r party. It was a hot day, even for Boulia;
refreshments were generous, and in demand. The judge, in common with the
visitors, was a thirsty soul. When we next turned our attention to the
course, a race was being run, so the judge decided to get into the box.
A grey and brown horse had negotiated the hurdles and were coming up the
straight neck and neck. When they passed the post the Judge decided that
the piebald horse had won. During my stay at Boulia I camped, by the
invitation of Mr. Coghlan, the manager at Goodwood Station, just across
the Burke River from the township. Mr. Eglinton, P.M., and Mr. Shaw,
manager of Diamantina Lakes Station, were also guests, and we were glad
to retire to this retreat after the uproarious happenings incidental to
western towns during race time.

Before leaving, the P.M. asked Mr. Shaw and myself, who were both
magistrates, if we would take a "didemus potastatum" to Monkira, about
100 miles down the river from Diamantina Lakes, and swear in Mr.
Debney, the manager, as a Justice of the Peace. We consented; it was an
excuse for seeing more of the country, and for a longer outing.

After a few days spent at the Lakes, we started with my team and buggy,
accompanied by Mr. Shaw's little daughter. We reached Davonport Downs,
then managed by Mr. McGuigan. He told us there were several very heavy
sand hills to negotiate, and offered the loan of a pair of staunch heavy
buggy horses. He suggested leaving my horses to spell. I accepted the
offer. Shaw and myself took it in turns to drive. At one of these sand
hills the horses stuck Shaw up, and refused, in spite of his
persuasions, to budge. After giving them a spell, Shaw suggested I
should take the reins. I had prepared my whip with a new cracker, but
failed to start the horses. I then addressed the horses in the language
of bullock-drivers, and stood up in the buggy to more effectually use
the whip. The horses started, and I kept them going. Just then a small
voice was heard from the back seat of the trap, "Mr. Corfield, will you
please remember there's a lady in the buggy." Shaw and I immediately
retired into our boots, but the horses gave no further trouble.

At that time I think Monkira was the farthest station down the river.
Mr. Debney had come from Adelaide. He and Mrs. Debney gave us a splendid
reception. The governess to the family afterwards became Mrs. R. K.
Milson, of Springvale, and her eldest son lately was married to Miss
Morg