncumbzfi - daughter o{ WHllam PATRICK, CaiKleji, and Saiah [SUNVERLANV] de.c.eja6e.d.

lJilltne.6ie.6: Geoige. & Maty GODWIN.

[2] SocleXy loK the. Propagation o^ Chilitlan Knou)le.dge..

June 1859

29. to do so, & Monday's post having brought me a l e t t e r 62. from the Bank, g i v i n g formal n o t i c e that the b i l l was dishonored, I have now a d d i t i o n a l cause, of anx i e t y on my mind.- I see no course open but to go to Morpeth next week & see i f the Bishop can a s s i s t i n e x t r i c a t i n g me from my d i f f i c u l t y & have w r i t t e n him a short note by today's post acquainting him w i t h my i n t e n t i o n of paying him a v i s i t next week. This morning was spent as u s u a l , going to the Steamer & Post O f f i c e . A f t e r dinner Anne & I rode up to Wyoming, to see Mrs.Nunn, who has been very unwell l a t e l y , but we were glad to f i n d her much b e t t e r .

30. Out again today, i n the E r i n a d i r e c t i o n , on my u s u a l l y f r u i t l e s s errand of money hunting, p a r t l y doing Church Warden's duty, c o l l e c t i n g pew seats & brought home only £2 i n s t e a d of £4-10, besides a s o l i t a r y s u b s c r i p t i o n of 10/- from Logan, at E.Gosford.

J u l y 1859.

1 & 2 At home g e t t i n g every t h i n g prepared, & i n readiness f o r my journey to Morpeth next week.

3. Sunday - S t a r t e d about 7 A:M: f o r my morning s e r v i c e at Wyong Creek. A b e a u t i f u l , c l e a r , f r o s t y morning, the ground q u i t e white w i t h hoar f r o s t i n Mr.Nunn's paddocks.- Had but a s m a l l congregation at Wyong, & a s t i l l s maller one at Yarramalong.- Baptized Durrington's [1] c h i l d at Wyong, & Mr.Lette's at Yarramalong. [2]

4. L e f t Mr.Lettes at j p 8, & found the wedding party w a i t i n g f o r me at Wyong, James C l i f f o r d , & Susan F r o s t , [3] whom I there married, a f t e r which I proceeded to Cabbage

[1] OJiZllm Jokn VUKklUGTOH, 6on oi Thotnai -, TaimzK Wyong Cittk i Many Ann, Bonn 6 Apull 1859,

[2] Emily Sophia LETTE, daaghttn o^ John Maximal SzXtlzfi ai Va.Kn.ma.long & San.ah. Bon.n 23 Apnll 1859,

[3] 4 July 1859, at the. u6ual placz oi uion.6hlp at Wyong Cn.ze.k, Jamzi CLIEEOW, 20, Bachzlon.. Bonn In Wllt6hln.z, England, Labounex, o^ yann.amalong - 6on 0^ WJJillam Fanmzn, and Edith [PULLEMJ - and

Su^an FROST, about 17, SplniteA. Bon.n at Enlna, Bnl6banz WaXzn, o^ Wyong Cnzzk - daughtzn. o{ Gzongz -, Laboun.zn, and Ann [VOMUELLV]

WUnz66Z6: John CLIFFORV and EUcia COULVRV.

TMO documznt'i apposed In Rzgli>teji - Coniznt o^ both paKentt, and CznXl^lzatz 0^ Mannlagz.

J u l y 1859.

4. Tree, where I found Mr.Hargraves & Edward both w e l l . Having no establishment about him, except the carpenter & h i s w i f e , I had no s e r v i c e there,

5. Started about 10 A.M: f o r Mount Vincent; where I a r r i v e d about sunset, & was glad to f i n d them a l l w e l l .

6. Mr.Child having k i n d l y l e n t me a horse, I proceeded to Morpeth a f t e r b r e a k f a s t , l e a v i n g N e l l y to r e s t the w h i l e . C a l l e d & saw Mrs.McKenzie at Richmond V a l e , reached Morpeth soon a f t e r one, & found the Bishop q u i t e alone, & as k i n d l y disposed as ever. He quite r e l i e v e d me from my d i f f i c u l t y i n the matter of my prom: note to Mr.Hargraves, by g i v i n g me a cheque f o r £100. which, w i t h the £50 I had c o l l e c t e d , met the note i n question. I sent the money o f f at once through the Morpeth Post.

7. Set out on my homeward journey about eleven. C a l l e d f i r s t at Mr.Chambers', where I was d e l i g h t e d to f i n d Kate & Bessy from S i n g l e t o n . A f t e r p a r t a k i n g of some luncheon, I c a l l e d on Mrs.Rusden, where I met Mrs.Selwyn from the Clarence -Looked i n again at Richmond Vale, & then jogged on to Mount Vincent.

8. Made an e a r l y s t a r t at i p 7 AM; & had a most d e l i g h t f u l day f o r my r i d e . C a l l e d at Currumbong, & p r i v a t e l y baptized George Stockdale's i n f a n t , reached home j u s t as "Night's shades began to i n v o l v e the sky."

9. Not much doing today - went to b r i n g M e t t l e from C o t t r i l ' s , & c a l l e d to d e l i v e r sundry c e r t i f i c a t e s to Mr.Battley.

HaKKlat Ellen STOCKVALE, daughter o(, Geoige Robinson -, EameA CuKimbong i Ann Rebecca. Bonn 12 June 1859.

J u l y 1859,

10. Sunday, & one of my b r i g h t days, I.e. found good 64 congregations a t the s e v e r a l churches. & I f e l t p a r t i c u l a r l y w e l l , & able f o r the three s e r v i c e s . The day was b e a u t i f u l , w i t h c o l d f r o s t y a i r , morning & evening.

11. At home a l l day, c h i e f l y occupied w i t h out-door duties of wood c u t t i n g , & g e t t i n g food f o r the horses, e t c . et c . This being without a man i s a great hindrance to me.

12. Went up to Blue Gum F l a t & the Sawmill today, to warn the people f o r next Sunday night's s e r v i c e . C a l l e d by the way to see Mrs.Nunn, who has been s u f f e r i n g l a t e l y from some ki n d of a rheumatic p a i n i n one hand & arm. I paid Mr.Scott today f o r the timber he su p p l i e d f o r the b u i l d i n g at Blue Gum F l a t .

13. With the exception of going to the Steamer, I have been at home again today. Among the passengers per Steamer I greeted Mr.Hely, who has j u s t returned from England, &, I am happy to say, has brought a wife out w i t h him.

14. A f t e r dinner went over to Kincumbar to v i s i t Steacy, Kerns having c a l l e d to say that he was very i l l , & d e s i r e d t o see me. I found the poor o l d man confined to h i s bed, from which I t h i n k he w i l l never r i s e again.- F i n d i n g he had not made any W i l l , & that he possessed landed property at Cook's R i v e r , I o f f e r e d to draw out a w i l l f o r him, which he i n s t r u c t e d me to do bequeathing h i s land to h i s neighbour, John Kerns, from whom he has rece i v e d so much k i n d a t t e n t i o n f o r some years past.

15. Having w r i t t e n Steacy's w i l l f o r him l a s t evening, I went over t h i s afternoon to get him to s i g n i t , t a k i n g Mr.Lane to witness i t w i t h myself.

16. At home a l l today, g e t t i n g a good supply of wood chopped, & food provided f o r the horses.- I had r a t h e r a hard day's work, & f e l t fagged at n i g h t .

J u l y 1859.

17. Sunday Rose w i t h symptoms of headache, which increased as the day advanced, but d i d not come to a f i r s t c l a s s headache. Had a very good attendance i n the evening at Blue Giam F l a t , notwithstanding the darkness of the n i g h t .

18. Went over to Kincumbar to administer the Holy Communion to Steacy, whom I found much worse,-evidently s i n k i n g i n t o the grave. Five were there to communicate w i t h him, besides myself. The poor o l d man seemed very t h a n k f u l , & I t r u s t was accepted as worthy communicant.

19. Went to Mooney creek today, & found a n i c e l i t t l e congregation assembled at Roe's house, where I held s e r v i c e , & baptized an i n f a n t grand daughter of o l d W i l l i a m Hibbs.

20. Wet day - rather unfavorable f o r the Steamer, but there was no wind - James Crane came over i n the morning to o f f e r h i s s e r v i c e s i n t a k i n g the c a r t to the steamer, wh: I g l a d l y accepted, as there were two heavy sacks of maize to come. I rode N e l l y over to E.Gosford, the f i r s t time I have crossed her since r e t u r n i n g from Morpeth. Her f o o t i s a great deal b e t t e r , tho' not w e l l yet.

21. One of the most tempestuous-days I have ever witnessed -t o r r e n t s of r a i n , & very h i g h , c o l d wind f o r S to S:E: - NO going out any where.

22. This day has been a p e r f a c t contrast to yesterday; j u s t as b e a u t i f u l as i t was stormy & r a i n y . - I was preparing to go over to Kincumbar to see Stacey ii^t & had o l d M e t t l e i n & saddled f o r the purpose, but a v a r i e t y of i n t e r r u p t i o n s wore away the day u n t i l i t was too l a t e . I must therefore break through my r u l e tomorrow, & go out on Saturday. We have had a party

Kdzla. FKanczi HIBBS, iZltgJiJJjnaite. daughteA Sarah Rtbzaca. GianddaugkteA Wlltiam HJBBS, FameA ol Moonty Mooney C>ie.e.k. Bom 9 June. 1859.

J u l y 1859

22. of the G i t t i n s e s here t o d a y , E l l e n & A l e x a , Charles 66. & Mr.Homfray.- Mr. Nunn a l s o c a l l e d to speak to me about the steamer. Black Swan, Mr.Manning having w r i t t e n to me on Wednesday to say that he could not continue the weekly t r i p s , & must reduce them to 2 per month. Mr.Nunn c a l l e d to say that he had been c o n s u l t i n g s e v e r a l p a r t i e s , who a l l hold the same opinion w i t h himself that the Black Swan had b e t t e r be withdrawn a l t o g e t h e r , & so make room f o r another.

23. This morning I went over to Kincumbar to see Stacey, whom I found much as I had l e f t him on Monday l a s t , but was s o r r y to hear from Mrs.Keans, that he i s g e t t i n g impatient under h i s s u f f e r i n g , & not bearing h i s pains so w e l l as a dying X t i a n ought. I read a couple of Passages from the B i b l e ( Heb. 12 & 1 Rs.2) & endeavoured to impress upon him the duty of p a t i e n t submission e t c . - This afternoon occupied preparing food f o r my horses, & wood f o r the f i r e s f o r tomorrow (Sunday)

August 1859.

11. (Thursday) I am passing away my time now i n a very u n s a t i s f a c t o r y & u n p r o f i t a b l e manner, so l a r g e a p o r t i o n of i t being spent i n woodcutting & p r o v i d i n g f o r my horses, so that by the time I have f i n i s h e d a l l the necessary jobs f o r the day, there i s l i t t l e time to go out v i s i t i n g my p a r i s h i o n e r s . Here i s a gap of n e a r l y a f o r t n i g h t since the l a s t date, which I must endeavour at l e a s t p a r t i a l l y to f i l l up. On Tuesday the 26th I went to Blue Gum F l a t & Chittaway, to warn the people of the morning s e r v i c e at the F l a t the coming Sunday. On Wednesday, l o s t some 2 hours or more w a i t i n g & watching f o r the steamer, which d i d not come

August 1859,

11. that day, owing, as I since l e a r n t from Mr,Manning, to 67. the boisterous weather. On F r i d a y the 29th, we a l l went down to M y r t l e Grove i n the boat, & brought Alexa. home w i t h us.- Sunday was u n f o r t u n a t e l y a wet day, & though I had a good congregation at B:G;Flat, there were s c a r c e l y any i n the a f t n . at Gosford. Last Thursday we a l l went up to E r i n a , Anne spent the day w i t h Miss Donnison while A l e x a , the 2 g i r l s , & myself went on to T o r i g a l , Miss D: l e n d i n g us two of t h e i r horses. Miss Laura we found very i l l , under Dr.Auld's treatment, confined to the couch, & it s u f f e r i n g much p a i n . - A l l F r i d a y I was very busy preparing f o r my Mangrove journey, g e t t i n g a good supply of wood cut, e t c . e t c . - On Saturday I s t a r t e d , & had a f i n e day f o r my journey. Came back again on Tuesday, having accomplished my usual r o u t i n e of Mangrove duty. V i s i t e d poor o l d Mr.Parry on Monday, f o r the l a s t time, f o r t h i s evening word has come down that he died t h i s morning. Yesterday being Steamer day I went over f'J as usual to see what things she had brought f o r me etc e t c . Today I have been to see o l d Stacey, & made a few other c a l l s i n the neighbourhood, l o o k i n g i n at E r i n a on the way back, where I was r e j o i c e d to f i n d Miss Laura very much b e t t e r .

September 1859.

28. Quite time f o r me to break s i l e n c e , & again make some l i t t l e mention of what I am doing - Much has t r a n s p i r e d s i n c e the l a s t date, but a b r i e f o u t l i n e of some of the more prominent matters, i s a l l that my poor memory w i l l enable me to attempt.- Poor o l d Stacey died about f2J the middle of l a s t month,& 1 buried him at Kincumbar on h i s b i r t h d a y , the 16th Augt.

f j j Mo mtiij ^ound In Chmch RtgxAteji ^ot bmlati.

[2] VtnnU STACEV, aged 76, SmyeA oi KlncmbeA. Vltd 13 Auguil 1859.

September 1859

I cannot now c a l l to mind any very p a r t i c u l a r events, 68. or t r a n s a c t i o n s during the remainder of August, my time was occupied as usual too much of i t i n the performance of menial work. On F r i d a y the 2nd i n s t a n t I set out f o r Yarramalong, c a l l i n g at Wallarraba by the way, to make acquaintance w i t h some new comers i n that l o c a l i t y . Four f a m i l i e s b r others, named M o r r i s , & a l l church people have l a t e l y come to commence working t h e i r l i t t l e farms there. J u s t as I had seen them a l l , & had turned my horse's head towards Yarramalong, i t commenced r a i n i n g , & I rode f o r about 2 hours, i n as heavy a pouring down r a i n as ever I was out i n . I t was past 6 o'clock when I a r r i v e d at Mr.Lette's & the r a i n continued a l l n i g h t , pouring i n t o r r e n t s , consequently when we got up on Saturday morning, we were not s u r p r i s e d to f i n d the creek flooded, & the water coming i n upon the c u l t i v a t i o n ground. I t ; c o n t i n u e d r i s i n g a l l that day & next n i g h t , & there I was completely hemmed i n by f l o o d s t i l l Tuesday morning, when Mr.Lette accompanied me a few mile s to show me the track l e a d i n g to Mangrove, that being the only route by which I could p o s s i b l y get away. I reached the Blood Tree about 9 miles from Mr. L e t t e s , & then came along the Mangrove t r a c k , & down by the Sawmill. On Friday the 9th Uncle F e r r i s a r r i v e d per steamer, & i s here s t i l l . The f o l l o w i n g week I was going about as much as I could to warn the people of the Bishop's approaching v i s i t . - Went to M y r t l e Grove one day i n the boat, w i t h F e r r i s , who p u l l e d one oar a l l the way there & back. I got Charles to take me up to Davis's as w e l l . C a l l e d on Mr. Henderson

September 1859.

28. as we weat down. On Saturday the 17th F e r r i s rode 69. w i t h me to Mangrove. On Monday, 19th I met the Bishop by appointment at the 10 mile hollow at i p 8, & a f t e r having s e r v i c e at Mangrove, which was w e l l attended, we come down & reached home before 6 o'clock.- On Tuesday afternoon we had s e r v i c e at Blue Gum F l a t -On Wednesday at Kincumbar, & on Thursday at Gosford -a l l w e l l attended, & everything s a t i s f a c t o r i l y arranged touching the Stipend Fund. On F r i d a y we s t a r t e d e a r l y & had s e r v i c e at Wyong Creek, a f t e r which the Bishop proceeded on h i s journey to Mount Vincent, & F e r r i s & myself rode l e i s u r e l y home. On Saturday I was glad of a days r e s t a f t e r a l l the week's excitement & I daresay my horses were e q u a l l y pleased w i t h the h o l i d a y . My congregations on Sunday were ra t h e r below the usual standard. On Monday morning (26th) I rode up to the Sawmill to Baptize a s i c k c h i l d - Mrs.Tomlinson's, [7j & rode home from thence accompanied by Mr.Scott. Yesterday I went over to Kincumbar, v i s i t i n g a t Woodward's, Davises, Poole's & across the water there to Ta y l o r ' s . This evening I rode up to E r i n a , t o see Mrs.White previous to her departure from the d i s t r i c t .

29. F e r r i s & I took a r i d e today down to the G i t t i n s e s , who have removed from My r t l e Grove to t h e i r new residence -Ward's property near the heads, which, f o r want of a name we have c a l l e d "Tonga" from the qu a n t i t y of that p l a n t which grows i n that l o c a l i t y . I went on & c a l l e d on Captn Joyce.

Ann EtLza TOULIHSOH, daughXeA Samatl -, SavomakeA. Oarlmbah SmrnWi i Marganejt, Born 9 StpteiribHA 1S59,

October 1859.

8. (Saturday n i g h t ) Yesterday week I s t a r t e d f o r Mangrove 70. about midday & reached Watkins's about ^ p 7. Saturday I spent at the lower part of the creek & Monday at the Upper p a r t ; t a k i n g names of Subscribers to the Stipend Fund.- I succeeded very f a i r l y , g e t t i n g s u b s c r i p t i o n s to n e a r l y £20. Made an e a r l y s t a r t on Tuesday morning & reached home about I p 10. & saw F e r r i s o f f per Steamer.- I found on my r e t u r n a l e t t e r from the Bishop requesting me to draw up a simple memorial to Parliament against the a b o l i t i o n of s t a t e a i d to R e l i g i o n , & a f t e r g e t t i n g i t as numerously signed as p o s s i b l e , to send i t to Mr.Cape f o r p r e s e n t a t i o n & t h i s has engaged the whole of my time f o r the l a s t three days, u n t i l today, which I have spent at home a t job work.

16. Summer has come suddenly upon us. The l a s t 2 or 3 days have been very warm, e s p e c i a l l y today, when the thermo: reached 90 i n the shade. I went to Blue Gum F l a t t h i s morning to bury a C h i l d of W:Durrington at Wyong Creek. I t s death was occasioned by f i r e , being severely burnt a few weeks ago.

14. On Tuesday afternoon I rode over to Kincumbar to see Mrs.Dunlop, who I heard was unwell, & from thence by MrS.Woodward's down to Davis's which made i t very l a t e before I got home again.- On Wednesday afternoon I rode up to Mangrove f o r the purpose on Marrying a couple there yesterday. Isaac Dixon & Jane Lewls-& having performed that ceremony yesterday morning, came back again i n the afternoon. At home a l l today l e t t e r w r i t i n g e t c .

[1] Elizabeth VURKlNGTOhl, OjJ Wyong Ciddk., agzd 5 yzai6 5 months, the. daughtzi o^ William -, EatmOJi. Vle.d S Octobeji 1S59,

[2] Ho e.ntn.y ^oand In Chufich Re.gli,teA.

October 1859.

29. (Saturday evening) Here i s the end of another week, & 72 l i k e most of i t s predecessors, I f e a r there i s l i t t l e p r o f i t a b l e labour to record. On a r r i v i n g at the Church at Kincumbar on Sunday afternoon, I l e a r n t that Mrs.Dunlop [T] had died about one o'clock, & at Mr.John Dunlops request I went round that way a f t e r church & arranged w i t h him f o r the f u n e r a l to take place at eleven o'clock on Tuesday. On Monday morning I went across to P o i n t C l a r e , to see Mr.Scott, about commencing h i s work of c o l l e c t i n g , & had to put him r i g h t a l s o w i t h regard to the misunderstanding of the Bishop's address. I n the evening I rode up to E r i n a to see Mr.Wm Nunn, & have a l i t t l e explanatory conversation w i t h him on the same s u b j e c t . I convinced him a l s o that the people were q u i t e under a mistake as to the bishop "misleading" them, but doubt whether hki acquiesces i n the system as being g e n e r a l l y adopted throughout the Diocese.-I remained to tea there, Mr.B: Horsbrugh being present a l s o . -9n-Wednesday-afteifnoon-in On Tuesday morng I went over to Kincumbar to perform the f u n e r a l s e r v i c e over the remains of Mrs.Dunlop. At the request of Mr.D: (who s a i d i t was the dying request of h i s s i s t e r i n l a w ) I went f i r s t to the house, & then, going on before the f u n e r a l procession to the Church yard, read that p o r t i o n only of the b u r i a l s e r v i c e which i s appointed to be read at the grave. Mrs.D:, tho' a P r e s b y t e r i a n , had always attended our Church at Kincumbar. A f t e r the f u n e r a l I returned home, c a l l i n g on my way back, upon a newly a r r i v e d f a m i l y i n E:Gosford, Walter Kemp by name, a shoemaker who works f o r Mr.Putland. On Wednesday afternoon I rode up to E r i n a again, & v i s i t e d Mrs.Swadling f i r s t , & from thence went on to see o l d Warburton, who continues I n the same feeble s t a t e . Marianne accompanied me on " N e l l y " as f a r as

Jane. VUMLOP, age.d 67, ol KlncumbeA, Wldouj the. late. Jme.6 -, KitKonomeA. Royal, Vied 23 Octoben. 1S59.

October 1859

29. Mrs. Wm.Nunn's, where I l e f t her t i l l my r e t u r n from 73 v i s i t i n g the other f o l k e s . On Thursday I went as f a r as Chittaway, & the Sawmill, to remind the people of the s e r v i c e at Blue Gum F l a t tomorrow morng.- Very l a t e when I reached home i n the evening. Yesterday I remained at home purposely to read the parliamentary debate on the education b i l l of Mr.Cowper, which has been thrown out by a m a j o r i t y of 57 to 8 against the second reading of the B i l l . The consequence of t h i s defeat was, the r e s i g n a t i o n of m i n i s t e r s the f o l l o w i n g day - At home today preparing f o r tomorrow's d u t i e s , e t c . e t c .

31. T o l e r a b l e congregation yesterday both at Blue Gum F l a t & at Gosford. Today we have been spending w i t h the Nunns, at Wyoming. Anne & Emily rode up on horse back while Marianne & I walked, & a very hot walk we made i t by s t a r t i n g some 2 hours l a t e r than we should have done.

November 1859

1. Fine day, as u s u a l , f o r the "Black Swan." which came i n w i t h a goodly f r e i g h t a g e both of goods & passengers. I went over to meet her i n the morning, & i n the afternoon rode out as f a r as Seaman's. Received a qua n t i t y of Cotton Seed by the Steamer, which I wish to d i s t r i b u t e throughout the d i s t r i c t .

2. At home a l l the morning. Rode up to E r i n a towards evening to c a l l on Mrs. Wm Nunn, w i t h Anne.

3. To Kincumbar today, & out as f a r as McMasters. c a l l i n g by the way at Reynolds, Godwin Bentley, & K i r k .

4. To the Steamer i n the morning. A f t e r dinner we went by boat to c a l l on Mrs.Mann

November 1859

4. Kate Nunn accompanied us. This morning Captn.Brett 74. of the Black Swan t o l d me that he thought i f I were to w r i t e to Mr.Manning, suggesting more frequent v i s i t s of that v e s s e l to B:Water, he might attend to my suggestion. I have acted upon h i s h i n t , & recommended Mr.M: to t r y again, Tuesday & F r i d a y of every a l t e r n a t e week, at l e a s t during the summer months.

5. At home a l l day, preparing f o r my journey to Yarramalong e t c .

10. Returned home l a s t n i g h t , having been 4 days away. Started soon a f t e r 7 o'clock on Sunday morning, & had very f a i r congregations both at Wyong & at Yarramalong. On Monday I rode to Cabbage Tree, c a l l i n g by the way on the Durringtons & M o r r i s e s . - I found Henry M o r r i s s u f f e r i n g from the e f f e c t of a gun shot wound he had received i n h i s l e g , by the a c c i d e n t a l d i s c h a r g i n g of h i s brother George's gun.- They were both out shooting the day before, - Sunday, & when t r y i n g to creep up unperceived to a number of ducks, something caught the hammer of George's gun, & caused i t t o go o f f . -I p r e v a i l e d on them to send f o r Dr.Auld. On Tuesday, Edward Hargraves accompanied me to John Taaffe's a Lake Macquarie, where I found the two Boyds from Reld's Mistake w i t h t h e i r f a m i l i e s , & an Uncle who had l a t e l y come to v i s i t them. Altogether I had a congregation of some 15 or 16, & baptized two c h i l d r e n , -W i l l i a m Boyd's & T a a f f e ' s . - Unfortunately, I had one [T] [2] of my worst headaches, which came on soon a f t e r breakfast & continued a l l day & the greater part of the n i g h t , so that I got very l i t t l e r e s t . - I s t a r t e d from Cabbage tree yesterday morning, & came home v i a Reedy F l a t & W a l l a r r a b b f, where I found both p a t i e n t s , Mr.Murphy, & H:Morris progressing favourably w i t h t h e i r r e s p e c t i v e i n j u r i e s . Dr.Auld had been to see M o r r i s , & he was much

[T] EtizabeXk BOW, daughteA Wlltiam -, ManlneA oi ReM'6 MUtake. & Elizabeth. Bom 22 June. 1859,

[2] Eliza 7AA F F E , daughte.>i Oj{ John -, GrazleA o^ Lake. Macquarie. i Elizabeth. Bom 12 Octoben. 1859.

November 1859.

10. than-easter e a s i e r than when I saw him on Monday.- 75. Reached home soon a f t e r 7 o'c: & very glad to f i n d myself safe at home again.- Today I have been r e s t i n g a f t e r my journey. Mr.Moore c a l l e d i n the morning, & we p r e v a i l e d 6n him to stay & occupy our spare room.

11. Rode up to Wyoming w i t h Mr.Moore t h i s morning to c a l l upon the Nunns. W r i t i n g l e t t e r s f o r the post i n the afternoon.

12. At home a l l day preparing f o r tomorrows d u t i e s .

19. Saturday n i g h t . - Here i s the c l o s e of another week, & a very f r u i t l e s s one i t has been. Mr.Moore accompanied me to Kincumbar Church on Sunday afternoon. On Monday, 1 went up to the School i n the morning. Tuesday, the weather being a l i t t l e r a i n y & threatening I d i d not go out. Mr.Moore l e f t us e a r l y that morng. f o r Green Point - Wednesday I went to Kincumbar, & extended my r i d e down to Tonga Vale & Cap:Joyce's, where I found a l l p a r t i e s w e l l - The three l a s t days I have not been out anywhere, having a good many things at home to occupy me - l e t t e r w r i t i n g yesterday, sermon w r i t i n g today w i t h sundry I n t e r r u p t i o n s , as u s u a l .

21. Having neglected my boat f o r a long time, I determined to get her out of the water today, & give her a good c l e a n i n g , & a coat of t a r . While thus employed, Dr.Auld came along & t o l d me that he had been sent f o r to see Rosa B a t t l e y , who was s e r i o u s l y i l l having been seized w i t h v i o l e n t f i t s of trembling & convulsed her whole frame. I went over to see her s h o r t l y a f t e r , & was much concerned to f i n d the s t a t e she was i n .

22. Received a message today from a man named John Cox, l i v i n g at the mouth of Mangrove Creek, who being i n a very precarious s t a t e of h e a l t h , wished me to come

November ^)eeefflbeir 1859.

22. I therefore arranged to s t a r t tomorrow morning, & 76. a f t e r going over to the Steamer set to work & t a r r e d my boat, & water cask.

23. Set o f f f o r Mangrove Creek about 6 A.M. & reached Watkins' about 1 o'clock. A f t e r g e t t i n g some lunch, I procured the s e r v i c e s of Mat:Pemberton, to row me down the creek i n the Schoolboat. I remained at Mr.Cox's that n i g h t . - found the poor man a great i n v a l i d , h i s complaint being pronounced by Dr.Bellamy, h i s medical a d v i s e r , q u i t e i n c u r a b l e . Asthma, he c a l l s i t , but I should have set i t down f o r Consumption. He seemed very g r a t e f u l f o r my v i s i t , & f e e l i n g that he may not have long to remain i n t h i s world, i s anxious to make h i s peace w i t h God, "before he goes hence & i s no more seen" I l e f t him e a r l y t h i s morning,

24. (24th) h i s man rowing me up as f a r as Wm.Woodbury's, from whence I walked to Watkins'. c a l l i n g on Mr.Wheeler by the way, & s t a r t i n g about one o'clock reached^ home before dark. Went to see Rosa B a t t l e y , & was grieved to f i n d that a l l hope of her recovery was abandoned. She was i n a profound sleep, from the e f f e c t s of a composing medicine.

25. Learnt the f i r s t t h i n g t h i s morning that poor Rosa departed l a s t n i g h t a l i t t l e before midnight. Being [1] one of a X t i a n f a m i l y , & having always acted c o n s i s t e n t l y w i t h her p r o f e s s i o n , we have a l l the c o n s o l a t i o n of a good hope that she w i l l be found among the wise v i r g i n s , who have o i l i n t h e i r v e s s e l s w i t h t h e i r lamps. I t i s c o n f o r t i n g , & i n s t r u c t i v e , to witness the p e r f e c t r e s i g n a t i o n w i t h which her sorrowing parents bear t h e i r l o s s : c l e a r l y showing how w e l l they have l e a r n t St.Paul's l e s s o n "not to sorrow as those without hope, f o r them that sleep i n Jesus"

[1] Ro6t Annt BATTLEY, Go4>^ond, aged 24, tkn datighttn. ol Thomai Cade. -, CleJik Petty Se44-t.on4. Vlext 24 Uovembei 1S59.

GOSFORD - THE OLD WHARF

PHOTO: BRISBANE WATER HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Above: The wharf below Parsonage Hill at the bottom of Wharf Road.

Below: In Glennie's time, the steamer called at East Gosford's "Victoria Wharf.

ETCHING FROM BOYD & KING'S 1885 BOOKLET "FARMERS AND SETTLERS' GUIDE" Plate XII

November Beeember 1859,

26. Mr,Moore took h i s departure yesterday per "Black 77. Swan "- Soon a f t e r breakfast we spied the "Dingy" coming up the broadwater, & on near approaching we found i t to contain Miss G i t t i n s & Alexa. rowed by Charles. They spent the day w i t h us, & returned i n the afternoon, t a k i n g Marianne w i t h them. About noon today was the time appointed f o r the Funeral of Rosa B a t t l e y . & I a c c o r d i n g l y went over to perform that l a s t solmen r i t e of the Church. A good many of the neighbours attended, & I was glad to f i n d Mr.Hargraves at the house. In the afternoon I remained at home, preparing my sermon f o r tomorrow. Dr.Auld came i n to Mr.Battley's j u s t a f t e r the f u n e r a l & announced that a l i t t l e g i r l at Kincumbar about 6 yrs o l d (a Roman Cathc.) had been burnt to death t h i s morning. He had a l s o been to see a boy of Wright's at E r i n a , who met w i t h a d r e a d f u l accident yesterday, having been much crushed by the r o l l i n g of a l o g over him. He seemed to t h i n k , however, that the boy was doing w e l l .

28. I n a d d i t i o n to my u s u a l congregation yesterday I had s e v e r a l strangers i n Church namely. Misses Osborne, FredrHely, two sons of Edwd. Hely of Lake Macquarie, Mr.Hargraves, M r . L y a l l Scott & Mrs.Lette. I had another f u n e r a l t h i s afternoon, the poor boy of Wrights died [1] yesterday from the e f f e c t s of h i s i n j u r i e s . The wind was blowing very keen & strong from the South, & I f e e l that I have taken c o l d .

29. Have had a journey of f i f t y miles today, having been to Freeman's at Wyee, to Marry James Freeman, (by License) to a very n i c e young g i r l , apparently, the grand daughter of one Thomas F e n n e l l , whom I saw some [2] time ago p a i n t i n g at Mr.Hargraves. 1 s t a r t e d about 5 A:M: & reached

[1] Rldhan-d Pzdley WRIGHT, Erina, aged 12, the. 6on o(, Richard Pe.dlejj -, Moulder In Iron, Vied 27 Movember 1859,

[2] 29 November 1859, at the private residence Jama FREEMAN, Snr, at Wyee, near Lake Macquarie, JameA FREEMAN, nearly 25, Bachelor, Born at Brisbane Water, Stockman o^ Wyee - 6on ol JameA -, Valryman, and Mary Ann [SMITH] - and

Sorelna Mary SMITH, 19k, Spinster, o^ Sydney - daughter o^ Jame-i -, Labourer, and Seetlna Margaret [FENNELL] deceased,

Wltne66e6: JameA FREEMAN Snr,, and Mary Ann FREEMAN,

November Beeember 1859.

29. Freemans before 10, having some heavy r a i n by the 78. way, & g e t t i n g my f e e t wet, I had to r i d e home i n the afternoon against a very c o l d southerly g a l e , & a l l t h i s has not tended to remove, but rather to increase my c o l d .

December 1859

2. On Wednesday, Thursday, & today, my c o l d being r a t h e r troublesome, & the wind every day blowing very strong & bleak from the southward, I thought i t prudent to remain indoors, & endeavour to get w e l l before Saturday, so that I might be ready f o r my Mangrove journey.

10. This has been an a w f u l l y hot day, the thermo: having j u s t reached 100 i n our verandah. This day week, (Saturday 3rd) I s t a r t e d about noon f o r Mangrove, & had a very hot r i d e up. Sunday was much h o t t e r , & Monday h o t t e r s t i l l . We had School examination & f e a s t f o r the c h i l d r e n at the upper School, where : they a l l assembled, & were very happy, notwith standing the heat. On Tuesday I made an e a r l y s t a r t , & got Johnny Woodbury to row me down the Creek to Mr.Cox's . I was glad to f i n d him very much b e t t e r than when I was there before. 1 c a l l e d upon a l l the people i n that neighbourhood & got back to Watkins's a f t e r dark. On Wednesday I s t a r t e d about 6 o'clock, & found myself safe at home again about one. A Thunderstorm passed over j u s t as 1 got i n , but s c a r c e l y any r a i n . I suppose i t was the thunder i n the a i r which brought on a bad headache, & l a i d me on the sofa a l l the afternoon. On Thursday morning, hearing that Mr.Joseph Spears

December 1859

was very 111, I walked over to see him. He was up 79. & about though seemingly very poorly. & r a t h e r shaken i n mind as w e l l as body.- From thence I went to see Mrs.Rudkin, who has another l i t t l e son. & then to [U the Point House to c a l l on two Messrs Peek, brothers of the l a t e Saml.Peek, who came down per steamer on Tuesday & brought a l e t t e r of i n t r o d u c t i o n from F e r r i s . They were not at home but came over i n the afternoon, & I took them across the water to Point Clare to see Mr.Scott & h i s banana p l a n t a t i o n . We a l l went together & had a n i c e c o o l evening.- Yesterday morning I went over to the Steamer, & found i t exceedingly hot. C a l l e d at Mr.Battleys by the way & i n v i t e d Fred:Hely & some of the young f o l k s to come & spend the evening, which they d i d . Mrs.Nunn & Kate came down a l s o , & Mr.Nunn came & took them home.- Today i t has been too hot to do anything e i t h e r i n s i d e the house or outside. 1 could only manage to look out some sermons f o r tomorrow, & then t r i e d to read, but not being very w e l l , I could not get on w i t h anything.

12. (Monday) My congregation was below the average yesterday at Gosford, but very good at Kincumbar & E r i n a . -Fred Hely & John B a t t l e y went w i t h me to the l a t t e r p l a c e s . The day was c o o l & pleasant.- At E r i n a I gave n o t i c e f o r a meeting next Saturday afternoon, to enable me to address the people on the subject of the support of the Clergy.- Today 1 have remained at home.- The Miss Donnisons came & spent the day w i t h us.

14. Yesterday I had a very long day (too long) out v i s i t i n g . I went f i r s t to Kincumbar, & from thence across to T o r i g a l , & so round by E r i n a homeward. I t was past 9 o'clock when I came i n , not a l i t t l e exhausted, having t a s t e d only a mouth-

Eme^t Alfred RUVKJM, 6on o{ VanJidi SckooJbna^teA oi Ea^l Go^^oid i Magdale.ne.. Born 2 Vncmbvi 1859.

December 1859

14. f u l of bread & b u t t e r & glass of mil k & water, (at Kerns) 80. since breakfast: I found Emily B a t t l e y here on my re t u r n home, - come to spend a few days w i t h us. Today we a l l went up to spend the day w i t h Miss Donnison, c a l l i n g on Mrs.Wm.Nunn on our way home.

15. At home a l l the morning, employed c h i e f l y i n p r o v i d i n g food f o r my horses, which, f o r want of r a i n , i s becoming very scarce.- A f t e r dinner 1 went up to E r i n a , & c a l l e d on a l l between that & F l e t c h e r s , over the "Bangelow Bridge e t c . i n v i t i n g them to attend the meeting on Saturday afternoon.

16. At home today, w r i t i n g l e t t e r s e t c . About noon we spied the G i t t i n s ' " d i n g y " coming up the broad water, & on nearing the wharf discovered i t s contents to be Mr.Homfrey & E l l e n , Charles & Marianne. This afternoon we a l l went across i n my boat to see Mr.Scotts banana p l a n t a t i o n , & enjoyed the t r i p very much.Ellen remained to stay a few days w i t h us.

17. The c h i e f feature i n t h i s days work has been a meeting which I h e l d at E r i n a t h i s afternoon, f o r the purpose of e x p l a i n i n g to the people the present system on which the Clergy are supported, & i n v i t i n g them to become sub s c r i b e r s to the Clergy Fund. The meeting was but t h i n l y attended, only eleven persons. Some of them had already become s u b s c r i b e r s , but from the 8 new ones present, I got the promise of £7.10.

19. Services as usual yesterday. E l l e n G i t t i n s accompanied me to Blue Gum F l a t i n the evening & enjoyed the r i d e , & was much pleased w i t h the l i t t l e Church there. On our way back I l e a r n t from Mr,Nunn that three of Campbells c h i l d r e n had poisoned themselves by e a t i n g some b e r r i e s they found In the bush, I looked In & saw them as we rode by - They were a l l d e l i r i o u s & a good d e a l convulsed. I rode up e a r l y t h i s

December 1859.

19. morning, & was glad to f i n d them a l l much b e t t e r , & 81, sle e p i n g comfortably. We had a nice l i t t l e excursion out to T o r i g a l today - E l l e n rode " N e l l y " & Miss Donnison k i n d l y l e n t two of t h e i r horses f o r the g i r l s . Emily & Tom B a t t l e y were a l s o of the party. The weather was most favourable, & we a l l g r e a t l y enjoyed i t .

20. Went over to the Steamer t h i s morning, & i n the afternoon we went up, a l l of us, i n the boat to c a l l on Mrs.Mann.

21. Examination of Kincumbar School today.

22. Remained at home today. Mr.Homfrey, Charles & Alexa. came up to take E l l e n home again. They a r r i v e d before breakfast & spent a long day w i t h us. I n the forenoon we took a s t r o l l down to the B u r i a l Ground & i n the afternoon to the top of r e c r e a t i o n h i l l .

23. Examination of ErGosford School, which occupied the greater part of the day.

24. At home, preparing f o r tomorrow's s e r v i c e ' s .

25. Xmas Day., & a very happy day i n one respect, at l e a s t , f o r we had a very heavy f a l l of r a i n i n the morning. I t poured i n t o r r e n t s from about 9 t i l l the time of going i n t o Church, so that I had s c a r c e l y any congregation at Gosford. I t he l d up towards the afternoon, which enabled some of the Kincumbar f o l k s to get to church.

26. S t a i d at home today, as I u s u a l l y do on what i s termed "boxing day", when a l l the people are out h o l i d a y making. They have had some horseracing today, & on the race course Mr.Nunn met w i t h an accident - had a f a l l from h i s

December 1859

26. horse, & hurt h i s shoulder very much.- I went up to 82. see him t h i s eveng & found him i n bed. The Miss Donnisons spent the day w i t h us.

27. Made a very e a r l y s t a r t t h i s morning i n the boat, to spend the day at Tonga v a l e . We a l l went, & had John B a t t l e y to help me to p u l l . - We enjoyed the day very much. As the weather put on a threatening appearance towards evening, Charles volunteered h i s s e r v i c e s to a s s i s t us home & I was very glad to accept them. Dista n t thunder was rumbling a l l the way & when about the middle of the broadwater, the r a i n began to f a l l , but f o r t u n a t e l y i t continued calm, & we were a l l very glad to f i n d ourselves safe w i t h i n doors again.

28. Remained at home today - weather showery & u n i n v i t i n g to go abroad.

29 Went to Kincumbar today & put Charles on the way home. He rode " N e l l y " , & a f t e r p u t t i n g him safe upon the road beyond P i c k e t ' s , I l e f t him to proceed on foot & l e d N e l l y back again, making a few c a l l s by the way.

30. At home a l l day, preparing f o r my forthcoming journey to Yarramalong.

31. S t a r t e d soon a f t e r breakfast f o r Yarramalong, & c a l l e d by the way,1st on G i l c h i s o n , 2nd on Wm.Durrington, & 3rd on Chas Watkins.- Found Mr.& Mrs.Lette e t c . a l l w e l l . - & t h i s ends the year 1859.

January i860

The newyear must be begun upon a new page. I d i d not make a favourable beginning w i t h regard to my congregatioi which at Yarramalong was most miserable.- I f e a r the people had not q u i t e f i n i s h e d t h e i r h o l i d a y s , & t h i s gave a sad proof how l i t t l e they value the m i n i s t r a t i o n s of the Church at Wyong, i n the afternoon I had a much bet t e r congregation. Mr.Lee & one of the Messrs.Curtis were present. A f t e r the s e r v i c e I set o f f to make my way to Cabbage Tree by the lake at Wallara Creek, & as EiHargraves had f a i l e d i n coming to meet me, or sending a guide, Fred:Smith o f f e r e d to accompany me, but we had not proceeded above A or 5 miles when he pronounced h i s young horse knocked up, & unable to proceed. 1 was therefore obliged to go on alone, & i n the f i r s t place took a wrong road which brought me down to the lake some distance from the proper place. 1 l o s t some time i n f i n d i n g my way, & when at l a s t I came to the place where I had to take to the water, 1 f a i l e d again i n h i t t i n g the r i g h t - t r a c k . & a f t e r proceeding some distance i n t o the l a k e , the ground began to get s o f t & boggy, which set " N e l l y " plunging v i o l e n t l y , & f e a r i n g some unpleasant t e r m i n a t i o n i f I ventured on, I thought i t prudent to take the sa f e s t course & come back again. I determined to make the best of my way to John Osborne's, & seek s h e l t e r there f o r the n i g h t . - I was t h a n k f u l to have a moon to l i g h t me, otherwise, not being w e l l acquainted w i t h the road, I might very probably have passed a night i n the bush. 1 reached Mr.Osborne's about I p 9 p:m: very t i r e d , & somewhat hungry. & was sor r y to be the occasion of making him r i s e from h i s bed. He very k i n d l y got the k e t t l e b o i l i n g i n quick time, & seldom, i f ever, d i d I enjoy a cup of tea more

January 1860.

than on that occasion. (2nd) Made an e a r l y s t a r t , 84. hoping to reach Taaffe's place at Lake Macquarie by 11 o'clock, having appointed to have d i v i n e s e r v i c e there at that hour, but on reaching Freeman's, at Wyee, found I could not accomplish i t , so rode l e i s u r e l y on to Mr.Hargraves.- There I found himself & a l l h i s f a m i l y about him, (2 sons & 3 daughters). Had s e r v i c e at 3 o'clock P:M. and baptized a l i t t l e a b o r i g i n a l i n f a n t . Son of "Ned" & []] "Margaret". I t was a very f i n e l i t t l e boy of about 7 months o l d . Edward & myself stood Godfathers, & the fisherman's daughter, E l i z a Couldroy, was Godmother. Some 2 or 3 blacks attended to witness the ceremony, & seemed very much i n t e r e s t e d i n i t .

3. Rode up to Taaffes a f t e r b r e a k f a s t , accompanied by both Edward & W i l l i a m Hargraves; but found Mrs.Taaffe & the c h i l d r e n only at home, so had no s e r v i c e there t h i s time.- We had to hurry back to avoid a thunderstorm which was r i s i n g i n the West, & we j u s t managed i t n i c e l y f o r the r a i n began not long a f t e r we got i n , & i t rained a good deal during the n i g h t .

4. Returned home from Mr.Hargraves', v i a Reedy F l a t , where 1 c a l l e d to see Mr.Murphy, whom I found beginning to hobble about a l i t t l e , w i t h the help of a c r u t c h . I had not been long home, when a message came, requesting me to go to Mr.Mann's, the baby being very i l l , & unbaptlzed. I set o f f at once & found Mrs.Mann quite alone, & ra t h e r anxious about the c h i l d , though i t d i d not seem to me to be i n any danger.- As Mrs.Mann d i d not wish to name the c h i l d without c o n s u l t i n g her husband, we deferred i t s baptism, hoping a l s o that i t would get w e l l again.

Wlltiam Hmiy, about 7 months old, 4on o^ Mzd & Haigaiet, Abo^lnal Hathjti, OjJ BungaKa'-s Hoiak,

January 1860.

5. Anne & I went over t h i s morning to see Mrs.Mann, 85. & her baby, & found the l a t t e r s t i l l very poorly. At her request I wrote a note to Dr.Auld, requesting him to come & see the c h i l d , which he d i d i n the afternoon.

6. Steamer day, went over, as usual to look out f o r parce l s & get the Sydney time. Found Mrs.Lee on board, & Mr.Lee there to meet her. Brought them i n to dine on t h e i r way towards Wyoming.

7. At home a l l the morning, sermon w r i t i n g . Towards evening we a l l went up the creek i n the boat to see Mrs.Mann. Her baby seemed rather b e t t e r .

8. (Sunday) Great thunderstorm t h i s afternoon, I j u s t reached Kincumbar i n time to escape i t , but i t came on very h e a v i l y while we were i n Church, & poured: down i n t o r r e n t s , f i n d i n g i t s way through the o l d shingles very much. When we came out of Church I received a message to go across the creek & v i s i t Mrs.Reynolds, who was very i l l - Dr.Auld, who had been sent f o r a r r i v e d at the same time, & as I had my E r i n a congregation to attend, I l e f t her i n the Doctor's hands, promising to go & see her tomorrow morning.

9. According to promise I went to see Mrs.Reynolds, & was very glad to f i n d her much b e t t e r - p a i d a few v i s i t s i n the neighbourhood & then returned. C a l l i n g at Mr.Battleys by the way, I there heard that Swadling had been attacked by f i t s during the day, & Dr.Auld c a l l e d i n a great hurry to attend him.

10. Went out to E r i n a to see Swadling, & found him very poorly though b e t t e r than he was.- Made a few c a l l s i n the neighbourhood, going as f a r as Warburton's, & James F l e t c h e r ' s . - On my r e t u r n I was much s u r p r i s e d to f i n d t h a t Mrs.Dan:Berry

January 1860.

10. had decamped during the day, ta k i n g a qu a n t i t y of things 86. wi t h her, e v i d e n t l y i n t e n d i n g to abandon her home. I had seen her, & spoken to her as I rode past i n the morning. Her mother & s i s t e r seemed deeply d i s t r e s s e d about i t , as w e l l they may While I was passing from Best's to R o l f e ' s , I met Edwd Taylor i n the road, r i d i n g t h i s way, & saw him repass back again, while s i t t i n g i n at R o l f e ' s . They suspect, seem p r e t t y sure, that he i s the party who has en t i c e d Mrs.Berry from her home.

11. Went to McMaster's today, c a l l i n g on Mrs.Reynolds by the way:- found her convalescent. On my way back I went to E r i n a to see Swadling, & was glad to f i n d him very much b e t t e r , as regards h i s b o d i l y h e a l t h , but h i s mind seemed wandering & unsteady. They had great d i f f i c u l t y i n r e s t r a i n i n g him from coming to the township.

12. At home.

13. Went to Blue Gum F l a t & Saw M i l l , & on my way back performed the f u n e r a l s e r v i c e over a l i t t l e c h i l d ^ j j (of Charles Dutch) a t the f l a t .

14. At home. Sermon w r i t i n g e t c . e t c .

15. (Sunday) Went through my usual course of s e r v i c e s , w i t h f a i r congregations at Kincumbar & Gosford. At the l a t t e r church i n the afternoon I baptized 4 i n f a n t s . ^ ^ J Mrs.Wm.Nunn's, M r s . S e a t t l e ' s , Mrs.Lewis' & Mrs.Rudkin's.-Had a miserable congregation at Blue Gum F l a t i n the evening. None of the people from the Sawmill ever attend the evening s e r v i c e s , tho* the r e s i d e n t s about the f l a t used g e n e r a l l y to go up to the m i l l when the s e r v i c e was h e l d there.

16. Went across i n my boat t h i s morning to Poi n t C l a r e , to see Mr.Scott, & o b t a i n from him any a d d i t i o n a l c o l l e c t i o n s he had made f o r the Stipend Fund.

17. According to appointment I went over to Mooney Creek t h i s morning to hold d i v i n e

[1] Ellzn DUTCH, Oanimbah Smmlll, aged 11 months, tke. daaghteA oi Chaile.6 BuZlock VKVje.1. Vle.d 11 Januafcy 1860.

[2] Lucy Enlna. UUUH, daughte.n. Wtttiajm John -, Ge.ntlejfnan o^ Eiina & Fanny. Bofin 10 NovembeA 1859.

Eva BEATTIE, daughte.n. of, John -, ShoemakeA o^ Ea6t Goi,{^on.d i Hannah. Bo^n 7 July 1859,

Ge,oige. LEWIS, ion oi Jamti -, SauiyeA ol Goif^oid, S HaKn-Let:.

Bom 7 Vzzembti 1859.

Eint6t Klf^KQji RUVKIH, ion oi Vanlel -, Sahoolmaitzi o^ Eait Goi^oKd i Mgdalzne. BoKn 2 Ve.cembeA 1859.

Jamiary 1860.

17. s e r v i c e t here, & found the people a l l ready f o r me. On the way back i n the afternoon I c a l l e d upon Mrs.Mann, & found her baby much b e t t e r .

18. At home a l l the morning. I n the afternoon I went up to E r i n a , to v i s i t Mrs .Edmunds» having heard that she has l a t e l y returned from Sydney very i l l ; having been up f o r medical advice.- I found her very p o o r l y , & I fe a r f a r gone w i t h consumption. She seemed t h a n k f u l f o r my v i s i t & I must endeavour to see her as o f t e n as 1 can.

19. To Kincumbar today, beginning at Mullards, & so on by Kearns', & across v i a Godwins to Ward's.

20. On going to the Steamer t h i s morning whom should I f i n d on board but Mrs .Rogers^^^rime down f o r the b e n e f i t of her h e a l t h . Her s i s t e r s were not aware of her coming & so no one was there to meet her. I therefore took charge of her, & brought her to the Parsonage. & a f t e r dinner, having mounted her on " N e l l y " rode w i t h her up to E r i n a , having p r e v i o u s l y sent on her luggage by boat, entrusted to James Crane.- I went on to see Swadling, whom I was glad to f i n d i n h i s r i g h t mind again.

21. At home, sermon w r i t i n g e t c .

22. Sunday - One of the h o t t e s t days t h i s summer.- Had goodly congregations at a l l 3 places.

23. At home i n the morning, towards evening Anne & I rode up to c a l l on Mrs.Hovendon Hely, who has j u s t come, w i t h her husband to re s i d e i n the d i s t r i c t . At present the occupy Dickson's l i t t l e cottage by the road s i d e , awaiting the t e r m i n a t i o n of Mr.Nunn's lease of Wyoming.-We afterwards went on to see the Nunns.

24. Went out to Chittaway today, making a few c a l l s along the road as I passed, & warning the people about the morning s e r v i c e on Sunday next.

25. To Kincumbar today, beginning at Green P o i n t , & from thence to P i p e r ' s , & so on i n

Elde.il daagkteA Heniij VOMNISON and iL&teA the. ML&ie.i VONNJSON oi Eilna. MaKiX.ed Rtv. EdvJaid ROGERS, ilKit Incumbent oi Bllibane. CilatZA.

January 1860.

25th succession, through D a v i s v l l l e to Poole's & f i n i s h i n g 88. w i t h Dr.Auld's on my r e t u r n . I was rece i v e d at Pipers b e t t e r than I might have expected, & r a t h e r to my astonishment Piper gave me £1 s u b s c r i p t i o n to the Stipend Fund, q u i t e u n s o l i c i t e d by me. 1 found George Davis & f a m i l y s e t t l e d among the r e s t of them. He, poor man, seems e v i d e n t l y to be going o f f i n a d e c l i n e . He i s qui t e unable to work, & has been so f o r some time. 1 had not time to go as f a r as Mr.Roberts', f o r i t was near 7 o'clock by the time I l e f t Davis' & a sudden change of weather had taken place. I t had been very hot a l l the morning, but a thundercloud arose i n the S:W: while I was at D i i v i s ' & suddenly a great so u t h e r l y gale sprang up.- The thunder warned me to make haste home, & I took the h i n t , nor had I been long i n , when a f i n e soaking shower came on & replenished our. water cask f o r us n i c e l y . I found John B a t t l e y here, he & W i l l i a m had been t a r r i n g the boat f o r me during the day.

26. Stayed at home today to a s s i s t i n a rummage, which has been going on i n the house the l a s t 2 days - We have made the p a r l o u r our bed room, & our l a t e bedroom the d i n i n g room, which we t h i n k w i l l be more convenient.-I d i d intend to w r i t e some l e t t e r s , & bud some peach t r e e s , but could not f i n d time f o r e i t h e r , Mrs.Rogers & her s i s t e r s c a l l e d t h i s afternoon.

27. At home a l l the morning, occupied w i t h accounts (Clergy Stipend Fund)- I n the afternoon we had a c a l l from a Mr.Blackwood, a Photographic a r t i s t at present i n the d i s t r i c t , & as soon as he l e f t , Anne & I mounted our horses & rode up to E r i n a to c a l l on Mrs.Rogers. I t was a d e l i g h t f u l c o o l evening, & we enjoyed i t much.-

28. At home today, preparing f o r tomorrow's s e r v i c e s . -Towards evening Mr.Crause

January 1860.

28. c a l l e d to announce the sudden death of poor John Heggin. [1] 89. He had been out i n a boat upon the water w i t h him & Mr.Lloyd & was taken i l l i n the boat. They brought him ashore & landed him on the beach not f a r from h i s house, but he expired before he could reach h i s home. His sudden departure from t h i s l i f e i s the more awful, because I have reason to fe a r that he was i n a very u n f i t s t a t e to appear before h i s maker. The l a s t time 1 c a l l e d upon him,(now many weeks ago). I was shocked at d i s c o v e r i n g the change which he had undergone on the subject of r e l i g i o n . He had e v i d e n t l y been reading some i n f i d e l productions, & expressed h i s f i r m c o n v i c t i o n that the B i b l e was a l l a f i c t i o n , & that God never spoke to any man l i v i n g , as he i s represented i n the B i b l e to have done to Moses & the Prophets. I was quit e taken aback on making t h i s d i s c o v e r y , & promised to lend him some work on the "evidence of X t i a n i t y . " But a l a s ! p a r t l y from having work t h r u s t upon me which I ought not to have, but more, I must confess, from my p r o c r a s t i n a t i n g propensity, I kept p u t t i n g o f f the f u l f i l m e n t of my promise, t i l l i t has now become too l a t e .

29. (Sunday) Morning s e r v i c e at Blue Gum F l a t , where I had a f a i r congregation, but was not a l i t t l e s u r p r i s e d & disappointed that not a s i n g l e i n d i v i d u a l from the Sawmill was present. At the conclusion of the afternoon s e r v i c e at East Gosford, I rep a i r e d to the B u r i a l Ground, to read the Funeral Service over the remains of poor John Hegin. A great number of persons were present.

30. Anne accompanied me today i n a round of v i s i t s . We c a l l e d f i r s t on Mrs.Benson who has l a t e l y been confined, [2] & then proceeded across the water to Dr.Auld's &

[1] John HAGJN, agnd 63, ShoemakeA o{, Bail Goiioid. Vltd 2S January 1S60.

[2] WlllLi Allation BEMSOM, 4on oi Baike/i Joie-ph -, Surgeon oi Eait Goiiotid & Hannah Emily, Bom 23 JanuaKy 1S60. Se.e. page. 94.

January 1860.

Mr.Roberts'. Found Mr.Roberts i n bed w i t h e r y s i p e l a s i n h i s l e g , but g e t t i n g b e t t e r than he bad been. The day was very f i n e & we enjoyed our r i d e very much. In the evening we had Mr.& Mrs B a t t l e y & H a r r i e t to te a , a l s o Mr.Blackwood, a Photographic a r t i s t who has been some days i n the d i s t r i c t , t a k i n g views e t c .

31. On going to the Steamer today I was not a l i t t l e s u r p r i s e d to f i n d Townshend among the passengers. L i t t l e Henry Rogers a l s o came down to remain a few days, i . e . t i l l f r l d a y next, when he w i l l r e t u r n to Sydney w i t h h i s mama. She was awaiting h i s a r r i v a l , w i t h her two s i s t e r s , & they a l l came to our house to spend the day, intending to make up a party & go to "Tonga v a l e " tomorrow. Charles G i t t i n s came up i n h i s dingy to car r y some of the party down.

February 1860.

1. Made an e a r l y s t a r t f o r "Tonga Vale", about 20 m: to 6 t h i s morning, & had a b e a u t i f u l morning f o r the t r i p . John B a t t l e y j o i n e d us & helped me w i t h my boat i n which were Mrs.Rogers, her s i s t e r s & Townshend. The g i r l s & Harry Rogers went w i t h Charles i n the dingy, & Anne remained a t home.- We a l l enjoyed our v i s i t very much, & the G i t t i n s e s seemed very glad to have us there. Our homeward voyage was f a r from being so prosperous as the outward one i n the morning. The N:E: wind had being blowing very f r e s h a l l day, & continued to dispute our progress very much as we crossed the broadwater aided as w e l l by rat h e r a high sea. We were 4 hours coming home of which 3 were consumed t o i l i n g across the Broadwater & I was very t i r e d a f t e r the hard work

Sydnty Morning Hzxald 24/4/1873 - Maiilagz Notlcni:-

On 16lh iMtant, at Vacy ckmch, ?atvi6on RluSA by thz Rzv. F. W. Adams, Edwan.d Hmiy, aldut ion o^ the. Rew Edward KogeAi o^ Sydne.y to Many, 3id dau. o^ Gllbext Coiy, Eiq,, {/acy.

February 1860.

2. Today I have f e l t very much the e f f e c t s of my over 91. e x e r t i o n of yesterday, & was quite u n f i t f o r work of any k i n d . I walked over about noon to see Mrs.Hegln, but found, as Is too commonly the case w i t h persons of her c l a s s under s i m i l a r circumstances, that she was seeking c o n s o l a t i o n i n her d i s t r e s s from the too f r e e l y Indulging of i n t o x i c a t i n g l i q u o r s . I n the afternoon Townshend & I rode up to Wyoming, c a l l i n g on Mr. & Mrs.Hely by the way. While at Wyoming t h e i r new piano a r r i v e d from Sydney, & we awaited the unpacking of I t , & I had the honor of being the f i r s t to sound i t . We were a l l much pleased w i t h i t s tone. Charles G i t t i n s & the g i r l s were w i t h us a l s o .

3. Townshend took h i s departure again today per Black Swan, as d i d a l s o Mrs.Rogers & her boy. Having seen them o f f i n the Steamer, the r e s t of the afternoon was spent i n preparing f o r my Mangrove journey.

4. I f i n d i t always takes me longer now a days to get ready f o r my journeys than i t used to do. To be sure, my having to c a t c h , feed, c l e a n , & saddle my own horse, & sometimes to c l e a n my own boots besides, runs away w i t h much of the morning. I must a l s o confess that that an insuperable & i n c r e a s i n g d i s r e l i s h f o r these Mangrove journeys makes me g e n e r a l l y put o f f the s t a r t i n g to the l a t e s t p o s s i b l e hour. Hence i t was f u l l y one o'clock today before I found myself equipped, & i n my saddle. I t was a burning hot day, & I f e l t i t much as I pursued my l o n e l y way. As I approached Mangrove towards sunset, "the changing s k i e s hung out t h e i r sable clouds," & d i s t a n t rumbling thunder warned me to increase my speed, i n order to avoid the coming storm. I t was about 8 o'clock when I reached Watkins', & s c a r c e l y had I entered the house.

February 1860.

4. when heavy drops of r a i n came s p a t t e r i n g down upon the 92. shingled roof. Mr.Wheeler came up as usual to greet me, & a f t e r a couple of hours chat, he r e t r e a t e d to h i s home & I to my bed.

5. (Sunday) Not qu i t e so large a congregation as usual at the Lower Church, I had one c h i l d to b a p t i z e , f / J but no communion f o r l a c k of s u f f i c i e n t number.-A f t e r s e r v i c e at the Upper Church i n the afternoon, I rode down the other side of the creek to leave my horse at Watkins Senior, purposing to r i d e up the creek tomorrow,

6. Started at 8 o'clock, &, g e t t i n g my nag from Watkins went up to the head of the creek, to Ph i l : G o u l d s , c a l l i n g at a l l the places by the way, & then returned to my quarters by 8 o'clock at night having been 12 hours out.

7. Sta r t e d again about 8 o'clock, hoping to get one of Wm.Woodbury's boys to row me down the creek to see Mr.Cox. I found, however, that Woodbury had j u s t hauled up h i s boat f o r r e p a i r s , & there was no g e t t i n g any f a r t h e r so I was ob l i g e d to give up my intended voyage, & returned to Garbles' crossed the creek there & came round by I r o n Bark Creek to the school house.

8. St a r t e d about h a l f past 7, & had a very disagreeable r i d e home i n the r a i n . A r r i v e d about 3 o'clock, & i n a d d i t i o n to my other disagreeables, brought a bad headache w i t h me, which kept me up a l l the n i g h t .

9 & 10. Did not go out anywhere, not f e e l i n g very w e l l yesterday. Besides t h i s has been a week of f e s t i v i t i e s w i t h my people, who have had three days hor s e r a c i n g , & f i n i s h e d w i t h c r i c k e t today, & I g e n e r a l l y make a point of st a y i n g at home when they are a l l abroad. Mr.Fred:Hely c a l l e d today We had a l s o a v i s i t from Mrs.Auld. Dr.A: having come to see Wm.Muddle's c h i l d .

[1] Cathejilne. Clam EOWVEH, daughttt ol WLtllam SamueZ -, Famzft oi Mang*LO\Jt C^eefe & Elizabeth. BoKn 5 OctobzA 1859.

February 1860.

11. The greater part of t h i s day has gone i n hard labour: c u t t i n g wood f o r the f i r e s & food f o r the horses & p i g s . One o'clock had a r r i v e d before I had f i n i s h e d a l l . A f t e r dinner I read f o r an hour, & then went as f a r as Keene's to get some buds from some of h i s peach & other t r e e s , wherewith to work a few w i l d stocks s c a t t e r e d about the garden. & t h i s f i n i s h e d out the day.

12. (S) Rainy day, therefore very meagre congregations. Only 25 at Gosford, & at Kincumbar 5 of Wards f a m i l y w i t h Mr.Lane & boy formed the whole of my congregation. The r a i n increased as I returned across the mountain, so I d i d not go to E r i n a but came s t r a i g h t home.

13. Kept at home today by the r a i n , which continued w i t h l i t t l e i n t e r m i s s i o n the whole day. A good deal f e l l d uring l a s t n i g h t & by t h i s evening my boat was 3 parts f u l l of water, & b a i l i n g i t out formed part of the employment of the day.

14. Went over to E;Gosford about noon, h a r d l y expecting the steamer would come owing to the l a t e stormy weather. & having waited t i l l near 2 o'clock, returned home, having c a l l e d on Mrs.Benson i n the meantime, a l s o at Putlands. On my way back, I met a man of Mr.Wamsley's coming to re p o r t to Mr.Harrison the death, by drowning, of l i t t l e Emma E a r l , of Blue Gum F l a t . A f t e r dinner I rode up to see the poor people, who were of course i n the deepest d i s t r e s s at t h e i r sudden bereavement. I t seems that a treacherous loose s l a b of the bridge i n f r o n t of t h e i r door had given way mider her, & she f e l l through i n t o the creek, whose waters were much swollen from the recent heavy r a i n s . The f u n e r a l i s to take place tomorrow evening.

Emma Hydaipt EARL, of, Blue. Gum flat, aged 7 ye.aH.i 4H months, the. daughteA of, William -, LabouKeji. Vied 14 Ee.bn.uaiy 1860.

February 1860.

15. The greater part of the morning was taken up w i t h the 94. usual drudgery. I s t a r t e d f o r Blue Gum F l a t about 3 P:M: & c a l l e d at Broadbent's by the way. As us u a l , great numbers attended the f u n e r a l at the f l a t .

16. Just as I was s t a r t i n g f o r Kincumbar t h i s morning, Mr.WiWalmsley c a l l e d to announce the rat h e r sudden & unexpected death of Mrs.E.Walmsley's s i s t e r . Miss [ ] ] P h i l l i p s , She-attended-the-fanerai-iast-evening-±itt±e imagtttittgj-doabtieas^-that-her-own-faneirai-waa-so nigh-at-hand. (a mistake of mine as I afterwards l e a r n t she was taken i l l j u s t before the f u n e r a l & so prevented from attending) I went a l l round Kincumbar today, hoping to c o l l e c t a few more c o n t r i b u t i o n s f o r the Clergy Stipend Fund, but was e n t i r e l y u n s u c c e s s f u l l .

17. Rode up to v i s i t the Wamsley's t h i s morning, & returned i n time to go over to the Steamer. By the m a i l she brought we f i n d there have been most d i s a s t r o u s f l o o d s to the south, & great damage done to property, as w e l l as l o s s o f l i f e .

18. Went up to Blue Gum F l a t t h i s morning f o r the f u n e r a l of Miss P h i l l i p s i p 10 was the hour f i x e d , but they d i d not come t i l l about I p 12. thus d e p r i v i n g me of two whole hours. I overtook Mr.Battley r i d i n g up to the f u n e r a l & we rode on together, & returned together, so that by the time I got home I t was about 3 o'c: Thus I had not s u f f i c i e n t time to prepare, as I wished to have done, f o r tomorrow's s e r v i c e s .

19. (Sunday) Small congregation t h i s morning at Kincumbar, & only a middling one i n the afternoon at Gosford. Dr. & Mrs.Benson brought t h e i r baby to be baptized [2] & Mr.Hely stood Godfather f o r i t . Congregation at B.G.Flat not so lar g e as I hoped to have seen.

[1] Lydia. PHILLIPS, agzd 24, daughteA of the. late. Thomai -, FameA oi Pitt Town, Vlzd at Go^ioid Paik, 16 TtbiuaKy 1860,

[2] See page. 89.

February 1860.

20. At home a l l the morning. A f t e r dinner we a l l went i n 95. the boat to see Mrs.Mann & were glad to f i n d h e r s e l f & babe very w e l l .

21. My i n t e n t i o n & d e s i r e was to go to Kincumbar today, to v i s i t some p a r t i e s whom I have not yet seen round by Cockle Creek; but, as f r e q u e n t l y happens w i t h me nowadays by the time I had completed a l l my drudgery work, there was not enough of the day l e f t , so I could not c a r r y out my wishes. I therefore went up to Blue Gum F l a t i n the afternoon, to pay a v i s i t to each ofthe houses of mourning there, - Wamsley's & E a r l ' s , & found them both, I t r u s t , bearing t h e i r v i s i t a t i o n as X t i a n s should do. Anne & the g i r l s accompanied me as f a r as Wyoming, where I picked them up on my r e t u r n .

22. Ash-Wednesday. I had s e r v i c e at the Church t h i s morning, as u s u a l , but owing to the r a i n there were fewer attendants than otherwise there might have been. Towards evening I took Anne across i n the boat to Point C l a r e , to see how the s i c k c h i l d r e n were, f o r Sarah, (who went over yesterday w i t h Wm.Muddle to get some Bananas) brought us word that they were very i l l . We found them b e t t e r .

23. At home a l l day l e t t e r w r i t l i i n g e t c .

24. Went to E r i n a today & paid a number of v i s i t s , going as f a r as F o s t e r ' s , & then coming down t h r o ' Sawyer's v a l l e y , c a l l i n g at each house by the way. Got home a f t e r dark, & brought a bad head-ache w i t h me.

25. At home again today, tho' I d i d intend to have gone to E r i n a again, but was too much hindered by various jobs which robbed me of my time.

26. (Sunday) The showery weather had the e f f e c t of t h i n i n g my congregations today, except at Kincumbar, where the attendance was good.

February 1860.

27. Began t h i s week's work w i t h c u t t i n g & ha u l i n g up the 96. h i l l on my back as much firewood as I could before breakfast: & by the time I had fed the horses & p i g s , & cleaned the former & myself ( f o r a f t e r my morning's hard labour w i t h the thermometer 70 at sunrise every a r t i c l e of c l o t h i n g was saturated w t i h p e r s p i r a t i o n ) i t was not f a r from 12 o'clock. I then set out f o r Kincumbar, f o r the purpose of v i s i t i n g a fa m i l y named D a l l a s , whom I had not yet seen, l i v i n g at Cockle Creek, not very f a r from Davlstown. I went d i r e c t to Ben:Davis' & got him to put me across the water & land me at the hut of a Frenchman named B a p t l s t e , & a f t e r partaking of a cup of t e a , which he h o s p i t a b l y pressed upon me, he put me on the way to D a l l a s ' . I thought from a message which I received from him through Mr.Lane on Sunday, that they were a l l very s i c k l y , & unable to b r i n g t h e i r l i t t l e i n f a n t to church f o r Baptism, but I found i t otherwise & arranged that they s h a l l b r i n g i t to Kincumbar Church Next Sunday [U week. On my r e t u r n 1 c a l l e d & sat some time w i t h poor George Davis, who i s gr a d u a l l y s i n k i n g under Consumption. Among other things he begged ofme to draw out a w i l l f o r him, & gave me the necessary i n s t r u c t i o n s . I t was c l o s i n g i n f o r the night when, a f t e r partaking of a nice cup of tea, at Ben Davis', I set out homeward, & got i n by about 8 o'clock.

28. Sarah l e f t us today, per Steamer, to r e t u r n to her f r i e n d s i n Sydney. I n the morning I walked up as f a r as Parry's to see i f he could come & get me some firewood. Found he was away i n Sydney, but expected home today - Arranged w i t h Mr.Wamsley to c a l l & take Sarah's boxes to the Steamer. & h i s c a r t brought my own things home.

29. At home today e n t e r t a i n i n g the G i t t i n s e s who came up to Breakfast, & remained the day.

Mindd Jamti DALLAS, son oi Gdoigo, -, Milnvi oi Codkln Clddz i Eliza. Bom 22 January 1860. See page. 98.

March 1860.

1. Busy today making up the account of c o n t r i b u t i o n s 97. to the Clergy Fund f o r l a s t year. The t o t a l amount c o l l e c t e d was £127. of which 27£ only w i l l f a l l to my share. Several who promised to co n t r i b u t e have not made good t h e i r promises, & many have not been asked e s p e c i a l l y among the Sawyers at E r i n a , f o r there was no c o l l e c t o r appointed f o r that part of the d i s t r i c t (Mr.Nunn having d e c l i n e d to act) & I cannot, somehow or other c o n t r i v e to get about among them, as long as I have to be my own manservant.

2. S t a r t e d f o r Yarramalong about 2 PM, & a f t e r a s u l t r y , tedious r i d e reached Mr.Lette's about I p 7 i n the evening. Found them a l l w e l l . - Rain came on at ni g h t .

3. Wet morning. Spent the forenoon v i s i t i n g among the s e t t l e r s at Yarramalong & i n the afternoon rode v i a Wallarabba, to John Osborne's where I s t a i d the n i g h t .

4. S. Morning Service at Wallarabba, i n Turners house. Being a wet morning, there were not so many present as there might have been- At Yarramalong, i n the afternoon 1 baptized S:Boyd's i n f a n t . [1]

5. Rode to Mr.Hargraves v i a Freeman's at Wyee. On reaching h i s house, about 4P.M. I found Sir.Danl.Cooper & other f r i e n d s had gone away that day i n the Newcastle Steamer, the Governor having sent an express to I n v i t e him to undertake the forming of a New M i n i s t r y .

6. Went (by myself t h i s time) to Lake Macquarie, & had se r v i c e there i n Taaffe's house, where I baptized an i n f a n t c h i l d of Thos Boyd. The two Boyd's & Taaffe's [2] f a m i l y formed my congregation.

7. Morning s e r v i c e at Mr.Hargraves at i p 9 o'c: Here again I baptized an i n f a n t about 2 yrs o l d ( c h i l d of the carpenter at work there) a l s o l i t t l e " E l l e n " [3] [4J an a b o r i g i n a l g i r l

[1] JamzA BOW, son ol SmaoJi -, Faman. yan.imalong i Eliza, BoiYi 4 Ftbtuafiy 1860.

[2] Louisa BOW, daughteA of Thomas MailneA of lake. MacquaKlz S Eliza. BoKn 3 Jaruiaiy 1860.

[3] Agnzs CRAVVJCK, daughteA oi bJlUlam Hzmy Vailing X - CaipenteA oi Bungailz's Moiah, i Jejan. Bom 5 Januaiy 1858.

[4] Ellen, an Aboilglnal Motive., daughteA oi Nzd oi Bungaile.'s Hoiah i Haigaiet. Bom In on. about the. ye.an. 1849.

March 1860.

7. about 11 yrs of age, & s i s t e r to the l i t t l e baby boy 98. whom I baptized there l a s t January, Miss Fanny Hargraves has undertaken to i n s t r u c t her, & already she knows most of her l e t t e r s , & i s l e a r n i n g to repeat some h5nnns. I l e f t Bungarie's Norah about one o'clock & reached home i n s a f e t y soon a f t e r night f a l l -r a t h e r t i r e d a f t e r my s i x days journeyings.

8,9.&10. Did not go out anywhere, except to post my l e t t e r s on Thursday evening. Ithought myself e n t i i t l e d to a l i t t l e r e s t a f t e r my journey, & spent the time i n w r i t i n g , l e t t e r s , I preparing f o r Sundays d u t i e s . The weather too was very u n s e t t l e d & showery.

14. Sunday the 11th, turned out a f a i r day, & I had t o l e r a b l e congregations - At Kincumbar very good.- 2 c h i l d r e n [1] baptized at Kincumbar & one at E r i n a . On Monday 1 [2] went to see George Davis, by appointment, & took h i s W i l l , which I had w r i t t e n out f o r him, & he dulysigned i t i n presence of myself & James Conroy as witnesses.-C a l l e d on a l l the Davises, a l s o on Mr.Roberts on my way home. Found him g e t t i n g q u i t e w e l l again, but h i s mother, Mrs.Rlchworth, was s u f f e r i n g from bad cough.- On Tuesday morning, a f t e r f i n i s h i n g a l e t t e r or two f o r the Steamer's M a i l , I went over to await the a r r i v a l of the boat, & get my bread. I t was not a very cheering day f o r those who had to go to Sydney, f o r i t was r a i n i n g very hard while she was at the wharf. But i t h e l d up soon a f t e r they s t a r t e d , & I t h i n k they must have got on very w e l l . I t was my i n t e n t i o n to have gone to Kincumbar today, but bad weather stopped me.- During l a s t n ight there must have been about the heaviest f a l l of r a i n we ever knew here. I t dripped through our c i e l i n g s i n two places . & on g e t t i n g up t h i s morning the water was to be seen i n c a t a r a c t s r o a r i n g down the side of the h i l l beyond Fagan's. The noise too was l i k e the noise of a d i s t a n t "mighty rushing wind."

[1] EllzabeXk Ann MOJR, daughteA AlzxandeA MailneA i SauyeA of KlncumbeA i Ann, BoKn 4 Januaiy 1860,

Alitzd Jamzi DALLAS. See. page. 96,

[21 Maiy Ann HEMY, daughte.fi oi William -, SauiyeA of Eilna & Maiy Ann. Bom 28 January 1860.

March 1860.

1. Busy c l o s i n g the account of c o n t r i b u t i o n s f o r the 99

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e tol v i s i t mu^li can I aXtend/ propeS;ly am comperbero to be

Remained at home today l e t t e r w r i t i n g , & making up my Book account w i t h the Morpeth Depot f o r l a s t year. Took my l e t t e r s to the post I n the evening, & while out made a few c a l l s i n that quarter. F i r s t on Mr.Putland's shoemaker, A u s t i n , who has got h i s f a m i l y down from Sydney, & occupies Stockdales cottage. I f i n d that he & h i s f a m i l y are Wesleyans.- I next c a l l e d on Mrs.Capper, Then on Mrs.Caley, & intended v i s i t i n g M r s . C o t t r l l , but found her gate locked.

J u s t as we were going to breakfast t h i s morning, the "dingy" was seen coming up the broadwater, & on approaching the wharf, we found i t contained Miss G i t t i n s & Charles, who came to spend the day w i t h us.- I was very glad to have Charles' help to take my boat to the Steamer. I wanted to send the c l o c k up to Sydney to be r e p a i r e d , & not f i n d i n g any c a r t going from t h i s side I thought the clock would r i d e more comfortably i n the boat than the c a r t . - When the Steamer came I n , I was s u r p r i s e d to see Mrs.Hely on board, w i t h her l i t t l e G r a ndchild, Georga Drew. & she was glad to a v a i l h e r s e l f of a seat i n my boat r a t h e r than trudge a l l the d istance on f o o t . Mr.Hely was there to meet her & he came w i t h us r e l i e v i n g me of my oar.

March 1860.

17. Sermon w r i t i n g a l l the morning. Towards evening Marianne 100. & 1 walked as f a r as Betsy Muddle's, to see how the l i t t l e g i r l i s g e t t i n g on, & were glad to receive a favourable r e p o r t . - She i s able to walk a l i t t l e now, but the knee i s a l i t t l e s t i f f .

18. (Sunday) Small congregations at a l l three churches today - from what cause, I know not.

19. My occupation today has been ra t h e r v a r i e d , & not quite i n keeping w i t h the proper f u n c t i o n s of a Clergyman. I began by l i g h t i n g the k i t c h e n f i r e & p u t t i n g the K e t t l e on to b o i l . The next job was to go down & p u l l the boat i n t o the shore, (as i t was ne a r l y high t i d e ) w i t h the i n t e n t i o n of c l e a n i n g & g i v i n g i t a coat of t a r . Having a l s o fed the pigs & the horses, t h i s brought me to breakfast time. A f t e r breakfast I had about h a l f an hour work indoors i n my study. & then, job No.3 was to go & f i x up a pannel of the batten fence near the gate, by the p i g s t i e , which I found l y i n g f l a t on the ground when I f i r s t went out t h i s morning - The posts had completely r o t t e d away i n the ground & the fence having a l i t t l e l e a n i n i t , they could hold no longer, & snapped short o f f . - I next went to the f i e l d w i t h the s c y t h e , & cut some food f o r the pigs & horse.- That done, & the t i d e having gone out s u f f i c i e n t l y , I went i n , search of someone to help me t u r n the boat over, but could f i n d no one: so while w a i t i n g f o r a passer by, I f i l l e d up the time by c l e a n s i n g my "Augean Sta b l e " . I then found some men down on the wharf, & got them to help me to t u r n the boat over.- By t h i s time they were preparing f o r dinner, so I had nothing to do but prepare myself a l s o f o r t h a t : A f t e r dinner I set to work scraping the boat, & by & bye Booker the B l a c k f e l l o w came to my a s s i s t a n c e , & we

March 1860.

19. got i t n i c e l y scrubbed & cleaned by about 4 o'clock. 101. & while i t was dr y i n g f i l l e d up the i n t e r v a l by c l e a n i n g out the p i g s t i e . I then took the t a r pot & brush down, & set to work t a r r i n g the boat, though i t was not quite so dry as I could have d e s i r e d i t , being a d u l l , cloudy afternoon, w i t h damp wind from S.E. -Having f i n i s h e d that job, I next turned out the horses. & then untied the bandages of a l l the peach trees that I budded, a short time ago & l a s t l y , I f i n i s h e d out the day l i g h t by chopping a good heap of firewood f o r tomorrow morning.

20. Being a r a i n y day I d i d not go out anywhere, but spent the day c h i e f l y i n sermon w r i t i n g , a f t e r performing one or two l i t t l e c arpentering jobs.

21. Intended spending the day at Kincumbar, but by the time I had f i n i s h e d a l l my morning outdoor jobs i t was so near 12 o'clock, that I waited f o r dinner & then rode over to Kincumbar, & v i s i t e d Reynolds, Godwin, & Bentley. My v i s i t to Godwins was a very p a i n f u l one, the object of which was to administer reproof to one who has g r i e v o u s l y transgressed, & brought shame & disgrace upon h e r s e l f , besides b r i n g i n g great scandal upon the Church. One who was confirmed the l a s t time there was a c o n f i r m a t i o n at Kincumbar, & from that time has been a r e g u l a r Communicant, but i s now a l a s , a mother! though unmarried.

22. Having a good many l e t t e r s to w r i t e , I remained at home today f o r that purpose, & hope to be out a l l tomorrow, & perhaps Saturday too.

23. Went to Kincumbar t h i s morning, & a f t e r c a l l i n g at Mullard's & Kearnes' went across to Wilson's at T o r i g a l , & v i s i t e d a l l the people there. I found the Hunts have j u s t moved over there from Matchams ground, & the younger daughter was s i c k

March i860.

23. i n bed. The e l d e s t daughter I f i n d i s l a t e l y married 102. to one of Wilson's sons, & the o l d e s t son, A l f r e d Hunt, was married the other day to Annie B r i t t o n . That makes 3 couples, a l l members of the Church of England, who have l a t e l y gone away up to Sydney, & got married by Dr.Lang. Mrs.Hunt explained to me the reason, namely, to avoid the expense of the marriage f e a s t u s u a l l y expected & given on these occasions. 1 found a ni c e new road opened from Kincumbar to Wilson's, which has shortened the distance very much, & I endeavoured to persuade some of them to t r y & f i n d t h e i r way to Kincumbar Church by i t . On l e a v i n g T o r i g a l I came home the most d i r e c t way, c a l l i n g at Jackson's, Browns, Foster's Cadby's Cook's, Plunket's & Swadllngs, & reached home, ra t h e r fagged & starv e d , at about i p 7.

24. Went over to EtGosford t h i s morning, & c a l l e d on MrS.Lloyd, ( i n her shop) & then went up to the Church, to leave the wine there f o r tomorrow, & b r i n g back 2 or 3 empty b o t t l e s , which had accumulated there.-C a l l e d on Mrs.Mcintosh, a l s o . - The r e s t of the day was spent i n preparing f o r tomorrow's s e r v i c e s & doing a l i t t l e c l e a n i n g i n the Saddlery department.

25. (Sunday) Three r a t h e r s m a l l congregations today. The weather very hot: exceedingly oppressive i n Church at East Gosford, where the s e r v i c e was lengthened by the a d d i t i o n of both sacraments. I baptized Mr.Edwd,Wamsley's c h i l d before s e r v i c e . [1]

26. We were preparing to go & spend the day at Wyoming t h i s morning, when I was summoned up to the Church to marry a couple, & by the time I returned I had so [2] bad a headache that I could not attempt to go out & was l a i d up f o r the r e s t of the day.- Very hot again today.

[1] Atchlbold Mbdfit Einnit WAMSLEV, ion of Edujaid ~, FameA o^ Goi^oKd Vatik i liaboJUia, Bom 5 Fzbiuaiy 1860.

[2] No tntiy ^ound -in Chufich RtQiAtti ^on. maiKlagti.

"WYOMING" was the name F. A. HELY gave to his land grant

KERRY & Co. POSTCARD: GOSFORD CITY LIBRARY

Wyoming, looking south from near the corner of the present Wyoming Road and Glencoe Avenue. The building which dates back to the 1830's is now, in shortened form, the residence of The Grange Hotel-Motel in Renwick Street. The old Hely home is at right. Photo probably taken between 1895 and 1910.

This 1940's snapshot shows six arches, perhaps of stables, part of the long building seen in top photo, but from the other direction.

PHOTO: Mrs. R. LOUGHER, GOSFORD

March 1860.

27. G r e a t l y disappointed today by the n o n - a r r i v a l of the 103. Steamer. A sou t h e r l y wind came on l a s t n ight & I suppose there was too much sea f o r them to venture out. I took the c a r t over, expecting to f i n d a married couple who have engaged to come f o r 6 months, but had my journey f o r nothing.

29. Much to our s u r p r i s e the Steamer came p u f f i n g i n t o the Broadwater about 2 o'clock yesterday afternoon. We d i d not expect her t i l l tomorrow, having missed the re g u l a r day. I made a l l the haste I could & put Mettle i n t o the c a r t , & h u r r i e d over to East Gosford, but the v e s s e l was o f f again before I could get there. On the way, however, I met my new man Joseph Chamberlain, coming i n search of me, & handed the r e i n s over to him at once. As f a r as we can judge from appearances, we t h i n k they w i l l both s u i t us very w e l l . Today we managed at l a s t to accomplish our long t a l k e d of v i s i t to Wyoming. S t a r t i n g about 11 o'clock, we f i r s t c a l l e d on Mrs.Hely by the way, & then reached Wyoming about one o'ci. J u s t as we were l e a v i n g home we thought we spied the "Dingy" approaching the wharf, so l e f t a note f o r them to f o l l o w us on. I t turned out to be M r s . G i t t i n s , E l l e n & Charles, & they came up w i t h us at Mr.Hely's - We spent a pleasant day at Wyoming g e t t i n g home again about dusk, & then the G i t t i n s party set o f f home again.

30. Went over to the Steamer as soon as she came i n , & from thence rode out to E r i n a , to v i s i t o l d Warburton, & Mrs.Edmunds. The l a t t e r I found agreat d e a l b e t t e r than when I l a s t saw her; Warburton much the same.-I c a l l e d l i k e w i s e on Mr.Nunn & the Miss Donnisons.

A p r i l 1860.

5. On Saturday l a s t , the 31st March, I set out f o r 104. Mangrove about 11 AM, & had one of the most disagreeable journeys 1 ever experienced, r a i n i n g a l l the way. A r r i v e d there about dark. On Sunday morning, the 1st, Mr.Wheeler accompanied me to the Upper Church, but from the bad weather, & some of the people being away from home, I had no congregation, except a few c h i l d r e n , whom 1 catechized. I n the afternoon there were only 13 at the lower schoolhouse. On Monday morning I married a young couple, John Crumpton & Mary Crossland, f / J & then preceeded down the creek to v i s i t poor Mr.Cox, who continues i n the same precarious s t a t e . Richd. Woodbury rowed me down i n t h e i r boat. On Tuesday I rode up to the top of the creek & v i s i t e d a l l along the road. Found Gould's new schoolmaster at work w i t h 14 c h i l d r e n , w h i l e Mr.Wheeler had only fiVi 7. t h i s i s e a s i l y accounted f o r by i t s being so near t h e i r door, & open the whole week, while the distance to our upper school i s some 4 m i l e s , & only 3 days i n the week. Yesterday I had a b e a u t i f u l day f o r my homeward journey, & got back before 4 o' c l o c k , g l a d , as u s u a l , that my "Mangrove v i s i t a t i o n was at an end.- I found Miss G i t t i n s here on my r e t u r n . Today I have spent w r i t i n g - Began by addres'sing a l e t t e r to the Bench, on the subject of the B a l l s at the P u b l i c Houses, which have been ra t h e r more frequent of l a t e , & which I have reason to f e a r are productive of much e v i l , i f not of p o s i t i v e immorality among the people, & are p a r t i c u l a r l y i n j u r i o u s to the young. The purport of my l e t t e r was to beg the Magistrates to withhold t h e i r s a n c t i o n to these p a r t i e s , which I am t o l d cannot take place without the permission of the M a g i s t r a t e s . - I was glad to l e a r n from Mr

[1] No tntiij found Jin ChuKck RzgJutdi foi ma>i>uia.Qt6.

A p r i l 1860.

5. B a t t l e y t h i s evening that my l e t t e r has already done 105. good, by causing a l i t t l e more r e s t r i c t i o n to be made i n answer to the a p p l i c a t i o n of two Publicans today.

7. Yesterday being Good F r i d a y , we had morning prayers at the Church, & a congregation of about 50. Towards evening we took a l i t t l e s t r o l l up the h i l l at the back.- This morning I went to East Gosford & c a l l e d on Putland & h i s man, Walter Kemp - t a k i n g C o t t r i l l & Crane on the way back.- Went across the water t h i s evening i n the boat & enjoyed i t much. The evening was very calm & b e a u t i f u l .

10. Sunday, the 8th being Easter Day I administered the Sacrament to 32 at East Gosfd. & had a good congregation besides.- Very f a i r a l s o at Kincumbar & E r i n a . I t was a most l o v e l y day - c l o u d l e s s sky, & moderatley warm.- Yesterday we a l l went by water up the creek, & c a l l e d upon the Drews who are now l i v i n g up at the wharf. We looked In upon Mrs.Mann a l s o by the way.- I found i t r a t h e r warm rowing up the creek, as there was s c a r c e l y any breeze s t i r i n g . - This being the day f o r e l e c t i n g Church Wardens, I went up to the Church a l i t t l e before eleven, & p u n c t u a l l y at the hour Mr.Nunn made h i s appearance, but more than h a l f an hour followed before any others came. At l e n g t h a s u f f i c i e n t number a r r i v e d (but barely t h a t , only 5 a l t o g e t h e r ) & we proceeded to the e l e c t i o n , when the same three who acted l a s t year were r e - e l e c t e d , namely Messrs H a r r i s o n , B a t t l e y , & S c o t t . I went to the steamer a f t e r the meeting, expecting to f i n d some goods f o r me. but nothing has come.- I n short the Steamer came almost empty today, no passengers h a r d l y nor goods.- Charles & Alexa came up today, & we walked to the top of Recreation H i l l a f t e r dinner,-The evening was very f i n e , so the view was b e a u t i f u l .

A p r i l 1860.

11. Started f o r Kincumbar about 9 AM. & a f t e r l o o k i n g i n 106. at the school paid a round of v i s i t s i n the f o l l o w i n g order, Darbyshire, Overton, Dunlop, Woodwd. a l l the Davises, Conroy & Poole & S e t t r e e , I remained sometime wi t h poor George Davis, whom I found weaker than when I l a s t saw him, but while the "outward man" i s decaying, I hope & t r u s t that the inward man i s waxing stronger & stronger. The sun had sunk behind the western h i l l s before I l e f t Davis's so I had only time to r i d e up to Dr.Auld's door i n passing, & enquire a f t e r them a l l , & i t got q u i t e dark on me by the time 1 reached Green P o i n t .

18. Last Thursday, the 12th, I went up to the Sawmill, c a l l i n g at a l l the intermediate p l a c e s . I was s o r r y to l e a r n from Margaret Bates, that i n consequence of the school at the F l a t not being s u f f i c i e n t l y remunerative, she had made up her mind to give i t up. 1 begged of her to keep i t on another f o r t n i g h t or so & promised to w r i t e & ask the Bishop whether he could o b t a i n any a s s i s t a n c e by way of a small s t i p e n d . On F r i d a y I went over to the steamer & was s o r r y to hear from Cap:Brett, that my watch, which I had entrusted to ti"^ him on Tuesday, had been s t o l e n out of the Black Swan. In the hurry & b u s t l e occasioned by h i s having to go o f f i n another v e s s e l immediately on h i s a r r i v a l at the wharf i n Sydney, he forgot to take the watch to the o f f i c e , but l e f t i t on the s h e l f i n the s t a i r s l e a d i n g down to the Cabin, from which i t disappeared. My Clock came back from Sydney on F r i d a y a l s o , but on unpacking i t I found the screw which fastens the pendulum i n i t s place had broken, & so the pendulum has got a d r i f t , & so i n j u r e d the clock that i t would not go. & I must send i t back to Sydney next week. Among other

A p r i l 1860.

18. things brought down by the Steamer on Friday were 107. the remains of poor Mr.Joseph Spears, who died i n Sydney on the 11th, & was brought down by h i s f r i e n d s f o r B u r i a l . The f u n e r a l took place on Monday afternoon, H J the 16th. & was more numerously attended than any f u n e r a l I have ever had. On Saturday I was busy w r i t i n g a l l the morning, & i n the afternoon we a l l went across i n the boat to Holden's p o i n t , & rambled up to the top of the h i l l behind the house. The evening was most b e a u t i f u l , & the view very p r e t t y . Sunday commenced w i t h a c l e a r b r i g h t sky, but by 8 o'clock a sudden change took p l a c e , & heavy clouds began to r i s e from the S.E. which s h o r t l y discharged t h e i r contents upon us. I t was showery throughout the day so that my congregations were s m a l l , & towards evening i t s e t t l e d i n t o a steady l i g h t r a i n , & looked so very unpromising that I d i d not go to the Blue G:Flat church. The Nunns came to spend the day with us on Monday, the whole party from Wyoming. Yesterday was my day f o r the q u a r t e r l y v i s i t a t i o n at Mooney Creek, & I had a very n i c e day f o r my r i d e , besides a t i d y l i t t l e congregation of 20. A f t e r r e t u r n i n g home i n the evening we a l l went to c a l l at Mona Vale. This morning I went over to see Mrs.Jos:Spears, & made one or two other c a l l s by the way. In the afternoon I paid a few v i s i t s about home.

19. S t a r t e d i n my boat a f t e r breakfast t h i s morning to v i s i t the people at Wye Wye, & that neighbourhood, commencing at McCullum's, & going as f a r as Rocky George's. I found i t very hot rowing, there being s c a r c e l y a breath of a i r s t i r r i n g . I t was about sunset before I s t a r t e d back again from C o u l t e r s , so that i t was qu i t e dark before I reached home.

20. At home today w r i t i n g l e t t e r s . Charles G i t t i n s came up e a r l y i n the morning & brought a new rope f o r my boat. In the evening we a l l walked to see Mrs.Coulter c a l l e d on the B a t t l e y s a l s o .

Joiojph SPEARS, aged 48, Innke-zptfL of East Gosfofid, Vlo-d 11 ApiU. 1860,

A p r i l 1860.

21. Contrary to my r u l e of s t a y i n g at home on Saturday, 108. I have had a long day's v i s i t i n g at E r i n a today, commencing at Mr.Nunn's, &. ta k i n g a c i r c u i t by Swadling's F o s t e r s , & then round by Job Jones, F l e t c h e r ' s & so home by Best's e t c . I have long been wishing to go to Jones', but somehow or other I could never accomplish i t before. 1 found only Mrs.Jones & daughter, besides t h e i r unfortunate h e l p l e s s son, who has been a s o r t of i d i o t i c c r i p p l e f o r the l a s t 17 y r s , & i s 25 years of age. he has been 7 weeks i n bed now, & i s a most p i t i a b l e object - a great burden to himself & t r i a l to h i s mother. I found F l e t c h e r very poorly too. He caught c o l d some 2 months ago or more, & seems to have neglected h i m s e l f , whereby h i s lungs are now a f f e c t e d . He went to Sydney about 10 days ago to get Medical advice, & put himself under Dr.Muller's care, & h i s p r e s c r i p t i o n seems to be doing him good.

23. Good attendance at Gosfrod yesterday morning, but rather small at Kincumbar notwithstanding I had three young Swadllngs to increase the number. On the way back from Kincumbar a s l i g h t thundershower came on, & al t o g e t h e r the evening looked very threatening so I had EBH no congregatl^ion a t E r i n a , & on my homeward r i d e , between 78& 8, I was caught i n a t e r r i f i c thunderstorm. I t was very dark when I s t a r t e d from E r i n a & I could only grope my way sl o w l y along by t a k i n g a s i g h t , as i t were, at every f l a s h o f l i g h t e n i n g . I had j u s t got through Mr.Nunn's paddock, & a r r i v e d at the most dismal part of the road, when the r a i n began, & the t h i c k e s t of the storm passed over. Poor o l d "Mettle" was so bl i n d e d by the l i g h t e n i n g , that he stood stock s t i l l , & could not be persuaded to move, u n t i l the storm had passed away, & then

A p r i l 1860.

23. we f i n i s h e d our r i d e i n s a f e t y . The r a i n poured down 109. i n great t o r r e n t s , but thanks to my Gutta Percha, I reached home p e r f e c t l y dry.- Hearing from Mrs.Woodward yesterday that poor George Davis was much worse, I rode down to see him today & found him g r e a t l y a l t e r e d since my l a s t v i s i t , & e v i d e n t l y s i n k i n g r a p i d l y to h i s grave. He has a l l along seemed q u i t e resigned, & " w i l l i n g to depart." &, as f a r as I can judge, I thi n k he i s dying i n a very hopeful s t a t e . - On my ret u r n I c a l l e d at Mr.Roberts's

26. On Tuesday the 24th, went up to the school i n the morning, & thence to the Steamer when she came i n . Got a copy of that day's Herald from Captn B r e t t i n which I was so r r y to observe that Mr.Rolfe's v e s s e l , the " S w i f t " had foundered on Monday o f f the long r e e f , & that the unfortunate master was drawned, the other two s a i l o r s , & a passenger, a sawyer, being saved by c l i n g i n g to the boat, from which they were soon rescued by another v e s s e l c l o s e at hand. A f t e r dinner I took a r i d e w i t h Miss G i t t i n s up to Wyoming, Anne & the g i r l s walked w i t h us as f a r as Mr.Hely's, where we a l l c a l l e d . Yesterday morning I s t a r t e d w i t h the i n t e n t i o n of going to Kincumbar. I c a l l e d f i r s t at Mr.Wm.Nunn's, & at Miss Donnisons, & then set o f f f o r Kincumbar, but j u s t as I had climbed the h i l l , the r a i n began, & came down p r e t t y smartly, & having every appearance of a continuance, I turned, & came home again. & spent the afternoon i n w r i t i n g . This being a wet day, r a t h e r , I remained at home sermon w r i t i n g , so that I may be f r e e to go out on Saturday.

27. This morning I recei v e d i n t e l l i g e n c e of the death [1] of George Davis (yesterday) w i t h a request to come over & bury him t h i s afternoon, which I d i d a c c o r d i n g l y . I was very r a i n y a l l

[1] No untKif found In Chufich. Re.gLbt.cft fofi bufUali,

A p r i l 1860.

the day, the r a i n coming down i n tremendous showers, 110. wi t h i n t e r v a l s of c e s s a t i o n . I went across to see Mrs.Reynolds, a f t e r the f u n e r a l , hearing that she was very i l l . I found Dr.Auld i n attendance upon her, & he described her case as being a dangerous one. The r a i n continued i n t o r r e n t s the greater part of the n i g h t .

28. S t i l l tremendous r a i n , a l l the low lands flooded, & great water f a l l s down the side of the h i l l s beyond Pagan's.- No going out anywhere, except that I went to Worley's i n the morning, to see whether he could send a l e t t e r to Mr.Wheeler on Monday - weather p e r m i t t i n g -announclng to him what I t h i n k he w i l l consider welcome i n t e l l i g e n c e , that the Bishop has acquiesied i n h i s wish f o r a removal from Mangrove & has appointed him to succeed Mr.Hawkins at St.Alban's. Worley g l a d l y consented to send the l e t t e r up.

29. Sunday. Set out about 9 AM, f o r morning s e r v i c e at Blue Gum F l a t , but had to r e t u r n again;- the creeks at Wyoming being impassable.

30. Went over to Kincumbar t h i s morng, & v i s i t e d Mrs.Reynolds f i r s t , s t i l l very i l l , & from thence rode down to Davis's to see Poor Mrs.George Davis. The roads every where i n a h o r r i b l e c o n d i t i o n , converted i n t o r i v e r s & d i t c h e s . Found the new bridge at Kincumbar washed away. Found Charles G i t t i n s here on my r e t u r n , come to f e t c h h i s s i s t e r home.

May 1860.

1. Charles & Miss G i t t i n s l e f t us about 11 AM. I then passed an hour or so l e t t e r w r i t i n g & a f t e r dinner rode out to see o l d F l e t c h e r , whom I was glad to f i n d improving g r e a t l y .

May 1860.

2. Went to Kincumbar t h i s morning to v i s i t Mrs.Reynolds. 111. Discovered that she was a Roman C a t h o l i c , & that Reynolds had consented to her request to be v i s i t e d by Mr.Woolfrey. I there f o r e conceived i t my duty to withdraw from f u r t h e r attending her.- I then proceeded v i a Kerns' to T o r i g a l , & v i s i t e d a l l i n that quarter, & so r e t u r n i n g l a t e i n the evening, by E r i n a .

3. At home a l l day, l e t t e r w r i t i n g , & towards evening, gardening.- Mr.Osborne c a l l e d , & paid h i s s u b s c r i p t i o n to the c l e r g y fund.

4. I n the morning went to East Gosford & made sundry c a l l s there. Afternoon w r i t i n g l o o k i n g out sermons to take w i t h me to Yarramalong e t c . & a l i t t l e gardening.

5. Rode up to Yarramalong, c a l l i n g at G i l c h i s o n ' s by the way, & administered p r i v a t e baptism to h i s i n f a n t [1] c h i l d , they being unable to attend Church at Wyong t h i s time, & not l i k i n g t o a l l o w the c h i l d to remain unbaptlzed f o r another two months.- Found Mrs.Lette alone, Mr.L. having gone to the Snowy R i v e r .

6. Sunday - Morning Service at Yarramalong, Afternoon at Wyong (or Wallarabba r a t h e r ) - Good attendance at both p l a c e s . Repaired to Duralong a f t e r the s e r v i c e , & passed a s o l i t a r y n i g h t there, Mr.Osborne being i n Sydney.

7. S t a r t e d at 8 AM: & reached Mr.Lee's at Currumbong by eleven. Had morning s e r v i c e there w i t h a very small congregation, only 7. ~ I n the afternoon made my way to Mr.Hargraves, where I found a l l w e l l .

8. Accompanied by Edwd.Hargraves, rode up to Taaffes at Lake Macquarie & had morning s e r v i c e there.- The Fremans managed to cross the lake & so swelled my congregation to ne a r l y 20.- Weather most l o v e l y , & Lakes b e a u t i f u l

f / J Maty GILCHISON, daughtvi of Jamzi Famzi of Wyong Point i. Haigaizt. Bom 11 Mick 1860.

May 1860.

9. Morning s e r v i c e at Mr.Hargraves at 10 o'clock.- 112 In a d d i t i o n to t h e i r own household, four Chinamen attended the s e r v i c e , & seemed pleased, promising to come again. Though they could not understand much, t h i s begining may l e a d to some good e v e n t u a l l y . Mr.Worley was present a l s o , & we rode home together, s t a r t i n g about i p 12. & coming by way of W a l l a r r a creek About 9 P:M: I had a v i s i t from Mr.Simpson, one of the Candidates f o r t h i s e l e c t o r a t e ; he had j u s t been h o l d i n g a meeting at the Court House.

10. Rode over to Kincumbar i n the morning to see Mrs. Reynolds. F i n d i n g i t was her d e s i r e to see Mr.Woolfrey, 1 p r e v a i l e d upon Reynolds to send f o r him, & then came home again. A f t e r dinner I rode up to Blue Gum F l a t to baptize a c h i l d of W i l l i a m Deeves', as they [1] are going away up to Currumbrong, & wished to have the c h i l d b aptized before they went. Marianne accompanied me as f a r as Wyoming.- Mrs.Battley c a l l e d while we were away, &i6 mentioned that Mr.Simpson had a f a l l from h i s horse t h i s afternoon at Kincumbar, & broke h i s arm.

11. Went up to Mr.Hely's a f t e r b r e a k f a s t , to see him about the b a p t i z i n g of h i s c h i l d , as I heard he had been enquiring f o r me, the c h i l d being r a t h e r d e l i c a t e . They seemed desirous of having i t Xtianed at home, but there being no p o s i t i v e ailment, as f a r as they could t e l l me, I suggested t h e i r b r i n g i n g i t to the Church i n preference, which they consented t o . I [2] afterwards went to the Steamer, & s t a i d at home the r e s t of the day.

12. Went over to Kincumbar today, to see Mr.Simpson, who i s l y i n g at Mr.Woolfrey's - I went by Davis's & crossed the water at Poole's. Found Dr.Auld

Vavld Robvit VEEVES, ion of William John Splitte.1 of Blue. Gum Flat i Sophia Matilda COLLINS. Bom 12 Ee.biuaiy 1860.

See page. 115. Baptised 20 May 1860.

May 1860.

12. w i t h him, d r e s s i n g the broken l i m b , which seemed progressing 113. favourably.

13. Sunday. Service as u s u a l , Gosford, Kincumbar, & E r i n a .

14. Made an aquatic excursion to Tonga va l e today. Charles came qui t e unexpectedly e a r l y i n the morning to help us down. He l e f t h i s dingy here, & he & Mr.Homfray brought us back i n the evening, & then returned i n t h e i r own boat. I landed at Mrs.Bookers, & l e t the party go on, w h i le I had a l i t t l e t a l k w i t h Mrs.Booker & the Gambles.- M r . G i t t i n s came up afterwards & took me down.

15. Took the g i r l s up to Wyoming t h i s morning & l e f t them there to spend the week. I a l s o c a l l e d at the Drews & at Gavenlock's.

16. W r i t i n g t i l l about 11 o'clock, & then went out f o r the day. C a l l e d f i r s t at C o u l t e r s , where one of the c h i l d r e n - Fanny - i s i l l w i t h the meas^les (as they t h i n k . ) I then c a l l e d to see Mrs.Lloyd, who i s j u s t g e t t i n g about again a f t e r her confinement, & from thence proceeded to Kincumbar to v i s i t Mrs.Reynolds int e n d i n g a l s o to go as f a r as Mr.Woolfrey's & see Mr.Simpson, i f time would admit. I found Mrs.Reynolds very poorly Indeed, & I t h i n k drawing near her end. She expressed a great d e s i r e to r e c e i v e the Holy Communion at my hands, & I promised to go over tomorrow afternoon to administer i t . F i n d i n g there was not time to extend my r i d e to Mr.Woolfrey's, 1 went as f a r as Ward's only & paid them a v i s i t & then r e t u r n i n g reached home at dark.

17. Being Ascension day, according to n o t i c e given i n Church l a s t Sunday we had morning s e r v i c e i n the Chruch. I t happened u n f o r t u n a t e l y to be the P o l l i n g day, f o r the e l e c t i o n of a r e p r e s e n t a t i v e i n Parliament f o r our e l e c t o r a t e .

May 1860.

17. Besides t h i s , i t came on to r a i n & blow from the westward, 114. j u s t at the time when people would be preparing f o r Church, so that my congregation amounted only to seven. Mr.Homfray & Charles came up very e a r l y , (& E l l e n a l s o ) w i t h a view of re c o r d i n g t h e i r vote i n favour of Mr.Simpson & then going to Church. Immediately a f t e r breakfast we three went up to the Court House, & gave i n our votes, & by the time we returned, the weather looked so very bad, & s q u a l l y , that they thought i t prudent to set o f f home again, l e a v i n g E l l e n behind them, & she accompanied me to Church. I t turned out to be only a wes t e r l y s q u a l l , & by 12 o'clock was quite f i n e again. A f t e r dinner I went over to Kincumbar & administered the Sacrament to poor Mrs. Reynolds. On my r e t u r n I picked up Edwd.Hargraves at L l o y d s , & brought him home w i t h me. Was not a l i t t l e s u r p r i s e d , on reaching home, to f i n d Charles here again. The afternoon t u r n i n g out so f i n e , he came up w i t h the r e t u r n of t i d e .

18. Went down to C o u l t e r ^ a f t e r b r e a k f a s t , & was glad to f i n d l i t t l e Fanny was much b e t t e r . C a l l e d i n at Mr.Battley's to a s c e r t a i n the r e s u l t of yesterdays p o l l i n g , & was very s o r r y to f i n d that Mr.Eckford was 7 votes ahead of Mr.Simpson. Charles & E l l e n rode up to Wyoming i n the morning, & soon a f t e r one o'clock took t h e i r departure home. I n the afternoon I rode out i n t o the bush to see Mrs.P:Whittaker, who I heard yesterday from Dr.Auld, has been s e r i o u s l y i l l . Found her much b e t t e r . - Not very w e l l today -headachey.

19. Went up to Wyoming t h i s morning to b r i n g the g i r l s home. C a l l e d i n at Mr.Hely's as we came by & saw the l a d i e s , & l i t t l e baby, who seems t h r i v i n g n i c e l y - They hope to b r i n g i t to Church tomorrow f o r Baptism.

May 1860.

20. Sunday. B e a u t i f u l day, Services as u s u a l , Holy Communion 115. at Kincumbar & Baptism both at Gosford & Blue Gum F l a t . Mr.Hely brought h i s l i t t l e son to Gosford,-name "Frederick S t r i c k l a n d " . Gave n o t i c e at Blue f7j Gum F l a t that I would have s e r v i c e there on Saturday afternoon next, to a l l o w some p a r t i e s a t a distance a convenient opportunity of b r i n g i n g t h e i r c h i l d r e n to Baptism.

21. Made a l i t t l e e xcursion today to Wye Wye, f o r the purpose of g e t t i n g to the top of a high mountain, the highest i n t h i s neighbourhood apparently. I got the three young B a t t l e y s to go w i t h me, & we met Mr.Homfray & Charles G i t t i n s at Coulter's by appointment. The day was b e a u t i f u l , though r a t h e r warm, & we found no d i f f i c u l t y i n accomplishing our object; but were rat h e r disappointed w i t h the view which we thought would have been much f i n e r .

22. Went to Kincumbar e a r l y i n the morning to marry a [2] couple, (Bruce & Wilson). A l s o baptized an i n f a n t [3] a f t e r the marriage was over, then v i s i t e d Mrs.Reynolds a f t e r which I got a cup of tea from Mr.Lane, & then returned by way of E r i n a , where I c a l l e d at Whittaker's (Senr. & Junr.) F l e t c h e r ' s & Warburton's - Found Mrs. Whittaker much b e t t e r . The e l d e r had j u s t returned from Sydney w i t h h i s l i t t l e boy, whose foot i s coming on very w e l l . A f t e r dark, Charles G i t t i n s a r r i v e d w i t h Mr B u i s t , who came from Sydney today per Steamer, by appointment to tune a l l the Pianos i n the neighbourhood.

23. At home a l l day, v a r i o u s l y occupied. Mr.Buist was busy the greater part of the day over the Piano, examining the l e a t h e r s upon the hammers, & brushing them up a b i t , a f t e r which he put the instrument i n e x c e l l e n t tune. In the evening I took him to Mr.Harrison's, to show him t h e i r piano.

[T] ¥n.(idz>Uxik Sttlckland HELV, Son of Hovtndzn -, Gtntlaman of Wyoming, ^ Gtntiixda Maiy. Bom 9 kpiXJi 1860.

[2] 22 May 1860, at thz Chmch at KlncmbeA, John BRUCE, 27, Bac.hdLoi. Bom In Scotland, MaKincn. i, Sawycn., of TzAilgal - son of Vauld Moaldci, and Maigaict [JEEEREV] - and

Maty Ann WILSOhi, 18, SplnstCA.. Bom In England, of TzAilgal -daughtci of Vavld -, Eamfi, and Maiy [WAKELEV] dzccaszd.

WXXncsscs: VafUuS WILSON and MaKy Jane LAIRV.

[3] Emma Jam JONES, JUiltgltunatc daughter of Elizabeth, daughter, of EbenczeA JONES, Sawycu. Bom 1 Maich 1860.

May 1860

24. Took Mr.Buist up to Wyoming a f t e r b r e a k f a s t , & l e f t 116. him there to tune the two pianos while I went on to Blue Gum F l a t & the Sawmill, to warn the people of my Intended s e r v i c e on Saturday afternoon.

25. At home a l l the morning. Went over to the Steamer to see Mr.Buist o f f , & give a l e t t e r to the Captain. A f t e r dinner we a l l went across to Mr.Scotts, where 1 expected to f i n d a s i c k house, but was glad to f i n d them convalescent.

26. Rainy morning, which made me fe a r I should not have my afternoon s e r v i c e at Blue Gum F l a t . I t cleared up however by one o'clock, & turned out a f i n e afternoon, & I had a congregation of about 25. & baptized 4 i n f a n t e - H i

27. Sunday.-Administered Holy Comn - to 26 at E:Gosford.-Notwithstanding the unfavourable s t a t e of the weather, which threatened r a i n , & was very c o l d , I had a very good evening congregation a t E r i n a - t o l e r a b l e at Kincumbar.

28. Went over to ErGosford i n the morning to pay a few v i s i t s there. In the afternoon we went i n the boat to c a l l on Mrs.Mann, l e a v i n g Marianne at home, as she i s at present s u f f e r i n g from I n f l u e n z a , which now . p r e v a i l s very generally' throughout the country.

29. Went, by appointment, to T o r i g a l t h i s morning, where I had engaged to have a s p e c i a l s e r v i c e , f o r the purpose of b a p t i z i n g two i n f a n t s i n that quarter; & I was f -? w e l l s a t i s f i e d w i t h the r e s u l t , having a congregation of more than 30. & these n e a r l y a l l persons who never come to any of the Sunday s e r v i c e s . F i n d i n g they were very w i l l i n g to attend, I arranged to pay them a monthly v i s i t , & have f i x e d upon Saturday the 23rd June f o r my next v i s i t . Servlcee to commence at 2 P:M:

[1] Vavld ROBERTSON, 6on of William -, Sauiytn. of Wyoming i UaKy.

BoKn 9 Uovmbzn. 1859.

Janzt MILLER, daughteA of Jame^ Cowan -, Labouizn. of Outlmbah Sawmill i kgneA, Bom 9 MovembeA 1859.

HaKiy STAMP, Maty Ann STAMP, chlldizn of Ge.oKge. -, ShoemakeA of Blue. Gum Flat i Ruth. Bom 27 AplU. 1856 and 26 Se.ptembeA. 1859.

[2] Emma KAY, daughteA of James Mann -, FaKme.1 of TeAilgal & Emma. Bom 22 October 1859.

WlZllam Heniy PAMTLIN, son of Jamts -, Sawye.i of TeAilgal S Maty Ann. Bom 30 Se-ptembeA 1859.

May 1860.

30. Set out about f past 8 t h i s morning f o r a long day 117. at Kincumbar, Went round by Green p o i n t , & c a l l e d at Dr.Auld's, having heard yesterday that he had met wi t h an accident a few days s i n c e . He was i n bed, & I only saw h i s w i f e , who t o l d M me he was much hurt i n one of h i s l e g s , & i t was w i t h d i f f i c u l t y he could move, The hurt was occasioned by a so r t of a snag of a tree p r o j e c t i n g over the road near Kerns's, & i n r i d i n g past h i s horse took him ra t h e r too c l o s e , & i t caught him i n the t h i g h , & dragged himself & saddle o f f the horse.- From that I went to Mrs.Reynolds's. Found her much as u s u a l . - Weaker i f any t h i n g . - I then proceeded to Tonga Va l e , c a l l i n g at Palmer's by the way.- Was glad to f i n d M r . G i t t i n s much b e t t e r -f o r on Sunday the young people t o l d me they had l e f t t h e i r Papa very i l l i n bed.- I've had a d e l i g h t f u l day f o r my r i d e , & got back a l i t t l e a f t e r 6. On reaching home I was very s o r r y to f i n d a note from M r . L y a l l Scott r e p o r t i n g the melancholy termination of poor Mrs.Tompkins' career who was k i l l e d t h i s morning [1] by a f a l l from one of t h e i r waggons.- I t i s some l i t t l e c o n s o l a t i o n t o be able to say of her, "The l a s t time I saw her was i n Church". & that was on Saturday afternoon l a s t , when she trudged down from the Sawmill to attend the s e r v i c e a t the f l a t .

31. Went to Blue Gum F l a t t h i s afternoon to bury poor Mrs.Tompkins, a change i n the weather I fe a r has given me the I n f l u e n z a . A c o l d S:W: wind has been blowing a l l the day, & r a i n began t h i s afternoon. & I came home with a c o l d r a p i d l y spreading on me.

[1] Susan TOMPKINS, agzd about 65, of OuiAjnbah Sawmill. Widow of John -, SawyeA. Vlzd 30 May I860.

June 1860.

6. The Influenza i s making great ravages among us a l l now. 118. I was very poorly a l l F r i d a y & Saturday l a s t , ( t h i s i s Wednesday) so much so, that I was compelled to abandon a l l thought of going to Mangrove, & even on Sunday I was not s u f f i c i e n t l y recovered to enable me to read s e r v i c e i n the Church. I t was the more unfortuante t h i s time, because Mr. Homfray had arranged to accompany me the to Mangrove, & came up e a r l y on Saturday morning f o r the purpose. E l l e n came a l s o . Intending to remain during our absence. We p r e v a i l e d on them both to remain u n t i l yesterday when Charles came up f o r them. On Monday morning we went down to the B u r i a l Ground where I wanted to take an account of the, enclosed graves. Head & foot stones, w i t h a view of a s c e r t a i n i n g as n e a r l y as we can, who has pa i d , & who not (the fees f o r these t h i n g s ) . I n the afternoon I was c a l l e d to v i s i t P a r t r i d g e , who i s very w i l l w i t h I n f l u e n z a yesterday morning we a l l went over to the Steamer, (except Emily & Mamma) & a f t e r dinner the Tonga Vale party departed. Anne & I then went to see o l d Mrs.Creighton, & take some medicine f o r her husband, who i s attacked with I n f l u e n z a . -On our r e t u r n home Anne h e r s e l f was attacked, & was very poorly a l l the evening. Today she has not l e f t her bed, but I t h i n k she i s b e t t e r t h i s evening. I went to see P a r t r i d g e again t h i s morning, & got him to execute h i s W i l l . This afternoon I was c a l l e d to go & see W i l l i a m F l e t c h e i ; Junr. who seems very i l l , I t h i n k a relapse of I n f l u e n z a , f o r he has got over one attack of i t . I recommended an emetic, & gave him some Ipecacuan: powder.

7. Stormy & r a i n y & c o l d & disagreeable. Went to see Creighton i n the morning &

June 1860,

7. found him confined to h i s bed w i t h I n f l u e n z a . In 119. the evening I went to c a l l a t the Harrisons & B a t t l e y s . At the former I saw no one, but r e t i r e d a f t e r two I n e f f e c t u a l knocks at the door.

8. S t i f f Gale of wind from the SW & S. so that the steamer di d not make her appearance. We were disappointed at t h i s , as we expected Uncle F e r r i s down but hope, i f the wind moderates, which i t has done very much already they may despatch the v e s s e l tomorrow.- E I v i s i t e d C o t t r i l l & P a r t r i d g e t h i s morning, was glad to f i n d the l a t t e r much b e t t e r . A f t e r dinner I rode up to E r i n a to see Wm.Fletcher, who i s a l s o improving. He seems to have had Measles.

11. On Saturday, the wind s t i l l blowing very c o l d from SW. I d i d not venture out u n t i l l a t e i n the afternoon when I went to see how Creighton was g e t t i n g on w i t h h i s i n f l u e n z a . Found him out walking about, but h i s wife seemed very p o o r l y . - I then went to the Post O f f i c e f o r the l e t t e r s , as the m a i l d i d not a r r i v e as usual on F r i d a y afternoon, owing to some stoppage w i t h the North Shore Steam F e r r y . - Yesterday I had but a scanty attendance at both Churches, so many being a f f e c t e d w i t h I n f l u e n z a - I d i d not go to E r i n a at n i g h t , f o r two reasons.- (1) I thought i t b e t t e r not to expose myself to the night a i r on account of my cough, & (2) the punt road being p o s i t i v e l y dangerous to r i d e along even i n the day time, much more so i n the dark.- This morning I spent v i s i t i n g at East Gosford, & t h i s afternoon went as f a r as Dickson's, c a l l i n g on Mrs.Hely by the way.

12. This morning I went a f t e r breakfast to c a l l on Mrs.Lette, who I heard was s t a y i n g a t Mr.Crause's.- She had received good accounts from Mr.Lette, from Kiandra, & expects him home i n about 3 weeks, & then they w i l l a l l take t h e i r departure. A f t e r c a l l i n g a t

June 1860.

12. Creighton's,I went to C o u l t e r s , & was glad to f i n d 120 the young f o l k s there were g e t t i n g over t h e i r a t t a c k of measles. From thence rode on to meet the Steamer, expecting to f i n d Uncle F e r r i s on board, but i n that I was disappointed, f o r he has postponed h i s v i s i t f o r another week. C a l l e d upon P a r t r i d g e & then came home.

13. Went over to Kincumbar t h i s morning to see Mrs.Reynolds, & found her much i n the same s t a t e , very low, but s t i l l l i n g e r i n g on. Went as f a r as Scaysbrooks, but was prevented going any f a r t h e r by the r a i n . On my way back 1 looked i n at the Church, where M u l l i g a n , (according to my request) was examining the s t a t e of the Reading Desk, f o r on Sunday l a s t I made the discovery that white Ants were at work there. He found that the hardwood foundation was a f f e c t e d , & n e a r l y a l l eaten away by them, & i s going to take i t a l l down & replace the damaged timber. I t was a happy concidence that M u l l i g a n happened to be on the spot when I made the di s c o v e r y .

14. Went to see P a r t r i d g e t h i s morning, & found him much the same, cough r a t h e r b e t t e r . - C a l l e d on Mrs.Hegln a l s o , she i s attacked l i k e most others, w i t h I n f l u e n z a , A f t e r dinner I rode up to Blue Gum F l a t , to pay Margaret Bates £10 which the Bishop had sent her from Moore's Fund.- C a l l e d at Wamsley's a l s o , & Lees' & E a r l ' s ,

15. Stormy day & r a i n y r a t h e r . Not f e e l i n g very w e l l i n the morning I stayed at home,-wrote to the Bishop, e t c . e t c : - Went to the post i n the evening f o r l e t t e r s .

16. I d i d intend going to E r i n a today, but found s e v e r a l new I n f l u e n z a p a t i e n t s about home & v i s i t i n g them occupied the greater part of the day - The f o l l o w i n g are the persons I c a l l e d on. Mrs.Anderson, Putland, P a r t r i d g e , Mrs.Piper,Rudkin, Mrs.Hegin,Mr. & Mrs.Coulter.

June 1860.

18. The Influ e n z a thinned my congregations sadly yesterday 121 at a l l three Churches. I had a dismal dark r i d e at night to & from Blue Gum F l a t , & a l l f o r a congregation of 12 only. - Today I l e f t home about 10 o'clock, & was out t i l l dark, v i s i t i n g , a number of s i c k people, namely - Cou l t e r , Mrs.Hegln, P a r t r i d g e , Mrs.Piper, & then proceeded to E r i n a , where I found the Miss Donnisons both very poorly. From thence I went to Swadllngs, & then on past Jacksons, to a man named Hudson, who met wi t h an accident about 3 weeks ago,-I d i d not know whether he belonged to my f l o c k or not, but I f i n d he & h i s w i f e are both Roman C a t h o l i c s . Hearing that N a i l o r was very i l l w i t h I n f l u e n z a , I came back that way & found both him & h i s wife very bad.- He was quite wandering i n h i s mind, & I doubt whether he knew me.

19. A f t e r v i s i t i n g Mrs.Piper & P a r t r i d g e t h i s morning, I went to the Steamer & met F e r r i s who at l a s t has made h i s appearance. I n the afternoon Marianne accompanied me i n a walk to C o u l t e r ' s , -C a l l e d at Mona Vale & at the B a t t l e y s on our way back.

20. To Kincumbar today - On reaching Reynolds' I found that poor Mrs.Reynolds had died j u s t about h a l f an hour before I got there. I came round by Roberts' & Aulds. No one at home at the former house. C a l l e d i n at Green Point a l s o , but no one at home.

21. To E r i n a ; to v i s i t N a i l o r , whom I found I thi n k a l i t t l e b e t t e r . From thence I worked my way home by Wm. & A: Swadling's, c a l l i n g at a l l the places by the way.

22. A f t e r going to the Steamer I went on to Kincumbar f o r the Funeral of Mrs.Reynolds. On r e t u r n i n g home, I found a note [1] requesting me to go & baptize Mrs.Drew's baby, which I d i d . Mr.Hely t a k i n g me up i n h i s boat.

23. F e r r i s accompanied me to T o r i g a l today, where I had afternoon s e r v i c e , & a

Wo dyitxy found in ChuKch RzgiAttn.,

June 1860.

23. good congregation of about 40.- C a l l e d to see N a i l o r 122. by the way who seemed b e t t e r . C a l l e d a l s o at Mr.Nunn's & Miss Donnison's

25. The Infl u e n z a seems s t i l l t o a f f e c t my congregations, that of Gosford being s m a l l yesterday, though a t Kincumbar I had a f a i r attendance. This morning F e r r i s accompanied me to Kincumbar, where I married John Wm.Palmer & [1] Sarah P i p e r . Afterwards we proceeded to McMaster's, & on the way back I looked i n upon P a r t r i d g e & Mrs.Piper. Found them much as u s u a l .

26. Having seen or heard nothing of the G i t t i n s e s f o r more than a f o r t n i g h t , we thought we would take a row down i n the boat today & see how they f a r e d , Anne & Emily d i d not f e e l equal to the voyage, so our party was a small one, i . e . F e r r i s , Marianne & myself. We s t a r t e d at 10 o'clock, & having the t i d e against us d i d not reach Tonga Vale t i l l past 12. We found they had been a l l s u f f e r i n g from I n f l u e n z a , & Charles s t i l l very bad, though g e t t i n g b e t t e r . The day was very f i n e , & we enjoyed the excursion, though both of us, ( F e r r i s & myself) s t r a i n e d an arm,pulling w i t h Mr.Harrisons long oars, which I borrowed f o r the occasion.

27. F e r r i s , Marianne & myself went to spend the day at Wyoming - Anne was very i l l again l a s t n i g h t , which prevented her from going a l s o , & Emily remained at home to take care of her.- I c a l l e d a l s o at Fo s t e r ' s , Hollands, Broadbents, Richards & Mr.Drew's. We found Mr.Anderson, a Government Surveyor, at Wyoming.

28. This morning I went to v i s i t P a r t r i d g e , whom I found I t h i n k better, c a l l e d a l s o on Mrs.Hegln, & Putland. This afternoon I rode out to see Naylor, whom I found much b e t t e r . John Osborne c a l l e d t h i s afternoon, & Mr.Wheeler i n the forenoon while I was out.

[1] 25 June, 1860, at th& Ckuich at KlncumbzA, John William PALMER, 32, Backelon.. Bom PaiL&k of Bow, MlddloAex, ManJiniLK, uiual ie.ilde.nce. on Sklpboaid, now of Klncumbei - ion of John -, Caiile.1, and Matilda [DOUGLASS] both de.ceM.icd - and

Saiah Ann PIPER, 24, SplmteA, Bom at Sydnejj, of Klncumbei -daughtzi of Janothan -, Shlpwilght, and Ann [BATES].

Wltnziici: John OVERTON and Maiy Ann OVERTON.

J u l y 1860 .

9. Monday n i g h t . Having some Idea o f r i d i n g to Mangrove 123 tomorrow, I must endeavour to record the t r a n s a c t i o n s of the past 10 days, l e s t by y i e l d i n g to a few more days' p r o c r a s t i n a t i o n , they w i l l have passed beyond the reach of my fa d i n g memory. On Fri d a y morning, the 29th, Mr.Wheeler c a l l e d again, & had an hour's chat about Mangrove & McDonald R i v e r a f f a i r s . I went to see Mrs.Capper, a f t e r he had gone. On my way back I met young Coulter from whom I l e a r n t that he f a t h e r was very i l l again. I went down i n the evening & found him s u f f e r i n g very great pain. The boys had j u s t gone across f o r Dr.Auld.- On Saturday I s t a r t e d on my journey to Wyong e t c : having f i r s t paid Coulter a v i s i t . He was a l i t t l e e a s i e r , but s t i l l s u f f e r i n g much pain. I t seems that h i s l i v e r i s a f f e c t e d I c a l l e d at G i l c h i s o n ' s , as u s u a l , & from thence went by Wyong to Turners & M o r r i s ' at Wallarrabba, & so on to John Osbornes at n i g h t . - Had very s a m l l congregations both at Wyong &'Yarramalong on Sunday- John 0: accompanied me to Mr.Lette's. - On Monday I rode to Cabbage Tree, On Tuesday, as usual, to Taaffe's at Lake Macquarie, w i t h M r . C u r t i s s , whom I found at Cabbage t r e e . On Wednesday, a f t e r morning s e r v i c e at Mr.Hargraves rode home. & found Charles & Alexa G i t t i n s here. Thursday morning I went to see C o u l t e r , & found him moving about again.- C a l l e d on Mrs.Harrison a l s o & Mrs.Battley. In the afternoon I went to see P a r t r i d g e - much the same.- Fri d a y morning to Steamer: c a l l e d on Mrs.Heggin & the Bensons. I n the afternoon Emily & I took a l i t t l e r i d e together, as f a r as Mr.Hely's. They were a l l out, so we turned o f f to the race course & had a n i c e canter.

J u l y 1860.

9. I remained at home a l l Saturday, preparing f o r Sunday 124. d u t i e s . Small congregations yesterday, owing I suppose p a r t l y to I n f l u e n z a , which i s gr a d u a l l y disappearing but not q u i t e gone yet. Today I have been down to Davlstown t a k i n g Dr.Auld's & Mrs.Woodwards by the way.

12. Did not go to Mangrove on Tuesday, as 1 t a l k e d of doing, as the time f o r my p e r i o d i c a l v i s i t i s so near at hand, & I know of nothing i n that quarter which urgently demands immediate a t t e n t i o n , I thought I might defer my journey t i l l the appointed time, e s p e c i a l l y as 1 have many pressing c a l l s upon my time & a t t e n t i o n at home.- I went to see Coulter on Tuesday morning, & i n the afternoon went to E r i n a , to see how Miss Donnison was, as I missed her from the congregation on Sunday. She had been po o r l y , but was bet t e r again. 1 went on to Best's where the c h i l d r e n have had measles, but are recovering. Yesterday I went to Kincumbar, & paid a round of v i s i t s . Ward's Jacksons, Scaysbrook Junr, Moir, Bushby & Kearns.- Jones & M u l l a r d not at home. Today I have remained at home w r i t i n g e t c .

13. Went over to Mr.Battley's a f t e r breakfast to transact a l i t t l e Church business w i t h him. A f t e r dinner I rode up to Blue Gum F l a t , & made a few c a l l s there.

14. Just a f t e r breakfast "The dingy" appeared i n s i g h t , & i n i t were Charles, Alexa. & Mr.A:HomfZray. They came up to f e t c h Marianne away to spend a few days at Tonga Vale.- A f t e r t h e i r departure I rode out to v i s i t o l d Warburton, who sent me word he wished to see me.- Made a few other c a l l s i n the neighbourhood, as w e l l as on P a r t r i d g e by the way.

17. Sunday was a d e l i g h t f u l day, & I had good congregations. Yesterday I went per boat

J u l y I860.

17. to Wye Wye, & v i s i t e d a l l the f o l k s i n that quarter. 125. Today I have been to Mooney Creek, f o r my usual q u a r t e r l y s e r v i c e . About 15 were present.

21. On Wednesday the 18th I went to v i s i t F r o s t ' s f a m i l y at Tuggerah Beach, not having paid them a v i s i t f o r a very long time - f a r too long indeed.- 1 must endeavour to attend to them b e t t e r f o r the f u t u r e . I remained at home on Thursday f o r the express purpose of pruning the v i n e s , as the season i s advancing r a p i d l y . The "dingy" made i t s appearance soon a f t e r b r e a k f a s t , & we were very glad to have Marianne back again. Her only companions were Charles & E l i z a b e t h who are s t i l l here, weather-bound, f o r a change came on Thursday n i g h t , & yesterday the wind was from the S. and r a i n y . Today i t has poured n e a r l y a l l day, & i s s t i l l r a i n i n g s t e a d i l y , so that I have a prospect of t h i n congregations tomorrow, I went to see P a r t r i d g e yesterday & found him apparently b e t t e r . His married daughter, Mrs.Nichols, from Queanbean, came down by l a s t Tuesday's Steamer & i s s t i l l w i t h him.

23. I n consequence of the r a i n y weather, my congregations yesterday were 5 at Gosfd. & 10 at Kincumbar.- I t cle a r e d up n i c e l y towards sunset, & gave hopes of improvement today but about eleven o'clock at night the r a i n began again, & came down i n t o r r e n t s during the n i g h t , - Today i t has been showery & stormy, so much so that Charles & Miss G i t t i n s could not venture home, & are s t i l l weather-bound w i t h us, hoping f o r f i n e r weather tomorrow. I went to pay Coulter a v i s i t t h i s afternoon, f o r he i s i l l again, h i s boys having come yesterday to borrow the boat to go across to Dr.Auld. - I found him very poorly but not so bad as the l a s t a t t a c k he had. Looked i n at Mr.Battley's on the way back.

J u l y 1860.

26. The weather c l e a r e d up r a t h e r suddenly on Tuesday 126. morning so that about noon Charles & Miss G i t t i n s were enabled to take t h e i r departure, w i t h a l i g h t w e s t e r l y wind to help them home.- I spent the day c h i e f l y i n my study, reading, & w r i t i n g a l e t t e r or two f o r the evening post.- Was j u s t going to walk over to see P a r t r i d g e about 4.P.M. when a heavy shower o f r a i n down the broadwater, which seemed to be coming up towards us, made me change my purpose, & remain indoors. Yesterday I went over to Kincumbar, & a f t e r v i s i t i n g Godwin's & Bentley's houses, went to f i n d my way to a c l u s t e r of newly a r r i v e d Sawyers, who are sawing f o r Ward on McMasters ground.- I found, however, the distance greater than I expected & as the day was wearing away, & night drawing on apace, I h a l t e d before I reached the pla c e , & turned back again, not d e s i r i n g to encounter the Punt Road i n the dark.- Today I intended v i s i t i n g the Sawmill, but heavy r a i n again stopped me, & kept me at home. This afternoon, j u s t as I was preparing to go out to v i s i t P a r t r i d g e & C o u l t e r , Mr.Moore c a l l e d to beg of me the come to t h e i r house, where h i s l i t t l e grand­daughter, Mrs.Lewis' l i t t l e g i r l , was l y i n g very i l l , a pparently dying. I t has never been w e l l since attacked w i t h measles about 6 months ago, & I f u l l y expect to hear of i t s death tomorrow. I found P a r t r i d g e much as u s u a l , - No r e a l improvement seems to take pl a c e , although he c o n t i n u a l l y f a n c i e s himself to be g e t t i n g b e t t e r . When I l e f t h i s house i t come on to r a i n & blow very hard, & as I heard from Mrs.Lewis that Mr.Coulter was b e t t e r , I postponed my v i s i t to him t i l l tomorrow morng.

28. Saturday evening. Yesterday morning I went the f i r s t t h i n g a f t e r breakfast to see how Lewis' c h i l d was, & j u s t reached the house i n time to witness i t s

J u l y 1860.

28. departure, & o f f e r up the l a s t conunendatory prayer. 127. As the poor l i t t l e c h i l d had been s u f f e r i n g some time, & they had q u i t e given up a l l hope of i t s recovery, i t was r e a l l y a matter r a t h e r f o r joy than g r i e f when i t s s p i r i t departed. This evening the f u n e r a l took. [ ] ] place , & they are a l l , I t r u s t , q u i t e r e c o n c i l e d to t h e i r l o s s . - Yesterday a f t e r dinner I s t a r t e d w i t h the i n t e n t i o n of going to Blue Gum F l a t , but f i n d i n g the roads i n such a d r e a d f u l p l i g h t , & so l i t t l e of the day l e f t , I stopped short at Wyoming, & on my re t u r n c a l l e d upon the Helys. I found, rather to my s u r p r i s e , M r . G i t t i n s & Charles here when I came back, & they stayed the night w i t h us, & went away t h i s morning. The dr e a d f u l weather prevented t h e i r going to Sydney, & they came up to say that they hope to take t h e i r departure per Steamer of next F r i d a y , & purpose coming up here on Thursday evening.- Busy w r i t i n g a l l t h i s morning. On my way back from the B u r i a l Ground t h i s evening I c a l l e d at Mona Vale, Mrs.Harrison i s s t i l l s u f f e r i n g from I n f l u e n z a .

29. Sunday - Morning s e r v i c e at Blue Gum F l a t , where, f o r the f i r s t time, I administered the Holy Communion. The two Wamsleys w i t h t h e i r wives, & the Schoolmistress, Margaret Bates, w i t h myself, made up h a l f a dozen communicants, & I t r u s t t h i s good begining w i l l be followed by more abundant f r u i t i n course of time. In consequence of the c o n t i n u a l showery weather, both congregations were smaller than otherwise they might have been.

30. Went up to the school t h i s morning & catechized the f i r s t c l a s s e t c . C a l l e d on Mr.Putland as I came back,-& a f t e r dinner rode up to E r i n a to c a l l at the Nunns & Donns

[1] Many Ann LEWIS, agexi 2 yta.i6 10 months, the. daughter of James -, SawyeA, Vied 21 July 1860.

Tke. Re.6t oi

Tke. Tifpe.sciipt of

PART II

REV. ALFRED GLENNIE

JOURNALS

MAY 1858

MARCH 1861

of tke. FacsJjnlle. EdJUUion of 1982

JU continued Ln

BOOK 2

AUGUST 1860 - JULY 1863 &c

of tke. SeAles

HISTORICAL RECORDS OF THE

CENTRAL COAST OF NEW SOUTH WALES

"WYOMING" GARDEN HOUSE

PHOTO: FRANK WALKER - R.A.H.S. COLLECTION

Rear view of the Old Garden House (sometimes called the "Guard House") which stood in the grounds of "Wyoming" on a site now in Glencoe Avenue. See Gwen Dundon's "Old Gosford", Volume I, page 1.

Plate XV