Encounter with a Snake.
The weather is getting warmer and I am not sorry. A few weeks ago a cyclone, accompanied by a snow blizzard, came along and I had the time of my life keeping the tent anchored down. I was in and out until nearly two o'clock in the morning, shovelling snow off the tent fly. I had no wish to sleep my long last sleep beneath the folds of a frozen tent. With the warm weather we get flies, ants, and snakes. On the way out to work yesterday I went down to my first claim to see how things were. Like most bush travellers, I had a stout stick about five feet long. It serves a twofold purpose. It helps you over the rough country and is handy as a weapon should a snake rear itself in your pathway to dispute your right to invade territory entirely occupied by wild life. My stick proved useful on this occasion. About half way down I came across a big black brute stretched right across my track. Hostilities on both sides opened at once. I went at him and he turned to run. I got a blow in but not fair on. He turned and came at me. It was my turn to retreat and in so doing, fell over a small log on to the broad of my back. As he was fast approaching I did not wait for the count usually allowed in the boxing ring. Quicker than it takes to write, I was on my feet again.
I side-stepped him and got in a heavy one about the solar plexus or kidney (both good hits). This made him feel groggy. Two more in quick succession and he was helpless, so I finished him. He measured four feet eleven inches in length and six inches in girth. I have done a lot of fishing round about the coast, but was never able to qualify for membership of any fisherman's club, so you can accept the measurements given as correct.
If I have not wearied you, I hope I have at least satisfied you that that monthly instalment is still to continue and likely so for a good many more years to come.
Those responsible for the drafting of the Railway Superannuation Act showed, in my opinion, want of forethought and vision in not making provision for the quiet removal of all beneficiaries who exceed the allotted span. Such an oversight would not have occurred in countries say like China, for instance. There you would not be allowed to remain a burden on the taxpayer for as long as it suited you. You would be told to do it yourself or sharpen an axe and get some other fellow to take you down to the back of the abattoir and do it for you.
If the opportunity should come to you, would you please convey my sincere good wishes to all those I had the pleasure of meeting at our annual conference reunions? To them all my kindest regards and best wishes—the same to yourself.