e for the pillows.

The growth of grass in 1886 occasioned extensive bush fires in the end
of this and the beginning of the following year. A very large fire
occurred at Vindex. I called for volunteers to join in putting it out.
The call was readily responded to, and I headed a large party composed
of all classes of men to assist the station hands. By our combined
efforts we succeeded in putting the fire out, but not until it had burnt
many miles of country. In those days there was no ill-feeling between
labour and capital, or employers and employee. All united to work for
the common good. Subsequently the same generous help was extended to
Elderslie and Ayrshire Downs Stations.

In 1887, I can say the residents of Winton were as if all were of one
family. They made their own pleasures, at which all classes were
welcome, and invitations were unnecessary. This proved one of the
happiest times of my life.

The new owners of Oondooroo were developing their property regardless of
cost. Amongst the many innovations introduced by them, but which now
have become necessaries, was the system of private telephone lines over
the run. In connection with this system was an ingenious idea, something
like a compass card, by means of which bush fires were located, and
which saved a great deal of unnecessary work and riding. With the
exception of Norman, the youngest, who went "west" in France during the
late war, I believe the Ramsays are still in the land of the living. It
is a pity that Queensland is the loser by not having more men of the
same high character as the Ramsay's, of Oondooroo.

In November, 1887, John Bartholomew, who was travelling manager for Cobb
and Co., asked me--as their Winton agent--to accompany him to Croydon,
to which place he was bound in connection with some coach accident which
had occurred in that district, and I accepted the invitation. We
travelled by coach to Hughenden 150 miles, thence down the Flinders to
Cloncurry, distant 265 miles, and on to Normanton, 240 miles.

This latter portion was completed under great difficulties, the early
wet season necessitating our working day and night to keep contract
time. On our way we saw where a bullock-dray loaded with explosives had
been blown up. How the explosion happened was never known, but after it
occurred nothing remained of the bullocks; some of the iron work of the
dray was picked up a mile away.

Before we reached Normanton we were reduced to thr