1923 to 1924 Tenindewa Notes

January 1923
Geraldton Guardian
Tenindewa Notes
(From our Correspondent)

Thank goodness that dry year of 1922 has gone, and now that Mr. Clement Wragge is dead, he has taken all his forecasts for further droughts with him, so we can start this year, even if we do have a dry spell, without anyone saying “Another drought —Wragge says so”
The best Christmas Tree ever held here was this year organized and carried through by Mrs. Joe Stafford. It was held at the proper time –Christmas Eve–the children’s presents being well selected and of equal value, thus giving no cause whatever for dissatisfaction or complaint. As Mrs. Stafford took particular care that no adult partook of any refreshments provided for children, the kiddies thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
The Voluntary Wheat Pool, no responsibility, has not been a means of putting too many plums in Mr. Joe O’Brien’s Christmas duff [a flour pudding]. As Joe is the receiver of wheat for the “Pool” at Tenindewa, he is now tired of saying grace “for what I am about to receive etc.” and so is turning it up. [stopping]. When speaking to him re. the loading of wheat, he remarked the “Jack Major wore out the hind part of three pairs of trousers waiting for the wheat to come in last year, and I have worn my boots out running around the farms to see where there is any wheat to load”.
It is an ill wind that blows anybody any good. The drought that we have just experienced (and which is still on) has made most of the farmers pick up a boring plant and prospect for water, with the result that many have been successful. Messrs. Oldham, Stokes, Rumble and Stafford all have struck good water, the first named farmer watering 500 sheep beside [as well as] his working horses, from a well newly found on his sandplain country. For those unfortunate individuals who have tried and failed, it is extremely hard to have to pull water 80 feet [25 meters], after waiting their turn from the only source in Tenindewa, where there is a windmill over [collapsed] which if repaired, would save time and labour and money to many in the district. I hope our member [of parliament] will read this, for it is an urgent necessity.
Sorry to learn from Mr. Cid Eves, that his brother Mr. Ernie Eves of Walkaway has just returned from Perth, after undergoing a very serious operation, necessitating the attendance of three Perth physicians. Though very weak I am glad to say he is well on the mend. Ernie Eves it was, who carted all, or most, of that high grade ore for Mr. Dorrie Doolette of Bullfinch fame.
Mr. Dan Clifford, late of manager for Mr, M.F.Troy, MLA, died last week. Hard and game old toiler was Dan.
I nearly turned my toes up myself the other day, fair dinkum, only for being so hard in the brain box [thick skulled] I believe I would have gone. Three days before Christmas, I was carting from Mr. Troy’s dam, when going downhill the shafts of the cart snapped off, throwing me out [of the buggy] and the tank of water on top of me. Further than pulverizing my hat, bruising and swelling my head to four times its ordinary size, dislocating 5 ribs and then putting me in bed for two days, I am not much worse off.

Geraldton Express
March 5th, 1923
Tenindewa Notes
(From Our Correspondent)

Still, we are battling on without rain, or even decent drinking water, and if our constitutions are not all ruined, then we all ought to be just the snoozers to select if Jack the Turk throws down the gauntlet, as poisoned water would be a luxury to us after the muck we have swallowed this summer. Gods know where the birds, kangaroos, and emus get their water from for we have spent days trying to locate their drinking fountain.
I believe our member will be up to have a look at us slowly dying, and as he has done such a lot, I am sure he will hasten our end. A word of praise I must give to the Mullewa Road Board; they all, in a body came here when notified, inspected the windmill, wells, dams and soaks, and promptly gave an order to repair everything [that was] out of gear at once, defraying the costs themselves until they interview the Government for a sub. On the face of this, I read in your paper the correspondence of some buffoon ridiculing the idea, mentioning a water scheme should be laid on from the wells etc. My idea is that he should be laid down the wells, for, without doubt, this water shortage at Tenindewa is serious. No joke, as “Spinifex” implies. It may be with him, like some soldiers at the war, “I’m all right, bugger you.” Jack. That sort of spirit is no good; hang together unless we get hanged separately.
The official Assignees of the I.A.B. have been touring our district, inspecting, blaming, or condemning the action or tactics of their clients. Up to date I have not heard of anyone having been shot or his deficit wiped out.
A school mistress has been dug up for Tenindewa school. The young lady arrived on Monday, and she had the kiddies at lessons on Tuesday. Good on her; she is the one.
Any old sheds for sale in Geraldton? Bindu is still without a school. It’s a pity, for within a year or two the pupils will be old enough to be teachers, but, of course, could only qualify for a deaf and dumb institution through lack of education.
Mr. J. Boniface, late of the Royal Flying Corps, England, gave an invitation dance and supper to the residence here. Everyone turned up except Mr. Champagne. So, Mr. Softdrinks was substituted, and with the drawing of corks, everything went off with a bang, and all hope Mr. Boniface, after settling, won’t go bung.
Mr. Editor, you people at Geraldton will readily be able to tell when we have the luck to get rain for a report will sound for miles. No bombs or mines going off, but 60 or 70 ploughs diving into the soil; for all are ready and waiting, as dry ploughing is like rubbing your whiskers off with sandpaper.

March 29th, 1923
Geraldton Express
Tenindewa Notes
(From our own Correspondent)

Farming around here is one huge picnic, and the farmers are the gutsiest lot you could see; always smiling never cursing. They have very little work to do at this time of the year; they just cart water and then sit down and enjoy watching the stock drink up in an hour what it took all day to get. Water carting is not hard labour, because they have a nice one-handled windlass at each well and one well is only 60 feet deep. Mr. Denne Morgan’s well is 200 feet deep. The farmers do not believe in windmills on wells; they might be tempted to cart water when their dams are full. Windmills are only for townspeople who have to work six or seven hours a day. There is a windmill on one well but the farmers won’t use it. Drawing water by a windlass keeps their muscles fit.
We had an Ugly Men’s Competition here a week or so ago and although there was nothing to choose between the looks of the competitors, one had to win, so it fell to Bob Faull’s lot, and now the other side are displeased. What a pity everyone could not be a winner. It would save such a lot of bad feeling. The funds from the competition will help pay for the Agricultural Hall piano.
Very little, if any ploughing is being done, owing to the water carting, and the delay of the Mullewa Roads Board in fixing up proper conveniences at the Wollya water reserve. Feed and water are scarce, and stock generally are poor. Wake up Mullewa Road Board; we shall have next summer her soon!
There is no school at Bindu yet, although I believe it was promised about 12 months ago. What are our members of Parliament for? Surely these growing up Australians deserve better attention at the hands of the Parliament.
We have had a lot of “Pommies” round here, and they are a first-class type of manhood. They are always on the water wagon; are not afraid of hard work, or the heat, or rough living, and will surely make good Australians after a while. If these men could not battle along in the north of Australia, then I don’t think anyone could. Fill up the empty spaces with them and have no fears about holding this country.
While writing these notes a north-west gale is blowing hard, and the clouds of dust are that dense that one cannot see 50 yards off. They reach the sky. To give you an idea of the strength of the wind, I may mention I have a well on a dividing fence and when the sheep from the north paddock came for water it blew them through a six-wire fence. It didn’t matter much, as it saved me from mustering that paddock. I thought I would get away from the wind and dust and went into the sandplain scrub and took guns with me, thinking I might get a shot. A nice turkey rose about 40 yards off, [40 metres] and I had a shot against the wind, but it was no use—the shot fell at my feet. The wind was too strong (fact). I do not know who has my paddocks now, as they have been blown away all day, but it doesn’t matter as I will get someone else’s soil. The dust must settle somewhere. —the house is full of it, and we have to keep digging things out. It is the worst dust storm experience here. It started at 10,00 am and at 5.00 pm it was still going strong.
The euchre party and dance were held last night here, in aid of the Agricultural Hall. There was a good attendance, and all seemed to enjoy themselves. It is time the Government helped this hall with a small subsidy.
Water carting under great difficulties is still the order of the day, although a little thunderstorm passed over on Friday last and a few people caught a little household water.
Sometime ago you had a piece in the “Guardian” about a sagacious dog. Well, I have a bitch (pedigree dog) which mothers three little pigs whose mother died at birth. When they went away from her kennel, she would quietly work them back again. She would hunt her own pup away for the infant pigs. The same dog found a nest where the hen had just taken a chicken away, leaving one egg chipped, but not hatched. The dog heard a chicken squawking in the egg and carried it about 40 yards into the house and laid it down at the wife’s feet, then looked up with a whine. The chicken is a fine, healthy rooster now.

How much of this article is fact and how much is conjured humor is hard to know but Leo Critch did have a wife from 1918 to 1926 living in the area. She, Mary (May) Critch passed away in 1928

Geraldton Guardian
TENINDEWA
11th April 1923
(From Our Correspondent)

Although I have not seen my last two issues of the “Express” through some kind person taking a loan of them, yet I can repeat every word printed in them, as it is marvelous how news is spread around in small country districts. The contents of the “Express” have only to be read by one person, then in course, I received, 9 miles out, my “Express” news by relays of fully nine persons. I often used to wonder in the district I was in, how everyone knew I owed 231pounds/eleven shillings/three pence to a certain firm in Geraldton, and it took me twelve years to pay it. I knew the firm always sent their accounts in un-gummed envelopes, but as only honest people go farming, I never for a second thought that anyone would take my accounts for a picture book and look inside of it. Hence, I came to the conclusion that someone, staring at the address with a fixed gaze, had hypnotized the contents inside, so that they were printed on his brain box, and he was able to keep a secret by telling everyone. That is how every other person can tell me what I owe and don’t know myself, but as that is only neighborly in a farming district, [about] my troubles.
Mr. Editor, I have been asked to reply to a letter appearing in the “Express” recently but as these were written claiming non de plumes to hide under, I refuse to waste good ink on them. For when I write an open letter to the “Express”, even if I accuse or abuse, praise or amaze anyone, I will sign my name for publication with my letter, for a person plays the lowest card in the pack when nom de plumes are used, like to me, as a black, slimy, slippery snake, smooth skinned, and putrid and poisonous inside, and after attacking, wriggles and crawls down a hole to hide from execution. Therefore, through “Fair Play” “Spinning Facts” “The Rudd’s of Tenindewa,” and “The Duds of Tenindewa” me think they are just-it in the press, wait a little longer, there will be a counterattack from a quarter never expected. Then perhaps you and your readers will see who really is the liar, and the tale teller.
Startling news for you! We at Bindu have got our school. Yes, its dinkum. We haven’t it here, yet it’s only a couple of miles away. Meekathara is where it had to be shifted from, and, as I have been waiting at Tenindewa to wheel it out, I was wondering if the contactor, who was to pull it down on April the 4th, could have got drunk and slipped in the guard’s van, labelled “Geraldton”. If you can see it down there send it back. We want it so badly. The teacher who is coming here is known by everyone except the Education Department.
We had “The Storm” like everyone else. Blow! I never witnessed anything like it since Messines was blown up in June 1917, and Fritzes were flying in the airlike blow flies. All the sand from the Yuna farms was blown into my house. After filling it the storm carried the surplus onto the new cleaned out dam of Mr. Stafford’s, nicely filling it up then after top dressing it, raced after a skinny black cow, blew it inside out, went onto the much-discussed Wollya windmill, blew it around at such a rate that before it could be stopped, it filled the storage tank with water, and then blew the overflow to Mr. Spinifex’s farm and filled his dam. Now everything is calm. A lull has set in.
I’m sorry to inform you that Mr. and Mrs. Tom Davis, so long with us, are leaving the district, on Monday next, and, though unfortunately things have not been running too smoothly with the upper-tens and the lower-fives, yet like sensible people, we have all decided to cast aside our differences, work together, and next Saturday night give these two good young couple as good a sendoff as they deserve, for without doubt Mrs. Davis does merit some recognition and thanks for her everlasting kindness in always giving her talents to all entertainments here. Out on her own as a lady sport, I know we are going to have a bumper hall for all Bindu are going. Billy Gee is mustering the Devil’s Creek footballers, and their wives and sweethearts, etc., and what he misses Frank McGuinness is going to fall into line and march in. As the Mullewa sports are of the best. Dick Frane and his team are coming to help to show the lady, who has played the dance music for one and all at Tenindewa that her talents are appreciated. And as the Hon. T. Moore MLC and the Hon. M. F, Troy MLA., if not away on business, are bound to be here on Saturday, it will be “some night”

Geraldton Express
April 18th, 1923
Correspondence
Public Matter at Tenindewa

To the Editor

Sir-I notice in your issue of the 11th a letter written by one of our residents, who is doing the barking either for the Piano Committee or the Sports Committee. Well since my letter in your paper there has been a lot said regarding liable actions and dirty slurs at the ladies. It is even suggested that I accused an ecclesiastic of misappropriating votes. Now, in the first instance, I spoke of the Ugly Competition, and then mentioned that since the very beginning no balance sheet had come to hand. Nine days after the appearance of my letter, number 1 balance sheet materialized–posted up for one to digest. It was however, more or less treated as a joke, and at a sports meeting held on Easter Sunday, in a cosey corner of the tennis court, another one, being number 2, was made out. The first one having been destroyed. I guess a mistake had been discovered. But the Ugly Competition still reads, 983 votes to Mr. Alec Butler, 4 pounds/1shilling/11pence and 1030 votes to Mr. Faull, 4pounds/5shillings/10pence.
Mr. Griffiths states that a public meeting was called to thrash out the grievances, which the residents had against various committees, and to soft soap “Fairplay’s” views. This, I might say, is untrue.
On Eater Sunday a Hall Committee meeting was held to balance up, as undoubtably “Fairplay” had the “wind up,” and the secretary was asked to call a public meeting to see if some other arrangement could be made regarding the piano and to have a dance afterwards, the proceeds to go to the hall funds. So almost everyone turned up. It was a very fair crowd indeed. When all were seated the secretary said that the meeting was for the purpose of announcing that the party who had been running the affair has been giving it the best. The sum of 2pounds/10shillings had to be paid monthly, or back to the seller the instrument would go. Owing to the chairman’s eyesight being on the dull side the secretary was asked to deal with the correspondence which he did. His motion came first, and it was to the effect that twelve persons be elected, ladies and gentlemen mixed, one of them to run a dance each month making his or her arrangements in each case. That would give a chance to almost everyone and it would come each ones turn every twelve months not leaving the work always to one person. Mr. Ridleys motion provided for a secretary to do the writing, a committee to run the refreshments and one to take the door, each to his own bit. However, thirteen votes were given to each motion. The chairman having the casting vote decided to have fair play. He tossed a coin. “Heads up” it was. The secretary’s motion being carried. Mr. Valentine was elected treasurer, and it was decided that whoever ran the entertainment was to hand over the profit to him. Seven names were submitted and before they had really resolved who was to start the new style, in crept a mob to attack fair play with reams of notes, with in some cases Johnie Walker and King George as cooperators, whereas old “Fairplay” came in with his own unaided courage. One of the leaders led off by saying “Mr. Chairman” “I want to thrash out or sift out “Fairplays” meaning; you can hear it being discussed on the road, in the bush or on the water carts. And now we will have it out here.” “Yes” said Mr. Griffiths, who was in the corner, thrash it out, thrash it out.” That’s all you could get from that little boy.
If there was not a creeping of the type of some of those shiny black, snakes referred to in your paper, who adopt nom de plumes well, I am a Dutchman.
With regard to the statement, the first one read: 4pounds/1shilling/11pence to Mr. Butler with 7/3 of that being collected in the hall. Yet seven out of the eight persons whom I mentioned in my letter said they gave their donation to the Pole Clerk. Neither of the candidate’s money was kept separate. All went into one hat and the Poll Clerk may have got may have got the money mixed up in the first instance having all the work to do himself. A total of 15 shilling was given to eight different persons in the hall, and only 7/3 was accounted for through the confusion. So, there is the puzzle readers.
Now some questions that were on the sheet I picked up, which the attack party had read.
Are the people sure they gave the money, and did they see the votes go on accordingly? They argue that the person contributing should have seen to this. The Poll Clerk himself was collecting outside for both candidates, and their idea is they should have foxed him to see if he counted the votes right.
Another point: The Piano Committee are responsible for the funds of the piano, and it is their business to see that satisfaction is given. The screenings from the sift box was a vote of no confidence. So, home they went, like little sports. Whoever liked could pay for the refreshments and for the dance.
And these are the gents who call themselves “Sports”. “All *tick paid” says little William, expecting 3shillings of “Fairplays”. He adds that I accused the ladies of the *tick. Well, it is quite true. I was at the booth, and saw and heard a lot, and one got this to his ears; “So much to Mr.–, very well, but he owes 4shillings and sixpence now; so much to someone else, very well.” All went down in a book. These are the sports we have up this way. (*Tick in the day meant credit)
“Farplay” did 12shillings/sixpence in on the round, dinkum cash, all in a couple of hours, and another 2shillings at the door. Mr. Griffiths goes on to say he knew a competition to be won by a bale of wool being donated to the winning candidate. The wool was not there, but the tick was. I know of a competition being won by an I.O.U. The money was not there but the I.O.U. was, as yet in the hands of the committee, and is on the debt side of the sheet with its owner over the hills and far away. Now was that fair to the losing candidate. I say No!
Bill has along enology of the ladies. We all know what the ladies have done. In fact, we knew Mrs. Eves before William left the Cold Country. She stands out on her own merits, but what about the other three who stand out and cut sandwiches and backed cakes owing to supplies not coming from Geraldton? Twice they did it, all for the public entertainment. Nothing to be said about that. I must not forget to enlighten Bill on the fact that, when the chairman reminded me of the money I owed him, he remarked, “You owe me a shilling.” I mentioned three shillings. “Oh, is that it” he said. “I knew you owed me some but did not know the exact amount.” It shows what one gets for being honest, and also how good memories fail.”
However, all is just about over now. The Piano Committee are going to get rid of their bundle as quickly as they can. The Hall Secretary is sending in his towel–new blood all round, and I hope it will be a better class too
Thank you, Mr. Editor once again
–Yours etc.
“Fair Play.”

Geraldton Express
April 11th, 1923
Correspondence
Tenindewa Troubles

Sir, –There has been a lot of correspondence through the columns of your paper regarding the Tenindewa Piano Committee, and their supposedly dark doings with regard the cash which they collected. The committee was elected for the purpose of raising funds to purchase a piano to be placed in the local hall. A piano was obtained on the time payment system, the installments to be paid out of cash raised by way of dances etc. A day’s sports were arranged, followed by a dance, and an Ugly Man Competition. The losing Ugly Man’s supporters were dissatisfied with the way the competition was run, declaring that cash, which was collected by way of penny votes for their favorites, was misappropriated and placed to the credit of the other fellow. Our Electoral Officer, who happens to be an ecclesiastic, seems to be the person most mistrusted. Our opponents also have a grievance against the spots committee for giving credit (or tick as they call it) at the refreshment booths. I should like to state that all the cash owing the stall holders (except 3 shillings which is owing up to the time of writing by a person who calls himself “Fairplay” in your issue of March 19) had been paid, under a week after the sports, and accounted for. The outcome of the correspondence of the correspondence through your paper, Mr. Editor, was a public meeting of residents of Tenindewa which was held in the hall on the 10th of April
The idea of the meeting was to thoroughly thrash out the grievances which a portion of the residents had against the various committees, also to sift out the meaning of “Fairplay’s” letter. “Mr. Fairplay” said that he did not mean to cast any slur on the ladies of the committee. Yet he openly accused them of giving tick to the “snobs” who could not pay for their refreshments. The “Snobs” by the way, are supporters of the other Ugly Man I suppose and the refreshment stall was run by the ladies. Also Mr. “Fairplay” goes on to say that the canvassers for the other Ugly Man (who were entirely ladies) screened votes for their candidate without putting up the money. Mr. Editor, such was not the case as every vote they secured was accompanied by the cash. Even so, supposing they were unable to find the money at the time, they would have had to account for it on the balance sheet. I have seen a competition decided by a donation of wool; the wool was not in the hall, neither was the equivalent in cash, but the donator could be trusted to forward the wool up to a certain figure of value. Such is the case with us. If our word is not to be trusted, then we are a miserable lot of creatures. Well, Mr. “Fairplay” still insists that the Ugly Man Competition was run unfairly, and the methods of the committee are un-business like, and we are just as empathetic that such was not the case. Perhaps by accident a mistake may have occurred somewhere, but to cheat our opponents is not in our composition. As no receipt was given for every vote, no finality has been reached, and both parties are indignant. The meeting was asked if they had confidence in the Piano and Sports Committee, who were before them for their decision. The result was appalling. But they took their medicine like true sports, and left the hall forthwith, so the opposition could enjoy the dance which was to follow. Rather an amazing incident happened at this function, which I really must mention. The dance, on the face of things, looked like being a failure there not being enough people left to pay the expenses, so the people responsible hoping to save themselves, earmarked one of us chaps, whom they thought was drunk, and wanted him to make up the deficit. And they nearly succeeded. Now a few words regarding the ladies of the committee, who have been vetoed in such a shameful manner. During their office of about 5 months, they have been responsible of collecting upwards of 50 pounds, which for such a small place like Tenindewa is remarkably good.
The three ladies of the committee are Mrs. Eves, Mrs. Davis and Mrs. Stafford. Mrs. Eves has never been known to sat “No” to anyone who wanted her to do them kindness; had to travel 16 miles to Tenindewa to assist the committee; and has given a helping hand at every function at Tenindewa as long as I have known her, which is seven years. Mrs. Davis who is our chief pianist, has during her stay in this district, always given us a very delightful evening, both by playing our dance music and singing. One man passed a vote of thanks to Mrs. Davis, after it was suggested to him, and concluded by saying she had offered to ply the piano for six months free, and was glad of her assistance, and thought she was worth a tenner. Mrs. Davis has often travelled over three miles of rough sandplain in a spring cart, when not feeling well, to play the piano so that dances could be a success. Mrs. J Stafford, our other committee lady, has spent many an hour cutting sandwiches and attending chiefly to the eating arrangements, which is no small task, after her normal weekday work.
Mr. Editor, these three ladies deserve the upmost credit for the work they have done for the people of Tenindewa, and instead of credit being given them they have only got mud thrown in their faces. The men who have been connected with the public affairs of Tenindewa are also deserving of a little credit, as all the work they have done spontaneously, and often at a loss to themselves. Such is life at Tenindewa–lovely place to spend a quiet holiday. Yours etc
Billy Griffiths
April 9
Note: Bill Griffiths was the owner and operator of the Tenindewa Store for many years until it was sold to the Foster Family

Geraldton Guardian
20th April 1923,
TENINDEWA Notes.
(From Our Correspondent)

In spite of adverse circumstances, the sendoff to Mr. and Mrs. Tom Davis was a great success. If many more farewells are given, our Agricultural Hall will have to be built, as the present little was strained to its utmost capacity. Songs, recitations and dancing were the order of the evening. The star item, exclusive of the good singing of Mrs. Davis, was Mr. Frank Broderick’s recitation. Some class as a reciter is “Broddie”. Though I have publicly thanked ladies and gentlemen for assisting at this function, I must specialize the pianist for the evening, Mrs. H. Peet. This lady lives over five miles from here, and, though her son’s motor was recently burnt and her riding hack severely injured, she, like a good sport, hired a car from Mullewa rather than disappoint Tenindewa people. That is the spirit; nothing in the shape of meanness nor selfishness in the disposition of Mrs. Peet. There is only one thing about, this lady that I am sorry for—she is the energetic secretary for the Country Party in this district —pity not Labour. I should have mentioned that, at the supper adjournment, -Mr. Bill Griffiths, on behalf of Tenindewa and surrounding districts, presented. Mrs. T. Davis with a sum of money as an appreciation of her many acts of kindness. Irrespective of wells going dry, mills not turning around, rain or drought, we are all bogging in again for another crop. “More acreage this crop than ever; must come our way next year”, we are all saying. Brenkley Bros, 700 acres: H. Johnson 350, W. Curtis .350, A.E. Benoit 350, and Bedford 200, are farmers at Bindu who are now going for their lives.
A very painful accident, with, I fear, serious results, befell a three-year-old son (little Bill) of Mr. Tom Shaw. While dad was away working the child’s mother being away from the district, the little chap ran into a boiling kettle on the ground floor and capsized the contents all over himself, scalding him something cruelly. He is now an inmate of the Geraldton Hospital. Everyone here sympathizes with Mrs. Shaw.
Bindu school still getting pulled down at Meekatharra. Though a vigilance committee is on duty, there has not been a slate pencil pass this way yet. The contractor better hurry up, else he will have to swim across our creeks, for there are some very heavy dark looking clouds hanging about. When they burst we will know it.

April 28th, 1923
Geraldton Express
Tenindewa Notes
(From our own Correspondent)

The drought has broken, and all are glad. We had, I think, about one and a half inches [40 mm] of rain on Saturday and Sunday last. I have not seen a water cart on the road since and it feels so very pleasant to walk on moist ground, after the dust and loose sand for many months. Already green shoots of grass etc., are noticeable above ground, and before long I expect to see a lovely green coat covering the ground where previously all was dust.
I notice all the men on the land are now very busy plowing and some seeding. Mr. Stafford senr. has 150 acres [60 hectares] of oats drilled in, and Mr. Bob Oldham has 100 acres [40 hectares]
Mt. T. Shaw’s little son, Willie, returned home from hospital on Saturday last. He is slowly recovering from his burns. [Tom Shaw was a farmhand for the famous, the honorable M. F. Troy]
The G.C.A. in Geraldton should interest itself in the train service; it is absolutely abominable, I went to Utakarra stock sale last Friday and the train was so late the sale was over when it arrived, and on my return journey on Saturday it left an hour late. Fancy being without tucker from 7.30 am till 8.00 pm. A little while since I sent some cattle to Utakarra sale and they arrived late when nearly all the buyers were gone, hence 5 head of good cattle only realized 17 pounds [$34.00] instead of 30 pounds [$60.00]
The G.C.A. might interest itself in keeping cattle from grazing in the Methodist Cemetery. On my last visit there were cattle grazing and walking over the graves.

Note; 1923 was no drought at any point it seems in hindsight. June for example had 200mm and Tenindewa had 400mm for the year?

June 5th, 1923
Geraldton Guardian
Tenindewa Notes
(From an Occasional Correspondent)

For some time past, dances have been held in aid of a hall and piano fund. The piano is on the spot and is being paid for in installments, but the new hall has yet to be built, the present one being entirely inadequate for the growing needs of the district. With the idea of swelling the funds more considerably, a strong committee has been formed, and it has been decided to run a social and dance monthly. An attractive programme is being arranged including popular [dancing] and waltzing competitions, balloon dances, etc., which will commence early in July. The next dance in aid of the above funds will take place on Saturday, June 9th, good music and an excellent supper will be provided.

Mr. H Stokes is doing good work with his new tractor and is getting the new land ploughed and seeded in far less time than the old method. For large farms the tractors must hold their own, being both labour and money saving, but for the small farms the faithful “neddy” is as useful as ever.

There is now a public telephone office at Ardingly, which remains open for two hours daily, and an opening fee of one shilling [10 cents] charged to the public after these hours. Subscribers, who wish to be connected with the line, will naturally hold off until the hours are lengthened for business, as shillings are too scarce nowadays. Tenindewa’s telephone is open to the public for six hours daily.

Another schoolmistress will be required for the new school at Bindu when the building is complete. Considering the number of children there are in this district the school will supply a long want. Miss Edwards the new schoolmistress at Tenindewa State school, is very popular with the children and fills the position nicely.

July 14th, 1923
Geraldton Guardian
Social at Tenindewa Notes
(From an occasional Correspondent)

A most successful social and dance was held at the Tenindewa Hall on Saturday, July 7th, in aid of the Hall and Piano fund; The hall being tastefully decorated with many coloured streamers. A waltzing competition which was decided by votes of the company, resulted in Miss Ollie Stone and Mr. E. Driscoll being declared the winners. The lucky winners of the “Spot Waltz” were Mrs. Martin and Mr. E Driscoll. The handsome cash prizes were presented to the winning couples by Mr. Bonnieface, who announced that in two mouths’ time, a gold medal valued at five guineas [$10.50] would be offered for another waltzing competition. Mr. N. Rumble was the genial M.C. supported by Mr. Bonniface. the pianist for the evening being Mrs. H. B. Peet who is acting in an honorary capacity for the above cause. Altogether the affair was voted on of the best held for some time past, and is the forerunner for many to come. A big send-off to Mr. J. Stone of the permanent-way is to be held in a fortnight’s time.
Mr. Stone has been transferred to Bunbury.
Kerosene was first used for lighting in 1826.

Geraldton Express,
18 July 1923
TENINDEWA.
(From Our Correspondent).

Ideal weather still prevails for farming operations, and, whether crops were put in early or late, this season, if not visited by any acts of God, or red rust or any other diseases peculiar to grain “growers, ought to be the season of seasons. Though I have heard some pessimistic farmers say that the early crops are too far advanced, well all the better for the chaff buyers, for there will be hay in abundance. Do me, anyhow; wish I was binding tomorrow; only too pleased to send you a sheaf.
Mr Editor, I have heard a lot of arguments and debates on the better of the two lands—-York gum and jam against salmon gum and gimlet, and hearing from some Eradu friends that the Government, will not advance money to cultivate the former, allow me to say if such is a fact, the Government is ten a penny. Though I am not the Minister for Lands, I will bet a pound I have as many brains as he, and I cannot fathom his objection to York gum and jam country. Without going into lengthy details, I will back Frank Troy’s York Gum and Jam farm ‘s production from 500 acres for the last six years against any salmon gum farm’s production of same acreage for the same period for a new hat. Referee: Statistics!
One of the oldest fettler residents of Tenindewa, Mr. Joe Stone, is, I am sorry say, leaving here on Monday to take up new life in Bunbury. Tenindewa will sadly miss him and his good wife, for both of them never had to be asked to lend a, hand, or give a shilling for anything concerning the welfare of this country place.
Our old friend, Mr. Sid Eves, always to the fore in connection with worthy public movements, is organizing a sendoff to Mr. and Mrs. Stone, which takes place next: Saturday. No need to speculate as to the success of it, as Joe and his wife’s popularity vouches for that.
Bindu school will be ready for the nippers and their A.B.C in about two weeks’ time. Your other Tenindewa correspondent mentioned my good partner would open the school, and the key tied with Labor ribbons. No, Mr. Editor, the teacher will open the school with a malacea cane or a stout piece of fencing wire.

Mr. Jack McNamara. contractor round these parts for years, successfully tendered for 900 acres of clearing at Menang. Just ask “‘Mac.” could he do with any “pom-poms.”

Sorry to see in your paper Mr. Sutton’s reply to a Yuna farmer ‘s inquiry for particulars re cotton growing. How does he know Yuna won’t grow cotton? Has he ever tried? Is that the way to encourage one who is willing to have a go? Anyhow, he never answered the questions asked at all. Perhaps Mr. Sutton will say I am a liar when I state that lucerne was grown here at Bindu through last year’s drought. Of course, without water, and looks bonze A visit to Mr. Percy Palmer’s place would convince him as to what could be grown here even without water. Therefore, I venture to say the Yuna chap may be correct as to cotton growing there.

July 19th, 1923
Geraldton Express
Tenindewa Notes
(From our own Correspondent)

Rain, more rain and still some is the order of the day and night. It hampered putting in crops around here and a few are still to finish seeding. To show the pure cussedness of the Weather Clerk we had to cart water day after day until late summer and into autumn, which made us very late starting on the crops and since, rain has stopped us. It is common to see plows and other machines bogged in paddocks. Feed is very plentiful, and stock are improving.
The Railway Department should be put in the hands of a businessman to run, so that the revenue wanted by Sir James Mitchell could be obtained instead of as at present chasing it away.
To illustrate —at least a motor car a day passes along our road to or from Mullewa conveying from two to five people. This has started since the increased fares and owing to the heavy freight charges the settlers around here are trying to arrange a vehicle to go by road once a month to go for stores and take downloading. A thousand-gallon tank (4500 litres) from Geraldton to Tenindewa costs in railage 2 pounds ($4.00), empty drapery cases about 4-foot square (1 metre square) costs 4 pounds ($8.00) 1 bag of cement costs 3 shillings and sixpence (35 cents) and so on. Is it any wonder the farmers cannot make a go of things?
The first duty of a railway in a new country like W.A. is to help development. It was never intended that the railways should be a paying concern. The Government receives other revenue which compensates by land settlement etc. wherever a line is put. When will the Government see the folly of these excessive fares and freights? The carriages are empty, and the people are getting as little as possible by goods train. It costs just as much to run an empty carriage as a full one and the same with a truck. We have thousands of tons of the best firewood going to waste and burning up in the fields, whereas it should be keeping the many houses in Geraldton warm and comfortable, but here again rail charges are too heavy. It is good traffic and pays well. There is no handling or responsibility for the railways with it and it can be lifted at their convenience. Again, if a farmer sends stock away or receives same, he is bumped and most of the sale price gone to rail revenue. I got a 60 pound pig (24 kgs) in a create a few weeks since and the freight was 9 shillings and sixpence ($1.00) A thousand-gallon tank costing 8 pounds ($16.00) in Perth costs over 6 pounds ($12.00) in freight. Why not shut up the railways and get to the old bullock wagons and hose teams again–they would be nearly as quick, too, and far cheaper.
The new school at Bindu is nearly completed and it will be a good thing for the kiddies there. It is a pity to see nice bright children neglected in education.
Mr. Joe Stone of the Railway Department is being transferred down Bunbury way, after many years of good service here. Joe is always willing to help anything along. They are giving him a proper sendoff next Saturday. I wish him well in his new job.
The Wollya Water Supply outfit is still in a disgraceful condition, and it appears to be useless to write to the Road Board, Public Works Department or our member. I suppose it will be left until we are short of water again. The cry by the Premier and his Minister for Agriculture is “Produce more wheat” and still they will not even spend a few pounds in giving decent facilities for hauling water. All through last summer it was common to see a half dozen teams waiting for water and only two old rickety windlasses with one handle each to use.

Geraldton Express
18th January 1924
MULLEWA MATTERS.
(From “Mullewa Mail.”)

Old Sol has been giving us a taste of real summer again, last Saturday the temperature being well into the region of 110 degrees, [43.5 degree C] which stands out as the hottest day we have experienced here for some years. Sunday turned out cloudy and cool, the pleasant change being greatly appreciated. An enjoyable little dance was held at the Tenindewa Hall on Saturday evening last, the occasion being to farewell Miss F. Cox, who is shortly leaving the district. Miss Ada Eves and Miss May McCann sang some songs very prettily. Miss Fry also contributed a vocal item, and Miss Winnie McCann executed a step dance in first rate style. Mrs. Peet supplied the piano music, and Mrs. Butler the accordion Mr. N. Rumble was the M.C.
A nice supper was afterwards handed round. Mr. Peet, during his recent visit to Perth, purchased a two-line drive Fordson Tractor, an improved type which enables one man to harvest or plough, in a similar manner to that of horses, by controlling and driving the tractor by means of one pair of reins

Geraldton Guardian
7 August 1924
TENINDEWA ODDFELLOWS’ BALL
(From a Correspondent)

August 4. On Saturday, August 2, 1924, the Loyal Tenindewa Lodge of M.U.O.F.S. held its first annual social and dance at the local hall The function was largely attended; over 40 persons coming from Mullewa, besides a large local attendance. To Messrs. Peet and Drummond, of Mullewa, the lodge wishes to express its thanks for placing their cars at the disposal of those who had no other mode of conveyance; also, to Mrs. Peet, of Ardingly, who supplied the music, and to Mesdames Eves and Kember for attending to the refreshments. Several brethren from the Loyal Mullewa Lodge attended and were welcomed by the N.G. (Bro. Kember), Tenindewa. Bros. Shepheard, and Drummond, Mullewa, responded. Several songs and recitations wore supplied by Messrs. Shepheard, McDougal, Rudd, and Hiljallon. Midnight came too soon. Everyone felt sorry the dance was over, and expressed a wish that the local lodge would hold one every three months instead of annually.

Geraldton Guardian
August 8th, 1923
Tenindewa Notes
(From Our Correspondent)

I got hark from the tomb from a resident here saying in my last notes that the far advanced crops would be an advantage rather than otherwise.
“I suppose” he said, “you think because you have been nearly three years farming and write to the press you are an authority on agriculture.”
“Quite right old chap,” I answered, “only touch my hat to Catton Grasby, when declaring war on this subject, and he has to salute first at that.” “Well,” he replied, ” here’s a question form you to answer. How do you account for the large flocks of cockatoos and other birds we have been pestered with this season? What brought them here so numerously?” “The birds etc. that you had, my friend,” I replied, “were sent by our good Lord, for in His commandments to the farmer at seeding time. He said “if you cannot get up early enough of a week morning you shall not seed on Sunday to make up. If you do, I will send the birds of the air to devour all that you sow on the day of rest” “My Jupiter” he exclaimed “you might say the early crops are right, but what will you do if ‘take all’ comes?” “My troubles,” I replied, “I am not on them. What do you mean”? “Take all is a disease,” He snorted at me. “What did you think it was” “The I.A.B.” I answered. He off at the tools and told the next farmer he was sure I was loose in the brain box. [sic]
Our old friend, Mr. Joe Stone was duly farewelled, and he left; But Mrs. Stone and all the little pebbles, are remaining for a time.
Mrs. Sid Eves is on the war path again arranging for a fancy-dress ball to take place next Saturday in aid of the Piano Fund.
Mr. Editor, you don’t know who and what we have hidden here. Our latest is an authority on goats in the person of Mr. Cyril Palmer, who has just written a long article for the “Sunday Times” on the subject, and from the publication he has been receiving letters from all over the Universe, desiring further particulars.
The very silent farmer old Bindu, Mr. A.E. Benoit, is as happy a the boy that killed his father, for Ben has, at a depth of 90 feet, struck splendid stock water. May his well never go dry is the best I can wish him, for he has been probing everywhere in search of the precious find for months. Mr. Yelverton, Agricultural Bank Inspector, divined the spot for Benoit, so suppose his reputation is now made.
What do you think of this–not so much yourself, Mr. Editor–but Sir James and his colleagues. Appearing in the issue of the “West Australian” bearing the date of July 25th, is a comment on an advertisement from Canada–are you listening? –Canada, not Australia. “Wanted 50,000 harvest hands, five guineas a week and found, guaranteed three months’ work, fare paid, twelve pounds from Britain to Winnipeg.” Holy Moses! Feel like slipping my boots on and walking to Canada in the morning. This is dinkum. Turn up the paper and have a look if any disbelieve me. I cannot get it out noddle, for we only give the Pommy coming here abuse, with a promise of 10 shillings a week if he suits.
Allow me, in conclusion Mr. Editor to draw your attention to the progress of the Brenkley Bros., of this district. By solid hard work these two brothers have shown all that Bindu can grow wheat with any other place. Seven Hundred acres of the best in crop this year. They are deserving of praise, and they have shown they warrant it.

August 23rd, 1923
Geraldton Guardian
Tenindewa Notes
(From an Occasional Correspondent)

There was a great gathering in the Tenindewa Hall on Saturday evening, August 11th, the occasion being a fancy-dress ball, in aid of the Hall and Piano fund, and a most enjoyable evening was spent. Mr. George Eves was the M.C., whilst the music was supplied by Miss Maloney. The Grand March showing some very attractive costumes, several prizes being afterwards presented to the winners of the best fancy dresses, ladies and gentlemen. these were Miss Eileen Palmer (gypsy), and Mr. Cyril Eves (jazz pierrette). The prize for the best dressed girl went to Miss Esme Stafford (daffodil) and the boys prize to Master W. Stafford (swaggie). During the evening songs were rendered by Messrs., Brodrick, Griffiths, Palmer, and Kember, which were much appreciated. A dainty supper was afterwards served. The committee have every reason to be pleased with the success of their efforts, and thanks are “especially” due to the ladies of the committee, Mesdames Eves, Palmer, Rumble, Oldham, Dunkin, and others. The following is a list of the costumes worn;- Mrs C. J. Stafford, pierrette; Mrs. M. Kember, Queen of Clubs, Miss, E. Robertson, folly; Miss E. Palmer, gypsy; Miss C. Maloney, “Tommy Atkins” Miss Esme Stafford, daffodil; Miss T. Martin, Japanese girls; Miss E. Shaw, cornflower; Miss Elsie Stafford, spring; Mr. J. Boniface, “Eve, 1923”; Mr. M. Kember, clown; Miss G. Maloney, clown; Mr. W. Griffiths, “Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch”; Master E. Shaw, highwayman; Master R. Martin, black and white; Master A. Shaw, Red Indian; Master W. Stafford, swaggie; Plain costumes: Mrs. Eves, Silver net over gold satin; Miss D. Roberts, Black crepe de chene with nett overdress; Mrs. Martin, silver grey voile, inlet with silk embroidery; Miss Stone, floral voile relieved with organdy; Mrs. Peet, electric blue silk organdy, with girdle; Miss Cameron, palest pink charmouse satin; Miss Edwards, cream georgette silk embroidered with jet beads; Miss Robinson, black net over silk; Mrs. H. Stokes, cream silk; Miss Butler, black voile and silk.

September 7th, 1923
Geraldton Express
Tenindewa Notes
(From our own Correspondent)

Though the crops look healthy and nice, if the clouds which accumulate in the sky every day, lately, would all tumble to pieces over our farms and saturate the earth, we would be over joyful. If they won’t do this, we wish they would clear to the deuee [sic] out of sight. Day after day threatening to rain is worse than none.
Our district of Bindu this season is going to hold its end up not withstanding J.J. Keeffe has a 30 bushel crop. Frank McGuiness is running this close at Devils Creek: eight bags average (1.6 tonne per hectare) over 700 acres (280 hectares) is what Brenkley Bros. expect this year, and, in anticipation of this bumper harvest, Mr. Walter Brenkley has ordered a 500 pounds ($1000.00) tractor. Good on you, Walter. We will show them what our district can produce even though the Government is against the Yuna [Railway] line and everything else to progress the progress of the cockies.
Some people, Mr. Editor, leave all their money etc., to relatives and friends after they turn their toes up. Not so for our farming friend Mr. Glen Malony, of Walkaway. He believes in living to see how he or she, to who he may befriend, carry on. So, in accordance with his belief, he has just presented his son Glen Malony with as nice a freehold farm of 3000 acres (1200 hectares) as anyone would wish to acquire, together with 500 sheep, working horses and machinery. If Glen doesn’t make good, he ort to, for such fathers are not too numerous.
Note; (This property is situated immediately to the west of Indarra on the south side of the line. It was sold to the Smith family in 1868)
I met Mr. T Cooper the other day. He has not been too long back from Victoria. He went there to see the last days of his aged mother and, arrived there just before the good lady died. He told me Mr. “Texas” Green was on the same train across, and he (Mr. Cooper) was surprised at Mr. Green’s intelligence. Not all logs of wood these Labor chaps, though some do come from the jarrah. [country]
I was greatly amused at “Jingo’s” skit not so long ago, on the anti-sleep contest by two Italians going for 98 hours without sleep, but I want to inform my brother scribe that he was wide of the mark, so to enlighten him , and let others know, I must inform him our new Agent General was authorized by Western Australian cockies to organize in every country he touched, one of those anti-sleep contests until a race became perfect and could do without sleep altogether. This becoming a fact, he had then to charter steamers and pack them out here as the right class of immigrants for WA. Compres [sic]
Our branch of the Oddfellows Lodge is still going strong and has done more than anything hitherto to strengthen the friendship and social standing of all. I consider every country place should endeavor to have a lodge of some sort. What is good for the country chap also applies to the bumpkin.

Albany Dispatch
13 September 1923

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At the district conference at Geraldton, the Tenindewa correspondent in the Geraldton Express tells this:
It was moved and carried that in view of the proposal to establish an Agricultural College in this State, and in order that this district might secure the advantages to be derived from the establishment of such an institution in our midst, this conference strongly urges the Government to repurchase the Kockatea. Estate, and failing this, some other site in the Victoria District.
Note; The Kockatea Estate was a huge Pastoral Lease southeast of Tenindewa up until the early 1900.

Some people, Mr. Editor, leave all their money, etc. to relatives and friends after they turn their toes up. Not so our farming friend, Mr. P. Moloney, of Walkaway. He believes in living to see how he or she, to whom he may befriend, carry on. So, in accordance with his belief, he has just presented his son Glen Moloney with as nice a freehold farm of 3000 acres as anyone could wish to acquire, together with 300 sheep, working horses, and machinery. If Glen doesn’t make good, he ought to, for such fathers are not too numerous.
Note; Glen Malony farmed on until 1969 when he sold to A.F. Smith. This property was straight south of the famous M. F Troy’s.

Geraldton Guardian
September 20th, 1923
Tenindewa Notes
(From an occasional Correspondent)

A most successful social and dance was held in the Tenindewa Hall on Saturday evening, September 8th, in aid of the hall and piano fund. As the night was rather chilly Mr. N. Rumble, M.C., kept the music going. Mrs. H. B. Peet presided at the piano in her usual efficient manner. During the evening songs were rendered by Miss Robertson and Messrs. Butler, Griffiths and Kember. A very dainty supper was provided, and a thoroughly enjoyably time was spent until the small hours. A freak ball, also a sports gathering, are to be held at later dates, to help along the above fund.
The new school at Bindu is completed; the schoolmistress has arrived, and teaching has begun in earnest. The school has provided a long-felt want for farmers children in the Bindu area.
The crops around here are looking a picture, and must gladden the hearts of the farmers. The beneficial rains during the week have considerably enhanced the outlook for the coming harvest.
Water provision and storage are now the next things that require attention, in readiness for the summer months.

Geraldton Express
10th October 1923
Tenindewa Notes
(From Our Correspondent)

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The rain that we have had just recently put the finishing cap on the heads of our grain, making a prosperous season assured, and if many I.A.B famers do not turn the debt-leaf in the I.A.B ledger over to the credit side this year, well, there is something wrong with the works. Though I have seen magnificent wheat yielding crops, I never noticed any particularly tall ones. Not a bit of good saying one farmer has the best this year, for there are splendid crops everywhere around this district, no one standing alone. I had the occasion last week to journey out north of Tenindewa, and was struck with appearance and activity on Messrs. R. Dunkin and Geo. Valentines places. These two farmers have showed their appreciation of the help of the I.A.B. by buckling in and quickly wiping off their loan, building alone. I had occasion last week to speak to them on their own. They were dinkum I.A.B. clients.
Mr. Geo. Valentine was very proud, and rightly so, of a six-foot crop of oats he had–going to show a sheaf or two he said. He is doing what few do, but many should; sowing grass seeds all over the place for sheep feed. The Wimmera grass planted by his neighbour Mr. Dunkin and himself, proving such a success, it has made him carry on with the good works.
As your readers are aware Mr. Valentine was badly mangled and scrunched not that long ago. Among other casualties he had an arm and a leg broken, but George. being molded from a steel block, a few dints never shook his frame too severely and he says, Nurse Rose, of Mullewa completely welded him together again. This lady must be “some” nurse, as her late patient is now convalescent and working like a machine once more.
I read where the “Mullewa Mail” gave our good friend, H. J. Stafford, a bit of a boom. I will go a bit further and say there is not a more energetic man than “Staff,” notwithstanding his 60 years of age, in this district. Perhaps some don’t know this. He was the first to introduce sheep here, also pigs and cattle, and now he is the first in the district to send cream to Geraldton. There is nothing new that “Staff” won’t have a go at. I believe he is talking now about building a silo. Look out “Staff” –very expensive hobby, ensilage. One false step and you are gone, as my girlfriend used to say, Stinking Rodger Radish, and Doublegee might ferment and make good manure, but I cannot see where the food propensities are. And I should think if one has to grow lucerne, rape, etc.; there is more profit and less labour in eating it off than cutting, stacking and carting it into silo pits.
Let Billy Rothchilds, Forester Bros., and other big financial chaps have their silos; they can afford them.
A crop of wheat will give enough chaff, bran and pollard to feed the milking machines far cheaper. Stick to it my friend, is my earnest wish.*
There may have been, but I have never seen a better Shivoo in Tenindewa than the one given by the Oddfellows last Saturday night. The hall was packed to suffocation with carload after carload reeling down from Mullewa and Devils Creek laden with passengers and arriving hourly. Mrs. Eves was ably assisted by Miss E. Palmer in catering for the pleasure of all. That good lady, Mrs. H. Peet had a great helpmate when providing the music in the person of Mr. Pike. He can handle and blow the cornet, can the policeman in charge of Mullewa, and furthermore, he is a good, genial all-round sport and man. Not having marred a milliner, it is therefore impossible for me to write you of the dresses worn by the fairer sex, but I don’t think many halls ever held as dazzling blaze of brilliancy.
No doubt the Hons. J. Hickey and T. Moore, MLC. will read with pleasure that Miss. Jefferson is whacking our kiddies into shape at Bindu school.
Why I mention these two legislators in particular is because I have heard a lot of controversy on this matter, and I will defy contradiction when I say these two members of parliament alone got us that school. Labor again not in vain.
Mr. W. Brenkley’s tractor arrived today. I will write further on this after its trial.

October 27th, 1923
Geraldton Guardian
Tenindewa Notes
(From our own Correspondent)

From brumby to motor car is a good stride. That’s the way we do it at Tenindewa. This is a very progressive place, and getting it up to date in farming methods, as no doubt benefitting from our agricultural expert on the Wimmera Methods. Mr. W. H. Stokes and Brenkley Bros, have both purchased tractors [one] a Fordson and the other a “Cletrac”. One has a motor car and rumor says the other is to get one. Both the tractor and the motor car are necessary to the farm, because people say, “time is money,” and this can be saved with a car, and it brings the farmer closer to the town, so that he can spend his money easier, or run up some “tick.” I always notice when the crops are good, as they are this year, a lot of things are up to be ordered, but somehow when the crop is garnered the things anticipated don’t pan out.
Most of the farmers are busy haymaking. One man told me he was cutting three tons to the acre—one of wheat and two of radish. Another is cutting 2 ton of real wheat.
The Bindu school is an accomplished fact and the kiddies are being educated in the way they should go. The school has been officially Christened and the floor danced upon by a good crown a couple of Saturday’s since.
The Wollya water appliances are still in the same old disgraceful state—mill out of order and only two old broken windlasses on the wells. Mr. Maley our member, should make a note before next summer comes–I mean, next election [comes].
We have lost our old friend, Mr. Carson, from the Road Board at Mullewa, and we wish him luck in his new position at Northam. Its a pity we could not loose the road Board now for all the use it is to our ward. The Roads are bad and nothing is done although we make repeated requests.

December 10th, 1923
Geraldton Express
Tenindewa Notes
(From our Correspondent)

Record crops are now being harvested around our district, and it is interesting and amusing to listen to the great yields gathered in Devil’s Creek farmers are very jubilant this season. There is no-one out there with a bad crop. The rivalry amongst all while harvesting goes to show the enthusiasm, enterprise and interest each one has for his own little dig out “down on the farm.” It is nothing to hear the Meadowcroft boys are pulling off 80 bags a day [6.5 tonne]; J. J. Keeffe gathering in 30 bushel crop; Sid Eves cutting 2 ton of wheaten hay to the acre; while his oats are stripping 30 bushels; and that Horrie Peet is bagging 7 bags to the acre from a [crop that looks just a]15 bushel crop. But Walter Brenkley, of Bindu, knocks this silly, for with his 500 pound [$1000.00] tractor towing a reaper-thresher, he gobbles up 150 bags of wheat every day. [12.5 tonne] By jingo, that’s the stuff to give ’em eh.
The market for the sale of wheat reminds me of the days when I sold lead, the price fluctuating and see-sawing every week. No trouble to sell wheat this year, for every second person one meets now is either a buyer or an agent. Believe me, it is not safe to drive into any siding with a waggon [sic] load of wheat if you have young horses, yoked thereto, while buyers and agents are charging at you like a squad of Anzacs.
Mr. Editor please let me correct a statement I made in my last notes that Messes. R. Dunkin and G. Valentine were clients of the I.A.B. No, sir I am glad to say, these two energetic farmers never had the brand of failure as a cocky I.A.B. stamped on any part of their anatomy. Their banking accounts have swelled through their own solid hard toil and grit.
Concerts and socials are regularly held here, for we have not paid for our piano. Mr. Glen Maloney handled the last one, and showed a good profit. Mrs. Eves, as usual, helped all she could. Miss McGuinness from Devil’s Creek, and Mr. Frank Butler, Bindu, gave Mrs. Peet breathing time by helping her provide the music for the dancing.
The Devil’s Creek people, besides being good farmers, are champion sports, too. A couple of Sundays ago they organized a gigantic picnic and held it at Seven Mile pool on the Stock Route. So, if you hear of rinderpest breaking out near there, or any drover losing half his mob, you can soon tumble why and where. Among the many gathered there I noticed Mr. and Mrs. Kelly, of the Mullewa pubbery. Mine host and his wife are very popular,. All sorts of aquatic sport were held in the pool. Three times around Mrs. Eves who stood in the middle of the pool constituted a mile, Mr. Clarrie Meadowcroft won the event from 14 others. The diving competition, owing to no prize being forthcoming, was about to be struck off the programme, when luckily, a young lady while convulsed with laughter, last her set of false teeth, heavily cased in gold. Mr. Peter Jefferson proved another Diver Hughes by recovering the lady’s food munchers. Too long to go through all the items, and when the lady before mentioned, who was standing in the pool, had an attack of cold shivers, and a buggy was hauled in to relive her, I left for Tenindewa, but without doubt it was a great picnic, and, as Mrs. J.J. Keeffe says, next time she will take care she does not walk four miles out of her course (don’t let anyone say she got bushed) and Mr. Charlie Meadowcroft is going to give a certain young lady swimming lessons. The next picnic will be “The One.”
Knowing there are a lot of 16th Battalion diggers in and around Geraldton and District, I feel sure they will smile when they read in the “Express” that I was at Mullewa on Monday week, when “Schnapper” O’Loughlin, Corporal of C. Company, got married. Game as ever, he never flinched right through the ceremony, and though afterwards the barrage of beer bottles skittled me. no ambulance had to be called for “Schnapper” for, after being attended to at his brothers dressing station, he left with his wife on their honeymoon to the east. Another raid for the 16th with objective taken.
When the Yuna Line goes through (about election time) don’t allow politicians to have all the hamper. Just hand out a sandwich to Harry Pass, for Sandow, with all his strength could not have endured what our good friend Harry went through getting the Advisory Board across county along the preposed new railway route. He spared neither time, money nor self, and, as Ned Kelly was never a better bushman, the driver of the first engine on this line need not fear that he will run over a precipice or into any sly-grog shanty, for Harry blazed the track.

January 3rd, 1924
Geraldton Express
Tenindewa Notes
(From our own Correspondent)

The harvesting of grain is almost completed [from the 1923 crop] around here, and the 30 bushel crops will average out about 12 bushels. [.8 tonne/hectare] When a man starts harvest he generally gets into the best stuff, and there was some good, and he generally “kids” himself that he is averaging 30 bushels [2 tonne/hectare]. Well its good to build castles in the air sometimes, as farming is generally a very dreary game. This year there was too much straw which reduced the yield.
The children had a splendid time just before Christmas. The teachers at the Tenindewa and Bindu combined for a Christmas tree and a jolly evening, and collected some 17 pounds [$34.00] Credit is due to all, and the children are the best collectors. Next day there were toys of all description in every house from Bindu to Tenindewa.
We have had a storm or two and they did a deal of damage. Messrs. Brenkley Bros. lost about 200 bags of wheat; Mr. Stafford lost some wheat and a 120 acres of oats. The hail covered the ground until it was quite white. Others has smaller losses.
A number of immigrants are working in this district and they are shaping very well and will be a big factor in the future. They stick to their work and their wages.
feed is plentiful, nearly as good as 1915, but sheep are too high [in price] for most farmers who are I.A.B. clients and fear to go into cattle owing to the rinderpest scare.

January 16th, 1924
Geraldton Express
Tenindewa Notes
(By “Jingy Man”)

Harvesting is over, and wheat carting is nearly completed. It has nearly all been trucked [railed] and only a small stacked had to be built, and this had to be done owing to the demand for [rail] trucks, as, more or less every siding in the wheat area had more bags brought to it than was anticipated. Mr. Hollings, who is the wheat agent here, had a rather busy time during the last few weeks, and most of the work came in the hot weather, the heat being anything from 110 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit in the shade. [44 to 50 degrees Celsius] So, no doubt , he, like many others, will appreciate the cool change which came in on Sunday, and it is to be hoped that the weather clerk will remain with us for some time.
Xmas and the New Year were spent on the quite side, most people being away for the holidays. Well I should say everyone but poor cocky. He is always home with nose to the grindstone.
Mrs. Sydney Eves opened up the social life for the new season with a fancy dress ball, which was held on January the 5th. Quite a number turned up in fancy costume. The prize winners were Miss. Eileen. Palmer, Miss Ida Eves, and Master B. Martin. Taking one thing with another, everyone had an enjoyable time. As regards the nett proceeds, it was the largest sum made for some time.
On Saturday January the 12th there was another enjoyable time spent, the same being a farewell social to Mr. F. J. Cox who is leaving shortly. In spite of the hot night, a nice little number came along, including a few visitors Mullewa, who helped to make the evening all the better. Mr. Fry and Miss McCann obliged the company with a few songs. Miss W. McCann gave a nice, step-dance, and to finish came a recitation from Mr. B. Martin. On account of Mr. Cox being in indifferent health, he was unable to attend. So there was neither a presentation made nor toasts honored, but we wish him the best of luck and success wherever he may be.

February 20th, 1924
Country Cricket
Geraldton Express
Tenindewa Vs Bindu
(by “Jingy Man”)

The following are the details of a match, which was played on the Tenindewa Recreation Ground last Sunday between teams representing Tenindewa and Bindu cricket teams, [North Tenindewa]in which the latter was defeated rather easily. The top score for Tenindewa was 57, and out of the 57 runs made there were thirteen fours [ie 52] hit. The next highest was 42, and this included six fours and 2 sixes [ie 36]. So one can see the Bindu players had some leather chasing to do. The 200 made by Tenindewa were hit up by nine batsmen.

Tenindewa
Shade retired 25
A Rumble retired 57
Stokes b Hawes 29
Oldham retired 42
Whitely c Rule b Brenkley 5
Willis c and b Brenkley 7
F Butler c Hawkins b Hawes 1
Eves b Brenkley 0
A Butler not out 15
James c Hawkins b Hawes 14
Sundries 5

Total 200

Bindu
Brodrick b Butler 3
Brenkley lbw b Oldham 5
Hawes c Rumble b Whitely 0
F Rule c and b Butler 4
Hawkins b Oldham 11
Kilgallon b Whitley 4
Thurn not out 4
W Rule b Rumble 0
Griffiths c and b Rumble 1
M Kilgallon b Rumble 1
Benoit b Oldham 1
Sundries 4

Total 38

Geraldton Express
9 April 1924
TENINDEWA
(From a Correspondent)

Mr. J. M. Drew, who is contesting the Central Province seat, addressed a good gathering of farmers in the local hall on Monday night, Mr. Palmer, one of our most respected agriculturists, occupying the chair.
Mr. Palmer In introducing the speaker, paid Mr. Drew a high tribute. He said he had read, while at the front, Mr. Drew’s speech after he had been defeated in 1918. Mr. Drew had said he was beaten by a more popular man. In making that statement, Mr. Drew had done himself an injustice. There was no man more popular among the farmers than that gentleman. They all remembered what Mr. Colebatch had said about the candidate when he was leaving the State to take up the position of Agent General. Mr. Drew had often come into collision with Mr. Colebatch in the Upper House. But when Mr. Colebatch was taking his departure, he was generous enough to say that while not wishing to reflect in any way on the man who had succeeded him, the day Mr. Drew was defeated not only the Legislative Council suffered a loss, but West Australia as well. He (the Chairman) felt sure the candidate would receive much support from farmers and electors generally in the election coming. Mr. Drew spoke for nearly an hour and a half, and I regret that my inability to write shorthand prevents me giving a report, of the address, which was an interesting and instructional one. I may say, however, that Mr. Drew furnished a mass of information in proof of the centralizing policy of the Government, and he stated that policy had been aided and abetted by the men whom the farmers sent into Parliament to represent them. Votes of thanks to the speaker and to the Chairman concluded a most successful meeting.

May 15th, 1924
Geraldton Express
Tenindewa Notes
(From our own Correspondent)

All the “backbone of the country” are busy as possible, putting in more crop. It’s a lovely gamble. They till the ground, scatter the good seed and pay for the fertilizer, and perhaps to not get enough to pay costs. They may get a good crop and thus receive encouragement to have another try. The dry weather is alright for the fallow, but the other ground is most hard to work. Dad is promising a lot from this next crop. Stock are all in good condition and feed is plentiful as there is very little stock in the district to eat it. Most of the farmers sold their sheep to the ring who have scooped so much this year with the “woolies”.
Today is election day (Upper House). Who will win? I tip “Old Joe”. Anyhow he deserves it. It’s a pity two such good men should be opponents. They both deserve a seat in the Council of the State. However, one has to stand down, so I suggest if Joe goes out that he runs Johnnie’s paper while Johnnie attend parliament.
The young men around here have the boxing craze and a number of would-be champions
are spoiling for a fight.
Great dissatisfaction is expressed amongst the I.A.B. settlers [and] at the Mitchell Government for the way they have starved the off their holdings. A few around here have notice sell by June, or foreclose, and some of them are better off than for years, with a good chance of rise. Fancy struggling for fourteen years against drought, war, and high prizes and then being knocked off………….

June 17th, 1924
Geraldton Express
Tenindewa Notes
(From our own Correspondent)

Most of our cockies’ faces are beaming with smiles owing to the top-notch rains. Crops are up and look well but a few cockies are not smiling; they are the ones on the I.A.B., who are men in jail waiting to be hanged– they are waiting for the Labour Government to give them their notice to quit their farms, but the Government is playing a rotten hand. They induce the farmers to put their crops in, saying they would inspect in June, and now the crops are in they are offered the high price of one shilling, one and half pence [11 and 1/2 cents] per acre to fallow. Why not give the decision at once instead of this hang-dog policy?
How’s the dairying, Mr. Editor ? Some here would like to know. I don’t know much about it; what I do not know would fill a big book, and what I do know would not take many lines, so I’m going to give it to your readers. If all others did the same, it might help a bit during the hot weather and reduce the amount of second quality cream.
First of all get some good cows. Separate the cream with a good separator, suction feed preferred. Keep the machine thoroughly washed in hot water (use soda occasionally) after using it and dry it thoroughly. Put the cream in a cooler (Coolgardie Cooler I mean) so as to cool quickly. Never mix the warm cream with the cool cream of the previous day, until it is thoroughly cool. Stir the cream three times daily from the bottom of the can upwards. This is to ripen it evenly and to keep the thick part from forming on top. Keep it always in the cooler with the top of the can ventilated.
When taking cream to the railway, stand cream on a folded wet bag; have another wet bag on top, and secure it firmly to the cart to minimize shacking. If you do this you can land cream of first grade at the factory, even from this distance after keeping it for a week.

Truth Perth
Saturday 21 June 1924
GERALDTON.

The “Express’s” Tenindewa correspondent unearths the freak this time: “Of all the characters of men who travel the State, Tenindewa seems to have its share of seeing these creatures. On Saturday last in walks a man in short pants, a knife on one side of his belt and a pistol on the other—quite a bushranger—and when he put in an appearance at our local shop, I can assure you it made the heart of the little fair charmer behind the counter drop down in her shoes. “Ah,” says the stranger, “I am the man who is walking around Australia.” He then got her signature and date and began to spin his yarn of what he had seen in his travels and the different hardships that he had to endure. One of the items he mentioned was that a lady weighing something like 13 stone offered to walk around Australia with him. ‘Of all the things I have seen and heard of ladies doing and talk about doing, I think this lady wins the bun. What do you think about it, “Jingo”? I reckon a clean muster of all women of this type should be made; put them in a pen and give them something that will make them feel like working, instead of walking. We find out now that the strange visitor was Mr. L. O’Shaunnessey, who is walking round Australia, his starting point being Melbourne.”
Note; Google L. O’Shaunnessey/Walking around Australia/1924

August 1st, 1924
“Periscopics”
Geraldton Express
(From Tenindewa)

Note; Interestingly this is another random pseudo-name used by a scribe from Tenindewa to the Express and included in the verbiage is some vague coded hints on other Correspondents identities?.

We are experiencing, writes our Tenindewa correspondent, like elsewhere the best down-pour of rains this season, and so much good they have done that every farmer who has sowed grain must get a good crop.
I remind readers of the “Express’ [who] must be getting tired of always reading that Mr. Never-idle [sic] has splendid crops and that his fowls, though strained to pieces are still laden with hen fruit, therefore I will cut such a topic out.
Mr. Editor as we have not seen any SOS smoke signals of distress from our old scribe “Jingo” we were wondering whether, like that other chap whose name was something like “Aint’ I a boom” who though being speared through every part of his anatomy by blacks and every hair of his head pulled out by following emus, still trudged on with only 3000 miles to finish his job.
Note; Google L. O’Shaunnessey/Walking around Australia/1924
Oddfellow’s Ball
Oddfellows here are giving a great ball tomorrow night and once again our never tiring lady organizer Mrs. Sid Eves will handle the function. This alone will ensure a successful night.
Miss Palmer Transferred
I am very sorry to inform you that our young and charming post mistress is off to “Baltimore” as our local store and Post Office has changed hands. I am sure I voice the opinion of all Tenindewa when I say Miss E. Palmer was an ideal post mistress and a very popular lady.
I.A.B. Poultry King
Our old friend H.J.Stafford the I.A.B. King has just imported two pens of prize poultry , White Leghorns and Black Orpingtons from Melbourne, the very best of stuff. This side line will come in very handy should he ever fall from his throne. Perhaps he is getting in early.
Where is Pat Stone
By the way Mr. Editor we used to read a lot about a butter factory, habour works, Midland line purchase, and separation [sic] in your paper, but never a line nowadays. What’s wrong. Is Pat Stone dead, money all spent on banquets and by last Government , and all our agitators for separation now in Parliament. I wish I were one of them.
Football Activities
Two teams of footballers here, Mullewa and Devis Creek, wage war against one another for premiership honours every Sunday. Both are now even on points but I think Mullewa must eventually win –too much money. They have the Agricultural Bank behind them, as Inspector Yelverton plays in their team.
Salesmanship
We have had lately travelling our district, per motor car, Mr. Cottom, traveller for the State Implement Works. He is out on his own as a seller. He convinced one farmer that the binder he was agent for could be adjusted that, while resting on a Sunday, the farmer could cut the kiddies hair. Of course, “stand them in a line”, he said. To show you the stability of our harvesters, he told another cocky that while being used up at Doodlakine there happened to be in a crop 10 chains of loose barbed wire. Before the driver could pull up, the machine gobbled it up with the grain, and passed it right through, not hurting the machine an iota, but stripping every barb from the wire. He is doing well in the district as a traveller.
Our Roads
We are going to have our roads done up around here, and as gravel is conspicuous by its absence, the contactor is authorized to use clay . It will hold you better, give you more time should you be coming our way on a rainy day to have a good look at where you are, for clay is better than good friends, holds you closer as it were, so to speak.
Down Hearted
All the Bindu farmers are down hearted, as Ben has gone and sold his stud bull. No more poddies on the cheap for us, but dear sausages for Mullewa.

August 21st, 1924
Geraldton Express
Tenindewa Notes
(From our own Correspondent)

Travelers through this part say our crops are looking better than in any other district. This may be true because they look splendid; never better for years; and if the price soars as is expected, the Cocky will reap some reward; but all those who have a pick at it will see it is not too much. We sold our wheat cheaply last year, still it costs “eight and one half penny” ($0.85) to land a loaf of bread at Tenindewa from Geraldton, and this scribe is going to start baking his own.
Feed and water are plentiful and stock scarce.
Regular dances are held in Tenindewa hall every Saturday night and are appreciated by the young folk and a few old ones too. The funds are so raised to go to the hall piano.

Fancy trying to make money in W.A. growing produce; it’s the hardest work to sell good butter at one and sixpence/pound ($0.33/ kg) less freight; and there is always so much to be said about stopping the Eastern States from exploiting WA. Get some population and then it may pay to provide butter, vegetables, etc.

September 18th, 1924
Geraldton Express
Mullewa News
(From our own Correspondent)

An enjoyable social and dance was held on Saturday night under the auspices of the Oddfellows’ Lodge. Rummy and bridge, for the non dancers, were held on stage. These card tournaments were a great draw, and brought many along, especially the older folk, who are a bit too stiff in the joints to dance. The committee of the lodge tried it as an experiment, and the results were gratifying. In the rummy competition, little Diana Underwood won easily. The prize (one pound)[$2.00] was donated by Mr. Geo. Valentine, of Tenindewa. The competition among the bridge players was keen. The winning couple was Mrs. J.T. Harley and Mr. P.F. Rooke. These prizes were donated by Dr. Hobbs, and Mrs. Wood of the Railway Hotel. Mr. R Frayne looked after the card arrangements, and Mr. C. Radford made an excellent M.C. for the dancing. Miss F. Haley presided at the piano. The supper was in the hands of Mesdames Haslem, underwood and Radford. On the 27th inst., a welcome-home will be tendered to Mrs. R. Franyne, on return from his honeymoon; he was married at Yalgoo during last week to Miss Thelma Haselden.
At the Church of England bazaar held recently, the Ugly Man competition was not finalized on that occasion, but was concluded on Thursday evening, when a concert was held in conjunction. An enjoyable evening was held, the receipts exceeding expectations. The Ugly man competition was won by Mr. T. Molster, with Mr. Yelverton and good second. A musical programme was gone through and was thoroughly enjoyed by a large crowd. Special mention must be made of the items rendered by the State school children, which reflected credit on the schoolmaster, Mr. A. Hopkins, and his assistant, Miss McLean. It showed the youngsters hade been carefully trained. More performances by the children in the future would be appreciated by the parents, as we do not hear enough of our children in concert performances. The following contributed to the programme;–Pianoforte duet, “Signal from Mars” Messes. Haley and O’Conner; selections from “The White Garland” by the State school children and leading parts being: “Queen” Thelma Young; “Punctuality” Alice Isbel; “Perseverance” Louse Haslem; and “Tardy Scholar” Keith Styants. A second item by the scholars was ” I Passed By Your Window” –a very pleasing item. Miss A. Donegan presided at he piano in the school items. A recitation by Louse Haslem, “A Deed of Horror” was encored and she gave “Just as Mother Used To”; duet, “Look for the Silver Lining” by Agnus Webb and Thelma Young; dialogue, “The Fortune Teller” by Daisy Axford and Alice Isbel; and song by Mr. P.F Rooke, entitled “Old Pal.” At the conclusion of the concert the competition voting was concluded, and the evening closed with a dance. Supper was provided by the ladies of the church. The whole effort including the bazaar, will nett close to one hundred pounds [$200.00] The rector thanked all those who had worked so hard in making the fiscal results so satisfactory, especially the ladies who had sacrificed a lot of time and effort,
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Some girls paint for a hobby; other for a hubby.

November 11th, 1924
Geraldton Express
Tenindewa Notes
(From our own Correspondent)

A successful dance was held in the Tenindewa Hall on Saturday evening last. Visitors from Mullewa, Ardingly, Bindu, and Indarra motored over and an enjoyable time was spent. The balloon waltz caused much fun and excitement, the winning couple being, Mr. W Keeffe and Miss Rita O’Connor. Dancing went with a decided swing to music supplied by our Ardingly musician (Mrs. Peet) and the Misses R O’Connor and Kidd. Mr. W Keeffe acted as M.C. After supper music was continued, and it was an early hour before the party broke up. Great credit to Mrs. Eves and committee for the arrangements.
The rector of Merredin (Rev H. R. Hobbs) formally rector of the Parish of Mullewa, has been under the care of Dr. Shelmadine for some weeks. His many friends will be pleased to hear he is about again.

Geraldton Guardian
December 1924,
(From Our Correspondent)

Of course, you must be aware that we are now in the harvest, season. Therefore, there is not much need for me to tell you the chief questions here are: “How is you crop going?’ “Did your Federation stand the dry spell?” “What do you think wheat will reach this season,” etc. These are the chief topics for breakfast, dinner and tea, so you must pardon me this time if my notes are not very newsy.
Treating the Kiddies.
The Saturday before Xmas we are holding at the Bindu school a Xmas function, sports, cakes, ginger beer, lollies, nuts and lemonade for the children in the afternoon, and a Christmas tree for them at night, after which the decks (or floors) will be cleared for action for the adults to hold forth. Dances, recitations, songs and speeches are on the programme.
Both the Minister for Agriculture (Mr. M. F. Troy) and the Hon. Tom Moore will be there, if Parliament is still not “clunky”– I mean sitting–and the two politicians’ home on their farms. I am sure, if its only to hear Mr. Benoit’s lecture on “How to Grow Wheat,” they will strain their brains to be present
Anyhow we expect to see them.
About Politicians
Talking about politicians, while at a Road Board election I had to put up with this sarcastic remark from a “Tothersider”. “What has your member for Greenough done up to date. Never heard of him in the parliamentary limelight” “What do you want him to do” I retorted. “Kick Sir James Mitchell in his group settlement; knock prohibition out of the speaker’s chair or give Lovekin a smoking kiss on the upper house? Done my friend! He has done nobody but pay his way and earned his way. Anyway, did you not hear about the great speech he made quite recently? “No” said the “Tothersider”. So, I told him about our member with a lot moore was inspecting Fremantle gaol when he was asked by somebody in authority to say a few words to the prisoners and cheer them up like.
The Members Gaol Speech
He started off: ” Ladies and gentlemen—oh! -oh! oh! Beg pardon, fellow citizens. Ah, h’m! ‘Should I say fellow citizens and evil doers. I am very pleased to see you all here today.” He then sat down.
My word, the brother to the Hon Tom Moore—Bob Moore—is a glutton for work. They have a farm at Indarra, or I should say Bob is making one with honest sweat and hard toil. Bob has repeatedly made a camel of himself humping’ loads of provisions, etc., from Indarra on his back to the farm, but when he tried to take a horse’s place he had to give in—too much. The Hon. Tom sent up to Indarra a spring cart, but no horse. Bob unloaded it from the truck, yoked himself in the shafts and made for home, but two miles of sand pulled him up. No good, he reckoned, and added: “I will “have to go to Frank Troy’s for a horse. I come from Victoria and am not used to sand.”
A Missing Hack.
We have another hard doer in our local storekeeper and postmaster, Billy Griffiths, of Tenindewa. Bill bought a prize hack and turned it into a paddock at Alea Rumble’s place to graze. Alex warned Bill that the prad would get out, as some of the wires were loose, but Bill heeded not. In due course the hack cleared out. Bill said:–“Well, well, well, why, why that horse cleared outI cannot tell. “Should have fed him,” said Rumble. Bill said “Thats the trouble he had his three slices of bread a day same as myself. I am still here, but he has mizzled”
Jim Bedford, of Bindu is very jubilant, as he struck good water in a bore from his own divining on his own farm. He has let a contract to sink a 75 foot well at once.
As you know Phil Collier, like his predecessor, is off to Blighty.

December 9th, 1924
Geraldton Express
Tenindewa Notes
(From our own Correspondent)

All are very busy taking off the harvest and good yields are being bagged, some up to 30 bushels per acre. [2 tonne/hectare]. The general averages will be better than for a long while.
The siding now presents a busy scene, teams arriving regularly with the rich grain, and the men handling it find the weight of the bags sound enough. It is anticipated that 15,000 or 16,000 bags 1160 ton] will be loaded at Tenindewa.
Thousands of sheep (poverty stricken) from the Murchison are being landed in this district, and the farmers are making only a nominal charge for [adgisting] them. It is a pity the Murchison people did not think of this idea earlier, as some of the sheep arrived here in very low condition, and hundreds died in the trucks. They are improving visibly in this well-grassed country.
Christmas is near and our Bindu teacher is busy collecting for the Christmas tree. May they do well and enjoy it to the full.
There is still the fighting element around here, and some think of championships. A recent “scrap” at Bindu was worth seeing and was properly refereed by a fighter from the Old Country. Honors in the bout were about even, and the gladiators finished good friends. It was a water fight, no beer being on tap.