Item 01: Leslie William Sutherland diary, 24 September 1914 - 23 September 1915 - Page 169

[Page 169]

30 October 1914
Friday

Reveille at 6
Drew feed from No 1 hold then had breakfast which was good for a change. Boat unknown flying the yellow flag came in. Semaphore practice in the morning. Received rather a personal message from A M to the [indecipherable] concerning Pte Farrell who is not to come with the troops. Beer strike heads have cut down men's supply from 2 pints to 1 result boycott by reservists. Captain goes ashore. Melbourne has joined an Imperial Fleet for she came in with two white bands round rear & bow funnel, she came in this morning & cruised out again at night. NZ Transports coming & going all day. Horse passes us this morning partially devoured by sharks. [indecipherable] steams out this evening for dear old Melbourne. Wrote letters to Nell & Ern & posted them. Got extraordinary special as Toby & I traced up positions of Allies in the field, played quoits, had tea, played chess. [indecipherable] horse under the vet, entered Hold No 2. Medical inspection final OK

31 October 1914
Saturday

Reveille at 6.
Drew feed for No 5 Hold & then had breakfast after which practical semaphore & morse for the benefit of Toby was indulged in. then we entered No 2 Hold to see after bikes then looked for jam – found other stores also raisins then had a washing parade, but water very scarce as only one gallon allowed per man. No mail today, & we are off tomorrow morning thank goodness. Steamers ordered at 2 PM today & we move out at 6 in the morning heard also the America has declared war on Japan but find out later that it is unfounded. We saw a beaut concert & it was surprising what talent there is on board from the Captain downwards during the performance a fire broke out but was instantly suppressed. Tim Elder paid us a visit during concert. SS Sydney came in during night & has joined the Imperial fleet more chess then went to bed, looking forward to the roll of the ocean again.