WE NEVER received any wages for our work at Bemboka. Now and again father would give us ten bob each, but there was a lot of intermission between these gifts, but we were well fed and always very happy.

What more did we want while working on this estate?

I did a lot of courting, which was a new and fascinating undertaking. I will never forget the first love kiss.

I had thought a flock of sparrows flew out from under both arms. I used to pay my attention to a widow's daughter.

The old dame was always present when I called, and at times I did not quite realise whether it was her or her daughter that I had called in to see.

This became too much for me so I gave the courting away.

What was the next move? The work of constructing the approach over the Merimbula Lake was about to commence so I contacted the officer-in-charge of the job and he informed me I could commence work at ten shillings per day if I had a horse and cart.

Where and how was I to get a horse and cart? My father said he would find me a horse if I was lucky enough to get a cart and harness.

Off I went to Bega with three quid in my pocket to buy a cart and harness.

I had heard of Whyman and Brooks, Coach Builders. I went to the workshop and met Robert Whyman.

The first salute I got was, "Well young man, what can I do for you"? I explained my mission and told him I was going to work if I could buy an old cart.

He said, "What's the good of an old cart? Here's a new one -13 quid".

Could I tell him I only had three quid and wanted a harness as well? Of course I would tell him.

He said, "pay me two pound, and one pound per week," which I agreed.

Will I ever forget Bob Whyman, one of nature's gentlemen. I never missed a payment.

Well, a cart was no good without a harness - who would I go to? F H Sturah conducted a saddler so in I went to price a set of harness.

"Three quid cash," he said so harshly that I nearly mutilated the only quid I had in my pocket.