Overview
Leslie Adkin continues to work on his father's farm Cheslyn Rise, near Levin. He holds he lease on two other properties, called the North Block and Rear 42, and spends much of his time clearing and fencing them.
This month, however, Leslie's attentions lie elsewhere. On the 14th, the 'great and glorious day' he has been anticipating for many months finally arrives, and he marries his sweetheart Maud Herd in the dining room of her family home near Hastings. This is followed by a wedding breakfast in a marquee on the lawn.
The couple spend their first night as husband and wife in Dannevirke, before travelling to New Plymouth for a week-long honeymoon. Leslie gives detailed descriptions of local attractions and scenery, and revels in the 'exquisite' happiness of his new life.
After their honeymoon the couple parts for a brief time, Leslie returning to Levin and Maud to Hastings. Leslie finds the shearing in full swing, so immediately wades back in to wool-pressing and dagging. Other farm activities this month include mustering, docking, and attending sales.
The newlyweds reunite in Hastings for Christmas, and enjoy games, dancing, picnics, a motion picture, and a Mardi Gras in Napier. They return to Levin on the 30th, and Maud is warmly welcomed into the Adkin family. Construction of the couple's new home on the Rear 42 is well underway, although they decide to live in Leslie's whare on the North Block until it is complete.