Overview
Leslie Adkin continues to work on his father’s property Cheslyn Rise, near Levin. With the help of his father William, his brother Gil (Gilbert), and their two permanent labourers Jim and Anstice, Leslie works to clear and fence new paddocks on the North Block, which he is soon to take over and farm. Other farm activities include sowing grass, mustering and drafting stock for sale, buying stock, dagging, and dipping.
This month Leslie’s fiancée Maud Herd travels from Hastings to spend Easter with the Adkin family, and Leslie is able to show her the North Block and the site of their ‘hoped-for future home.’ Leslie’s elation at having Maud with him is dampened slightly by his mother Annie’s disapproval, as she expresses concern that the pair are spending too much time together. On one occasion Annie even asks Leslie’s brother Clifford to turn off the gas at the meter so the couple cannot comfortably sit together in the drawing room. Nevertheless, Leslie and Maud are able to enjoy a number of social events, and spend many quiet evenings reading and talking.
On the 25th Gilbert and Jim leave for the Territorial Camp at Takapau, where they are to spend a fortnight. In their absence Leslie has to milk the three cows on his own, and his progress on the North Block slows a little.