Overview
Leslie Adkin continues to work on his father’s farm Cheslyn Rise, near Levin. He is also the manager of a separate property called the North Block, and he spends much of his time there. Farming activities this month include cutting firewood, shepherding, fencing, docking, sowing grass, and erecting sheep yards. Leslie works with his father William, his brothers Gil (Gilbert) and Clif (Clifford), his Uncle Bert, and a number of contract labourers. This month two new men are employed: John Blanford and Dick Andrew.
Leslie makes a brief visit to Hastings to visit his fiancée Maud Herd and her family. The couple spend the first evening talking and making up for their long separation, and in the days that follow they enjoy a number of social events and day trips together. On the third evening Maud shows Leslie her “Glory Box,” and he proclaims it a “most delightful collection … indicating her good taste and dainty ideas.”
Returning to the farm, Leslie has an “attack of the liver” and spends three days in bed with a headache, violent stomach ache, nausea, and nose bleeds. Upon his recovery he sets up camp at the North Block, and works to add some small conveniences to the two whare there.
In addition to his usual diary entries about the farm, his family, and his photography, Leslie also writes frequently of the war in Europe. In August he joined the local Mounted corps, although due to his trip and illness he is only able to attend one drill this month.