1884

<date>09/01/1884</date>
Wednesday 9 January 1884

Visited Melbourne Gaol.

<date>10/01/1884</date>
Thursday 10 January 1884

Town

<date>11/01/1884</date>
Friday 11 January 1884

Town

<date>13/01/1884</date>
Sunday 13 January 1884

Church

<date>17/01/1884</date>
Thursday 17 January 1884

Town. Chief Warder Quin allowed Six months Leave.

<date>18/01/1884</date>
Friday 18 January 1884

Inspected Melbourne Gaol.

<date>19/01/1884</date>
Saturday 19 January 1884

Stayed at <a class='placename 2640394' data-preferedName='Pentridge'>Pentridge</a>. Ladies went to theatre. Jack accompanied them.

<date>20/01/1884</date>
Sunday 20 January 1884

Church.

<date>21/01/1884</date>
Monday 21 January 1884

Detained at <a class='placename 2640394' data-preferedName='Pentridge'>Pentridge</a> in consequence of very wet weather.

<date>22/01/1884</date>
Tuesday 22 January 1884

Inspected Pentridge.

<date>23/01/1884</date>
Wednesday 23 January 1884

Walter left for the Station by first train this morning. Went to town. Received a Deputation from the local leaders of the Salvation army. Gave orders for the admission of three parties of the Ballaarat iron moulders, 20 each party, [to visit?] Pentridge.

<date>15/11/1884</date>
(NOTE: The remainder of the material has been transcribed in the order in which it appears in the folder. The next entry appears to be from Saturday 15 November 1884, although it is written on the page for the four days beginning Thursday 24 January 1884.)
Castieau's notation: 'Continued from end of book'.

...did-ent turn up took the young lady to the theatre himself. After the performance Mrs Cuthbert met her daughter at the Station & Godfrey came on Home.

<date>16/11/1884</date>
Sunday November 16th. Went to Church with Dotty in the morning. Read newspapers & a novel nearly all day the weather being so unsettled that it was not deemed wise to go out. Godfrey & Jack went to town to Church in the evening, their monthly Railway tickets enabling them to do so without expense. Went early to bed. Find that I smoke a great deal more than I used to do & must be careful not to use the week too often.

<date>17/11/1884</date>
Monday November 17th. Went to town in the morning. Called at Mr Herbert's the jeweller and paid him his account. Got him to regulate my watch. Came back to lunch. Went to town again in the afternoon & attended Meeting of Discharged Prisoners Aid Society.

<date>18/11/1884</date>
Tuesday 18th. Went to <a class='placename 2158177' data-preferedName='Melbourne'>Melbourne</a> in the morning. Took up Bill for £37.17 held by Mowbray & Co. It would have come due on the 21st. Gave cheque & tore up the Acceptance.

<date>19/11/1884</date>
Wednesday November 19th. Went to town. Got Mr Herbert to regulate my watch. Came home at about two o'clock. Mrs Castieau was at Elsternwick & Sissy had gone to <a class='placename 2158177' data-preferedName='Melbourne'>Melbourne</a> to see Mrs Gibson. In the afternoon Mr & Mrs Mair from [Poowong?] came. They stayed to tea. Mr Mair went to <a class='placename 2654710' data-preferedName='Brighton'>Brighton</a> & called back for his wife at ten o'clock. They appeared most anxious that Ernest should pay them another visit. He stayed with them for some weeks some months ago. I agreed to give an answer on Friday next on which day Mrs Castieau is to go shopping with Mrs Mair on Bazaar business. The Bazaar is to  be held at Poowong & Ernest is wanted to take a part in the proceedings. Read till nearly one o'clock, then went to bed.

<date>20/11/1884</date>
Thursday November 20th. Received a letter from Harry. He spoke very satisfactorily of his position, but a friend of his in the office wanted me to let him have £50. Harry very kindly but rather unnecessarily asked me to refuse & consequently I did so without any hesitation. The friend is a person of some authority in the newspaper office where Harry is employed. I trust my declining to lend the money will not make any difference in his manner. Harry writes that he has been very kind to him. If it was known that I had just borrowed for myself a hundred pounds at 40 per cent, my declining would not reasonably be wondered at. The papers announced that Mr Dwyer of <a class='placename 2165798' data-preferedName='Geelong'>Geelong</a> was to be Governor of <a class='placename 2158177' data-preferedName='Melbourne'>Melbourne</a> Gaol.

<date>21/11/1884</date>
Friday November 21st. Tup had pups apparently very much mongrels. Ernest was engaged in negotiations for the disposal of his goats & carriage. Miss Balmaine Black came to spend the day with the girls & did not return to-night. A very hot day & one that I felt was better to be spent at Home by one like myself with no business to do in town.

<date>22/11/1884</date>
Saturday November 22nd. A fine day, nice & cool. Balmaine & Cissy (sic) went to town in the morning. Dotty followed them in the afternoon. I did <a class='placename 10114185' data-preferedName='Quest Collins Street Central'>Collins Street</a> in the morning & met Dr Henry with whom I hat a chat. Came Home to lunch. Jack who is rather unsettled went for a row with Euston Smith & another friend. I gave him a shilling to pay his share of boat hire. He has studied very well & I gave him a scarf pin as a reward. I expect he will be Dux of his school but if he is-ent I can-not blame him as he has worked right well.

Ernest went to the Davis's at Coburg & brought me a tonic from the dispensary at <a class='placename 2640394' data-preferedName='Pentridge'>Pentridge</a>. Cuffy Watson called at about tea-time but did not stay long. Godfrey took part in a cricket match but his side did not distinguish itself. Mrs Castieau went for a walk & was not well when she came Home. Mrs Gibson was here in the morning. She was rather excited having heard that Fiddimont had been appointed Governor of Ararat Gaol as she thought that Gibson should have had the promotion.

Mrs Gibson had had an interview with Mr Brett relative to her husband's claims but it had not been satisfactory to her. I spoke kindly but told Mrs G. that I could not interfere though I would gladly speak in favor of her husband if I got an opportunity. Godfrey & Jack went to the Theatre Royal. The girls & Edie Cuthbert had tea at Emma's & then Godfrey Lotherington with Harry & a friend took the girls to the Jubilee Exhibition. Sissy & Dotty brought Edie home with them. They had enjoyed themselves very much & Godfrey Lotherington bought Sissy two nice little brooches. The girls beaus did'ent follow Godfrey's lead & so they got nothing but sweets. My portrait was interviewed & pronounced to be a success & to be mounted in a lovely gold frame. Mr Call's & my portrait are placed alongside of one another.

<date>23/11/1884</date>
Sunday November 23rd. Went to Church with Mrs Castieau & Earnest (sic). We went to All Saints & heard the Bishop preach on behalf of the Bishop of Melbourne's fund. The Bishop was very eloquent. He spoke in terms of approbation of the energy of the Salvation Army & praised the work they did in endeavouring to reform the outcast & the vile of the City. The bishop took care to assert that he did not always believe in the manner they worked but fully approved of the motives which influenced them  and the valuable nature of the work they were doing their best to complete. He hinted that the Church of England might well take a lesson from the Army & strive a little harder to assist their ministers in the performance of their endeavours to spread the Gospel.

The bishop gave some of his experiences among the ungodly up Country & preached a very eloquent & manly sermon. In the evening Godfrey & Jack went to town. Mrs Hall & her daughter called & invited the girls to a picnic. Harry Hall who is from  Bright was with some friends to take his sisters & some more girls down the river for a row & were then to go on shore & spend the day by the river.

<date>24/11/1884</date>
Monday November 24th. Constitution Day & in consequence a Holiday at the Banks & Public Offices. This is the last time that Constitution Day is to  be kept as a Holiday. The day was cloudy and just as Sissy & Dotty were ready to start for the Picnic it commenced to rain & continued all the morning to do so.The girls went to <a class='placename 7932619' data-preferedName='Elsternwick'>Elsternwick</a> where they had appointed to meet their friends but there seemed to be little chance for their pleasure trip being a success if it came off at all. It did not rain in the afternoon but the sky remained very gloomy looking. It turned out that the Picnic was given up & the Party remained till evening at Aunty Dotty's. Our girls came home in the evening & of course had been very disappointed.

<date>25/11/1884</date>
Tuesday November 25th. Went to town & called at the Under Secretary's office. Saw Mr Wilson & spoke of the hardship it would be to me if my services were dispensed with before the six months Leave that had been given me was completed. He promised to speak to Mr Berry again on the subject as I declined doing after having been to him before.

Called & got my book at the Bank. Went into Lindt's. A fine picture of Dean O'Hea's was exhibited in front of the "Studio", asked about the Photos I had ordered, they were not quite ready so I asked that when they were they should be sent to my quarters. At the Under Secretary's I met Mr Peter Wallace who had come to speak of Gibson. Said all that I could in favor of Gibson.

Mr Peter was in great form, he is to escort the Governor & Lady Loch through his district which is in the mountainous country of the Ovens. He promised to bring the Vice-regal party back by way of <a class='placename 2176429' data-preferedName='Beechworth'>Beechworth</a>. Met Mr Bilson at the Railway Station & we went together as far as Prahran. He was also trying to help Gibson. We had a good long chat. On his leaving I said if I wanted any little assistance (I meant with the Government) I should look to him as a friend & he heartily responded his willingness to do "anything" for me. Paid Gas account £1.11.3 2/6 of which was for rent of stove.

Mrs Castieau bothered me & we had some wrangling before going to bed.

<date>26/11/1884</date>
Wednesday November 26th. Went to town in the morning, called upon Zox and walked as far as the Treasury with him.  Went to the Sheriff's office & saw Lynch. He had not been well. Came Home & had lunch after which Dotty & I walked as far as the St Kilda Cemetery to see Sir - Mitchell's funeral procession. Nelly a little terrier dog was with us. When we got to the Cemetery found "that dogs were not admitted". Dotty carried hers for a time but we left the ground before the funeral arrived. When the procession had passed Dotty stayed outside with the dog & I followed the mourners. There was not a large crowd & I found myself very close to Mr Gregory who read the Service. I forgot that I had no sign of mourning clothes & a bouquet in my button hole until I saw a reporter had spotted me & then I hid my flowers with my white hat. The burial rites were soon over & I rejoined Dotty. We walked through Windsor & Prahran and after failing in an attempt to buy a pestle & mortar which we wanted we purchased a pot of Jam for four-pence & got home at a little before Six. The Cuthbert girls came to see our youngsters in the evening.

<date>27/11/1884</date>
Thursday November 27th. Received a letter saying that my Leave was to end on the 30th June. With the letter was an account for me to sign for compensation to that date. I signed the account & wrote a letter in which I said that I was greatly disappointed at not being allowed pay & allowance money to the end of the six months leave of absence that had been granted me. Saw Mr Brett. Dwyer is to come to Melbourne & Fiddimont is to have charge at <a class='placename 174991' data-preferedName='Ararat'>Ararat</a>. Pinniger is to go to Geelong & Shigog to <a class='placename 9972528' data-preferedName='Sandhurst'>Sandhurst</a>. The Governors at Geelong & Sandhurst are to have £350 per Annum but without classification. Saw Zox & appointed to meet him at his club on Saturday at half past twelve. Got back to Balaclava by lunch time. Mrs Castieau went to see her sister Mrs Hall in the afternoon. Jack a little queer after his examination work. Gave him some Cockles Pills & hope they will make him all right. He had to come home from school at dinner time  as he felt so unwell. It was then I gave him the medicine.

While I was in town I saw Lynch at his office & told him about my office affairs being settled. Lynch was so unwell that he left the office with me & went Home.

<date>28/11/1884</date>
Friday November 28th. Went to town, bought an Albert Chair for Sissy as a Birthday Present. Called in at Lindt's & showed him an old Photograph of the <a class='placename 2176429' data-preferedName='Beechworth'>Beechworth</a> cricket ground & a group of old identities among whom were Cope, Barnard, Brett, Akehurst, myself & many others well known in town. Mr Lindt would not undertake to enlarge it but said he would have been glad to if he could. The girls went in the evening to see Miss Walker at Mrs Jardine Smith's but the young lady was out. In Collins Street to-day I met Mr Lowe formerly of Lowe & Martin at Benalla & talked about old Ovens times.

<date>29/11/1884</date>
Saturday November 29th. Went to town & saw Zox. Called at the Penal office & replied to an enquiry about a promise said to have been made by me to Josh Clark a prisoner, on his having done some work for the <a class='placename 2759794' data-preferedName='Amsterdam'>Amsterdam</a> Exhibition.

In the evening the girls went by invitation to see Miss Walker. Godfrey played in a cricket match in the afternoon & made a duck. Jack went to the theatre in the evening.

<date>30/11/1884</date>
Sunday November 30th. Dotty & I went to <a class='placename 2148876' data-preferedName='South Yarra'>South Yarra</a> to hear the Bishop preach. Mrs Castieau went to Dr Torrens' Church. The South Yarra Church was very crowded & the offertory took a long time to collect & so made it late before we got to the Station from whence we had the annoyance of seeing our train moving away just before our arrival. Kept them waiting at Home nearly half an hour for dinner. In the afternoon Mrs Castieau & myself had a very nice walk in <a class='placename 2178190' data-preferedName='Albert Park'>Albert Park</a>. It was very beautiful weather & there were a number of sailing boats on the <a class='placename 2068021' data-preferedName='Lake'>Lake</a>.
In the evening Sissy & Jack went to Church while  Godfrey went to town instead. Godfrey got me a piece of tobacco notwithstanding all the fuss made about selling the weed on Sunday.

The Cuthbert Girls came in on their return from Church.

<date>01/12/1884</date>
Monday December 1st. Went to town in the morning. Took the Bus to Brunswick & then walked to <a class='placename 2171168' data-preferedName='Coburg'>Coburg</a> as the little Bus for that place was not available. Rather a disagreeable tramp as the road was very dusty. Renewed my Electoral Right, found that Mr Landells the Postmaster was the Registrar. Met a few of the warders but did not converse with any of them. Went to the Penal Office & drew my salary & allowance for November. To-day I am free from the Government Service & must puzzle my brains in future to get a living. Met a newspaper man who offered to help me if I followed the suggestion of the Sydney Morning Herald & wrote a book on my Gaol experiences. He said "there was money in it". Went to the Bank & then took the train for Home feeling both tired & hungry. Photographs had arrived & I sent one to Mrs Mair the lady with whom Ernest is staying. Godfrey went to the Exhibition with Mr Beal a traveller of the firm of Vial & Co.

<date>02/12/1884</date>
Tuesday December 2nd. Went to town this morning, called twice at the Treasury. My account was not quite ready. Went to the Library & spent an hour in the Picture Gallery Came home in the afternoon. Jack's position in the School not yet decided. Paid Mr Sutherland £29.15 School Account.

<date>03/12/1884</date>
Wednesday December 3rd. Heavy rain in the early morning & showery during the day. Went to town & called at the Treasury where I was paid my compensation money £2128.19.2. Met Zox and settled with the Discount Bank. Was allowed £3.5 of the Bill for £100 borrowed last month & Discount at the Rate of six per cent on £300 owing. Did not get back my Insurance Policy, but shall have it to-morrow & a cheque for the rebate on the £300.

Paid accounts at Mowbray & Cos., Raecke's, Smythers', Campi & Cos. & have left to begin the world afresh with about £1400 & with nothing else to look forward to. My Life Policy is free again & that is a comfort.

Home at a little  before three. Mr Morris the Landlord came & put a night Catch on the front door. He wanted me to buy the house I am living in, probably it would be a good investment but it is out of my grasp & it would be foolish of me to scheme about it.

Wrote an Advertisement offering the Goat carriage & goats for Sale. Godfrey, Jack & Herbert Darvall took in the Advertisement. The girls went to the Cuthberts. Edie was at a Party at the Hall's. Mrs Castieau went there in the afternoon & met Miss Gampson a niece of Mrs Hall's & this young lady smelt the Party & expressed herself very viciously at not having received an invitation. She is on a visit to town from <a class='placename 2177756' data-preferedName='Ararat'>Ararat</a>. When our girls were at Cuthbert's, some excuse was made for Edie's absence, but Sissy & Dotty knew all about it & said "now is'ent she gone to the Party". It slipped out that the truth was, when Edie was asked it said in her note "Mum to the Castieau's". This was fine fun for the girls as of course their mamma had told them all that had occurred & what Miss Gampson had said in her presence. Our girls could not have taken offence at not being invited as they were recently at a Party at Hall's & we have no opportunity just now of giving any dances in return.

<date>04/12/1884</date>
Thursday December 4th. Went to town this morning. Placed £70 to my sister Harriette's account in the Bank of New Zealand, wrote & told her I intended doing so. Purchased some Linoneum (sic) for our Passage at Mowbray & Cos. & a lady's chair at Cullis Hill & Cos very big place. Went up a lift to the fourth story (sic) to select. There were two floors above where I had to get out. Settled with London Discount Bank. They gave me my Life Policy & said that they had sent Mr Zox a cheque for £9 odd on my account as rebate for the money paid by me in advance of my bills. Took the Policy to the Insurance Office & left it there to be registered as re-transferred to me.

Went to the Penal Office and paid £3.0.11 for labor done. £3.5.6 that had been charged for renovating furniture was taken off the Account sent to me as I had shown it was not due.

Gave Mr Stone one of my Photographs. In town I met Mr Williams the Governor of Beechworth Gaol who is for the present acting at <a class='placename 2158177' data-preferedName='Melbourne'>Melbourne</a> Gaol. He is going back to <a class='placename 2176429' data-preferedName='Beechworth'>Beechworth</a> in a day or two & I also gave him a Photo to take back with him. Both Williams & Stone appeared much gratified at receiving my likenesses.

Got Home at about two o'clock. The Linoneum came soon after. Mrs Castieau was not very well pleased with it, but as the quantity we wanted had been cut off the roll by my order it could not be sent back. Mrs Castieau was not well but Jack managed to dish up dinner. The girls were away at the Black's. Godfrey went there in the evening. Made up my Diary before going to bed. There was no enquiry after the goat carriage to-day. The Advt. is however to appear again to-morrow.

<date>05/12/1884</date>
Friday December 5th. Received & answered an enquiry about the Goats.

Went to town & got an extra piece of linoneum. Yesterday I purchased at Cullis & Co's warehouse a lady's chair of light wood. A black one was sent to-day instead & promptly returned by Mrs Castieau.

Obtained from the Northern Insurance Office my Life Policy. It is now clear & in my own possession. In town to-day I spent an hour at Bridges Art Gallery & invested in a ticket for the Lottery.

Some of the pictures are very good indeed & the Collection is called after Haydn. It contains several of that Artist's works. Met Shackell & had a chat with him. He gave me some fine cherries & I brought some of them home to the girls. Mrs Castieau not well. Stayed up late reading & smoking.

A man came round in the evening with oysters. Sent Jack to buy a shilling's worth. We got a great lot but the moderate price made us fancy them to be a trifle high. They however were eaten.

<date>06/12/1884</date>
Saturday December 6th. Went to town with the intention of having a talk with Zox. Did not see him. Called at Cullis's & countermanded the chair. They had sent a black one not having a light one in stock & not being able to get the kind wanted in town. Bought some cheap cherries & came home to lunch. Mrs Watson of <a class='placename 2171168' data-preferedName='Coburg'>Coburg</a> was at our house & very chatty. Dotty & Mrs Castieau started to go to Mrs Dawbyn's. When they got back however it appeared that they had not got further than town. Mrs Castieau went to her friend Mrs Smith at <a class='placename 2172293' data-preferedName='Carlton'>Carlton</a>. Dotty went to see Mrs Gibson but she was not at home. Mother & daughter reached Home to-gether but did not travel by the same train. Mrs Castieau was very bad & did not come to  tea. I went to bed rather early being very tired. The bedroom was in great confusion. Mrs C would however not be roused & I had to make the bed as comfortable as I could.

<date>07/12/1884</date>
Sunday December 7th. Went to Church this morning. It poured heavily on my leaving the Church but Jack thoughtfully brought me a coat & afterwards when another storm made us stop under the shelter of a house an old lady kindly asked us in & we stayed till the weather cleared a little. Mrs Castieau very bad & all in the house passed a rather miserable day. Godfrey made himself very useful this morning in clearing up the Yard. There was more rain again in the afternoon. Wrote an advertisement for the Morning Papers calling attention to my wanting employment & expressing my willingness to join another in business. Jack went into town with the Advertisements. The girls & Godfrey went to All Saints Church. Jack came home at abut ten o'clock. He was only able to pay for an Advt. in the Argus & one in the Age. They cost 7/6 each and as I had only given him a pound he was not able to insert one in the Telegraph as the price was 7/6 for it also. Mrs Castieau still bad & went to bed in another room.

<date>08/12/1884</date>
Monday December 8th. Went to town this morning. Called at Zox's office twice, found him on the second time of my going. Received from him a cheque for £9.10 & an account of the rebate allowed me by the London Discount Bank. Called at Raecke's & purchased tobacco & pipe. Showed him the Advertisement. Peter Wallace came in but he had seen it. Met our Jack & Herbert Darvall at the Station. Jack was Dux at the School. He did his first paper at matriculation this morning & seemed satisfied that he had done well. Received in the afternoon three answers to my Advt.

<date>09/12/1884</date>
Tuesday December 9th. Went to town. Saw Duerdin & had a talk with him about an answer I had received to my Advt. from Mr Nicholls. He seemed to think something might come of it to suit me & I undertook to call at Mr Nicholl's office & make enquiries as to his views. Uncomfortable at Home again. Jack seems satisfied with his progress at the Examination.

<date>10/12/1884</date>
Wednesday December 10th. Went to town, but could not see Zox & did not do anything about my advts. Received two replies to advt. Will make enquiries.

Daw Dr Hutchinson at Raecke's. Went for a stroll with him & Raecke & did not get any lunch. Home at about five.

Mrs Castieau not well. Stormy weather in the evening, raining when I got to the Station.

<date>11/12/1884</date>
Thursday December 11th. No letters this morning. A very disagreeable day. Went to town with Mrs Castieau, left her at George & George's. Paid for Jack's suit of clothes. He went off again to the University & returned pretty well satisfied with his work. Home to lunch. Wrote to Mr Elliott & Mr Mackinnon in reference to their replies to  my advt. Called when I was in town at Mr Nicholl's office.  Did not see him. Left a card & wrote on it that I would see him on his return fro <a class='placename 2147714' data-preferedName='Sydney'>Sydney</a> to which place I believe he is going to-morrow.

Received remainder of Photos from Mr Lindt.

<date>12/12/1884</date>
Friday December 12th. Jack proceeded satisfactorily with his examination. Home  as usual.

<date>13/12/1884</date>
Saturday went to town. It was a showery day. Bought some books at Gemmell & Tuckett's Sale. It came on to rain. Gave a boy sixpence to carry a parcel for me  to the Railway Station & had a struggle with two big parcels & an umbrella when I got to Balaclava. The books when I got them Home appeared to give satisfaction especially some Hoods Comic Annuals. I forgot to mention that on yesterday Jack & I went to <a class='placename 4781708' data-preferedName='Richmond'>Richmond</a> to see the Cricket Match between the Press & Parliament. "Bent" was great in the field & achieved six runs. The game was very slow & Jack & I walked into town to the train.

<date>14/12/1884</date>
Sunday December 14th. Showery again. Went to Church by myself in the morning. In the afternoon Sissy & I went to Hawthorn intending to spend the afternoon with Mr & Mrs A.L. Martin. Met with a disappointment as they were gone out & were not expected back till the evening. Reached Home in time for tea. Sissy went to Church in the evening Dotty was not well & had no boots & so for the two reasons combined contended herself at Home. Last night Sissy & Dotty were invited to Mrs Jardine Smith's house. It was raining but Sissy braved the weather & went. She spent an enjoyable evening & did not get back till after midnight. The boys went to town & saw Diplomacy at the Theatre Royal.

<date>15/08/1884</date> 
Monday August 15th (sic)

Showery weather again. Went to town & called on Zox, he was very busy & so I went away to look up Duerdin. After a chat wit him, went to see Mr McGrath to whom I had been introduced by Messrs Sinclair & Macrehan of Chancery Lane. Found Mr McGrath at a large office opposite Goldsborough's. He wanted a partner in his business as a produce auctioneer. He impressed me favorably & I liked the idea of going into partnership with him as there appeared to be a very favorable opportunity. Told him I should consult Zox & did so. McGrath had been with McCulloch & Co & also  with Monkton Synnot Brothers & Zox undertook to see these gentlemen & to make enquiries of them as to McGrath's character. Undertook to meet Zox to-morrow morning.

Came Home. Met Sissy who was going to some Speech day entertainment. Dotty followed her afterwards but it came on heavily to rain in the afternoon. Jack completed his examination at the University but there had been a little tiff in the morning between him & Dotty & I called him names & was very angry so this made him sulky & I did not speak to him before he went out again in the afternoon. Washing day. Weather & one thing and another had made our place rather uncomfortable.

<date>16/12/1884</date>
Tuesday December 16th

Went to town. Met Zox and started with him about the proposed business between myself & McGrath. Zox called upon Mr McCulloch who would not however say much about McGrath one way or another. The other reference Mr Sinnott spoke well of McGrath & the chances there were of his being able to make a good business with attention & energy. Mr S. said further to show how I felt towards him I made him a present of Fifty soveriegns (sic) when he left my employ. Fox & I then went & saw McGrath. We told him what we had been doing & expressed ourselves satisfied with the information we had obtained from the references. Then after a little talk in which we were all apparently satisfied that we could come to an easy settlement, it was agreed that McGrath should send Zox a written statement as to the state of affairs as far as I could be made interested if the proposed Partnership was agreed upon & that McGrath should meet us at eleven o'clock at Zox's office to-morrow at eleven o'clock (sic) in order that we might then go together to my Solicitor, Mr Duerdin. McGrath said £500 was wanted for the business & to that I made no objection.

Came home rather behind luncheon time. Jack went to Speech Day of some school. The Misses Black called to see the girls. Received a letter from Mr J.K. Brown an old <a class='placename 2176430' data-preferedName='Beechworth'>Beechworth</a> man. He proposed to go partners with me in building houses. His idea looked very tempting on paper & the business would it was remarked be pleasant as well as remunerative. We could easily wrote my correspondent build ten or twelve houses per Annum & sell them at a profit of from £500 to £1000 each. I am asked to call at dinner time & discuss the matter.

<date>17/12/1884</date>
Wednesday December 17th. Went to town to keep the Appointment with McGrath at Zox's office. McGrath did not put in an appearance and after waiting half an hour Zox sent his clerk to tell McGrath we were expecting him. McGrath sent back a note expressing his regret at not being able to come but would be glad to do so on the next morning. Of course Zox was disgusted & I went away & told Duerdin what had occurred. Then I went to McGrath & heard his excuses. He had been so terribly busy. Had been selling all day &c &c &c. I spoke plainly to him & then arranged to meet him at eleven o'clock the next day. He pledged his honor to keep this appointment & I informed Zox & Duerdin accordingly. Went to  Balaclava. There was much excitement at our house as Jack was to receive his prize as Dux of Carlton College this evening at the Athenaeum Hall. Went with Mrs Castieau, Sissy & Dotty to The Athenaeum. There were speeches, recitations & music then the prizes were given by Mr Turner who acted as Chairman. Jack held a most honorable position and for being "Dux" was presented with a nice Edition of Prescott's Histories.

Left Jack with his schoolmates & came home with Mamma, Sissy & Dotty. Presented Jack when he got back with another volume for his library & wrote his name in it giving my congratulations also at his college successes.

<date>18/12/1884</date>
Thursday December 18th. Took good care to be in town in good time to meet Zox. Waited nearly an hour for McGrath. To our astonishment & disgust he neither came near us nor sent any word of excuse. At twelve o'clock we gave him up & came to the conclusion there must be something behind the offer that he had made us & that he had seen before our acceptance it must come to light & that he had therefore tried to let the proposed partnership be abandoned. Zox was indignant & I agreed with him that McGrath's conduct was most ungentlemanly & unbusinesslike. Zox acknowledged that I was entirely free from blame. After calling upon Duerdin, I went to the offices of Sinclair & McCracken who had introduced me to McGrath & told them by their Mr Sinclair how I had been treated. Sinclair was annoyed & said that he would have nothing more to do with McGrath's business. It was arranged that he should see him & that then he would write to me & let me know how McGrath endeavoured to excuse himself & whether he made any further proposals.

Came home as soon as I had done all the business I could. Found that Zox had sent Jack a nice letter congratulatory on his obtaining school honors & promising that if he further advanced himself he would use his influence in helping him if he wished to enter the Government Service where now appointments were first to be obtained by educational testimonials. We were all pleased with Zox's letter & Jack was of course in high feather. Rather queer at Balaclava. In the evening took Jack & Godfrey to the Exhibition. Spent a pleasant couple of hours. Saw my portrait among others. It is a fairly good one. Home before twelve. The girls were sitting up for us.

<date>19/12/1884</date>
Friday December 19th. Got a letter from a Protection Society threatening to sue me if I did not pay a [bill?] to Mr Barker. Did not know I owed it. It was £2.4 for beer supplied at <a class='placename 2640394' data-preferedName='Pentridge'>Pentridge</a>. Wrote up my Diary before leaving for town. Paid Mr Barker.

<date>20/12/1884</date>
Saturday December 20th. Disappointed in not hearing from Mr Sinclair. Went to town & attended Auction at Gemmell's.  Bought some books, a desk & work Box, sold the desk at the request of some man in the room who appeared to want it badly. Took  a cab to the Station with my purchases, then came back to <a class='placename 2177207' data-preferedName='Balaclava'>Balaclava</a>. Mrs Castieau not well. Declined to allow Dotty to go to <a class='placename 5746545' data-preferedName='Portland'>Portland</a> and was annoyed very much at the poor girl's disappointment.

<date>21/12/1884</date>
Sunday December 21st. Went to All Saints Church with Jack in the morning. In the afternoon Sissy & I went to <a class='placename 2647274' data-preferedName='Hawthorn'>Hawthorn</a> where we spent a pleasant afternoon at Mr & Mrs Martin's house. We did not get home till nearly ten o'clock.

<date>22/12/1884</date>
Monday December 22nd. Selected a Birthday present for Mrs Coffey & a Christmas one for Martin. These were books that I bought on Saturday. Gave Jack a painted Album & a new Game for his friend Beal who has been very kind to him. Went to town & first called at the Bank of N.S. Wales & was told the state of my account & then paid half a crown for a 25 cheque Book. Called at Raecke's & bought some tobacco. Met Taylor of Beechworth & Dr Hutchinson there, had a little Christmas talk. Met Zox. He had quite made up his mind that I had better have nothing more to do with McGrath & said he had seen Duerdin & that both of them had come to the conclusion that McGrath did not care to have his accounts scrutinised. Saw Duerdin himself afterwards and he told me he had consulted with Mr McDougall an accountant & that in his opinion I was well out of the proposed partnership. Met Mr Cowderoy & chatted with him. Walked through Burke (sic) Street & took a stroll in Cole's Arcade. Purchased a two-penny Xmas Card. Surprised at the number of people there were about & at the free manner in which they spent their money. Bought two Scotch Comic Cards for three-pence in the Arcade. The things were cheaper & fresher than at <a class='placename 2171036' data-preferedName='Coles Bay'>Coles</a> though they were not so well patronised.

Went into George & George's. They had a glorious display & really their place was turned into a glorious bazaar. They appeared to be doing a great business. Did not buy anything. Went to the Railway Station but did not go away from town, but went back to Collins Street & called upon Rowan at Mowbray's. Had a seasonable chat & when I went back to the shop bought a pair of pocket scissors. Met Dean O'Hea and went into George & George's again to show him the Bazaar. Asked the Dean for a present, but he said he had no money only cheques & she wont take them. The she alluded to was the young lady at whose stall we were standing & who quickly answered the Dean by saying Oh yes I will take your cheque. The Dean however only made me come along.

The Dean then would take me to Lindt's Photo Studio. Here he admired his portrait & paid for a Copy for himself I suppose. Mr Lindt had a quantity of Kanaster tobacco he had imported & I got him to oblige me with a pound of it at 7/ the price it had cost him. Said good bye to the Dean & started for Home. Arrived just too late to see my sister Emma & Godfrey who had been making us a call.

Mr Gibson called to see us & stayed to tea. We had a long chat together before he went away. Godfrey & Jack went into town with the books for Mrs Coffey & Gibson. Mrs Castieau not well again. I am very weary and miserable about her. In writing my Diary, I omitted to mention that on Friday evening, I went into town intending to be present at Hoskin's Benefit which was given on that evening. The theatre was however so crowded that I was unable to get in. "The Heir at Law" was the Piece played. I had a white satin Bill of the Performance of that Play in which as a member of the Garrick Club, I took part on November 30th 1855, nearly thirty years ago.

As I could not get in to the theatre I went to Raecke's and smoked a cheroot & chatted away with Raecke & Townsend who called soon after I did. I showed my Bill & talked of the old times & the old Theatre Royal where we played & which since was burnt down. A woman very drunk & very talkative came into the shop with a pair of geese and after telling us their history managed to sell them to Raecke for 7/6. This seemed very cheap, yet Raecke shook his head & said he expected to catch it for his purchase.

Again Monday 22nd. Mrs Coffey sent us Xmas Cards. I put up one for the Martins with my Photo which my old friend had asked for & I fixed another for Maggie Black. My intention was to make amusement. I hope Mrs Martin can take a joke. Met to-day J.K. Brown, told him he should hear from me about the letter he had written in answer to my Advt. I must write or see him, but do not calculate upon doing business. Find my Kanaster tobacco nice & mild but rather flavorless.

<date>23/12/1884</date>
Tuesday December 23rd. Went to town. The Place very busy there being a large number of visitors from Up Country. Came back early. Much worked up excitement in the newspapers with regard to information being telegraphed from the Old country as to  <a class='placename 2921044' data-preferedName='Germany'>Germany</a> having annexed a large portion of <a class='placename 3376751' data-preferedName='New Guinea'>New Guinea</a>. I expect there will be a number of telegrams before the real facts are known. Called & had a chat with Mr Rowan of Mowbray & Cos.

<date>24/12/1884</date>
Wednesday December 24th. In town got a present from the grocer. Was upset & foolish all day.

<date>25/12/1884</date>
Christmas Day. very ill did not go in for enjoyment of any kind & did not taste the goose or plum pudding.

<date>26/12/1884</date>
Friday Boxing day. The girls & Jack went for a picnic to <a class='placename 2654710' data-preferedName='Brighton'>Brighton</a>. Godfrey went to the Cricket Match between N.S. Wales & Victoria.

<date>27/12/1884</date>
Saturday December 27th. Jack went to Caulfield races. I took a long walk & came home tired. Mrs Castieau was out & the girls were disagreeable. Went to bed very much upset.

<date>28/12/1884</date>
Sunday December 28th. There was a large fire at St Kilda during last night. It occurred at a Livery Stable near the Junction Hotel. Mrs Castieau got up & saw the reflection of the blaze. I did not move as I knew there was nothing that I could do to be useful. I saw the ruins this morning, they were very extensive. Over thirty horses perished in the flames. Mrs Castieau went to Church in the morning. In the afternoon the boys went to the Beach to see the wreck of the Black Eagle which sank near the St Kilda Pier on Boxing Day. Luckily she was able to land her passengers before going to the bottom or there must have been a great loss of life, the steamer having left <a class='placename 2143561' data-preferedName='Williamstown'>Williamstown</a> with 130 people besides the crew on board. Sissy & Jack went to Church in the evening. Jack & Mrs Castieau went to the Beach. I took a trip to town but did nothing more than a stroll through Collins & Bourke Streets. Back at Balaclava by about nine. Wrote an answer to a <a class='placename 2147714' data-preferedName='Sydney'>Sydney</a> Advertisement & had it posted. Made up my Diary which had been neglected for some days.

<date>29/12/1884</date>
Monday December 29th. Went to town this morning. Called upon Duerdin & had a little chat with him. Saw Zox at his office but did no business beyond expressing a favorable opinion of the manner in which the tender Board did the duties entrusted to them.

Home in time for one o'clock dinner. Much excitement with regard to the Cricket Match between N.S. Wales & <a class='placename 2145234' data-preferedName='State of Victoria'>Victoria</a>. Both sides have up till to-night done well. N.S.W. out in first innings for over 400,Victoria the same number or thereabout to-day for seven wickets.. Went this evening with the girls to St Kilda Pier. Saw the Black Eagle. She was lying in low water on the bottom.

Called & changed library book on our return. The weather this evening was very sultry & the flies in the house troublesome. Godfrey went to town to hear about the Cricket Match & took the opportunity of attending the Opera House where he saw the eccentric piece Confusion played. Godfrey liked it very much It must from the newspaper reports be highly entertaining. The watch dog through the night was a great nuisance & so was an early cock. Sentences of Death on the cock & at the least banishment for the dog were unhesitatingly passed by myself & partner.

<date>30/12/1884</date>
Tuesday December 30th. The Postman rang the bell almost as soon as I was out of bed this morning Got a card of remembrance from one James Turnbull whom I used to know many years ago. There was an Advt. in the Argus about a partnership at Adelaide & as Turnbull sent the card from that City I wrote & asked him to make enquiries about it for me. Sent with letter Photograph & card to Turnbull  Sent Complts. on a funny New Year's card to Dean O'Hea. Wrote to J.K Brown. Looked over some old papers. Was indoors all day. The girls went to the Beach with Jack in the Evening. Mrs Castieau had been out in the afternoon & was not very well when she came back.

Mrs Coffey & Mrs Gibson came to our house in the evening & stayed till after the girls returned from the Beach. Godfrey was in great form as the Victorians beat the N.S. Wales eleven in one innings with five runs to spare. The end of the game must have been a great change from the beginning & the N.S Wales were shattered most ignominiously in their second innings.
Wednesday December 31st. A very hot morning after an exceedingly close night. A welcome change was however experienced at a little after ten o'clock. I am about going to town.

Paid for Nightman's work till March 31st 1885. Wrote to the Town Clerk with regard to neglect of Dustman. Went into town. The weather kept tolerably cool all day. I saw several people had passed the compliments of the Season to many old acquaintances. Had a chat with Gatehouse during which the ex-mayor related some of his "old new year" experiences. Gatehouse was a celebrated "Funny dog". His second marriage has evidently sobered him considerably.

Went to Mullens & purchased a diary & some paper, the latter for me to commence my Reminiscences on. I wish that I could pluck up & commence them at once. Met Garton & asked him if he knew why that Mr Lemme had never asked me for the money for Walter's Premium. Garton knew nothing about the matter but said he believed Lemme did not mean to ask. I am not satisfied however & will see Mr Lemmie (sic) or write to him. Went into Smythers & then at the Railway Station purchased a shilling book to read in the train. Mr Habbe who travelled as far as <a class='placename 2633842' data-preferedName='Windsor'>Windsor</a> kept me chattering with him & my book was not opened.

Things were uncomfortable at Home & the last evening of the year was spent most unpleasantly. Godfrey is at a disagreeable age. He was 18 last month & assumes a good deal. I have to bully him a good deal but gain nothing by so doing. He has been getting 15/ a week & I hope he will get a sufficient increase to justify my insisting upon his taking lodgings away from Home. Jack is I think worrying about the results of his examination. It does no doubt seem a long time waiting for the decision of the Professors.

I close this carelessly kept book. May I do better & be better if I live to close one for 1885.

<date>11/08/1884</date>
(There follows a note: 'Blank pages in the diaries have not been microfilmed'. The next entry appears on a page with the printed heading Monday 11 August 1884 but all the other printed dates are crossed out and it is not clear what month or dates are referred to. Later references indicate that it is the month of August 1884.)

Left <a class='placename 2640394' data-preferedName='Pentridge'>Pentridge</a> for new house at <a class='placename 2177207' data-preferedName='Balaclava'>Balaclava</a> on this day. The mother slept at Pentridge last night but the remainder of the family at Balaclava where they had been for some days past. The House considering all things can be made tolerably comfortable & there will be much less work to do when we have got a gas-stove.

The fires seem now the principal trouble to the girls. Before leaving Pentridge I tried to sell Carpet, Clock, Table clock & Saddles. The advertisement cost me 6/ & I only had one offer which I declined not considering it a reasonable one. I had great experience of the difference between buying & selling & saw how easy it was to do the former & how difficult the latter. I sent a table to Beechaamp's (sic) which was sold for £7.5. It cost me 5/ for cartage, 14/6 for Commission & a shilling for entry. I was unfortunate enough to purchase a pair of ponies from Mr Garton for £40. This was nearly two years ago. The first day the boys took them out a cabman ran into one of them & injured the pony's hip The two however afterwards ran very well to-gether & I hope not to lose more than a few pounds by them. I sent them to Mr Garton as a friend & he promised to do his best for me. I got £22 out of which I had to pay £3.15.6 for Livery, one shilling for advertising & two shillings for entry. My cheque amount(ed) to a little more than £18. Moving is worrying work & if the warders had not liberally volunteered their services & the prison vans were placed at my disposal I do not know how we should have got on without much more expense & trouble. The Gas stove came in on Saturday & the girls managed the Sunday dinner very well with it. "New brooms" sweep clean & perhaps new Gas stoves cook well. Ours at any rate shapes as if it were likely to be a success.

Harry professed to clear out on Thursday morning last. He said "It was no use staying here" & I thoroughly agreed with him. He asked for a few shillings to pay his way & I have him a pound cheque for a week's board & lodging. He did'ent intend telling us where he was going to & did not intend to let me know.

He wanted the cheque changed and I had no cash. The girls produced 5/ but he said he did'ent want all that & took only half a crown. The reckless boy or rather man, he is Twenty three years of age, then swaggered away without any luggage little caring for all the worry & anxiety he leaves behind him. The weather has been cold & showery all the time we have been at Balaclava & this has interfered very much with the possible comfort we might otherwise have had in our new Home. My annual Report was presented to the Two houses last week but I have not seen it published & can-not but except (sic) it is too favorable to suit the papers as my views in some things do not all coincide with those previously expressed in the Press. In one case Flogging has been held up as a panacea to check larrikinism. In the Report I profess that Solitary Confinement on bread & water is in my opinion the only real deterrent in dealing with criminals. I was in Town on Friday 15th & met Zox to whom I gave a letter asking him to meet me but he has not yet (19th) replied to it. Coming home in the Train I met a gentleman who evidently knew me well, but whose name I did not remember. He asked me to meet him in town & I agreed. He then said where & when. I said where you like. He said it can-not be to-morrow & I replied well drop me a line & gave him my address. He seemed to be very friendly but he has not written to make an appointment. Ernest went yesterday (18th) to the State School. He did not seem when he came back to have liked it very much. Mrs Castieau however approved very highly of what she saw of it. Felt very ill all day yesterday (18th) & went to bed early in the evening. The papers had very full accounts of the boat race between Hanlan the Canadian & Beach a <a class='placename 2147714' data-preferedName='Sydney'>Sydney</a> trained man. Contrary to all expectations Beach to the gratification of the Australian won easily. This morning (20th) Mrs C & Sissy have gone into town to purchase some American novelties for saving labor in the kitchen. I gave her a pound of which she was to spend ten shillings & of course she spent the whole of the money. Amongst other novelties she bought a potato torturer. This is supposed to flay a potato without cruelty, dirtying of hands, or inconvenience. I hope it is all that it should be but at present the poor murphys are still skinned with a knife.

There is another combination affair, two pots in one, this is to do wonders in the way of cooking two vegetables at a time. At present however I notice only one comes to the table, spite of the Siamese twins.

<date>20/08/1884</date>
This day (20th) I went into town principally to get my hair cut. This was satisfactorily done & then I went to the office & saw Mr Brett. Found there had been a bother about our washing having been sent into the Gaol this week. Mr Magee having said it had always been inconvenient to the Gaol having it done there. I got rather cross but the washing is to be done this week & then "we shall see" what we had better do. Wilmot was out to-day & brought the carpet. I have again made further experience in buying & selling. I had carefully prepared plants in pots, material for a green-house for any well to do man. The pots cost me £4.1. cash & the plants I can-not say how much looking after or rather keeping & encouraging old Tom the gardener to be careful of them. Poor Old Tom, he loved plants & I can imagine his horror when he hears that all his green-house nurseries, [pot?] beds &c have been sold for 25/ including pots above mentioned. "So mote it be".

Sissy & Dotty went to town of course to the Coffey Plantation. There they met Miss Juno, in old times known by her representation of the "Bonnie fishwife" in which character she was a great success on the Stage. I took a walk to the Town Hall on a sanitary enquiry & in the innocence of my youthful mind I took a repriever (sic) pup with me. The walk was about half a mile each way & that dog did trouble me the whole way to & fro. Wherever she could poke her nose she did. If there was a paling loose anywhere through it she went at once & until she had thoroughly explored the enclosed ground she had got into I could'ent whistle her back. She went into every back yard there was access to & if she got a bone sat down contentedly for a cosy knaw (sic) & then when I missed her & went back she looked at me & then at the bone & evidently preferring the latter tried to stick to the garbage. Well not to make too long a story & in dreadful fear of Erny should I lose the dog I followed her persistently till I got to the Railway Gate a little beyond our house, then to my despair I could not see Flo & began to whistle & continued doing so while I had any breath remaining. I knew I could'ent go home without the dog & I should have remained until now but that a youngster across the street cried out "he is over the gate" & so she was & when relieved I went for her, she behaved like a lamb & swallowing my grievances after tying her up came to the [resolution?] that until Erny's training shows better I will never, never venture with Flo again.

<date>21/08/1884</date>
Thursday 21st. The girls went into town. On Saturday 23rd, I was very busy all the morning trying to reckon how I stood. [Hand? (sic)] an appointment with Zox for half past twelve. Went too late & did not get to the rendezvous till quarter to one & so did not see him. I heard afterwards that he had come back so it was a pity that I did not wait.

Came Home. Mr Adams a <a class='placename 2158177' data-preferedName='Melbourne'>Melbourne</a> Warder came out to help hang the pictures, he was here all the afternoon & worked very hard.

Mr Gibson & his news came in the afternoon, but they soon saw it was no time for visitors & did-ent stay long. Harry then turned up wanting money of course. He says he is staying at the North British Hotel a House which according to my hopeful son is frequented by theatrical people & printers. I am thoroughly disgusted with Harry & do not care to brood over what will become of him. He has no energy & only a bastard pretence at independence which ends in a snivel & promises, which he forgets as soon as his wants are supplied for the time being. I gave him £1.2.6 for a week's board & said now I suppose you will get along. He said if I dont get work I shall want more next week but I replied then you wont get it & I shall try to leave him to his own resources. I shook hands with him however before he went & tried to rouse him but I am afraid without success. If there was a Frankenstein he seems likely to be one to me.

<date>24/08/1884</date>
Sunday August 24th. Mrs Castieau & Jack went to the church at which Dr Torrence presides, they were pleased with the Service & got Home early. The girls with the aid of the Gas Stove cooked a capital dinner & we all should have enjoyed it but for the priggishness of Godfrey who gave himself airs to his mother & has not the slightest idea how to behave himself.

He got me out of temper & I wanted to put him out of the room but he is stronger than I am & there was a struggle in which my coat was torn. the impudent brat shall not stay in the house if he does not alter his conduct very much. In the evening the girls were going to church but unfortunately it came on to rain & were obliged to stay at Home.

At twelve to-night a man came into the Back Yard & attended to the closet. The dog did not bark much.

Monday August 24th (sic). War between <a class='placename 3017382' data-preferedName='France'>France</a> & <a class='placename 1814991' data-preferedName='China'>China</a>. Telegram of the blowing up of the Arsenal at Foo Chow. Gave Jack this morning a letter to take to Mr Zox's office, inn it I apologised for not keeping my appointment with him on Saturday. Went into Town. Called, but did not see Zox, met Goldstein and went with him to his house in Swanston Street. It is a small hotel & was kept at one time by Henningham. Goldstein looked smarter & in better spirits. Mr G seemed also to be comfortable. Came back by the half past one train [from?] Town, after buying "Sarah Barnham" at [the?] Station. Amused myself by reading her very strange history as related by her biographer or assumed biographer who has certainly taken considerable license as she details the death of her subject though it is well known that "Sarah Barnham" is meant for Sara Bernhardt the great actress & that Sara is still among the illustrious living. The Book is a horribly spiteful one & well illustrates the spite one woman can show against another. The pier-glass came home & it looks very well but we hardly know what to do with it as there are clocks in the way on both mantel-pieces. But however we shall manage somehow I dare say.

<date>25/08/1884</date>
Tuesday 25th. Received a note from <a class='placename 982252' data-preferedName='Longlands'>Longland</a> asking for keys of office Drawers at <a class='placename 2640394' data-preferedName='Pentridge'>Pentridge</a>. Answered that I had left them after carefully putting them in their places.  When in town yesterday I bought some paper & envelopes as well as stamps.

Posted a letter to [the?] Landlord & enclosed a notice of Water Rate that had been left at the Villa.  August 27th. Did not go out of the House. Received a letter from Mr Semple. Spent a long time in trying to brighten an epergne. It is either silver or very good plate. At night it looked very well after the rubbing I gave it & I was quite pleased with my success.

Drank a lot of beer & was out of temper & fidgetty. 28th. No letters & very little news in the Argus. My epergne does not look so bright by daylight. Went into town met Mr Zox & arranged to send him a note so that he might get the furniture insured. Got back to Balaclava in time for lunch. In the afternoon took a walk in Chapel Street & was surprised at the number of shops & also at the cheap prices of the marked good(s) in most of them. Bought the Evening Herald. There was not much in it excepting an account of the injury done to one of the Turret guns of the Cerberus when she was lately firing shell for practice. It seems that the expensive monster is rendered unsafe if not altogether useless.

Mrs Smith the widow of Jardine Smith & Miss Walker her neice (sic) called upon us to day. Miss Walker seemed very nice & I hope will chum with our girls. (29th) Received this morning an account from Mr <a class='placename 982252' data-preferedName='Longlands'>Longland</a>. Me made out that I could not get allowance for Quarters until I left <a class='placename 2640394' data-preferedName='Pentridge'>Pentridge</a>. I protested however in reply pointing out that I had paid rent from the 1st of September though I did (not) clear away from <a class='placename 2640394' data-preferedName='Pentridge'>Pentridge</a> till the 12th.

Mrs Castieau got up early this morning 30th & went to the St Kilda Market. She might as well have stayed at Home for the things she purchased were not (illegible) good nor yet very cheap. Received copies of my Annual Report & a letter from <a class='placename 6288216' data-preferedName='Longland Tower'>Longland</a> who had seen the Under Secretary who agreed that I was entitled to the house allowance from the first day of my Leave. Gave Erny 3/ to go to the Agricultural Show. Jack with Euston Smith went to the Lagoon at Emerald Hill & got upset in their boat. The water was only up to their waists so they did not run any danger of drowning. Euston however lost his boots & had to walk to the Railway without any. In the evening Edie Cuthbert came & so did Mrs Coffey. Great changes contemplated in the Staff at <a class='placename 2642801' data-preferedName='Melbourne'>Melbourne</a> Gaol & talk of giving over the Old Wing to the Police as a Lock Up. Chief Warder Warwick is to be the Deputy Governor at <a class='placename 2640394' data-preferedName='Pentridge'>Pentridge</a>. Mrs Castieau went to her old friend Mrs Smith at North Melbourne & did not return till late in the Evening.

<date>31/08/1884</date>
Sunday August 31st. The girls went to church in the morning. Mrs Castieau stayed at Home and cooked the dinner. The Gas stove appears to be a success, the only question is what the price of the Gas will be. Mrs C & Sissy with two of the boys went to church in the evening.

<date>01/09/1884</date>
Monday Septr. 1st. Did not go out, received a letter from <a class='placename 2640394' data-preferedName='Pentridge'>Pentridge</a> containing an account. I find myself charged £3.5.6 for "renovating furniture". I had the furniture polished but did not expect to pay but for the polish. At the same time a pig which I do not believe has been paid for & which I spoke about to Mr [Lachford?] was not in the bill.

<date>02/09/1884</date>
Tuesday September 2nd. Received a note telling me the pay was ready. Went to town in the afternoon & got mine. Bought two pairs of trousers from George & George. Very much surprised at the great show they were making. There was a capital band playing dance music & there seemed to be hundreds of people walking about the show rooms or sitting in the drawing room. As this was a show day no one asked any visitor to buy. All were welcome to inspect even were they only spectators.

Went to Mowbray & Co. Saw Mr Rowan & ordered two suits of clothes a hat & some neck Ties. I was getting very shabby & can-not afford to be that just now. Got home at dinner time. Received a Policy of Insurance on the furniture. Paid Godfrey £3.13. for tea & sugar.

<date>03/09/1884</date>
Wednesday September 3rd. Could not find my Insurance receipt & did not like writing without it. Gave Godfrey £30.13.4 to put in the Bank to my account. Went out for a little walk. Mrs Castieau went to a Sale & purchased some [oil?] & washing irons. September 4th. Found Insurance paper & forwarded Premium. Friday morning went to town. Met Goldstein, called at Mowbray's & tried on new clothes. Saw Zox & came Home at luncheon time. Received from George & George two pairs of trousers. Saturday Septr. 6th. Not in good form at all to-day. Mrs Gee came out in the afternoon. I did not speak to her. I hurt my back very much to-day & was glad to go to bed. Sunday 7th. Did not sleep last night & got up very (illegible) head. Mrs Castieau went to church in the morning and the girls & boys in the evening. I stayed at Home the whole day & read "John Bull & his island". Went to bed before ten o'clock. Monday 8th. Could not sleep well last night & got up this morning much depressed & feeling rather cross with a parrot whose "pretty boy" cry was incessant from daylight until the time that I got up. This was the day for the opening of the Coburg Railway & Ernest went of course. Give that boy the shadow of an excuse for escaping Church or school & he is off like a bird. New sensation also a washerwoman. I shall now know a little whether these hard working people make things so uncomfortable as they are represented to do on washing days. Did'ent notice the washerwoman make much difference in the house. She seemed to work very quietly. Tuesday 9th. Had a very unpleasant experience to-day.  A discharged prisoner named "John James Maine" gave me notice of an action commenced in the County Court against me to recover £100 for declining to give him a copy of his warrant when at <a class='placename 2640394' data-preferedName='Pentridge'>Pentridge</a>. the fellow is very litigious and thoroughly unscrupulous of which I had previous experience & I do not know how far I have committed myself until I hear from <a class='placename 2640394' data-preferedName='Pentridge'>Pentridge</a> & the town Office.

<date>10/09/1884</date>
Wednesday 10th. Very unpleasant weather. Wrote to Mr Donald at <a class='placename 2640394' data-preferedName='Pentridge'>Pentridge</a> & to the Town Office to get all the information I could about Main (sic) & his complaint. Went to town & paid monthly Bills at Discount Bank. Met Whiteman & had a chat. Came home to lunch.

Jack went to town with his Mamma & got measured for his first pair of trousers. Received a letter from  Harriette. Have not been able to sleep for three nights. The Main business is worrying me very much & that combined with other troubles is taking a lot out of me.

<date>11/09/1884</date>
Thursday 11th. Received a letter that had been sent to <a class='placename 2078025' data-preferedName='Adelaide'>Adelaide</a> for Harry & which was returned to the Melbourne Dead Letter Office. Gave Walter an order to receive it. A pound was enclosed when it was sent to Adelaide.

Got the first No. of the Wangaratta Chronicle. It was sent by Harry & I hope he has employment at the office.

<date>12/09/1884</date>
Friday 12th. Went to town & saw the Crown solicitor regarding Main's case, he recommended me to see the Chief Secretary & get him to ask the Attorney General to defend the action. Saw Mr Wilson the Under Secretary & wrote to Mr Berry. Sent a letter to Harriette. Saturday 13th. Did little but loaf about all day. Had something very much like an epileptic fit & cut my face a little. Sunday 14th. Did not go to church. The girls went in the evening. Godfrey brought me out a sleeping draught to-night which I took on going to bed & in consequence slept much better.

<date>13/09/1884</date>
Monday 13th. Nothing particular. Mrs Coffey was here in the evening.

<date>14/09/1884</date>
Tuesday 14th. The Miss Blacks came to lunch. In the afternoon one of them & Sissy had photographs taken. I went for a stroll & soon found myself at <a class='placename 2150660' data-preferedName='Saint Kilda'>St Kilda</a>. Have not heard yet from the Crown Solicitor & think it better to wait for a day or so. Mrs Castieau went to see Mrs Lynch but did not find her at Home. Mowbray & Co. sent my new clothes on Saturday. They seem to be very nice. Jack put on trousers for the first time to-day. He [went to?] school in them. Godfrey brought me more sleeping draughts. I took one of them to-night on going to  bed. Wednesday 17th. No Postman. Thursday 18th. Went to town. Heard from the Under Secretary that a letter had been sent to me stating that I must follow the usual course & defend the Action myself that Main was bringing & that I could afterwards make a claim on the government. Went to Gillott & Snowdon & put the case in their hands. Found Main was bringing a similar action against Mr Donald. Gillott was about making an application to the Court to make Main find Sureties for Costs & advised that he should do similarly for me. I agreed to call & sign an Affidavit the next day.

<date>19/09/1884</date>
Friday 19th. Was not well & did not go to town. Saturday 20th. Went to town & signed affidavit. Came back to Balaclava. Mrs Gibson came in the evening.

<date>21/09/1884</date>
Sunday 21st. Was very unwell. Mrs Castieau went to church in the morning & to Mrs Hall's in the afternoon. The youngsters attended Church in the Evening. Yesterday I received a letter from Mrs Holloway formerly Mary Kennett. She has been a widow some time & evidently is thinking of getting married again.

<date>22/09/1884</date>
Monday September 22nd. Received a letter from Police respecting "Main". The Report was that he was penniless. Sent it to Messrs Gillott & Snowdon. Washerwoman here to-day.

<date>23/09/1884</date> 
Tuesday September 23rd to October 12th. Neglected to keep up my Diary. Have been very much bothered & latterly not very well. Duly received pay and allowance for September. Paid Rent & as many bills as I could manager & was several times in town. Harry turned up on Thursday October 3rd from <a class='placename 2144764' data-preferedName='Wangaratta'>Wangaratta</a>. Of course he was penniless & thoroughly reckless so long as he could get food & shelter. I agreed to give him a pound for a week to help me to look over my papers of which I was to be returned 15/ for Board & Lodging. Harry has no energy & our literary work did not proceed very far. I was cross & out of temper & after the papers had laid about for some days, the girls gathered them up & put them away again.

I gave Harry a letter to Mr Ferres the Government printer. His answer was that no men would be taken on until November.  Not very jolly at Home & saw it was useless for Harry to remain with us so on Tuesday I gave Harry 17/6 out of the pound I promised him & let him go. I day (sic) not charge him for his Board.  It is evident that he will not work unless that he is driven to do so. He went away swaggering & defiant.

Have had several visitors & heard a great deal about the Gaol and <a class='placename 2640394' data-preferedName='Pentridge'>Pentridge</a>, these establishments do not appear to  be altogether abodes of harmony although there has been a change of superior Officers.

Gibson it is said will have to  retire. One evening during the week I went to  bed about half past ten o'clock & seemed to  feel in usual health. During the night I was siezed (sic) with a heavy night-mare & in the morning found that I had given my tongue a severe wound with the end of a jagged tooth. Polly went to see Dr Stewart at <a class='placename 2945024' data-preferedName='Braunschweig'>Brunswick</a> & (he) gave her a prescription which she took to Keys at <a class='placename 2640394' data-preferedName='Pentridge'>Pentridge</a> & got made up. At <a class='placename 2640394' data-preferedName='Pentridge'>Pentridge</a> Mrs Castieau saw several of the Officers and had a chat with Mrs Gibson. The good folks profess to wish to have us back again. Suffered with a severe attack of Influenza & Lumbago. Polly rubbed me well with turpentine which did me for a time a little good. Left off taking what is known as drink. Went to bed at half past ten o'clock apparently in good health, but was very restless & in the morning found that I had bitten my tongue severely. Polly went to Dr Stewart who sent me some medicine which she got from <a class='placename 2640394' data-preferedName='Pentridge'>Pentridge</a>. The people she saw at <a class='placename 2640394' data-preferedName='Pentridge'>Pentridge</a> were very kind & did not seem to be altogether pleased with the new state of things. Mrs Gibson was in a great way about Gibson of whom Mr Magee has reported that he is neither mentally nor physically fit for the position of Chief Warder. Met Gillott in town. He has obtained an order to cause Main to find Sureties for £25 costs before he commences his action. Dean O'Hea called to see us. I put myself in communication with a Produce Farm in the Western District. A partner was wanted with £2000. I asked for a reply through Zox as my agent. One was sent but though it looked very well, Zox did-ent think it good enough & so with his advice I left it for him to decline.

Called at the Penal Office & saw Brett & Longland, nothing but commonplace & both very guarded. Saw Mr Wilson the Under Secretary, but there was nothing particular. Met Mr Gillott. It is arranged that Main find the security for £25 before commencing his action. Felt very unwell, was suffering from Lumbago. Also while asleep with a jagged tooth I managed to cut my tongue very severely & that has caused me a deal of trouble. (Thursday October 9. Went to town. Began taking sleeping draughts as I had been very restless. Friday 10th. Went to town. Saturday 11th. Not well. Sunday 12(th). Went to church in the morning. Heard Mr Torrence. The Service was very short. Went for a walk between the time of coming out of Church & dinner time. In the afternoon Mr & Mrs Gibson gave us a call. Gibson was in a great way about his position. I advised him to obtain a certificate from Dr Stewart to the effect that Mr Gibson was fit to return to duty & then to report himself as being so to Mr Brett. Mr Magee is evidently prejudiced against Gibson & wants to  get him out of the Service. On Saturday evening Mr Smith of <a class='placename 2640394' data-preferedName='Pentridge'>Pentridge</a> called, he is the Overseer of Works & does not like the new order of things. I told him that I had-ent yet made up my mind whether I would try to return to duty. Smith does not appear to like the present state of things & having some suggestions to make with regard to the working of the shops he is anxious to know whether I am coming back. There does not seem much satisfactory performance of duty at Pentridge or <a class='placename 2158177' data-preferedName='Melbourne'>Melbourne</a>. At the former place Warwick is to the fore & at the latter Nixon & Stewart appear to boss "the (illegible)". Monday 13th. Very unwell suffering from Lumbago. Polly helped me all she could but I got worse & on or about the 15th had to take to my bed where I suffered terribly though I got disturbed sleep at night by the assistance of sleeping draughts & powders. I wrote to Dr Stewart but made light of what ailed me & told him not to inconvenience himself by coming to see me. He did not come so I went on using Blair's gout pills internally & Jacob's oil externally.

On Tuesday the 21st I was much better. Mrs Coffey came up in the evening & I was glad to hear that Gibson was re-instated, Mr Magee's forcible certificate as to Gibson being mentally & physically unfit for duty not being confirmed by the Medical officers Drs Stewart & Shields, but an entirely different opinion to that of Magee's being given of Gibson by both doctors.

On Wednesday morning the 22nd I was able to get up & dress.  It was a cold bleak day & I was not very comfortable though glad to be out of bed & free from severe pain. In the afternoon Stone of the Penal Office called to see me. He had been to <a class='placename 2147291' data-preferedName='State of Tasmania'>Tasmania</a>. <a class='placename 982252' data-preferedName='Longlands'>Longland</a> & he seemed to have had a little tiff. Stone was very anxious to know if I were going back, he professed very much to wish that I would.  I told him he should know as soon as anything was decided on the subject. I told him about the charge that had been made against me for furniture, when I only expected to pay for the polish & not for the labor of polishing. I also told him that I had bought a pig upon the Station & this though I had spoken of it before I left <a class='placename 2640394' data-preferedName='Pentridge'>Pentridge</a>. Dr Stewart came afterwards & prescribed for me. I promised to write to him & describe any fresh symptoms if I did not get well right off & then I sent my physic to be made up & used some as directed. October 22nd. Better. Found Stewart's [pills?] rather too powerful however. Got up & dressed. Wrote letters to Harriette, Emma & Mrs Holdaway. Sissy & Dotty went to town to the Blacks. A Scissor & knife grinder came on his round, he got 6/ worth of work from us & we were quite satisfied to pay him for it. Mr Lindt the Photographer some time since invited me to have a large portrait taken to form one of a collection he is getting ready for Exhibition at the forthcoming celebration of the Jubilee of the Colony of <a class='placename 2145234' data-preferedName='State of Victoria'>Victoria</a>. I wrote two days since telling him I had been ill & that I would give him a sitting if he would make it as late as he could. To-day I got a polite reply asking me to suit my own convenience. Friday 23rd. Got up very much better & went to town.Called upon Zox & went to the Chief Secretary's office. Mr Berry was not there. I saw Mr Wilson & went into my offices & talked to Brett. There was an Execution to-day, a new hangman name(d) "Jones" officiated & did his work well so all the papers say.

Went to Lindts & gave him a sitting for a large photograph. Mr Lindt took also one on a smaller plate. I was astonished to see how little trouble the work appeared to give. Managed very well but was fagged by the time I reached Home. While in town I had a cup of coffee & a pie at the Coffee Palace. It made a very good snack & cost but sixpence. Bought ["Life of Sarah Barnham"?] (Sara Bernhardt). (See entry for 24 August.) It is villanously (sic) scandalous & makes the great actress out to be little better than a beast. It is however humorously written & I sat up reading it till nearly midnight.

Saturday 24th. Had good night's rest & woke up much better. Went to Town. Called & saw John Hall & had a chat with him. Went to Mowbray's & had a talk with Rowan. Met [Le Creu?]. Heard every-one complaining of the heat, did not find much myself to complain about. saw Mr G. Carter the Mayor Elect, congratulated him. Met Nicholson who used to be at the head of the Police. Told him of my rheumatism. He complained of his own knee & asked what I had been using. Told him Blair's Gout & Rheumatic Pills & Jacob's Oil. He said he should give the supposed remedies a trial. Coming home in the train I was telling a gentleman that I had been suffering from Lumbago & Sciatica & when I mentioned the latter I pointed out where I had suffered. Why says my friend that's your right leg. Yes said I had it in both. Oh he replied Sciatica is only in the left hip. You have'nt had anything but Rheumatism. He was right but I must confess that I thought Sciatica could come in either hip.  I shall now know better.

Edie Cuthbert & her sister or one of her sisters came to our place this afternoon after tea. They & our people went to the Beach, the boys with the purpose of having a swim.

October 26th. Sunday. Went to Church with Sissy in the morning. It was Hospital Sunday & there was a good collection. A stranger preached an appropriate sermon but unfortunately the Rev. Gentleman was not able to speak his words very distinctly & in consequence a good deal of his sermon was lost to his hearers. The boys went to all Saints Church in the evening having the boys for company. Mrs Castieau went out in the afternoon. I wrote up my Diary & read in the evening. Monday 27th. Went to town in the morning & settled with Mr Goldstein. Looked in at a Sale at Gemmell's. Vases, <a class='placename 1814991' data-preferedName='China'>China</a> & ornaments were sold at high prices did not venture to bid & so came to no harm from my visit. It seems wonderful where all the grand ornaments can be sold & paid for.

Came home to lunch but went again to town in the afternoon & attended Discharged Prisoners Aid Society Committee Meeting. Called upon Joe. He had just welcomed Godfrey who arrived inn a cab from the Brisbane Steamer. Godfrey had his arm in a sling but was looking well after his accident. Chatted with Joe about Harriette. He was much concerned because I had not been able to keep up her allowance, assured him I would as soon as my affairs were settled & I could see my way to do so.

Got back to Balaclava, Edie Cuthbert was at our house. No dinner had been cooked & so Eggs & bacon were got ready by the girls. Mrs Castieau  not well & upset.She went early to bed. Tuesday. Awoke early & as it was too soon to get up read for an hour in bed.  Did not go to town to-day, read & wrote in the morning. In the afternoon went to the Beach with Dotty. Troubled with a touch of cough & very much lamed with a corn.  Wrote a letter to Dr Henry asking him to send me some tonic.

In the evening commenced reading again a book called Five years in Penal Servitude. The book refers to English prisons & professes to have been written by one who has served a sentence. It evidently is the work of an author well up in what he has made his subject. Went early to bed. Wednesday October 29th. Went to town this morning & strolled into the Picture Gallery. Saw several new pictures, but none of them impressed me so much as Esther & so I had the longest look at her. Met Mrs Hall & her daughter Nelly in the train. They went as far as south <a class='placename 2142478' data-preferedName='Yarra'>Yarra</a>. Nelly has recently returned Home after a long stay at <a class='placename 2078025' data-preferedName='Adelaide'>Adelaide</a>. Got back to Balaclava to lunch at about half past one o'clock. spent the rest of the day at Home. Thursday October 30th. Went to town with Mrs Castieau & Ernest. Ernest was to get a new suit of clothes. when we got to town he caught sight of "A man he wanted to see" & made a run. He soon came back & announced that his friend was Mr Wilmot & that he wanted to go with him & would meet his mamma at one o'clock.

Mrs C & I then went to see Quin the old chief Warder of <a class='placename 2158177' data-preferedName='Melbourne'>Melbourne</a> Gaol. We found him in bed looking a complete wreck. He was terribly thin & evidently unlikely to get out of bed again. His wife had the place clean & although it was morning the bed room was tidy & free from any unpleasantness. Mrs C went her way & I looked in at the Gaol to see Mr Williams who is now in charge as Mr Magee is ill. Williams was gone to the bank, Mrs Gee away on Leave. I chatted for a little while in the office & then left cards for Mr Magee & Mr Williams. Spoke to Gibson. Saw Julia Gee as I was leaving and told her I had been going to see her mamma, but had been told she was away from Home. Got back into Melbourne & was at <a class='placename 2177207' data-preferedName='Balaclava'>Balaclava</a> at about two o'clock. Ernest had ordered his new clothes. Read & wrote till bed time. Brought some Hop bitters not the celebrated ones but some prepared in <a class='placename 2158177' data-preferedName='Melbourne'>Melbourne</a> & which our grocer confidently recommended to Ernest as being much cheaper & quite as good as the advertised American mixture. Received a bottle of tonic from <a class='placename 2640394' data-preferedName='Pentridge'>Pentridge</a>. Troubled with a stubborn cough after I had got to bed. Eat up some lollies I had by my bed side. What I thought was one more after putting it in my mouth I found to be a halfpenny so after a suck or two I disgorged it & went to sleep. Friday 31st. Rather a change in the weather, dull & rather cold. Ernest's Birthday. Went for a walk with Dotty on the Beach. Saturday, November 1st. Went to the office in town & got my salary. Saw Brett. This was the <a class='placename 2651347' data-preferedName='Derby'>Derby</a> Day & of course there were a great many people knocking about. In the evening read the papers. Rufus won the Derby. Bargo was the favorite. Jack drew him for me in a Sweep. I of course had a flutter for the money which of course only lasted till the race was run. In the evening I took Mrs C to see the opening of the Jubilee Exhibition.  There was a grand Choir of about a thousand Victorian born whites, they were led by Mrs Perraton & sang very well. There was a good deal of speechifying but it was not very successful as most of what the speakers said could not be heard owing to their voices being lost in the immense hall. The actual opening of the Exhibition after "God save the Queen" had been sung was greeted with much cheering. Walked about but did not notice much novelty. However was not able to judge what the sight would be as many of the Exhibits had evidently not been placed. It seems rather strange that spite of long notices of coming Exhibitions, they are never ready for the Public on opening day. Mr Shadforth as the oldest Colonist present took the principal part in the inauguration. There was some little ill feeling expressed at the Governor not being present. The Exhibition is looked upon more as a private speculation than a National undertaking & probably the Governor was advised not to officially recognise it. Went through the Eastern Market,  it was nearly closing time but from the way a number of the stalls were arranged it really looked something like a continuation of the Big Show we had just come from.

Got Home comfortably by the train at about midnight & eat some sandwiches we had purchased in <a class='placename 8645335' data-preferedName='Bourke Street'>Bourke Street</a> & which turned out to be cheap & palatable. Sunday November 2nd. Did not go to church in the morning. In the afternoon went for a walk with Mrs C to the Beach & in the evening took the girls & jack to Church. Godfrey went to town to St John's Church. Monday November 3rd. Much confusion my watch not agreeing with the clocks. Went to the Railway Station & found that my watch was right & that I was half an hour earlier than I wished to be, returned Home & got my watch which I was sending back in dudgeon to the watch-maker's as I had only had it recently cleaned. It turned out that the girls had altered the clocks by the Convent bell which had been ringing at seven o'clock, their not being aware that the time from the first of November was altered to half past six. Got to town & saw Zox. Came to an understanding with him. I had met him on Saturday & asked him if he was going to "the Derby". He said no "You are a pretty fellow" & then he was interrupted & we parted. This morning I asked him what he meant & at first he could not recollect, but then he said, All I meant was, that you should ask me if I were going to the races on a Saturday when it was his Sabbath & he was the President of the Synagogue. I told him that I thought he was going to upbraid me for something I had done which had annoyed him. Gave him a cheque for some money that I had borrowed from  him a few days ago. Went to the new Law Courts. Saw the Sheriff & Lynch & had a chat with them.  Came home to lunch. While at lunch received a photograph from Mr Lindt, it was very much approved of by all at Home & the general cry was that I must get some more like it.

<date>04/11/1884</date>
Tuesday November 4th Cup Day. Started the boys who walked to the Course from Town. Went myself, there were hundreds of people waiting at the different Stations on the way to town but who could find no room for them in any of the carriages & who looked very glum as the train rolled away. Obtained a ticket for train & Grand Stand at the Post Office, though not without a very unsatisfactory amount of pushing & struggling. Got a seat, or rather standing room in a carriage for <a class='placename 9972408' data-preferedName='Flemington'>Flemington</a> & arrived at the Race Course all right. There was an immense crowd assembled & the Grand Stand was densely packed. Was able to see but little of the races & being too timid to speculate did not have much enjoyment or excitement. Met Raecke & he went halves with me in a bet I had made of five to one on [Pilot?] for the Darling Stakes, the only satisfaction we got for our money was to see our horse run a good second.

The Cup was won by a favorite. It was a good race & in time that had only been shorter on two previous occasions. Saw another race & then started for Home. Some thousands were on the same intent & there was in consequence quite a rush, was very lucky in getting a seat though to secure one I gladly got into a second class carriage. Walked from <a class='placename 8170383' data-preferedName='Spencer Street Bridge'>Spencer Street</a> to the Suburban Railway & got standing room in a train for Balaclava. Home by a little after six o'clock very tired & as I had had nothing to eat or drink from the time I started for town in the morning was hungry as well as foot-sore. Was just sitting down to dinner when a cab drove up to the Gate & a policeman came to the House. Ernest had been knocked down by a cab & struck by the box of one of the wheels which grazed the lower part of his belly A constable very properly made the driver of the cab take Ernest to the Hospital where the boy was examined by [Dr Aitkinson?] who found that no bones were broken but could not tell whether there were any internal injuries. I took the address of the cab man & the name & number of the Policeman a very intelligent & decent man. Paid the cab-man six shillings. Examined Ernest who had been carried to bed. Did not think there was much the matter though he evidently had had a very narrow escape of being seriously injured.

Mr Wells a neighbour came over to sympathise, told him I should not send for a doctor until I saw there was any signs of the boy requiring the services of one after having been already examined by a medical man. Had something to eat & then read & smoked till after twelve o'clock. Visited Ernest & found he was sleeping soundly, did not disturb him & went to bed rather tired & slightly rheumatic.

Mrs Cuthbert & her daughters were here in the evening & saw the victim of the accident. This morning before the boys started I gave Jack & Erny each half a crown. Jack put his money into Sweeps & won a half crown one. Erny had six ice creams. Well I said that will be only sixpence. Oh answered the sucking gourmand I had threepenny ones & then I suppose his distended stomach gave the cab a chance to run against him & bring all the trouble Home.

<date>05/11/1884</date>
Wednesday Nov. 5th. Ernest slept well. He still complains of pain & has no inclination to get up. He was however able to eat some breakfast & does not appear to be any worse. The Gate Keeper whose duty keeps him very near our house is very concerned as Ernest had made friends with him & were accustomed to have long yarns together. The Gate-keeper sent over a book for Erny to read. Wednesday (sic) November 6th. Ernest had a good sleep last night & seemed a little better this morning. There were a number of enquiries for him from his school mates, one nice lad stopped a long time with him. Did not care about going to town as I had no particular business there & as it was Elsternwick Races & I had never been there I made up my mind to go & see what the meet was like. Did not start till after lunch & had hard work to get a seat in the Railway Carriage. Elsternwick is the next Station to Balaclava & so I soon reached that place. Paid sixpence to get to the Course & should have had to pay a shilling but that some other intending passengers would not pay that price & Cabby lowered his charge at once to sixpence. Paid Five shillings for the Stand. I can-not call it a Grand Stand for it certainly has no pretensions to be so styled. The races can be seen from it however very well & the Book-makers are on the ground below which is fenced off from the rest of the reserve admission to which is charged a shilling. There appeared to be about fifteen hundred to two thousand people altogether but I [could?] not but notice what a horsey lot the very great majority of the crowd appeared to  be. Unlike at the Cup there seemed to  be only this one class with the exception of a few country folk, neighbouring farmers apparently, who brought their hearty looking wives & daughters, the whole assembly looked, spoke & smelt stable. The Book-makers were in force & did not spare their voices, their favorite offer was in all the Races, "I'll back the field, bar one". Even & six to four was all that they would give on the favorite of each race as it was coming off. Was afraid to bet with my almost empty pocket & so after a while took a seat on the stand & waited for the sport. There was rather a one sided trotting match in heats which in consequence did not give the Public much excitement. There were some well contested flat races & a capital steeple chase, which the favorite did not win much to the Book-makers' satisfaction. I do not think they lost much on the winner as previous to the running, there was little invitation from them to back him.  Walked to the Railway Station, there was a tremendous rush & almost a scrimmage for seats. I did-ent think it worth while persisting in it & met my reward for a constable who knew me got me into a carriage & also what I did not expect into a seat. The clouds looked heavy and there was a little rain at Elsternwick & I fully expected to be drenched before I reached Home as I had no umbrella. It was raining when I got out of the train at Balaclava but I escaped without getting much wet. Sissy was anxiously looking for me being in great tribulation on account of my new coat & white hat. Ernest had visitors & seemed getting on all right, evidently enjoying the fuss made with him as an invalid.

<date>06/11/1884</date>
Thursday November 6th (sic). Ernest still kept his  bed but was better & sang to his visitors. This was Walter's birthday & Sissy went into town commissioned to buy him a little present. She fortunately did not return in the evening but stayed with the Miss Black's.  At a little after five there was a very heavy fall of rain & in <a class='placename 2158177' data-preferedName='Melbourne'>Melbourne</a> almost a flood. It is said that at least half an inch of rain fell in fifteen minutes. The Grand new underground drains proved not to be perfect & the openings for the water were in many instances soon choked with rags & other debris of the streets forced along by the current. Later on there was again heavy rain, though not so sensational as the first which was at about the time most of the visitors to the Oaks were returning & while the last of the day's races was being run. Did not feel well to-day & went to bed at a little after ten o'clock. There was a boy staying with Erny. It was very wet when he left at ten o'clock & so I lent him  an umbrella. Friday November 7th. A woman came to help clean the house. Ernest better, the young monkey seems actually to like being in bed & will not get up if he can help it until to-morrow when there will be no chance of being sent to School till Tuesday next, as to-morrow will be Saturday & Monday will be kept as the Prince of <a class='placename 2634895' data-preferedName='Wales'>Wales</a>' Birthday. Had a letter from Harriette.

<date>08/11/1884</date>
Friday Novr. 8th. Stayed at Home in the morning. In the afternoon went with Dotty to the Exhibition. Wandered about the building & purchased a few little Japanese articles. They did not cost much. We did not leave the Exhibition till we heard a hint given to some other visitors that it was five o'clock & time to shut up. When we got Home found that Sissy had returned She had stayed as we thought she would with the Miss Blacks. There was a letter waiting for me from  the Under Secretary informing me that the Chief Secretary wished to see me at his office on Tuesday next, I suppose to tell me what has been decided about the Inspr. Genl. ship. Expect the worst but will try & hope for the best. Edie & King Cuthbert came to see the girls in the evening. Ernest was still in bed but I begin to think he is foxing a little. Very unhappy, smoked more than usual & went to  bed.

<date>08/11/1884</date> 
Saturday November 8th. Stayed at Home in the morning. Inn the afternoon Mrs Glennon called to enquire after Ernest. Her husband was for a long time one of my turnkeys at <a class='placename 2176429' data-preferedName='Beechworth'>Beechworth</a>.  On leaving the Gaol he took to farming & Ernest at one time  stopped for some weeks at his place. In the evening, went with Dotty to the Circulating Library to change a book. Chapel Street was very busy. Godfrey & Jack went to town. Sunday. To church in the morning with Godfrey. In the afternoon had a walk to the Beach with Mrs C, the Girls & two of the boys went to Church in the evening.

Went to bed after reading for a long while. Ernest running about to-day, though he evidently did not like it to be considered that he was quite well. Monday November 10th. Much excitement in our house. Sissy, Dotty, Godfrey & Jack went to Mordialloc for an outing & to get rid of the money Jack won in a sweepstake got up at his school on the Cup. There was great preparation in the way of cutting sandwiches & packing tea & other requisites for a picnic feast. Erny was left at Home. He had lost one of his boots & further I mistrusted his being strong enough for the day's work. It was a glorious day & at about half past ten I went to <a class='placename 2654710' data-preferedName='Brighton'>Brighton</a> to see a review. The train I went by was very crowded & so in fact were all the trains during the morning. I found that I had come too early & regularly tired myself out by walking along the dusty road till I got nearly to the Red Bluff. Then as a corn pained me very much nearly making me lame I retraced my steps & returned to the Railway Station. This is nearly opposite the pier & I was lucky enough to have a good view of the landing of the Governor & to see him & suite mount their horses & start to review the Army. <a class='placename 2654710' data-preferedName='Brighton'>Brighton</a> near the Railway had quite a fair, there were swings, merry-go-rounds, Aunt Sallies, [Doodlem Bucks?], Refreshment booths, Ice cream carts & all the usual paraphernalia to  be usually found at races or any where else when a crowd is expected to  be found. The crowd was certainly not wanting to-day. As soon as I got Home Ernest made me some tea & I then had a comfortable bath, I had not ventured for some days as I have been wearing a poor man's plaister across my loins which I put on when suffering from lumbago. It came off after the bath. Answered a couple of letters which had been directed to me at the office & sent on by Mr Longland, they were both official & only important to the writers. The youngsters came back between nine & ten o'clock. They had enjoyed themselves. Spent a very unpleasant evening.

<date>11/11/1884</date>
Tuesday November 11th. Saw by this morning's Argus that Mr Magee died on yesterday. Had an appointment with Mr Berry this morning. He sent for me to  call at half past eleven & I was punctual. A Cabinet Meeting however prevented his being able to keep the appointment & I did not see him till the afternoon. He told me that I was to retire on compensation as he believed was my wish. I replied that I had not said it was my wish but that I was willing to do so if the Government wished. Mr Berry had evidently fallen in with the wishes of intriguers & had listened & believed one side of the question without taking any trouble to hear the other. He said that Pentridge had been in a state of demoralisation & that the change that had been made had prevented a catastrophe. I emphatically denied there having been any demoralisation, but found it was useless my attempting to argue with the Chief Secretary. Saw the Under Secretary & then came Home.

Had to encounter the usual cause of unhappiness & spent a wretched evening. Was cheered however by receiving a  letter from Harry. He was at <a class='placename 2644811' data-preferedName='Launceston'>Launceston</a> employed in the Daily Telegraph office. He wrote apparently being satisfied & with the feeling that he had a chance of remaining at work. He sent some wild flowers which he had gathered, they had been plucked for some time but were none the less welcome for that. I wrote to him & so did Sissy.

The Constable who brought Ernest Home after his accident on Cup Day called ostensibly to see him to-day. I had meant to write to him & so was glad he came. I gave him Ten shillings for his expenses & then found from him that there was a charge hanging over him of Drunkenness & he wanted me to write to Mr Sadleir in his favor.

I declined having any thing to do with the charge, but wrote telling Sadleir Constable Rainey had done his duty in taking Ernest to the Hospital & then bringing him to <a class='placename 2177207' data-preferedName='Balaclava'>Balaclava</a> very kindly & considerately. This seemed to satisfy Rainey & the letter was posted.

<date>12/11/1884</date>
Wednesday November 12th. A Paragraph appeared in the Argus to the effect that I was to retire & Brett to be appointed in my place. Magee's funeral was announced to take place to-day. Stayed at Balaclava, amused myself as well as I could. Mrs Castieau not well.

<date>13/11/1884</date>
Thursday November 13th. Went to town & called on the Under Secretary. Mr Wilson told me that I had been laboring under an error in understanding Mr Berry to imply that my compensation would be given at the end of my Leave. It was the intention for me to retire at the end of the month & Mr Brett's appointment to date from the first of December. This did not suit me at all & I went to see Mr Berry. He did not want to see me but I managed to get a word with him. He was very uppish in his manner & implied a great deal as to what could have been brought against me. He did not however name any of the charges that could have been preferred. I could not however move him from the position he had taken up that I was to be dispensed with from the end of the month. Made the best of the matter & came Home to lunch. Offered to take Mrs C & the girls to the theatre in the evening. They were glad to promise to go. Gibson came to see us & had tea. He will make an application for the promotion that will  be necessary if Mr Magee's death should cause a country Governor to be removed to <a class='placename 2158177' data-preferedName='Melbourne'>Melbourne</a>.

Went to the Theatre Royal & had a nice quiet evening. The Play was "The turn of the tide" & was as a whole rather a dull play, though Mrs Chippendale, Harwood & Titheridge warmed it up occasionally & there were one or two scenes that were really sensational. As we were returning to the Railway Station we met Mr Zox & he kindly took the ladies to the refreshment room & treated them to lollies & biscuits.

We got home comfortably by twelve o'clock.

<date>14/11/1884</date>
Friday November 14th. Went early to town, saw Zox who accompanied me  to the London Discount Bank where I borrowed £100 for two months to pay pressing liabilities until I received my compensation money. Found however to my disgust that I had to pay £6.15. or so for the accommodation. Could not however but submit.

Met Lynch & told him I was to retire. He said he should then go in for himself as Ellis would have Brett's place. He was waiting hoping that I would return to duty before he did any thing himself. Met Dean O'Hea & friend of his named Gordon. The Dean had had his portrait taken & under pretence of showing mine he took us to Lindt's. The Dean was evidently anxious to see his own & only took us as an excuse. He failed however for his picture was not ready for inspection.

Mine was said to have been sent to the Exhibition. Came Home to lunch & employed myself in the afternoon in calculating what I owed & what I could best pay. The Girls were preparing for a Party to which they are going. It is to be at the Halls & is to be a fashionable affair. The Bulletin will doubtless be represented. The girls came back at midnight. Jack was up at the Station to meet them. The rest of the family were in bed. Saturday November 16th. The Girls brought Edie Cuthbert home with them last night. The young ladies all agreed that the Party was rather slow & complained of sufficient attention not being given to the introducing strangers one to another. In the evening Edie went to meet her cousins who were to take her to the theatre. Godfrey escorted her to town & as the cousins did-ent ...

(Castieau's notation 'See January 24th')