More Info →Herbert Denton's Diary of Sydney Trip 1938

Description

Tues 19.

Sirley and I left Levin by 8.20 train to Wellington. Picked up Harold Lancaster at station and we travelled together. Big crowd of soldiers also on train. Arrived Wellington. 11.45 and had lunch at Kirkcaldies with Edith, Miss Beaver, Miss Geesen, and Percy. Did some shopping and then walked down to the Maunganui and went aboard to look at our berths, No 88. Harold and I together. Back to station where all the soldiers paraded and marched 12 deep to the Cenotaph and then on to Parliament Buildings where we were officially farevvelled by Lord Galway (Gov-General), M. Savage (Premier) and T W Hislop, Mayor of Wellington. Big crowd of people and we had great reception.

After tea at Railway Station, we walked down to the boat, accompanied by Shirley, Edith and Miss Beaver. Went aboard about 7.30 and got good position near stern of ship. Tremendous crowd of people assembled at wharf to see us off, estimated at about 10,000. Hundreds of streamers from well-wishers to boat. I managed to pick Cliff Adkin in the crowd and he brought Tui and Miss Magill along to join the party.

Maunganui moved out sharp at 8 pm. and soon after the Awatea left Queen's Wharf and steamed past us as far as Massey Monument, where she stopped until we caught up. The Monowai with rest of soldiers on board moved out 8.30. Also the S.I. ]South Island] ferry boats, so that we made a grand sight. There were thousands of motor-cars on the waterfront, and they followed round the coastline to the Heads. It was a sight which I shall never forget.

Awatea soon steamed out of sight. H. and I turned in about an hour later, and after some time our two cabin mates arrived - Watts of Pelorus Sound and J [illegible] from same locality, who both proved to be very good chaps and we were a happy family. Had fair night's sleep in spite of a lot of noise and singing. The sea was beautifully calm and the boat rode well.

Wed 20.

A beautiful morning. Up 6 a.m. and had a good salt hotwater bath and shave. Feeling very fit and all the chaps very merry. Issue of reading matter from Sydney, also itinerary of tour. Played deck games and won a couple of sweeps. Met Monty Hartwell of 2nd WMR and we had good talk Also met McQueen, station master in Levin some years ago. Enjoyable day resting and reading and horse races and concert in evening. All arrangements working-. smoothly. Dining in rear cabin, excellent food. Turned in 10-30 and slept well.

Thurs 21.

Up 6 a.m., bathed and shaved. Meeting quite a lot of chaps, Inky Morgan, Jimmy Nash and others. Had lots of fun at games on deck. Bought official tie and identification booklet, which entitles us to freedom of city at Sydney. Sent Radiogram to Shirley saying we are OK. Tom Harris and Jim Horne, both of Levin, also travelling Maunganui in very flash cabin.

Fri 22.

Usual doings on deck during day. Won sweep in deck game. Evening orderly room trial. Two good lawyers, O.C. Gambrill Magistrate Captain of officers of ship up before the beak for breaking traffic rules and failing to signal that he intended to turn at an intersection. Bed early to be ready for tomorrow.

Sat 23.

Beautiful day. Up early so as to see entrance to Sydney Harbour. Bathed and shaved about 6 a.m. Had great reception as we steamed up towards the bridge - all the tugs and ferryboats greeting us with whistling. Mast of Maunganui well clear of decking of bridge. On arrival at ship's berth we disembarked and fell in on the wharf. Dr Hunter and GD Hamilton met us there, and marched together up to the Cenotaph in Martin Place. Very large crowds lined the route and we had a fine [welcome] from them. Harold Lancaster and Jack Watts and I stuck together throughout our stay in Sydney. We managed to get near the Cenotaph so had splendid view. Short service held before we marched through city up George Street, up past Town Hall to the Trocadero, where a luncheon and reception was tendered to us by NSW Govmt. Speeches by Governor General, Mayor of Sydney, ex-Premier Hughes. Response by Bill Perry and General Russell on our behalf.

Harold, Jack and I then took tram (which was free to us during stay) to Sydney Showground. Tremendous place and beautiful buildings, some of which we walked through. Afterwards we watched sheepdog trials, buckjumping, steer riding, etc. etc. Back into town for a feed - very tough steak - picked up coats from ship and went back to see final night. Tremendous crowd of people (1,003,000 having attended during the two weeks it was on), very large stands packed. Finals in all events. Buckjumping, bull-dosing [sic], steer riding and many humorous competitions. "Jasbo" and his pony "Shirley Temple" kept the crowd in roars of laughter. Many ladies from all over Australia competed in horse events and are great riders. Back to ship 11 o'clock very tired,

Sun 24.

Beautiful day. Up early, bath and shave. Trip arranged to Blue Mountains. "Katomba". 6 motor buses. Left 8.30, passed through city for miles. Afterwards reached more open country, but poor quality and very little stock Passed Homebush - stock market for Sydney. Tremendous area. Crossed over Nepean River and then began to climb hills. Very good road and splendid views. Stopped at Spring [gap] for refreshment and then on to Katomba, arriving 11.30. Went to RSA Club for reception, and then marched to dining hall. Very nice lunch. Given souvenirs, also got autographs of two VC's.

After lunch further drive to see sights of Katomba, beautiful scenery. Very precipitous. Went down tramway to coal mine, 1300 feet, almost a precipice -down and back in 3 minutes. Further on we looked over very big drop - crowds of people there. Met Percy Brown, and he and Harold and I had photo taken. Whole thing finished in under five minutes. Back to RSA - further refreshments, left for Sydney 4 Am. Back to Sydney and after a feed went to bed 10 p.m.

Mon 25. Anzac Day.

Fine. After turning in 10 p.m. had short sleep - wakened and looked at watch and thought five past three. As Dawn Service at Cenotaph was timed for 4 a.m. decided to get up and bath and shave, which I did. Just before commencing to dress looked at my watch and found time only half past eleven. Had mistaken time in half-light. Went back to bed till 3 a.m. and at 3.30 fell in for Dawn Parade.

Marched to Martin Place 12 abreast and took up position near Cenotaph 4 a.m. We were lucky in being quite close to the Memorial. The streets were absolutely packed with spectators, and the service was most impressive and was taken by Baptist minister. Quite a number of people fainted, and the ambulance had a busy time. After the service we broke off and made our way back to the boat and had a rest At 8.30 we reformed at the wharf and marched 12 abreast to McQuarrie Street, where we had to wait some hours before the procession began. This was the biggest collection of Diggers since the war. Hunter and" Hammy" again joined us and we commenced this unsurpassed march, past the Cenotaph and by a long route to the Domain where the service was held. We were very tired indeed when we arrived there, and lay on the ground resting. Fortunately the weather, which threatened, remained fine and the service was successfully concluded. Rev Cruikshank of Dunedin was in charge, and conducted it excellently.

Lots of photos were taken, and most of the Levin boys could be seen plainly. We showed up prominently in the official one. Re photos: I had more taken, by myself, on Maunganui last Sat by representatives of the Sydney Sun, and it came out with name attached in the Sunday paper. From the Domain we marched back to the Trocadero, where we had a luncheon and reception by Sydney branch NZRSA, for which we paid 61-. With such a terrific crowd it was surprising that there was not more confusion.

After this parade, which was our last, we went about at our own pleasure. Harold, Jack and I then took ferryboat to Manly (all ferry trips were also free) and had afternoon tea and a look round. Left by bus for St Leonards and afterwards changed over to tram and rode back to North Sydney, where we left the tram to walk across the bridge. This walk was well worth taking as we got a good view of this huge structure (one of the best of its kind in the world). We walked to the top of one of the Pylons where we signed the visitors' book and got several souvenirs. The view of Sydney from the top was magnificent, the lay of the country adapting itself for the purpose. From here we trammed it into Wynyard underground station where we had excellent feed in railway luncheon room. This underground station is of tremendous extent and accommodates both trams and trains, and has facilities for everything, shops of all descriptions, escalators etc. etc. After feed we went to Town Hall to grand Anzac concert, which was very good. We greatly [enjoyed] Patriotic tunes played by splendid brass band, the audience, which filled the hall, joining in. As we had had a very long and tiring day, we decided to leave for the boat at half- time. Got to bed half past ten, dead beat.

Tues 26.

Fine. Up early and caught train (Harold, Jack, Vickers and I) for Richmond to visit Hawksbury College. Went by electric tram to Paramatta - changed to rail to Richmond. Buggy from College met us and took us down to the farm. Met Mr Southey (principal), who was unfortunately very deaf, and he handed us over to some members of the staff who took us round. After lunch we walked round farm and inspected horses, dairy stock, dairy and poultry. Afternoon tea, and train back to Sydney, arriving 5.45.

Tea at Wynyard and then to Showground to see Military Tattoo. Very fine display. Massed bands - mock aerial attack - troopships convoy on way to Egypt etc. etc. Weather turned very cold, and as we had no coats we had to leave early, much to our regret. Back to boat very tired.

Wed 27.

Fine. Spent morning in the city buying souvenirs etc, and had enjoyable time. Afternoon we took ferry to the Zoo, which is easily the best I have seen. The aquarium is the star exhibit, and one could spend hours here with great interest. The main exhibit is the shark pool containing 2 large specimens and numerous other kinds of fish. There were some beautifully coloured small fish, also octopus etc. etc. Milk shake, and then back to Sydney by tram.

Tea at Wynyard, and then to Luna Park. Very brilliant but much like others. Men with huge dummy heads wandering about and trying to entertain. Very tired so left about ten for bed.

Thurs 28

Fine. Last day in Sydney. Jack and I decided to have a fly over Sydney, Harold declining. We were taxied to Mascot and back and had fly for 10/-. Jack and I and - went up in one plane, and it was my first experience and very thrilling. One of the trainees had a forced landing close by, and we had a good view of it - no one hurt as far as we knew. We rose to a good height and flew right over Sydney as far as the Bridge, completing a large circle. I am pleased I went up, and I think I am now satisfied to leave it alone.

After lunch Harold, Jack and I took tour in trams to Coogee and then on to Bondi Beach. Coogee bathing protected by huge steel nets to keep sharks out of area. Bondi much larger. Afternoon tea in pavilion. Got into conversation with two very nice ladies who were interested in us and our trip. They eventually invited us to motor with them as far as Rosebay where they lived. We gladly accepted, and they took us for a splendid drive round coast to North Head.

We stopped here to look at places of interest - the anchor of boat wrecked many years ago in the Gap. The captain mistook the opening to Sydney harbour and ran into the cliffs. We had our photographs taken with the ladies here. They were sisters-in-law, the Mrs Miller, having married two brothers, the elder husband being employed in the Union SS Co- The photographer was not able to finish prints satisfactorily while we waited, so he contracted to send them to Mrs Miller, who will post them on to us. These ladies were very hospitable - took us to their home and introduced us to Mr Miller (senior), and afterwards set us on our way back to Sydney. Tea at Wynyard, and back to the boat 7.15.

Big crowd on wharf and great send off. NZ boys, particularly the last of them, were in great form and caused much amusement. Left wharf at 6.30, escorted by Police Band well out into harbour. Soon into bed, tired out.

Identification

Date

1938