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 working there. Farming activities this month include fencing, digging drains, mustering and drafting, shepherding, drenching, and crutching. Leslie works with his father William, his brother Gilbert, and their farm labourers Andy and Len Yule.
This month Leslie gets into a row with Gilbert, as he perceives his younger brother to be interfering with their father's orders. Ultimately nothing comes of it, as their father rules that they were both to blame.
Early in the month Leslie is visited by his fiancee Maud Herd and her family. The couple spend a happy four days getting reacquainted, and Leslie notes with delight that he and Maud 'simply can't get tired of each other's company.'
Mr Herd, meanwhile, offers Leslie advice about his business affairs and about the war. Later in the month Leslie approaches his own father, William, and asks him to sign a formal lease document for the North Block. William agrees to this and to the lease of a further 38 acres, and promises to guarantee a £500 loan with Dalgety and Co. so that Leslie can build a house.
Having had this satisfying and hopeful conversation, Leslie is shocked when, on the 20th, both of his parents register their disapproval at his intention to marry Maud the following February. He writes that 'their main argument [is] the continuance of war + how it might affect them - my side of the question + Maud's feelings + welfare appears to be to them, of no importance whatever.'
In his spare time Leslie enjoys reading and taking photographs. This month he also attends a concert at the local hall and participates in the Queen Carnival procession dressed as Mephistopheles.