Australia, my new home

Alison was quite impressed with how we were able to light a fire with just damp gum leaves and twigs. The eucalypt oil in the leaves burnt in spite of the dampness. But the evening was not very nice, as it began to rain again, and we settled in our two cars, the girls in my VW., and George and I again in his panel van.

It must have been on one of those country roads, when the next day a police car stopped George to book him for speeding. I didn't know why he was stopped, so I pulled up in my car and asked what had happened.

"Are you travelling together?" the policeman asked. "Yes."

"Could I have your licence please?" "Sure," and I gave him my licence. "Could you tell me what this is all about?"

"You have both been speeding." "No, I haven't", I protested, but to no avail. He booked me and said: "If you like, you can contest this in court, but I can assure you, you would lose. I saw you both speeding."

I was furious, but there was not much I could do. George may have gone too fast through the village, but I certainly did not, as I arrived at the spot where George was booked quite a bit later. Should I fight against the police? Perhaps it was futile. But nevertheless I was steaming inside.

This nasty interlude did not spoil the peace and tranquility I felt along the road. Alison was just sitting there quietly, and I felt comfortable in her presence without having to say anything. I think she also enjoyed her first experience in the Australian bush.

For a few weeks after that, we did not see each other again. Then in November, George wanted to go again on a trip, and it was on that trip that we first kissed each other. From then on we saw each other frequently and regularly, as much as my and Alison's work would allow. I would often pick her up from her private nursing place, and then we would go out together.

On New Year's Eve of 1958 we attended a party in a house in Wahroonga which stood on a block of land where the express way to Newcastle is now. We were both standing outside in the garden, looking at the moon, and it was close to midnight. It was here that we decided to get married and spend the rest of our lives together. I felt like I was walking on a cloud.

Next morning we made two or three attempts to phone England. Finally we got a reasonable connection with both parents on the other line. They were a bit shocked, but eventually gave their blessings to us both. The engagement party was set for 17 January 1959.

When I told Michael Selios about our wedding plans he said: "Make sure you get married before April, for in April I want to go on my overseas trip."

So we set the wedding for Friday, 20 March 1959, as this was also

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