Rain.

The glorious uncertainty of the weather was strikingly demonstrated on the Friday evening. After a perfect summer's day, and the shed barely half filled, rain set in steadily and continued unabated for twenty-four hours. Thoroughly dry sheep or no shearing was a cardinal point at Silverbourne, and the prospects of work before Tuesday looked remote. Sunday, with a strong breeze and warm sunshine, did its best, but more rain at night undid the work of restoration. What can men do with time on their hands in this remote outpost? Resign themselves to boredom? A few will take a rest cure; but the truth is, that a let-up, if not too extended, is welcome. If the weather continued wet, the big dining room is besieged, and the hours spent in card-playing, draughts and chess; while the musically inclined make their presence felt if not always appreciated. Many good stories, in fact and fancy, are told on these reminiscent occasions. For the most, goodwill and good temper prevail, but not always. With such a variety of human elements in close contact, the discordant and provocative note is rarely altogether absent, and, with virile men, quick on the uptake, hostilities develop quickly. From out of apparent serenity challenges are hurled and find acceptance, and the fight is on. In most cases it is as quickly over, either by clear-cut victory or by the intervention of the peacemaker. Rarely does bitterness or resentment long survive such encounters. With the return of fine weather 30,000 acres of hills and downs and bush are waiting to be explored, with outdoor diversion in plenty. You can play cricket or golf within the precincts of the homestead, or hunt for turkeys' eggs, or shoot rabbits, or fish in the river three miles away, for a change of diet. Make a day of it, and explore the electric power station and the falls, six miles away, set in native bush as beautiful as any on the best tourist routes. Lastly, you may climb Dawn Mountain on a clear day for a view of the Cathedral City 100 miles away. In short, if you cannot avoid boredom during a few days lay off, your case is hopeless.