1910 Bush Block Diary and Ephemera
In 1909 A.G. Whitney sold 242 acres at Brooklana (N.E. of Coffs Harbour, though under control of Dorigo Council) to A.G. Fairleigh, the son of NSW Parliamentarian J.G. Fairleigh.
The young Fairleigh worked this block 'The Tanners Retreat' before selling it to his father after enlisting in the AIF. Augustus retrieved the farm after the Great War up until the 1950s.
This lot consists of his diary of the first year of working the block plus many pieces of associated ephemera: purchase documents, letters home (Sydney) to his mother and father, rates notices etc.
Diary records his clearing and selling timber to create paddocks, much on the terrible weather and loneliness, his horse Jock, trips to neighbours, timber prices etc.
Augustus Fairleigh was well educated (recent graduate of Hawkesbury Agricultural College) and writes in a readable hand worthwhile and descriptive letters.
Overall condition typical of ephemera of this age, foxing, dog ears, tears, & mild soiling. Diary has some water affected pages towards the end. 26x21cm (diary)

Estimate $100-200