Embedded Files
20 AUG - 13 OCT 1913
RETURN SYDNEY
20 August - Wednesday
Arrived 10 am, very tired, had no breakfast having had colic most of the night, getting up several times in the cold.
Found Seton at the station, looking very well, and much work awaiting me.
A letter, to my extreme delight, from my adorable Olga, and one from dear Lou from Albany, quite cheered me up. I sometimes fancy I will hear them answer me if I call out, and had to leave the lower walk, I felt their absence so much. We have walked together so much up and down.
A telegram in the Sun this evening that the Admiralty do not appreciate my advocacy of the Australian Navy. I cannot help it, I know I am doing right.
21 August - Thursday
Drummond came last night and stays until he sails on Monday.
Dinner party of Captains. Had a cheery talk afterwards in Drawing Room.
A long letter from my precious Olga, turned up yesterday from Albany.
23 August - Saturday
My precious one’s birthday, God bless her, she must be somewhere South of Madagascar now.
Went over and had a long talk with Strickland regarding Admiralty House.
Miss Thornett and Miss Ohlfsen lunched with me.
24 August - Sunday
Went with Seton to the Presbyterian Church. In the afternoon walked vigorously in Tennis court.
25 August - Monday
Francie’s birthday. Sent a telegram to Olga at Durban.
26 August - Tuesday
Olga does not arrive at Durban until the 28th. Dined alone. House still very empty.
27 August - Wednesday
Visited Torch and said goodbye to officers and men.
This afternoon went with Seton to Her Majesty’s Theatre, to see Mlle Genée (Isitt) and Imperial Russian ballet, dance. It was extraordinarily graceful and artistic, the different dances done by the Ballet, the main party appeared, about 30, were very pretty and wonderfully done.
I could not help thinking, while I was looking on, how wonderfully gifted our race was, by a loving God, and yet how awfully indifferent we were to his bounty and grace. How compassionate and long suffering.
Torch sailed. Scandalous letter about her in Sun last night, a distorted account in Evening News, this evening, of what I said to officers and men, bidding them farewell.
28 August - Thursday
My Beloved sent a telegram from Durban yesterday, at 3.30 pm (11.30 pm here). I got it at breakfast, I thank God. All well.
Mrs Genée Isitt, Mr & Mrs Hoare, Miss Ogilvie, Mr & Mrs Devereux to lunch.
Mrs Isitt very agreeable and pleasant. After lunch, had coffee on the lawn, then round the garden, plucked flowers, and as Seton remarked a very pleasant party. Mrs Isitt told me she leaves the Stage for good next May, will be sorry to do so, always feels nervous at the commencement of the performance until she has warmed up to it. Knows Ella very well.
31 August - Sunday
Sent my beloved a wire yesterday to the Cape. How I miss them all. The house is still so empty. I have an irresistible inclination at times to go and look for Olga.
This morning to St Stephen’s, a very helpful address from Mr John Ferguson, from Hoshea, on the Dew, the Lily and the Roots.
Seton gone up to the Blue Mountains, so am alone.
Mr Johnson, Chief Railway Commissioner, dropped in, and had tea; then I called on old Mrs Massie, who is ageing rapidly.
2 September - Tuesday
A welcome telegram from Olga, dated 2.30 pm Monday (10.30 pm here) from Simons Town. “Well.”
Empire Ass’n of MP’s from home arrived. I sent Flag Lieut to welcome them, and at 1 pm, attended lunch at Town Hall. Sat on Lord Mayor’s right. Lord Emmott, the Under Secretary for Colonies being on his left. 140 present, very hot and crowded.
Lord Mayor, Lords Emmott, Sheffield (once Hon Lyulp Stanley) and Stuart-Wortley made very good speeches. Then we were all photographed.
In the afternoon, went to tea at Govt House, to meet all the ladies of the party - a good number of Minister’s wives and others present.
In the evening, a large dinner at Parliament House. I had on my right Lord Emmott; (at lunch today I had Senator Millen on my left, and urged him to take Admiralty House over - sent a wire to the Admiralty about it). Lord Emmott and I had a long talk over everything, and I gave him a good deal of information, which I hope he will find useful. Is most anxious I should see Mr L. Harcourt on my return. We also discussed Governors and Fuller’s drinking propensities.
Holman, the Premier, made a splendid speech, and pointed out how the people at home were inclined to think Australian problems the same as Canadian and others. Lord Emmott, Stuart-Wortley and Will Cooke spoke.
One of the diners got drunk and had to be removed, he was so noisy.
3 September - Wednesday
Left house at 7.15 am to station, and embarked on board the special train. We had in the party Lord Sheffield, Sir xxx.
Arrived at Lithgow, 3,400 feet up, where in a valley are situated the Government S. Arms factory, turns out 20,000 a year. Each rifle costs £6, taking the maintenance charges into consideration, (they cost £4 at home), but price will go down as more experience is gained.
We made a rapid run round, and then to the Lithgow Iron works, where we saw a steel ingot of 35 cwt, turned into steel rail irons, and saw the blast furnaces being fed.
Lunch at hotel, the Mayor (a miner, coal) presided and made an excellent speech. Lord Sheffield (76) replied and others. Then we railed back to Katoomba, got into motor cars and made the circular tour of all the pretty views, and magnificent was the scenery; sheer cliffs, 1,600 feet, great wooded valleys under one’s feet. We visited the Leura Falls and other beauty spots, re-embarked on the special and got back at 6.30 pm.
I had a long talk with all of the party, on Australian matters, and RAN affairs, and I believe gave them a good deal of information, so they said. They were all more or less ignorant of the general run of things and feelings out here. I explained what my policy had been, to sympathise, and identify oneself with their aspirations, and then influence their policy (Naval) once in touch with them, heart to heart. Capture the movement and make them lean on Great Britain, and thus prevent eyes being turned across the Pacific to the United States for Naval protection.
I was gratified to hear from several of the party what a lot of commendation they had heard about me. Mr Lough, M.P, said he had been told I was the most popular man on the Continent, and others said similar things.
I pray I may not be uplifted, as I told Sir Hildred Carlile, who is a Xtian man, that I had the position as a trust from God and to Him the glory, though of course I cannot but be gratified.
In the evening, attended the Ball given by Governor, about 800 there. Talked to everyone, who all expressed their great regret at my leaving. Professor David said “You are one of us, You have won our hearts.” Lady Emmott told me that “I hear from everyone how popular you are”, and again many others said the same thing. How wonderfully blessed I have been in every way. I pray I may be humble and show my gratitude by showing forth the Light of Life.
Stuart-Wortley, to whom I spoke of his first wife, who died in 1882 of child birth, said she had left a beautiful daughter who had not long ago married a Cecil and had a little daughter. He knew Nini and was anxious to meet Olga, to talk about his girl wife. I gathered this from what he said.
Lady Emmott and two other ladies went in Barge, and had tea at Admiralty House. Lethbridge looking after them very well.
4 September - Thursday
A telegram from Denman saying he was coming round to meet Australia. I am afraid my disbursements will be very heavy, having no horses and carriages, however, it cannot be helped.
5 September - Friday
All the Manns to tea, also Dunns.
6 September - Saturday
Commander Stopford left, been staying in the house. Went up in the Barge to Newington Asylum, to see Mrs ‘Murray’ the inebriate, and supposed Lady Mordant, who receives a cheque quarterly.
There are 800 inmates. Miss Ford, the Superintendent, told Mrs Murray I was there with a message from Olga, but she would not see me, and said she could not see me in her Asylum dress. I sent word back that no Xtian man thought of dress, but she was obdurate and said I would understand.
From there to the Incurables Home at Ryde, where I had tea with Miss Mann, the Superintendent. Such a charming Xtian woman, and then had a talk with most of the inmates. I was much touched at hearing how Olga’s farewell letter was appreciated by the inmates. Promised to go again and say farewell.
7 September - Sunday
Attended St Stephen’s Church. Had tea with Dr and Mrs Ward, met Mrs Curwen, an old lady of 84, a Theosophist, intellect very clear, she had a great discussion with Dr Ward on spiritualism.
Had supper alone.
8 September - Monday
Took the Chair at the 53 Annual Meeting of the Ragged Schools. My dear son sent his photo. Much pleased with it - also heard from him.
9 September - Tuesday
Pyramus left for New Hebrides. Went on board and said goodbye to the Captain, officers and crew. Signalled good wishes to them and a very nice reply sent back.
10 September - Wednesday
Strickland lunched with me, and then we went over Garden Island. I landed him at Rose Bay, and then took a trip up Middle Harbour. On return the hot, sultry N.E. wind was exchanged by a mild Southerly Buster.
Strickland told me that Count Buena Esperanza, the Spanish President of the Condominium Court, New Hebrides, who is a great personal friend of the King of Spain, has written to the King stating that he cannot remain out any longer. He has been there three years, and finds that the decrees of the Court are only carried out by the one party, the English; the French ignoring them and that the position is insupportable to him, being a Grandee of Spain.
Strickland also told me that as long as I left a single man in Admiralty House, the State would not object, but that if I turned it over to the Commonwealth, the State would take action, and go to the Courts and put in an action for trespass.
I took the Chair for the Total Abstinence Society in Sydney, of which Rev Mr Hammond is the organiser. He spoke very well, 6,000 convictions for drunkenness during the last 8 months.
He attends at the Police Courts and the drunks are now remanded for a week under the Doctor’s care, then they are allowed to go free if Hammond considers that they can be trusted to sign the pledge. Magistrate keeps a copy, 1,750 signed, and about 240 broke it. Hammond tells me that the liquor trade are very powerful in the State and some people sent subscriptions, who were afraid to come to the meeting.
11 September - Thursday
A large dinner party given by the Chamber of Manufacturers to the Parliament visitors - 350 sat down. Strickland there. I had on my right Lord Emmott, on my left Mr Groom, Minister of Customs. The latter - I had a very pleasant talk together on spiritual things. About a dozen speakers, most of them very good.
When I got up to speak, was received with much enthusiasm, napkins waved and had to point at the clock to stop it. My speech received very well, a great outburst of enthusiasm broke out when I alluded to the daily worship to the Most High on board the ships of the RAN. I was warmly congratulated by many people afterwards on my speech.
Mr Groom told me he had used parts of my speech that I had made in Melbourne Town Hall last year, quite 60 times in his speeches through the country.
I was smoked out by Lord Emmott and his cigars, being to leeward of him.
12 September - Friday
Rev Mr and Mrs Begge and Joan came to lunch. Very earnest Xtian workers. They told me that they were much amused, and so were the students, at the address I gave at the Moore Theological College some little time back.
I spoke very strongly on the accuracy of the Bible and held forth on the stupidity of many of these so called Higher Critics, showing how ignorant some of them were through their intellectual wisdom leading them astray when divorced from spiritual wisdom. It appears that the Dean of Sydney and Principal of College, are both that way of thinking, and the Begges and students saw them looking across at each other behind my back, rather taken aback. They were all highly tickled and applauded me very much, for the students have not been influenced by their Principal.
Visited Lyceum Theatre to see Mr Paul Reaney’s pictures (cine) of wild life in Africa. Mr Hammond, photographer, was on one occasion 72 hours in a tree, photographing animals coming down to a water hole. It was wonderful; elephants, with young babies, giraffes, zebras, monkeys, deer and many rhinoceroses. All seemed to meet without fighting and it was amusing to see the small baby elephant teasing its mother, the giraffes hearing the tick of the photographic instrument, listening, and then their curiosity at watching two Rhino’s squabbling.
He was only 27 feet off some of the animals, thousands of birds. Photographs of tiger in tree attacked by his dogs, who swarmed up, tiger jumped down and was killed by dogs; the struggle being photographed, also lions photographed and on one occasion 9 were shot.
It was a most interesting exhibition and must be quite unique. It cost Mr Reaney £50,000, he is a gentleman of means, belonging to Mississippi, USA.
Mr Fraser, Jessie and Dorothy, Miss Thornett, Miss Ohlfsen and Frau Kiliani came to tea.
This morning had an interview with Rev Schapira, whom I knew and met at Haifa in 1891. He is same age as myself, 63, and said he was an old man, and for some years past had been moved about from one parish to another, which he found very expensive on account of his wife and family. Have promised to see the Archbishop for him. He was a friend of General Gordon’s, and told me several very interesting things about him. He was with him during the time that he accepted the invitation of the King of the Belgians to go to the Congo, was rather cast down at the Home Govt dispensing with his services so lightly as they did. Schapira found him in prayer one evening, on top of a hill, to which he had ridden, at Jaffa, Gordon said, “Well, I feel all right now I have been praying to God.”
It appears that the Turkish Post Office had given wrong message, the Home Govt had declined to let him go. However, as he had already accepted, Gordon said, he must keep his word. On going home everything was altered, and he went to the Soudan, meeting Schapira at Alexandria, who wanted to go with him. He said to Schapira “I shall never see you again.”
13 September - Saturday
Lunched with Sir Wm & Lady Cullen. A tea party at Admiralty House, Frau Kiliani, Miss Thornett, Miss Ohlfsen and Frasers.
14 September - Sunday
To St Stephen’s Church.
16 September - Tuesday
Mr Myers of the S.M.H. interviewed me.
Madame Genée Isitt, and two lady friends had tea with me.
Yesterday, my last meeting at the Navy House.
This morning, visited the Ceramic , Captain Stivey. The men exercised at gun drill, 4×7". She is very large, 18,000 tons, went all over her and through the Engine Room.
17 September - Wednesday
Had 121 Deaf and Dumb and Blind to spend the afternoon. They played games on the lawn with much spirit, and then sat down and had tea, about 16 teachers. Alice Betteridge, deaf, dumb and blind, delighted to meet me again, and had been looking forward to meeting the Admiral, though she said she knew Lady King-Hall and my two daughters [who] with the Drake had gone home.
I took them all over the house. The d & d and the blind have nothing to do with each other. They have nothing in common and bore one another. Alice Betteridge consorts with the blind, who are all very devoted to her. Mr Earlam told me she was miles ahead of children of her own age, however they were afflicted.
Letter from Bertie.
18 September - Thursday
Olga should arrive at Liverpool today in Nestor, I hope these strike troubles will not hamper her.
Mr Cann (State Treasurer), Mrs Cann, Col & Miss Burn lunched with me. A lot of correspondence going on with reference to Admiralty House. State Govt threatening all kinds of penalties if I turn it over to the Commonwealth Govt.
19 September - Friday
Steamed up in Barge to Greenwich and had tea with the Manns.
20 September - Saturday
Crossed over at 9.30 am and went by train to Long Bay Reformatory, shown over by Mr MacKenzie. I was very struck with the general cleanliness and appearance of everything, and the evident principle running through the establishment; to help the women to regain their self respect. I was much impressed.
The inebriates are by themselves and treated quite different to the others. After a certain time, they have a cell fitted up like a room, bedstead etc, and are allowed much more freedom. Meeting and talking to one another until 9 pm. Most of the criminal cases are owing to the drink.
From there I went on by train and had a look at La Perouse’s monument, and also the tomb to the first French sailor buried in Australia in 1788. Then walked to the Aboriginal settlement, and called on Miss Baker, the Missioner, and I then went to Mrs Philips, one of the few full blooded Aboriginals left in the settlement of about 80. We had met 2 years ago, at the Town Hall, at an exhibition, and the Duchess of Bedford and I had spoken to her; and I remember shaking her by the hand and saying we were all one in Christ Jesus, as she is an earnest Xtian woman.
On saying goodbye to her, she went on her knees, on the floor of her small cottage and prayed, and I did the same. We parted. Her Uncle threw the Boomerang for me. He is also full blooded.
This morning at breakfast, delighted to get telegram from Olga, sent 4.40 pm 19th (Friday) from London, Bene., meaning all well.
The lumps, or muscular fibrous tumour, troubling me in my right arm. I discovered another one last night just below the elbow. I think that they have come from grasping my pen too tight, also playing golf; practising, driving, when in a soft state, I wish they were not there as they ache at times.
21 September - Sunday
A most helpful address from Rev John Ferguson. This afternoon in answer to prayer, was led to go and see Miss Brownrigg, if she was still at the small R.C. Hospital, near Crow’s Nest. Found the poor old thing there in bed, having last Sunday fallen down and broken her arm, close to the shoulder. In great pain, I had a talk with her and a few words of prayer, which she much enjoyed. She is very lonely, and few friends.
Her landlady is an earnest Xtian woman, and has kept her room vacant for months, and always told Miss B. that she knew if it was done for the Master’s sake, He would not let her suffer. She had intended taking Miss B. out of the hospital and nursing her, before this accident took place. I left a small donation, and shall give more so Miss B’s landlady will have her prayer answered, and I had mine.
I had felt my life was of such a negative kind and had prayed I might be brought into contact with more active work.
Wrote to my dear child Lou, had to type it, on account of saving my arm. Writing does make it ache.
Long telegram from Lord Richard saying that Lady Denman will accompany Lord D, rather a nuisance as the reception is entirely a man’s affair as Lord R. says.
22 September - Monday
Letter from my dear son.
Strickland came to see me this afternoon. A great rumpus, Capt. Talbot resigned and Capt. Forbes gone on leave until his year is up, next February. The Governor is giving a dance to the Officers of the RAN and asked 5 chaperones to bring 20 girls each. Mrs Forbes, whom Lady Edeline dislikes very much, was not asked. Talbot came in and told S. she ought to be....words arose and resignation took place. Forbes said he could not afford to resign, so was given leave.
S. also showed me correspondence. He had paid Forbes’ return ticket and the money was needed to pay Mrs Forbes’ passage. They have £500 a year and S. gave him £300 last year and £200 this. He has been very generous, I told him that I thought it would have been wiser to have asked Mrs Forbes, but that it was impossible to be brow beaten over it.
This row has been brewing for a long time. Lady Edeline has not much tact. Mrs Forbes is rather outrée in dress and very unconventional and young. She is, I think, 22, the very opposite to Lady E. Neither of the ADCs are very good at their work and S. is a difficult man to get on with I imagine.
23 September - Tuesday
To dentist, then to photographer and then to St. Vincent Hospital. This afternoon to Madame Genée Isitt’s reception, at the Wentworth Hotel, a great crowd there. She was looking very charming and asked me to come and see her at the Matinée tomorrow afternoon. Then to Club and back to solitary dinner.
24 September - Wednesday
This forenoon I inspected the Wool Sheds of Dalgety & Co, and saw the buyers inspecting the sample bales.
This afternoon, went to the Wool Exchange and sat down in the forum, the seats all ranged in circular tiers, about 150 present. Some 350 lots were disposed of at the rate of a lot in 7.5 seconds. The shouting and yelling and throwing out the arm was terrific, some 20 or 30 shrieking at the top of their voices, and faces getting red with excitement. How the Auctioneer managed, I cannot make out. As Mr Braddon, the President of C. of Commerce, said there must be a certain amount of guesswork on the part of the Auctioneer.
Had tea with Mrs Braddon.
This forenoon went on board the S.S. Indabana, that got off after 56 days, when she went ashore near Wellington, and congratulated the officers - Engineer, a Commander in RNR, a Xtian man.
To my joy, received a long letter from my dear Olga and two from Lou from Durban. The Oscar Asches seem to be most immoral and the company demoralised by the bad example shown by the principals. They must have been most trying to Olga and Lou - very sorry to hear Mlle gave some trouble. I reproach myself very much at not having helped her more.
25 September - Thursday
Representatives of manufacturers of N.S.W. called on me, which visit I returned. They paid me very high compliments on all I had done for Australia.
26 September - Friday
The Barttelots arrived this morning. Had a lunch party, Sir Wm and Lady Cooper, Mr & Mrs Wade, Father Pigott. After lunch the latter played for us most beautifully, and Lady C. played Fireworks [?], execution very good, but the former was very delicate.
The evening, Barttelots, Drummond and Seton went with me to see Madame Genée in the Management Box. She had pressed me to come to see her once more. The dancing was very beautiful, and the ballets beautifully put on. It is all so pure and artistic.
This day, my dear mother was born, 1826.
Another long letter from my precious Olga and two from Lou.
During the afternoon took Lady Barttelot to the Incurables’ Home, where they are all so bright and happy. Talked to all the patients, who all asked after my dear Olga.
27 September - Thursday
Lady Denman, her brother Harold Pearson & wife and a nice looking girl, Miss Knatchbul- Hugessen, arrived by the Niagara, came to breakfast and stayed the forenoon and went off by Orvieto at noon.
Called at Custom House and had an interview with Minister of Defence, who asked my advice on many points, and all the difficulty he was having with the Navy Board, and his idea of reconstructing it.
Then on to the Home of Peace for the dying, and talked to all the inmates. All dying of cancer, most distressing. Miss Ashe the Superintendent, such a fine Xtian woman.
In the evening Father Pigott dined and afterwards played for an hour and a half; Barttelot on the violin at the same time.
28 September - Sunday
With Barttelot to St Stephen’s, heard a most excellent and helpful sermon from Ferguson. In the afternoon, visited Miss Brownrigg at the Hospital; she hopes to go out on Wednesday to her old landlady Mrs Beaumont, 69 Earnest Street, but am sending cheque to Mrs Cusford, Berry St.
29 September - Monday
Inspected Psyche. Barttelots left for Melbourne after dinner.
30 September - Tuesday
Left this morning with Seton and Sir Henniker-Heaton for Mount Victoria to visit Jenolan Caves. Had a reserved carriage. He gave me a lot of information, and seems to know everyone in London. Being one of the Committee of the Carlton Club, he got a great insight into all the political intrigues that went on. When Harmsworth was made Ld Northcliffe, and Michelham made a Peer, Arthur Balfour asked him what had become of their subscriptions. The King had collared them, getting £120,000 from the former which he gave to Mr George Keppel, £200,000 from Lord Michelham, which he gave to Sir Thomas Lipton as he owed him that sum. Lipton was employing George Keppel as his Agent in New York at £1,000 a year.
He said Carson told him that the notorious Mrs A., who did Micky so much harm, got £25,000 out of the Duke of Marlb’ by threatening Breach of Promise and actually was with him the day before his marriage. The Duchess had a very bad time and he told me about her and Lord Castlereagh and how the King intervened.
He also told me a great deal about many of the noted politicians, and I was sorry to hear from him that L.G. when at Criniez [?], staying at the same house or hotel, in which he was, went adrift with Mrs H, but H. Heaton said it was disgusting to see how Mrs H. hung about him and tempted him. The husband was made a Baronet. He does not blame L.G.
Re. the Crown Jewels, he said there was no doubt that Vicars stole the jewels at the instigation of Golding (now MP for Canterbury) and probably Shackleton. The reason why the King had the matter hushed up was that these three, and 2 Valets, were mixed up in an Oscar Wilde case; one of the valets gave evidence before the Secret Committee and then disappeared. The King was so afraid of the scandal, especially as that Eulenburg trouble was going on in Berlin at the same time, that he had it stopped as others might have been implicated.
We reached Mount Victoria at 1 pm, had lunch, and then motored 36 miles to Jenolan Caves, through very striking and magnificent country; the road at times running along the edges of cliffs 1,800 feet deep. The views of the immense valleys were very fine, and the great mountain spurs jutting out into the valley like great Headlands, into a green sea, the valley being so thickly covered with trees.
We arrived at the Jenolan Caves Rest House about 3 pm, debouching into a delightful valley, after emerging from a great hollow cave, through which the road runs.
We visited the caves, both before and after dinner. It is impossible to describe them in a short description; 25 miles of them are known. They run in every direction, some 200 feet high, other great caves underneath them, and a river at the bottom in some places 16 feet deep, slowly running along. There are hundreds of thousands of stalactites and stalagmites of every description and size, and some most beautiful shapes. Electric lights run through the whole of the caves and are placed very artistically. Henniker-Heaton not able to do much. Clot of blood on brain, has to avoid heavy exertion.
1 October - Wednesday
Paid another visit to a different set of caves, still more vast and interesting. After lunch motored back 36 miles to Mount Victoria, had tea. Joan Deck joined us and we returned to Sydney. It cost £1.10 in tips. The State paid all expenses as we were their guests.
2 October - Thursday
Inspected Cambrian. Barttelot still at Admiralty House. Drummond lunched and dined.
3 October - Friday
A large number of ladies and men to tea, to meet Madame Genée, the Hugh Wards, Devereuxes, Miss Ohlfsen, Miss Thornett, Admiral Creswell, Manisty and Lewin, and Mrs Ward sang afterwards very well, and Sir Walter Barttelot played the violin.
4 October - Saturday
The G.G., Lady D, Miss K. Hugessen, and Aides arrived and had breakfast.
The Australian ships came in punctually to the moment, looking very well, the day beautifully fine. Masses of people on every point and on grounds of Govt House and gardens. I on board the Cambrian. After salutes the ships were secured.
Patey called on me, and I returned call. He then came to Admiralty House where Prime Minister and Navy Board had assembled, and was introduced to them, and they presented him to the G.G. who was in another room. Then a luncheon party of 21, including Navy Board, Mr Fisher, ex PM and Mr Pearce ex Minister of Defence, the Pearsons and other officers.
G.G. and party left for the races and the remainder of the men smoked on the lawn. I had an interesting talk with Fisher, Cook and Pearce. Senator Millen and I had a long conversation about the suspension of Captain Hughes-Onslow and proposes having a conference with Patey and myself over the future composition of the Board.
He is very worried over it all and hopes to keep the question out of the House until after next week. I told him that I had already spoken to Pearce about this matter and will also speak to Fisher this evening, whom I sit next to.
Yesterday Creswell and Manisty confided in me the former would like to leave, he is finding it too much. Capt. Silver called and had a long talk.
5 October - Sunday
The banquet last night was a great affair. The G.G. and all the speakers spoke very well, reference to my services made by every one; I spoke at the end.
This morning, the Thanksgiving service took place at St. Andrew’s Cathedral. I went up with the G.G., Lady Denman and party. Admiral Patey also there. The service was very good, and the Archbishop preached a most excellent sermon. The men marched past G.G. afterwards.
In the afternoon, we all attended the service held by all the other Churches, in the Town Hall, which was packed. The G.G., also Strickland, Patey and self there. A very fine, bright service and Lord Mayor in Chair made a fine confession for our God. Rev Ferguson preached a most excellent and inspiriting address. I congratulated Lord Mayor and got G.G. to do the same to Ferguson.
In the evening Patey dined and he, the G.G. and I had a long talk over the precedence question.
I took the G.G. for a run in The Barge up Lane Cove. We had a long talk over many things, discussing all the Governors. He himself is tired of the work, and Lady D. is anxious to get away from it. He asked me how he could manage it after three years; but he said the Authorities in England would not like his leaving.
The Colonial Secretary told Lady D. he could not understand how Strickland came to be made Governor of N.S.W and as for his getting a peerage D. told me that there was no chance of his party giving it to Strickland.
6 October - Monday
The Jockey Club lunch. I went out with G.G. and party, had a little talk with Lady B. and returned to tea Government House. At 7.30 pm the G.G. and party left, all very grateful for my hospitality.
Strickland and I had a long talk over Talbot, Forbes and his wife, what to do.
7 October - Tuesday
Had a large lunch party for Patey and Captains. In the afternoon went on board to the At Home on Australia, met many people. Had a long talk to Pearce about the Navy Board trouble, and with Patey, supported the scheme suggested by Senator Millen.
In the evening, attended Governor’s Ball, a large number of officers present, but too many girls. I got Mary Strickland some partners, two Post Captains, and two Mids.
Sir Henniker and Lady Henniker-Heaton spoke to me, with a good deal of emotion and he took my hand and said, as long as they lived they would never forget how I had saved their son from being Court Martialled. This is the first time he has alluded to the subject, as I have carefully avoided the subject.
8 October - Wednesday
Creswell came to see me, and we had a long talk over the reconstruction of Navy Board, and his future prospects.
After lunch, Patey came over and we talked over many subjects and at 2.30 pm Senator Millen joined us and we had a long talk over everything, and the formation of new Navy Board. We agreed on the principle of getting a first class man out from England and also in the other members.
Dined with Patey, Governor, Archbishop, Lord Mayor, Holman (Premier), Senator Millen and Captains there.
After dinner, the Governor, Archbishop and I were talking of the empty cradles in Australia, and full ones in Japan. Strickland said Sir Wm Lyne told him that on one occasion he confiscated £30,000 worth of rubber appliances and would not let them in, so they manufactured them in Australia now.
Also Archbishop said, in a large country town he was told by a leading Chemist that a very large number of girls in the town frequented Chemist’s shops and used them.What is going to happen to the white race, especially in Australia, if they refuse to propagate their species. Can only spell disaster and extinction.
Understand that N.S.W. are ready to offer Admiralty House to Patey at a peppercorn rate, if Commonwealth will recognise it is theirs and that they have the right to its ownership.
9 October - Thursday
Had a long and interesting talk with Rev. Riley of Australia, they also carry a R.C. Chaplain. Many people came to see me.
10 October - Friday
Lunched with the State Government at Parliament House. Mr Holman made strong reference to my departure, saying that right throughout Australia my departure was regretted. I responded briefly and spoke plainly, as there were no reporters present.
This morning, before lunch, I called on Strickland, who told me again about his difficulty with Forbes and his wife, and asked me to see him, which I arranged with Forbes to do, tomorrow morning.
Had tea with Sir Wm and Lady Cullen. Received a number of letters, regretting my departure.
11 October - Saturday
Forbes called and showed me all the correspondence that had passed between Strickland, him and myself. Rev’d Riley called and has decided to become a T.A. and run the R.N.T.S.
Mr Walsh called and showed me the oldest documents in the Colony, Jan and Feb 1788, signed by Phillips. The first criminal case was a convict who was tried for attacking a Drum Major and got 50 lashes all through drink.
Mr José, Times Correspondent called. I went over to Governor and had a long talk about Forbes, then down to his house, met Mrs F, the husband came in later and we talked over matters.
Mrs F. looking very pretty and most defiant, refused to go home with him as Governor wishes, as Doctors have told her to remain here on account of treatment of wound after the operation she had. Did not get much further with the young lady.
Arranged Governor to come and see me tomorrow, told Forbes he had better be in the house.
Joan had tea, and then I went to the Navy House and had a long talk with Mr Shearston and Prideaux, Chief Armourer of Australia; a very fine and superior man and earnest Xtian.
Shearston said he had been in great pain the last few days, through swelling of his leg, he thought that he had dropsy. He consulted a Christian Scientist by telephone and the swelling and pain went down. This morning he could not get his foot into the slipper. Now it is quite well and he stamped it on the ground. Curious, this led to a long earnest Xtian talk, I have my own ideas as to the cause of his cure.
Patey came to see me, and more letters from people, saying what a help I had been to people in Australia. To God be the honour of praise.
12 October - Sunday
My last attendance at St Stephen’s Church. Ferguson prayed so earnestly, not only for The Admiral, but for all my family. I was much touched. We bid each other farewell afterwards.
Strickland lent me the Royal Commission Report of 1904 on the Decrease of the Birth Rate. I was much shocked at reading what went on then, and also still continues. I had no conception as to the immorality and prevention of births that is most prevalent. I believe that 90% of the births in N.S.W. are either pre-nuptial or before the right time.
Strickland and Forbes arrived at 4 pm separately. We talked together for over an hour in the Upper Tennis Court, proposals and counter proposals. At last they referred it to me, I suggested Forbes resigning and going home in Demosthenes, being paid to 6 Dec. Mrs Forbes had to be left out of consideration as the Doctors have told her she should not arrive in an English winter, besides she is determined not to go home, she visits friends in Queensland and then his relations in Tasmania. I saw that the only way was for Forbes to go.
To bed very tired - after supping alone in a very empty house.
13 October - Monday
Up very early this morning. At 9.30 Patey and staff came to take possession of Admiralty House, the Commonwealth being user of it for the time being.
After bidding farewell to everyone, and some who came to see me, I embarked with my flag flying at 10.30 and between then and 11.30 received a constant succession of visits from Admirals, Captains and others who came to bid me goodbye. I was much touched with the gratitude shown by all, in thanking me for the assistance I had given them. Sir Henniker and Miss H-Heaton I found waiting for me in the cabin.
Fortunate for me that by God’s grace, I recognise in my heart, it is through His blessing alone I have been so successful, otherwise I should have my head turned on account of the praises lavished on me by so many.
We slipped at 11.30. I made a general signal from C-in-C, officers and men of the Home Division to Royal Australian officers and men of the R.A. Division of His Majesty’s Fleet, wished for their welfare and God speed. Australia replied.
Much cheering and bands playing and out we went. I could not but be affected at the thought that the reign of the R.N. had come to an end as I took my last look at the fair city of Sydney.
I took Seton to my room before leaving and asked God to bless him and direct him through all. He was most affected. Well, I feel my work is finished and Patey must now shoulder the task. God has indeed blessed us.
Today, Micky Banbury is 29 years of age.
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