Date: Fri, 30 Jul 2010 06:31:30 -0700 (PDT)
From: Rubber Rider <rubber_rider07@yahoo.ca>
Subject: Farming Part 11

Part 11 Farming -- John & Roger take over High Creek Station

Now some 18 months later Jim has sold his BC Operation and he has purchased
a larger spread here of 1500 sq miles that is doing well.

George the manager/owner on this site is about 70 years of age and
understandably desires to retire once a replacement is found for him and he
prepared to assist for up to three months.

Prior to this Jim had already brought Brian over from the BC operation on a
five year work permit and now was working as an Assistant Manager in a
relief position so that others could get away for holidays and in fact was
also covering for Keith who wanted some time off

Jim decide to put John & Roger in charge of the new station called High
Creek Station, then move Ian & Tony into Tara Station to fill there gap
Brian and Allen to take over Base Station.

Keith at Clara Station had declined to move as he is planning to retire in
a couple of years and then Pete could be come the manager he tells Jim.

John & Roger went to High Creek Station and meet up with George the owner /
Manager and after being taken around the town site where they see there are
12 homes mostly two bedroom. They are spaced well apart so that everyone
has lots of privacy; however, we learn that only ten homes are in
use. There is also two bunkhouses for the single folk plus a Cookhouse and
we learnt that George generally eat there since his wife left him. Several
of the ladies did the cleaning etc of the bunkhouses and also did his house
keeping.

I do not know if George was trying us out but he suggested we took our
swags and went bush in order to meet a lot of he crew on the job. George
claimed he spent at least three days a week going bush. Well after the
first week here, George said well you two do not appear to worry about
sleeping out as we have been doing. John comment was we generally do this
at sometime every week and my brother here always carries his swag and some
grub as sometimes it takes longer that you expect to repair that piece of
equipment.

George is thinking and then he says you two guys amaze me, nothing fizzes
on you and you have given me a good feeling that you will look after this
operation in way I would to see it.

Thanks George so tomorrow we would like to sit down with you and discuss a
number of items and to get your feelings.

Well at the moment, we are using a home that is not occupied and sleeping
on some cots using our swags but it does worry either of us, we also eat
with George in the cookhouse and meet many of the crew in a more relaxed
condition. We were very pleased to see a number of the Aboriginal swapping
there BS freely with the white guys.

The next morning after breakfast, we meet up with George in his office and
got down to business. Roger started by asking what sort of records did he
have on equipment and did it list work carried out on that equipment.

Well nothing down on paper but I carry that info in my head, so who does
your maintenance; I bring in a good guy who is millwright and also does
some welding. Sometimes I have waited a couple of days because of his work
load, oh that's not good as it cost he operation money. George agreed but
how can we overcome this problem. Roger said easy, I'm the assistant
manager and responsible for all maintenance so that if equipment breaks
down I go to the work site and do the repairs -- oh that's different says
George but it makes sense.

John then says we make up a flow chart showing where equipment will be idle
and that is the time to do maintenance. This way we have found considerable
savings. George says that is an interesting idea, but I would have to admit
I would have a job doing that flow chart. The project takes about three
months to complete, well George if you are still here we will explain how
it works.

So tell us where you moving too, well my brother want me to join him and he
lives close to Alice Springs. John that is a nice area, oh have you been to
the "Springs" we both said yes and it has spectacular scenery we were in
that area on holiday.

Different subject how are the kids getting there education, they are all on
correspondence from the school of the air in the springs.

Is the internet available on the town site no says George, I did not like
the idea fair enough but most kids on other stations get there education
this way and it works very well, and the interaction between the kids and
there teacher is very much better.

Just before the normal time for completing work for the day a runner comes
into the office saying young Adam has been struck down by a Ute and he
needs help.

The three of us head for the scene, John checks him over and he finds a
broken leg and turns to George asking where is the nearest doctor and
hospital.

George says the nearest is about 200 miles away and he has used the flying
Doctor service in the past. We find out after calling the Doc there is a
nurses station that has X-Ray and it is roughly 100 miles away and the Doc
will meet us there please just splint the leg and nothing else other if
required give him one #5 tablet to ease the pain.

Adam is loaded onto our plane and we fly him with his dad to the nurse's
station, Doc already there and transportation was also ready. X-Ray was
taken and the Doc complimented who ever did the splinting they had got
everything lined up correctly. Doc simply put a full plaster on the leg and
then reloaded Adam and his Dad onto the plane and headed home with 6 more
#5 Tablets and was told to take one before going to sleep to night. The
plaster will be left on for three weeks when I will need another X-Ray and
all being well we will be able to reduce the plaster to a simple leg
plaster. Now Adam was told rest the leg for at least three days and then
with the aid of a crutch you will be able to walk a bit.

When we landed Adams Dad ask us to come to the house so his wife can meet
you both. We were made very welcome after what Adams dad said, plus he said
I think it is the first time anyone has been flown out of here for medical
reason and we would like to thank you both. Thank you for the comments and
for your information we both have pilots licensees

That evening we both made excuses and went to our sleeping place, I had
some Rum & Ginger stashed away, well I poured two good ones and said John
we sat down and made a list of things that were needed to be done.

Get the crews wearing Hi-Vis shirts including all the kids, create a
schoolhouse, get internet installed; also, renovation of the homes was
badly needed. Get George to retire and leave the station.

So John which should be done first, get Jim here and show him what we
know. OK let us get that organized so we use his cell number. Well Jim was
planning on visiting we said better bring your swag as well.

Two days later Jim arrives so we take a trip out using our Ute and explain
the situation. Jim says you are sure you have all the info before George
retires we said yes. Ok then I will deal with that situation, however he
has many good friends here and it is only fair that he be provided with a
good send off. Now you mentioned he has a brother in the Alice Springs area
yes says John. Well we need to get hold of him for the party and to take
George to his new home.

Finally all is ready and then George's brother shows up and says finally
you are going to retire so now we must get your gear all loaded into my
trailer and no arguments either.

Well George was given a good send off by all the crew including all the
kids wearing there new Hi-Vis shirts and there respective wives who had
help to prepare the feast. George understandably was moved and finished up
crying in his attempts to say thanks to all those present.

After the departure of George we moved into is old home and got down to
business, many of the crew were asking about these Hi-Vis shirts and were
saying they wanted one as really like the idea of being seen.

We said they would get there first one free but more will cost $10 each;
however we would like to know what size to purchase so please put your name
in with Darleen into the office.

Adams Dad was one of the first to put his name in and said you guys did a
great job and thank you so much and with that we both got a tight hug from
his dad.

We asked how was he doing feed up not being able to get out and about with
his mates -- we laughed and said we would both be the same in his situation
I'm sure. So what is your job? Well I'm an equipment operator, so what
happens if you have a break down. We have to drive in and used to get
George to come out and fix the problem. So we said in time we will be
installing radios in all the equipment and then you will be able to call
Roger here who will be responsible for all maintenance and breakdowns and
he will come out to where you are working -- oh that is different.

We both went and looked at the one bedroom home and decided that by taking
the bedroom out we would have a nice large room plus bathroom and
kitchen. So now, do we have to find a camp handy man to do the work? Well
there was nothing so we looked at the situation and decided we would do the
job, however we worried about the drywall and doing a good job however when
it came time we went for it and everyone felt we had done a good job. While
this has been going on our internet folk got that operating plus we got a
camera to show the classroom wide angle operating. The school of the air
confirmed a good picture at there end. However we asked that they not send
that picture out until we gave the go ahead- they said that was fine once
we explained what we going do for our opening show.

Jim got a good fast working painter who re-vamped the schoolroom and
repainting the outside of the building. I must say it looks good.

Harold the painter started work on all the homes redoing the outsides all
were a different color but blended well together and made it an attractive
location.

We also relocated the road through the town site and put the road around
the back, this helped to keep down the dust as the prevailing winds took
the dust away.

The next thing was repainting to inside of all the homes and do some
upgrade of the bathrooms, we had spare house where the respective house
tenant could move to if they whished. After about five weeks all homes were
upgraded and both John & Roger got many thanks for there efforts.

Finally, the bunkhouses were revamped especially to shower area as they
were made mutable units that will take at least six guys plus an area for
haircutting.

Well all this work really paid off, the crews were more than happy and in
fact, we used the showers for hair cutting etc. The fact that we were
prepared to bare all made us much more excepted by the crews and this
became a social occasion especially since we would eat with them.

After this, we got our home upgraded including a shower for four, the third
bedroom with a full unsuite. This generally would be for Jim's use however
should he bring someone with him Jim can use the middle bedroom and share
our bathroom.

Overall, these upgrades made it much easier to bring the radio in to all
Ute's and some heavy equipment and after training the crew they all
realized that the radio was for there help.

Roger and I got most upgrades done with in the first six weeks of George's
departure for time with his brother.

The other good thing 98% of our crew was wearing the recommended Hi-Vis
shirts. That made us both very happy.

The next thing is to announce the new schoolroom to the School of the Air;
the kids have done a power point presentation that had been sent School of
the Air.

So at 9:00am our classroom camera was put on the air and the teacher
welcomed the new school joining us from High Creek Station, the kids then
came into the room giving there names the last one was Adam who said you
would see all of us wearing these Hi-Vis shirts and says since a passing
Ute hit me, as there was lots of dust about. but he is hoping to get his
plaster off in the next couple of weeks. Adam then said we have a power
point presentation and we ask you to watch the school then ran the
presentation.

Afterwards the teacher got the other kids to make there comments, they were
very favorable from all.

We left the school and went about our work; we both felt thanks to Adams
miss- fortune getting all the crews to ear Hi-Vis Gear solved our problem.

Suddenly Roger radio trips and the operator indicates that the drive shaft
has broken on his harvester' OK says Roger where you located? Lower side of
area five and the best way there take the mainline out of camp and then
take the second turn to the right br 150 it should bring you right to us.

Roger soon found the site, and discussed what had happened with Tim the
operator, he then started to make a close examination and found the shear
pin had gone. Roger did not have a spare one so he used a nut & bolt and
made it tight. Try it out please -- Tim says everything is working thanks
-- Good there is one other thing I need to do is get a photograph of the
name plate and serial number and a side shot of the machine this was done.

Well Tim thanks go ahead and carry on, I'm staying here for a short while
and then I will see you no doubt this evening. I watched Tim do his circuit
and as he passed me he gave me the thumbs up.

I then returned to the office told John what I had done and then said it's
about time we invited Jim here for a weekend or longer if he wishes.

Well we emailed him and almost by return we get a message, you buggers you
have stole my thunder I'll be there about 2:00 pm on Friday with a surprise
for you both.

Come Friday afternoon the radio trips calling High Creek Station we see it
is on Jim's channel. John here Jim how far out are you? Roughly five
minutes.

We will meet you at the landing strip -- great both come up here please --
will do.

We get there as he is landing, but it is not his normal plane it turns out
to be a four seated with lots of cargo space, so guys what do you think of
it? Pretty nice Jim, will all I want is the keys to your old plane and this
one is yours.

Then said you did a medical run soon after being here and I don't won't an
extra passenger sitting on the floor, so bye sliding out one rear seat you
can load a stretcher in and have your medic and also one more.

Jim this is fantastic, thank you so much.

Well you guys have saved the company a lot of money and some improvement
was long over due.

Lets go and show you the upgraded town-site as we enter we pull up so Jim
can get a good look, my god what a change in appearance. Eight homes are in
use so we have one home available but the last one over there is now our
school house. It was a one bedroom house and when we looked at is we
realized that by taking the bedroom out it would make a nice sized
school-room.

The kids now do there schoolwork via the internet, there is also a
wide-angle camera installed so the teacher can see what the kids are up
to. During the school vacation period you might want to have a managers
meeting here and this would be a suitable room.

Then we went to the re-vamped bunkhouse and the showers, finishing up in
the cookhouse the cook name is Kim where we drank some good tea. We mention
to Kim that Jim here will be staying two or three days. No problems John
enjoy your company.

We then went over to our new home and showed the changes we had done. Jim
next said the costs for these upgrades were very reasonable I do not know
how many arms were broken, for example, who did the structural moods to
make the schoolhouse. Well you are looking at them sitting right here then
all the painting that has been one was Harold who you brought in, I must
admit we have to do the office as we are thinking of some structural
changes first.

I am utterly amazed at what you have done but I need to go out to the plane
and unload so may I borrow your Ute its outside here is the key go for it!

Jim came back some booze like three bottles of rum, three bottle of
gin. Tonic water, ginger ale, six dozen beers.

Jim says this for you two, we both hug Jim and thank you, so much you are
very generous, Jim says you two guys that no one else I know to get place
looking like home.

Well that evening we go to the cookhouse for dinner, and Jim was amazed at
the free conversation that was going around the tables. Roger got called to
the conversation as they were talking about Tim's breakdown and that the
problem was fixed and his machine back in services within 45 minutes.

After dinner we went back to our home, and we had a few drinks during that
time we mention we want your opinion on revamping the office so after
breakfast I suggest we go and have a look. That is no problem says Jim I
will have a good look and think how I would do it, while I'm thinking I
would like to fly several circuits over the land to get real idea of what
we really have and see the terrain.

This will also give you a chance to get the feel of the new plane and for
the first run I will be in the co-pilots set and you two can swap around in
flight.

One thing we did see a large a large pond that could be useful for cattle
water but would need to test that water first we mark the map with a GPS
reading neither can we see any tracks into the area, the nearest road being
about 3 miles away. I said we will talk to some of our Aboriginal crew as
they may know of this body of water.

We return to the office to find Darleen there doing paperwork, so Jim is
introduced to her as our Boss and owner. John said glad you are here
because we want to improve this building and at the same time give you more
room. Darleen comment were interesting by saying we need two offices of
suitable size one for John & the other for Roger then myself I need
addition space as our coping machine came out of the ark has failed on a
regular basis in the passed if we had a separate room for the filing
cabinets that would free up room.

Jim says a question Darleen how would you feel if we were to go computer
accounting including the payroll. That would be a very smart move in my
opinion and what program would we be using. Most likely Simple Accounting
as this is what our other stations are using. Thanks Darleen for your input
it is most valuable to us. We go outside and look at the building and Jim
says it needs about 20 feet adding at this end yes that was our thought. So
let us look at type of foundation on the preset building, we find it is
cement blocks, woodpiles and thick tarpaper that support the main timbers
then the floor joists are on top. Jim says leave this with me too sees who
I can find willing to the job. You have a spare house and the contractor
can live there while building the extension.

Lets look at that place, Jim says the more I look at things may be it might
be better to convert this to the office and make the office to another
home. John says I think we need to relax so lets go home and have drink
before dinner and no doubt we all need a shower, so Jim you can either join
us or use your own because we will both be getting a full haircut.

Jim's comment was a haircut was certainly in order providing it is full
one. So first one stiff drink of Rum & Ginger and then let the haircutting
begin, John was first and then the other two, we all got a good back
scrubbing and finally took each other off. After a quick shower we moved
out to the rear veranda which was very private since there was a good line
up of trees and a solid wood fence. We dried of in the sunshine and had a
second drink, we finally pulled our shorts on, grabbed a shirt and went for
dinner and had Roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, roast spuds and greens. It
went down very well as we sat down with our crew and all joined in the
general BS.

Eventually John decided to make an announcement by saying this guy we have
been showing around is our Boss his name is Jim he tours all of the
stations that he owns over a period of time so please welcome him in your
usual manner.

There a round of applause and Jim stands up and says thanks for the
welcome, I have three other stations under my wing called Tara, Clara &
Base and in all cases the assistant manager also does the maintenance over
the equipment and it was Roger here who's idea was that the assistant does
the maintenance as it saves down time and this happened when he was a base
station. So if anyone wishes to ask any questions please feel free to ask
or come to the office for a private discussion -- thanks so much.

One of the Aboriginal crew members said thanks for improving the Bunkhouses
and especially the showers, another said what you have done for the kids is
fantastic now they have a schoolhouse and also the internet and I loved
there opening show. I also notice now my kid's school marks are coming up
thank you so much; well we waited and Jim said thank you guys for your
comments much appreciated.

A few minutes later we leave the cookhouse and take a walk through the town
site. Several of the families are sitting out side, and it's Adam's dad who
calls out, hey John and Roger please come and have a beer with us and bring
your friend with you. Adam is sitting there with a big grin on his face
Tuesday I get my plaster off as the Doctor is going to drop in on his way
to Alice Springs, Roger said that is great Adam and I'm sure that will feel
a lot better once that weight is gone. Adam gets a call from his mum, come
and give me a hand please Adam a few moments later he is bring three beer
out for us. Please take a seat, thanks Adam so how old are you now 14 he
says, the school vacations are coming up soon so what are you going to do,
well I wanted to go Bush but Dad says not on my own just yet. I have to be
honest I think your Dad is correct and so what other things do enjoy -- I
like anything mechanical and like to help fixing things I used to help
George before he retired that's very interesting, you have given me some
ideas that I need to think about. We stay there a little longer and then
depart saying thanks for the beer, eventually we are back home.

We have had a long day so it was night cap time and then we all hit the
sack. Roger an I talked a bit and it was Roger who suggested that perhaps
he took Adam out on a couple of call-outs and see how he makes out, I'm
sure we can finds some old coveralls for him and a safety vest, just hope
he has some boots plus we know he has a swag -- good idea but we must talk
to his parents first to get there approval.

Well Adams parents were delighted and the OK was given, several question
does he have any coveralls and what about boots and a yes to that as
well. Roger says that is great. So when yow want him, say next Monday
morning. We will surprise Sunday evening after our evening meal Tx so much
it will do him good.

Well come Money morning Adam was kick out bed at 5:30 AM and told by his
dad he was working today so had better get his arse In gear very
promptly. Your Mum has your breakfast almost ready and also your lunch
bucket. There also some items that will carry you over if you and Roger
have to stay out the night. Now make sure you have your swag at all times
in the truck.

So son good luck on these new adventures - and both Mom & Dad give him a
very tight hug.

We heard nothing from Roger until about when at about 6: pm when Roger
radio in say he would be late getting in may be an all nighters but let me
know before dinner is on the table.

John lets Adams parents folks know he would not be home tonight but was
working well and safe.

Eventually the job the job is competed, Adam is well and truly well greased
but it did not fizz on him thankfully. Therefore, Adam how do you feel
about this work he sort of comments sort of amusing. Adam said some one has
to do it the job so why not me.

We get back to the town-site and I said Adam you and I are going to shower
in the bunkhouse block and so get your coveralls into the washing machine
and make sure all pockets are empty I will put mine in there as well

Well Adam is in the shower and says Yuck my hair sure dirty, must get my
Dad to cut it right down tonight -- I smiled to myself on that one. I must
say Adam does a good job of scrubbing my back also.

We get our coveralls out of washing machine damp dried and I told him I
will take you home have some breakfast and rest and if something else
occurs I'll call you otherwise I see you in the morning. I'm going the
office and record everything we had to do and then home also and bye the
way thank you for all your assistance.

I drop Adam off at home; he collects all his gear and leaves his swag only
behind the seat. His Mum see him, how he do Roger; really great thank you
as Adam takes his gear she sees his coveralls and says I wash then for you,
no need that has been done just going to put them on line for drying. Oh
bye the way if he does take nap I suggest you put an old towel on his
pillow as he was not able to get his hair very clean. He told me he was
going to get his Dad to give him a real tight haircut tonight. She really
laughed at that comment and said it was her that encouraged her husband to
go that some years ago.

Well luckily no callouts so I was able to have nice two hour snooze that
afternoon; I got roused bye my brother hey Mate hears a nice cold one for
you so what happened?  Had to drop the oil pan off the engine and you know
that's a lousy job when there is only limited room and if was not for Adam
it would have me much longer he was a great help and nothing seemed to fizz
on him either.

Frankly he looked like a grease monkey bye the time we had both finished,
when got back I took him to the bunkhouse showers our coveralls went in to
the dirty washing machine with extra laundry soap. We scrubbed each other
backs and he did a good job. He then tried to get his hair cleaned and even
with some liquid detergent still could get it clean. Oh well I'm going to
get Dad tonight to get rid of my hair and then I will not have that problem
again.

Roger said you know if he maintains his abilities he would do well to get a
TQ for millwright & welding. John says I bet TAFF has some online courses
we should look into that.

Suddenly we hear our names getting called out, John goes around the front
and finds Adam's dad with big smile on his face, your Simon yes he says
please follow me my brother and I on the back veranda having a beer can I
get one, thank that be nice.

When I got home to-night I could believe there was this young man hugging
my wife, then I realized that Adam had got his Mum to shave off all his
hair off it is amazing how it has change his appearance. Well said when
getting scrubbed up he said he was going to head shaved as he was having
lots of problem getting his hair clean while getting scrubbed. Simon said
he is no longer a teenage he is young man, well Simon he work hard and very
well and for first day you have thought had done similar work for the last
many months; I hope he maintains his interest well he used spend lot of
time with George in the shop doing small engines servicing.

His mum was always to happy as sometime he would come home and was well
greased up -- well should have seen him after the work this morning I guess
we both looked like pair of grease monkeys. Simon was really laughing so
how did he get cleanup. We used the bunkhouse showers and laundry, thanks
that answers the question his Mum and I were wondering about, I had better
get back home, as they do not know I was coming over to talk any way thanks
for chatting and the beer; have a good evening -- thanks for coming
goodnight.

The next morning Adam shows up for work and comes over to our office John
was there and he said Roger was out at the moment be about 5 minutes. Adam
was about to leave and was told to sit-down and automatically took his hat
off.

John says when school is completed in three years time what are your plans
if any at the moment. Well I have been thinking about that for a long time
as I love the life on a station and would not won't to work in any town
just too many people but I would like to get a TQ ticket as a millwright
like Roger then it means I can live a normal station life. That's really
interesting Adam and I'm glad to here you have obviously given this a lot
of thought. I tell you what I will talk to TAFF and see what is required,
because I'm sure a lot of the study work can be done on the internet but
may mean a 6 -- 8 weeks away at there college once a year.

Roger returns and John fills him in on there discussions, Adam is standing
now and Roger says come here young man and says you sure look good and I
can tell you your certainly not a boy anymore you are a good looking young
man.

Adam is speechless, but says thanks and shakes hands with both of them;
well Adam I guess we both need to get to work so let's take a tour of the
equipment in the yard to start with but first I'm giving you a pair of
safety glasses to keep dust out of your eyes and also a hard hat which
should be worn in the yard as ducking under the equipment you can easily
bang your head and I can tell you that hurts.

One of the jobs in record keeping is to photograph the name plate with the
machines serial number and a side view so I will get you to find that plate
and clean it off. Well we are almost through everything when my radio
trips, High Creek 5 to Roger. How can I help High Creek 5 a couple of the
blades on my machine hit some bad rock and has bent them right out of shape
and if I try to get them in place it as if they might break off. OK where
you located? Along the roadside of BR 20 off the mainline Tx High Creek 5
will see you in about 45 minutes.

OK Adam we will take the Welding Truck, come with me. Roger makes sure he
has everything including a spare welding hood and gloves. This should not
take too long; better grab your lunch bucket. Adam is aboard the old truck
is running and they head out, this truck is a rough rider its springs are
almost shot! They soon arrive on scene and both go and have a look at the
blades. Roger explains to Adam what they will do so I will get the torch
and we will heat it up and I will get you to apply pressure to bring it
down in line with the others blades. Roger get the bent support arm nice
and hot Adam applies pressure and brings thing in line, the second one is
done. A check is made for any cracks nothing was found and Roger gives the
go ahead but asks him to do one round and him have a look at things before
going continuously -- OK Boss. Well Roger and Adam sit in the shade of the
truck, suddenly Adam says bugger, what up dammed coveralls are burning on
the leg. Roger grabs his water bottle and wets things down.

Very soon the first lap is done and Roger and Adam check things over and
give the all clear. Just before the machine operator starts he asks who is
your new helper Roger, I replied this young man is Adam, Simons son sorry I
did not recognize you Adam you too have a great day.

We turned around and headed for the office and I showed what I'm doing with
the photos of the equipment and how I'm recording all info on equipment
breakdown including how many hors spent etc. Adam asks a number of
questions and from the way he was talking it showed me he had been at this
a good period before George retired. Well Adam I will see you in the
morning -- sure thing Roger and thanks and with that he heads home with his
hard hat and safety glasses on, as he gets there his Dad is also arriving
and Simon says just hang on there please Adam I want a photo of you please
after two or three shots being taken he says you go first and get cleaned
up and I will be right behind you.

Roger remains in the office and his brother John says he can start as an
apprentice which means we can take him on and TAFF has agreed to a shorten
period since he already under training of a qualified TQ holder. What do
you think mate, that is fantastic so when do we tell him; I think as a
matter of curtseys we let his parents know first. I will try and get nine
months added time spent with George included -- sounds real good to me.

Oh before I forget must get Adams clothing size and get him some Hi-Vis
fireproof coveralls same type as I wear because today he got on fire from
sparks as were working on a job -- no problem at all and you know he is
about the same height as you and he will fill out in time. I guess you are
right -- I'll order four pairs right now and hopefully they can be on the
freight truck the day after tomorrow.

So let's go and get scrubbed up and head for dinner, we head over to the
cookhouse and as usual Kim has done everyone proud with a nice steak
meal. We are listening to machine operator who we work with today and he
was telling his mates about this young helper I had with me and asked how
he was believe it not Adam looks different now he has shaved all his hair
off -- they are having quite a chuckle over that, hey Roger seriously how
is he making out? Very good and in fact it has amazed me at his abilities
as the beginning of the week we had a lousy job because we had to drop the
oil pan on machine and I tell you it's a two hands on job and he stuck with
it and no complaints, we slept out that night and started again at daylight
and basically got back soon after you guys had headed out for the day and
yes we both looked like grease monkeys, and luckily we did not get a
callout the following day so allowed both of us to catch up on
sleep. Thanks Roger for filling us all in, oh bye the way are coming out
for the fun game tonight of cricket, so what time does it start about
thirty minutes time; Hopefully see you there but it will later as we both
have some other business to attend too first.

As we leave the cookhouse we spot Adam heading over to the cricket pitch
but do not see his folks which is good. As we enter there yard we callout
anyone home -- come on around please so getting to back we see Simon and
his wife having a quiet cup of tea, his wife gets up and says I don't think
we were ever introduced but my name is Betty, please sit down Betty we nip
over here as we saw Adam heading for the cricket game and wanted let you
know we are prepared to take on Adam as an apprentice millwright, he can do
all his book work via the internet link with TAFF he will be able to work
out of hours on this using the schools computer -- you two guys have done a
lot for this station and we don't want to loose you either because you
pumped fresh blood in everyone working here and all I can say is you must
have pulled some strings somewhere to get them to agree and allowing a guy
still a school to start an apprenticeship and does Adam know yet. Nothing
has been said other than a discussion John had with him at the beginning of
the week said we would look into it however now that things have come this
far we feel it only right that his parents know what is being planned for
there son. We thank you for the information and will not say anything.

A question how long have you lived here 13 years we came to this station
when Adam was almost one year old so has there every been a dinner party
for all staff which includes there wife's? No not as such but there were a
few BBQ that George at short notice -- ok say nothing this has given me an
idea.

I go and back to the cookhouse Kim is cleaning up, have you a few minutes
please. We would like to have a special dinner on Saturday evening with all
folks attending including there wives and kids as we have a special
announcement to make at that time. Therefore, you make up a list of what
you need, place the order and I will collect it on Friday morning, and I am
going to get enough beer for two bottles each. Indecently what do you like
as something special for your personal use? A nice Scotch; please say
nothing to anyone we shake hands and I leave heading back to home and meet
up with brother Roger who asks how did you make out with Kim he said no
problem and will get the order in for extra supplies that he may need. I
have said we would do this on Saturday evening and provided enough beer for
two bottles/cans per adult. If the bottle shop has some reasonable wine, I
will enough for one glass each. If get the wine I'll get plastic wine
glasses as well but I need to know the number of adults we have and the
number of kids and Adam is classed in the adult group. I will go to town on
Friday morning early collect the supplies. The most important item are the
coveralls for Adam missed the freight truck but have asked them to hold
them and I collect on Friday.

So what are your ideas on notifying all our crew and all the married folk?
Well I will get Darlene to make up a letter saying something like John and
Roger invite all families to special dinner in the cookhouse catered by
Chef Kim at this diner we will be making special announcement and wish you
all to attend to celebrate our news.

I am going to make an announcement at dinner in the cookhouse on Friday the
wording will be the same as the letter that I am going ask Darlene to
deliver these letter, as she will know every one. Have you thought about
asking Jim good point it his money we are spending.

So I may quick call to Jim and he was delighted with the idea and said this
is another first for my company.