Overview
Leslie Adkin continues to work on his father’s property Cheslyn Rise, near Levin, although his thoughts this month are occupied by the coming of war. On the 4th he writes that ‘war is now raging in Europe,’ and on the 8th he records Britain’s declaration of war on Germany. Within a week of this declaration Leslie has joined the National Reserve as part of the local Mounted corps, and thereafter he attends regular drills and parades in Levin.
Work on the farm must continue, however, and Leslie spends a great deal of his time fencing and clearing land on the North Block. He often camps there with the family’s farm labourer, Anstice, and this month he adds a corrugated iron roof to their whare. On the home farm, Leslie works with his father William, his brother Gil (Gilbert), Anstice, and a new labourer named Len Yule. Farm activities include laying pipe drains, top-dressing, shepherding, and planting a wind-break.
With so much to do on the farm and drills to attend in Levin, Leslie has little leisure time this month, although he does enjoy a Patriotic Concert with his family on the 14th and remains a regular church-goer.