es. The days of pioneering,
bullock-driving, the trips by Cobb and Co., which were not always trips
of comfort or of pleasure, were things of the past. In place of the
crack of the whip and the rumble of the coach were heard the whistle and
snorting of the engine. We were now within civilisation, so far as
convenience might go, but whether we were morally and socially better or
worse is a very open question. The great distances, the open plains, and
the loneliness and monotony which is generally characteristic of the
western country, even in these days of comparative closer settlement,
have formed the western character. It is a character hard, shrewd, and
impatient in good times, but strangely patient and resourceful in times
of floods, drought, or difficulty. Invariably maintaining a certain
reserve, yet hospitable and generous towards strangers, and ready to
give help without question where needed, the western-born man and woman
carries a dignity and presence easily recognised, and a friend who
visited the west after many years, remarks:--"I say, you have a grand
stamp of man and woman growing up in the west, but you are not giving
them encouragement to live in and develop their country as you should
do."

The man of the west deserves much praise, but what might be said of its
women. I have seen these following the waggon, or living in domiciles
which, even at best, would be a shame to cities. Yet very rarely
otherwise than patient, cheerful and hospitable, loving help-mates and
mothers. "God bless them," I say.

I cannot help thinking that politics are the bane of the west. It is
singularly free from religious rancour or animosity. The religious
belief of the other man, or if he has any at all, concerns no one. So
long as a clergyman does not hold that playing cricket or football on
Sunday is wrong, even if he is not popular, he is at all times
respected.

I remember a Roman Catholic priest (Father Fagan) speaking at a dinner
of welcome, remark:--"A brother minister had asked him what good these
social gatherings did?" He replied:--"They did a great deal of good, and
he went so far as to say that one such gathering was worth twenty
sermons. They were simply putting in practice the virtues preached from
the pulpit of hospitality, charity and gratitude."

It is my sincere hope that such kindliness and charity might continue to
the end of time.

"FAREWELL."

WATER DIVINING: