William Trewin: 'Rhoda Mountjoy is my niece. She has been staying with me on a visit for about three weeks

The big adventure had begun for Esther on 3 March.

March 3rd, 1930. Len and I left Ayr Qld on Monday night 3rd March.

4th. Had breakfast at Mackay, lunch at St Lawrence and dinner at Rockhampton at 6.30pm. Met Edna Duffel and John Smith there.

5th. Had hurried breakfast at Gympie and morning tea at Landsborough. Arriving at Brisbane at 12.30 went to People's Palace. I had No 35 room on B floor and Len 26 room on A floor. We are quite comfortable. Went down town. I got a new bridge in my glasses, and Len went to Dentist in T & G Buildings. At night went to pictures in Regent Theatre. Program The Valiant and Their Own Desire. Got home at 11 pm off to bed tired out.

6th. Ashworths came in 9am from Toowong. Staying with Mrs Ashworth's brother. Went to Taxation Office and got all business fixed up. Had lunch at

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7. Went through new Town Hall. Is a most elaborate building, not

finished yet. In the afternoon, all hands went out to Mrs Carter's, all are well.

After tea Len and I went to Mr Wurtz. He was pleased to see us. He has not

changed, just looks a little older. It was very nice to see them after about

eighteen years. They both thought Len is very much like his father.

8. Went down town, got a haircut, bought a small port (?) for 8/3. Had

lunch at Websters. Left our luggage at People's Palace, and went out to Ted's

place at 1 o'clock. Norman met us at the station. The young folk played cards

until 8.30 when all hands went to bed.

9. Ted and Ivy got up 2am to milk. The boys left at 4 o'clock on the milk

run and returned at 7.30. 11 o'clock milking again. Went to Lone Pine in the

afternoon, a picnic place on Brisbane River.
10. Ted brought us into town in the car. I went through the fruit market

with him. He left for home at 2 o'clock. We stayed at Palace again, rooms 44 B

floor and 15 A floor, very comfortable. Met Verne Jaffrey at Websters. We went

to Carter's for tea. Eleanor's birthday, 21 yrs. Mr Joe Nelson was there also.

Got home at 11 o'clock.

11. Ashworths came in this morning, had morning tea and lunch at

Websters. I did some ironing at Palace, paid 9d for use of iron. Went to

Dalgety's wharf, had a look through Hobson Bay. Came back at 4 o'clock.

Ashworths went home. I went to see Janey Winty, Mrs Viertil, and Rosalie. Had

teaatPalace. Rang home at 7 o'clock, got through 7.15. Spoketo Will and

Alma, all well at home. Packed up. Going to bed now 11 o'clock.

12. Went on board Hobson Bay at noon. At 1 o'clock went up town, had

lunch at Websters, Edward Street. At 5 o'clock we pulled out, quite a gay scene

with numbers of streamers. Ted and wife, Emily and Ivy, Mrs Carter and

Eleanor, Mrs and Mr Carter sen, and Miss Faith Ashworth all came to see us off

We had quite a good dinner at 6.30, and all went well until 9 o'clock when out

party all became sea-sick. Mrs Ashworth was quite OK. next morning. We were

all poorly, and Len was real ill, until 9 o'clock at night.

13th. Doctor gave him the needle. He slept and next morning we arrived in Sydney. Raining.

Went up town Friday with Mag and Mrs Walters, had lunch at Farmers, a party of Mag's friends, seven ladies, very nice.

Saturday morning, went up town again with Mag, she left for Newcastle in afternoon. Len Grant will be leaving for England on Mongolia 21 St.

Sunday, went to Taronga Park, had morning tea. Is a wonderful place. Met Bill Carter and Verne Jaffrey, came on board after tea, stayed until 10 o'clock.

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17. Men gone through Meters (?) Foundry. We went up town, came home for lunch. Fire in engine room at 5pm lasting till 8 o'clock. Eleven big fire engines came to assistance, and numbers of firemen who looked well in blue suits and brass helmets. One engine and some men were left in case of another outburst of fire, but all was well. We left Sydney for Hobart at 4pm.

We pulled in to Hobart at 1 o'clock Thursday 20th, had a look around town in the afternoon, went to the pictures at night, Prince of Wales Theatre. Talkie. The Thai of Mary Dugan.

21. Went in touring car to Springs Hotel about 2500ft above sea level,

had morning tea there. Had lunch at The Grotto, very nice. Len and I went

through Jones' jam factory, wonderful machinery, and very interesting.

22. Went on orchard trip, tourist car. First suburb Moonah and second

Manarchy. On arrival at orchard, had raspberries and cream, shown through

and could eat as much fruit as you want. Morning tea was served. Returned to

town different way, past Gov House, cost 7/6 each. After lunch had a look at

whaling fleet, Neilsen Alonso, very dirty. Norwegian sailors only speak their own

language. Back on boat, will have afternoon tea shortly, and leave for

Melbourne at 5 o'clock.

sick. Morning tea and lunch up town, went to zoo and zoological gardens,

electric train. Eight hour day today, 24 March.

25. Went to Regelsens, stayed lunch and tea. Met son Dick and

daughter Gussie. Also saw Jane Honeycombe, aged 81 years. Mrs R is 79,

both wonderful for age.

26. Went to Fitzroy, called Union Bank, saw Mr Wilkinson, got 30/ -

English money. Met Mrs Wilkinson, stayed 15 minutes, were very nice to us.

Had morning tea and lunch in town. Left for Adelaide 6pm. All keeping well.

Getting very good sailors.

Arrived in Adelaide 6am today, 28th (Will's birthday). Len and I went up town, had lunch, went to pictures, Majestic Theatre. Rio Rita. Got home in time for dinner. Fare to town 1/10 return per train. Very dry here, hot like mild summer in Ayr. Lovely fruit, very cheap. Clocks all put back 30 minutes, and each day (ditto) until we arrive Fremantle.

April 2. Arrived Fremantle 7am. All sickly whole journey, taking four days. Ship rolled and tossed in every direction. Mrs Campbell met us at boat, Ken being away at Yellow Dean (?) engine driving. Mrs C has Baby Austin car, took us to Perth through King's Park, a nature park. War memorial there very wonderful, best we have seen. Perth lovely place. Took us to afternoon tea Mrs Cockrem, Mr Campbell's sister, most beautiful home, also met her sister Mrs Stuart. Saw through museum. Stayed at Campbells' the day and night. Went to pictures at Trocadero, very nice, lovely orchestra, pure talkie. The Argyle Case. Colin Campbell very nice young chap, very nice to his mother. Have nice house, brick, 21 rooms, mostly let out as flats.

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3. Went to town, Fremantle, had morning tea. Len went to Union Bank, got £2-7-0 English silver. Went to boat. Mr and Mrs Wallis were there to meet us and see us off. Mrs Campbell also waited until we pulled out. She was very nice to us. Left at 12 noon, lovely weather, just like very mild summer in Queensland.

16th. Passing several ships each day. One large ship passed quite near, others at a distance. Concert held at night rather good. Time 7 hours slower than Qld. Having very good trip in Arabian Sea, all keeping splendid health. No land in sight since leaving Colombo on 12th. Five days on journey now towards Port Said. Found out Mrs L Gough from Ayr on board, came on Sydney. Not a very good lady. Passed Sercotia Island and Cape Garafui on African coast. Fancy dress ball held at night, wonderful costumes. It was a great success. Len went as departed spirits, looked well. There were about 200 fancy costumes. Forgot to mention supper was served at 10 o'clock. Judges were Captain, First Officer, Purser, and the Sister. Passed 4 ships on 17th.

18. Good Friday. Church 7am and 11am. No games. Pictures at night.

19. Entered Hell's Gates, opening of Red Sea, at 4am. Passed some of

twelve Apostle Islands at 7 and 11am. Passed two ships. Children's fancy dress

party. Lovely affair and a nice tea served on A Deck. A passenger named

Gardiner from Home Hill died at 4 o'clock. He was partially paralysed when he

came on board and gradually got worse. Wife and four children aboard (Red

Sea).

20. Sunday rather hot day.

four ships, also two small islands called The Brothers, lighthouse on one. Land

in sight on port side. African Coast, a dusty look across the ocean, dust from

desert (Arabian).

Arrived Suez 8am, 22nd April. Anchored out. About 36 passengers went ashore to go to Cairo. All had a great time, met ship at Port Said 4pm.

23rd. We left Suez at 11 o'clock. While there the doctor came on board and examined the crew. Several natives, Turks, came to side of ship with fruit and other goods. But officers of ship put hose on them, would not allow them near, only native police and registered news agents. We arrived at Port Said

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11pm. Oil tankers came to ship's side and a supply was taken for ship consumption. After breakfast next morning we went ashore. There is a pontoon bridge to walk ashore from gangway. We got a guide, a good old man, they are licensed by the Government. He took us all around the town, to silk shops, the most lovely silken things also beads and souvenirs. Went through Greek temple, a most beautiful building. Most of the Egyptians wear European dress. There is an Arab quarter there, but we did not go.

Arrived Malta 25th 9.30 o'clock. Went in small row boat to get ashore. Went driving in small carriage of unusual design. This is a very old type of town, all strongly fortified. We saw the Polo Grounds, racecourse, and beautiful horses. Also Turks cemetery, Maltese cemetery, Clubs for all the different regiments. Were driven around the native quarters, all stone fences. Barley and peppers are grown for horse feed. They also grow potatoes, beans and peas. Seem all healthy. Dress in European clothes, women wear black cloak shaped for hat, all poorly dressed. Lovely Maltese lace for sale, cheap. The British Mediterranean fleet arrived the day before us, about 35,000 in all (people). Numbers of warships. We counted 25 in one harbour. Some large submarines. Enough ammunition is kept on the Island to last for three years. There are large underground stores, where provisions and horse feed are kept for the Army and Navy. Had lunch at the Villa Sunrise Hotel, beautiful building. Went through the Government gardens adjoining the Governor's house. Had our photo taken on steps of the Governor's Castle, gardens very beautiful. Len went to a party, the (?). One was Mr Rumsey. They were sent by a private motor launch and then entertained by the Head Man of Migration. The Maltese people are very much like Italians. Left at 6pm.

25. Anzac Day. Church at 11 o'clock with the two minutes silence. Sports were held in the afternoon.

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Did not last long.

28. Morocco in sight. Cold wind blowing. Egyptian married woman have

faces covered with black veils, only the eyes are seen. Heavy seas all day.

About 7.30 a real gale set in and lasted all night, the sea coming over the top

deck and several cabins on C Deck were very wet and water rushed down

through floodgates. Stewards were up nearly all night bailing out water. Quite a

number of passengers very sick. Mrs A was quite well, but we were very poorly.

29. Much calmer, but very cold wind in Straits of Gibraltar, mountains on

coast all snow tipped. Passed Gibraltar at midnight. Did not see it, were in bed.

30th. Passed Cape St Vincent, also some populated place before we came to Cape. Sea rather rough now, 3pm.

31st. Very calm in Bay of Biscay.

1st May. Calm sea. Concert at night. Prizes given out for winners of sports.

3rd. Arrived Southampton 4am. Had breakfast 6.30. Went ashore, passed Customs without trouble, left per train for Waterloo 9.20. Arrived 11 o'clock. Took taxi for Arundel Hotel, Strand. From Southampton to Waterloo lovely farms, all young crops just up, lovely meadows with cattle grazing. Arundel Hotel very nice, waiters wear dress suits. Tariff 10/6 bed and breakfast. Had a walk around city, saw Cleopatra's needle, also first class hotels and public buildings, near Waterloo Bridge and Victoria Bridge.

4. Went to Highgate, tube trains. Found Mr P Phelan's place, very nice.

Mrs P very pretty woman, middle-aged, niece Maggie lovely girl. Mr P works on

LCC trams. Had lunch there. Went to see Kenwood House, left to the City by

Sir Iveagh Guiness of Guiness, Dublin. Very beautiful house and grounds. Also

saw Golders Green, a very large and lovely park. Had tea at Phelans'. Arrived

hotel 9.30, tired.

On Saturday afternoon we visited Regents Park. Numbers of people were in little rowing-boats on the lake. Ducks and large white swans were in the water in great numbers. Went to see Madame Tussaud's waxworks, very wonderful.

5. Went to Zoological Gardens and Zoo. Saw the animals being fed,

nothing more of interest. Taronga Park in Sydney is much nicer.

6. Went through Westminster Abbey, most wonderful. Saw Coronation

Chair and everything pertaining to ancient and modern history. Saw Unknown

Soldier's grave... We all sat in the chair where Nelson used to sit, now is Lord

Jellicoe. Is in a hall used for meeting of the Army and Navy officers. Hall built

900 years ago by William Rufus. Saw Trafalgar Square, Nelson's monument, Sir

Henry Havelock. Also saw Houses of Parliament. At night went for a walk down

Strand. The clock in tower of Parliament House is called Big Ben. Long hand

measures 14 ft and hours hand 9 ft.

7. Saw changing of guards at Buckingham Palace. Went down Regent

Street, bought gloves 6/11, stockings 4/11.

8. Saw trooping of the colours at Whitehall, very wonderful sight. The

drum and fife band and brass band were lovely to listen to. From there we went

to the Tower of London, built by William Rufus 1066. Saw all through the different towers and had all explained by guide. Traitors Gate on Thames, Armoury, and all Royal Jewels. Crown presented to King by India, value £60,000. Had lunch at Lyons, then to St James Square. Went through Lancaster House, built by Edward III for his son, 1 st Duke of York. Saw bridal gowns from Queen Victoria to present Queen, also all Coronation gowns and robes for the same period, also clothes worn by Victoria's children and Edward and Alexandra's family and different members of Royal Family. Getting quite dirty now. Went to Pall Mall, Piccadilly, Regent Street, Mr A and myself.

9. Len and I went to Union Bank, Corn Hill, drew £25. Shopping in

afternoon, bought overcoat for Len £3-10-0. Had tea at Express Cafe, principal

cafes on Strand are ABC, Express and Lyons.

10. Left Arundel Hotel at 12 o'clock per car on our way to Manchester.

Gone 100 miles had tea and stayed the night at the Rose and Crown Hotel,

Kibworth (in Leicestershire). All the way along the road, when we are out of

London, there are lovely farms and farm houses, the roads are beautiful.

Passed through several towns.

11th. Left for Lancashire at 9.30. Travelled 150 miles over very mountainous country, alt roads are perfect. Rained until afternoon, when on highest ground clouds were so low could scarcely see to drive. Some parts scenery very nice, others (?). Moors with bracken. Passed through Matlock, Sheffield, Buxton and others, arriving at 74 Drill Hall Lane at 6.45 (at Church near Accrington). Mrs Hesketh very much surprised and excited. Lancashire people most hospitable, cannot do enough for us. Ashworths are staying at their aunt's place. Len sleeps at Bartrams' and I sleep at Miss Robinson's. We get our meals out.

12. Went to Blackpool, the city of pleasure, saw the Tower Zoo and

dance room. Great holiday resort. Mr John Blair came with us. Lancashire

people rather poor, mostly work in the mills, times very dire. Several mills

closed.

13. Did some washing, went to the market. Lovely vegetables and fruit

at home. Lunch at Turners, very nice ^ 1/3 each.

14. Left Church at 1.30, going through Chester, and several other places.

Passed very old castle built in the reign of Henry II, in ruins now. Also another

castle formerly owned by Lord Dundonald, prominent in the relief of Ladysmith, S

African war. After his death, Wales offered it to the King as his Wales seat, but

he did not accept. We stayed at a very nice wayside place, Bay View, Llandilus.

Kept by Mrs Morris.

After breakfast we went on our way, passing through Conway. Visited Conway Castle now in ruins, nearly 700 yrs old. From there to very nice seaside pleasure resort. Drove round the Great Ormes head, 1/- toll at gate, did some shopping. 2 hkerchiefs, 1 collar, 1 pr gloves, 1 spencer, 1 brassier. Lovely shops and nice goods. Went on to the Island of Anglesey, crossing the Menai Strait over the Menai Bridge, toll at gate 1/-. Stayed at Marquis tea-rooms.

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Friday. Went to Carnarvon. Went through Carnarvon Castle, very much like Conway Castle, but in much better repair, about 700 years old. From there we came through some lovely country to Snowdon, saw the falls, did not go for mountain trip, no snow. Saw slate mines. A Rack railway line runs right to the top. We could see it in distance. Came on to Bettws-y-Coed, a little village. Stayed at Fair Haven tea-room for the night. Highest tower in Carnarvon Castle 125 ft.

17th. Left Bettws-y-Coed, passed over Waterloo Bridge. It was built in the year of Battle of Waterloo. Saw Conway Falls. Had lunch at a small place called Maerdy, small mixed shop adjoining. Posted letter to Rene. Came through several more places, also through Shrewsbury. Beautiful fields all the way. Having tea and staying the night at Whitchurch (in north Shropshire).

Crossed the Dee and Severn Rivers. Left 11 o'clock. Had lunch at New Ferry. Went through Chester, walked around the old Roman wall, went through Birkenhead. Stayed at New Brighton for tea and breakfast, house called Sunny Bank, 4/- per day full board, very nice place. While at New Brighton, Len called on Miss Fortis (?), Egerton Park, Mr and Mrs Gray.

19th. Arrived Accrington 3pm. Will sleep at Robinson's. Met Mr Tom Robinson, chemist, seems nice chap.

20th. Did some washing, stayed home all day.

21st. Went to Scamblies to tea, very homely people. Len shown through Frank Scamblies' grocer's shop. Saw through cotton mill, from raw cotton to sheets and bedspreads ready for use, very interesting.

22nd. Stayed home. Did some washing. Rene wedding day.

23rd. Went to Blackburn to see cotton exhibition. Some very nice materials. Rather nice shopping there.

24th. Took the Misses Robinson, Bartram and Hesketh for a drive to Whitewell, Clitheroe. Lovely scenery.

25. Went to Bartrams for tea, then walked over the Coppice, rather good

view.

and arrived Morecambe 5pm. Staying at Balmoral Private Hotel, nice place.

Queen Mary 63 yrs today. Morecambe is a seaside holiday place, lovely

promenade and pleasure beach. Mr A's uncle lives here, same name, LA,

Methodist minister.

27. Went to Heysham pleasure gardens, beautiful place, had morning

tea.

28. Horace's birthday, went for drive. In the evening went to Rev Len

Morecambe 10 o'clock. Went to Lake Windermere, had a trip on motor boat up

the lake, saw Wray Castle. Lord Lonsdale owns bottom of Lake. Saw

Grasmere, Derwent Water, also Lake Bassenthwaite, staying night at last

mentioned. Farm house, Mrs Wren, beautiful view. Lakes in English lake

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29th. Left Mrs Wren's at 10 o'clock. Went through Carlisle to Ayr. Carlisle looks rather nice place, wide clean streets. Arrived Ayr 7.30. Rather quiet people, not very well dressed, town rather dirty. Staying at (?) near esplanade, nice clean place.

30th. Left Ayr at 10 o'clock. Went through Glasgow and on to a small village called Luss, right on the bank of Loch Lomond, is just a small place supported by tourists. Loch Lomond is very pretty, hundreds of tourists visit here each summer.

31. Our folk have gone rowing on the Loch. I do not care for it, so am writing letters. Day rather cold.

Left Luss 1 June at 10 o'clock. Went along bank of lake for 18 miles, scenery lovely. Then to mountainous country. The three Lens climbed one of the easiest ones and got a handkerchief full of snow. Mountains lovely sight. All had big patches of snow on. Went for miles at the foot of ranges, bare and rocky, and road just between. Very rugged beauty. Went through Glen Coe valley for many miles. Stayed at small place called Onich, high on the mountains, people's name Hay.