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[Page 95]
24th.
The presents were served at about 6 PM and they were very good. Contents of the Boxes as follows: one lb Cake, 1lb. Pudding, 1 Tin Sweets, 2 Cakes of Chocolate, 2 Pkts. of Butter Scotch, 1 PKT Raisins, 1 Tin of Cigarettes, 1 tin tobaco, 1 Tooth Brush, 1 Tin Tooth Powder, 1 Stick of Shaving Soap, 1 PR Socks, 1 Hankerchief, 1 Lead pencil, and a pipe, a Christmas Card and a few post Card Views of Queensland (and 1 Tin of Cream Cheese). On listening to the General Conversation of the Ship's Company the presents are a Surprise and in excess of expectations. The only fault being that there was no notes in the Boxes or an address where we could write and thank the Citizens for their kindness, for they Cheer us up at the beginning of our Journey over a long Lone Trail which may take us to the Distant Outposts of this Great Empire or wherever we may be needed to the best of our Services during the Great World's War.
25th. Christmas Day.
Divisions, Church Service. About 11 AM. Anchored off a Small Island of the Barrier Reef and the Hands were piped to Bath. 5th day in Tropic. Menu for Xmas Day. Breakfast, Cold Ham, and Sheep's Tongue, Rice & Prunes. Dinner, Roast Beef, Cabbage, Plum Duff, Sauce, Jelly, Custard, Tea, Biscuit and Cheese. We had the privilage to buy one Bottle of Beer 1/-. The Captain & officers with the exception of the Engineer's officers, came round the ship and wished us a Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year. Pipe down and the Hands started their Enjoyment. Weighed Anchor and got under Way 9.30 PM. for T.I.
26th.
Arrived Thursday Island about 11 AM. and the Oil tank came alongside and we took in -- Tons. Heavy Rain Squall.