Overview
Tues Apr 15
Up at daylight. Thick snow on ranges – white frost – bitterly cold – ice on pools – fog over lowlands. Shepherded all ewes + hoggarts except UR ewes before breakfast. After ditto set Jim + Anstice on to CK-Swamp p[addock] fence + cycled to Levin to see the sailors of the HMS “New Zealand” who are
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coming up to be entertained at a picnic on Levin Race-course. Took my 1/2 plate camera down with me + made arrangements to take a good series of photos. The special train arrived about 11 am with 250 men + officers – took a photo of them detraining from top of rly [railway] water-tank, a good general view showing crowds. Then climbed to roof of shop near rly [railway] station + got two good views of Mayor welcoming sailors with Levin Territorials, Cadets etc in attendance. Photographers were very plentiful. Saw Mrs Herd’s trap + went over to see Maud. Met Uncle Bert + he + I walked to race-course. Put in a slow hour while sailors lunched. Very big crowd. Sailors got on horses + scattered the people in all directions – a donkey caused considerable excitement. Later on Maud arrived + we walked round with Amy Lancaster + EW Smith. There was a horse-race for sailors, hakas +
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poi dances by Maoris, tugs-of-war + football matches – took several photos including a group consisting of sailors + my party of friends. The weather was splendid – warm + sunny + the sailors appeared to have a good time – some of them had an uproarious time. Maud + the others left at 3 + the sailors marched to station about 3.15 pm – got a good look at them as the marched past with bands, Territorials + Cadets in procession. Cycled down to Bruce Road. Maud + I played a couple of games of croquet + then we played Mrs Herd + Olive + won. Looked at books including Maud’s interesting photo album – I couldn’t resist taking her in my arms and kissing her + she clasped me gently round the neck + ran her fingers through my hair – It was heavenly. After tea we chatted in front of fire + Maud [sang]. I reluctantly left at 8.20 as I wished
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to develop the days photos. Cycled home + did 8 plates by 11.30 pm - all good some excellent.
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