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Pat Ritter. Books


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Re: Pat Ritter. Books

Postby patritter » Mon Dec 11, 2017 9:40 pm

'The Year That Never Was' - Page 25:

Chapter 4

Day of reckoning arrived for Joe and Billy to depart Cunnamulla. Most of the townsfolk gathered at the Cunnamulla Railway Station to farewell them with a couple of other young fellows who wanted to join the fight. Hannah couldn’t stop blubbering, wiping her face, not knowing when or if her husband returned.
‘Please don’t go.’ Hannah pleaded to Joe who stood erect shouldering his haversack. Joe looked handsome in his uniform, polished boots, wearing a slouch hat curled at one side, a plume of emu feathers showing his place from the colony he represented.
‘Stop worrying Hannah. Billy will have my back.’ Hugging his wife for the final time. A loud whistle echoed through the covered platform. ‘Time to go.’ Wrapped his arms around Hannah, kissed her on the lips, whispered in her ear, ‘I love you.’
‘Good luck my boy. We’ll miss you both.’ Nat shook Joe and Billy’s hand before they stepped onto the train.
‘Don’t forget your mother-in-law.’ Martha cried out wrapping his arms around Joe’s broad shoulders. ‘May God be with you at all times. We’ll look after Hannah until you return.’
Joe pulled shut the passenger door as the train departed from the station. Waving to Hannah until they were out of sight. Sounds of Waltzing Matilda echoed through the station played by Cunnamulla Town Band.
Cheers rang out from the passengers on the train to show their gratitude for the men going to fight in a foreign country. Joe sat silent thinking about the next couple of years not having a clue of who his enemy will be or if he’ll ever return home. His mate Billy sat beside him solemn.
‘Don’t look so glum.’ Joe said to Billy. ‘We’ll survive. Think about the adventure, sailing overseas, walking on soil from another country. Wonder if their country is similar to ours.’ Joe questioned.
‘She’ll be right mate. We’re in this fight together.’ Billy expressed pulling his slouch hat over his eyes. Soon snores echoed from under his hat. Joe sat silent looking at the countryside from his seat wondering if he or Billy will ever return to this land again. ‘How did he talk himself into this predicament?’ Joe pondered before copying his friend, pulling his hat over his face to grab a shut eye.
Stopping at all stations more soldiers entered the train. Charleville being the first stop for refreshments. Joe and Billy entered the refreshment room to have a cuppa and scone when a cheer rang out from the patrons seated at the table cheering the soldiers plus wishing them the best of luck.
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Re: Pat Ritter. Books

Postby patritter » Tue Dec 12, 2017 9:50 pm

'The Year That Never Was' - Page 26:

They sat at a table for two, a waitress placed a cup filled with tea together with a scone on a plate. ‘This is on the house gentlemen. What you’re about to do for our country doesn’t need payment. Tell me when you want more.’ She left both men to enjoy their refreshments. These same gifts from people along the track to Brisbane became frequent. Joe and Billy didn’t need to pay for anything. They represented the colony of Queensland to fight the Boers in South Africa. Both men relished in their heroic status.
When their train arrived at Roma Street, Brisbane a contingent of officials awaited their arrival. Head of this parade The Honourable Joseph Ryan, Esquire, MLA. Joe stepped from the railway carriage to be greeted by his Parliamentary member, shaking hands, ‘Joe, I’m thrilled to be here to greet you before you sail to South Africa.’ They released their grip.
‘Joseph, this is Billy Campbell, a fellow soldier who will be beside me fighting in South Africa.’ Joseph shook Billy’s hand with glee.
‘Pleased to meet you Billy. Proud you are fighting beside Joe.’ Joseph expressed in an authoritative voice releasing Billy hand.
‘My pleasure Sir.’ Billy shouted.
‘You both will sail on SS Cornwall which departs Brisbane in the morning. Until then you will be guests at my home until your departure.’
‘You need not worry about us. We have our horses to look after until our departure.’ Joe explained.
‘I insist.’ Joseph demanded. ‘I’ll have one of my men take care of your horses and belongings. You both travel with me in my carriage at the front of the station. This is the least I can do before your departure.’ Joseph concluded.
Joe and Billy looked at each other. Billy said, ‘I don’t mind staying behind to look after our horses while you stay with The Honourable Member of Parliament.’
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Re: Pat Ritter. Books

Postby patritter » Wed Dec 13, 2017 9:18 pm

'The Year That Never Was' - Page 27:

‘No Billy. Where I go. You go. We’re in this together. We’re not having too much to drink tonight. Are we?’ He asked Joseph.
‘I expect you’ll have a couple of beers before your departure. I’ve invited a couple of others to join us. They can’t stop talking about how you’re going to fight the Boers.’ Joseph concluded. ‘Come on.' Joseph directed a question to a nearby man. 'Sam, will you tend to these gentlemen’s horses and gear to keep them safe until their departure.’ He commanded. ‘This way gentlemen.’ Joseph led the way from the platform to his waiting carriage parked in front of Roma Street Railway Station.
Making their way through the streets of Brisbane they stopped in front of a huge Victorian home. ‘Welcome gentlemen to my humble abode.’ Joseph beckoned for his friends to depart from the carriage. Leaving the carriage, they followed Joseph to the front entrance who addressed his staff. ‘My staff will escort you to your rooms. When you have rested, would you do me the honour of wearing your parade uniforms. I want to show you off.’ Joseph bid them farewell. Joe and Billy escorted to their rooms.
Joe couldn’t believe, less than a decade ago he worked with Joseph Ryan on ‘Tilbaroo Station’ as a shearer. Now Joseph, a member of Parliament, lived in the capital of Queensland with staff to attend his every need. Before the staff member left his presence, Joe asked. ‘You wouldn’t perhaps have any writing material?’ Without speaking the staff member pointed to a desk with the appropriate material on top of the desk. Joe followed the staff’s pointing, ‘thank you.’
Joe wrote a letter to Hannah:
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Re: Pat Ritter. Books

Postby patritter » Thu Dec 14, 2017 11:28 pm

'The Year That Never Was' - Page 28:

To My Dearest Darling Hannah

This day we arrived at Roma Street, Brisbane greeted by The Honourable Joseph Ryan, Esquire, MLA. Joseph insisted Billy and I be his guests before we sail tomorrow to South Africa. Joseph invited guests to a farewell party for Billy and I. His home overlooks Brisbane. His servants, yes servants, treat us like heroes. We’re staying in his home before we sail on SS Cornwall in the morning.
Hannah, I miss you already. You must be brave until my return. Billy will keep me safe. You must be concerned why I wanted to fight in the Boer War. My reason being my patronage to our Empire. I will return safe. Billy and I have no idea what we’re getting ourselves into. We can try to do our best to come back safe and sure to continue our lives.
I love you so very much and miss you Hannah.
Your Husband – Joe.

Joe signed off on the letter, addressed an envelope to his wife, folded the letter placed the letter inside the envelope. After resting for an hour, he bathed, dressed in his military uniform.
Joining Billy, also dressed in his military uniform, Joseph greeted them. ‘I’d like you to meet some friends of mine.’ Joseph paraded his two soldiers in front of the gathering. ‘Evening everyone. Thank you for attending this function.’ A slight laughter echoed across the gathering. ‘These two gentlemen standing before you are soldiers ready to fight the Boers in South Africa who are representing our great State of Queensland but the British Empire. Would you please make them welcome?’ Everyone clapped and cheered.
Soon after Joseph finished his introduction men walked up to Joe and Billy shaking their hands, slapping them on the shoulders wishing them all the best for representing their Empire. They each had never been paraded in front of a gathering of people before. Joe wished he remained in Cunnamulla with his Hannah whilst Billy’s stomach churned with nerves.
TO PURCHASE THIS BOOK CLICK ONTO THIS LINK: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/758644.
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Re: Pat Ritter. Books

Postby patritter » Fri Dec 15, 2017 10:37 pm

'The Year That Never Was' - Page 29:

‘Can’t we escape from these people. They’re all fakes.’ Billy whispered into Joe’s ear after many greeted them.
‘Don’t worry, my friend. I’d rather be back in Cunnamulla with Hannah than to live here.’ Joe answered.
Before the evening ended everyone in the room understood why these two soldiers were fighting the Boers. A few younger fellows wanted to join. They were too late. When the clock struck twelve o’clock Joseph called on the gathering to go home. Wished everyone a safe journey.
‘Would you both have a drink with me before you retire?’ Joseph asked Billy and Joe. Both nodded. ‘Accompany me to the veranda. We’ll be in peace with no interruptions.’ They left the ballroom walked to the veranda to sit around a table. Sights of Brisbane gleamed across the horizon.
‘Joseph, I have a letter I’ve written to Hannah.’ Joe handed Joseph the envelope. ‘Would you make certain this letter is delivered to Hannah please.’ Joe asked.
Joseph took the envelope from Joe. 'You can be certain this letter will be delivered to your wife. I place my life on the letter reaches Hannah.’ Joseph stated. ‘Now gentlemen, let’s partake in a farewell drink before your departure.’ Joseph handed each of his companions a tumbler of rum. Clicking them together, Joseph said. ‘For a safe return. Thank you both for fighting for the Empire.’ Each swallowed their rum in one gulp. Replaced their tumblers on the table.

Boarding SS Cornwall at Brisbane docks Joe and Billy took their place at the bottom of the gangplank. Waving good-bye to Joseph they boarded the vessel, climbed to the top deck to wave to the many spectators who arrived to bid them farewell. Joe wished Hannah was amongst the crowd but understood she wouldn’t be.
When the SS Cornwall sailed along the Brisbane River out to Moreton Bay, Joe looked across to St Helena Island.
TO PURCHASE THIS BOOK CLICK ONTO THIS LINK: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/758644.
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Re: Pat Ritter. Books

Postby patritter » Sat Dec 16, 2017 10:03 pm

'The Year That Never Was' - Page 30:

Flashes in his mind reminded him of the years he spent as a prisoner for taking the place of Joseph Ryan after ‘The Great Shearers Strike of 1891’. His mind filled with memories, particular thoughts if Billy Wells still remained on the island. His thoughts flashed to this similar occasion after The Honourable Joseph Ryan, Esquire, MLA asked him to fight for the Empire. This time he made his own decision to fight for the Empire not to take his friend's place.
‘Joe. Can I ask you a question?’ Billy asked his companion after the ship passed through the passage on their journey north.
‘By all means. Go ahead.’ Joe answered not having a clue what question his friend was to ask.
‘How did you meet The Honourable Joseph Ryan, Esquire, MLA?’ Billy queried.
Before Joe answered, thoughts rushed through his mind how to explain their association. ‘We shore sheep together on ‘Tilbaroo Station’ in 1890.’ Joe answered with the truth.
Joe imagined the wheels of thought racing through Billy’s mind. ‘You own ‘Tilbaroo Station’.’ Billy replied in an inquisitive voice.
‘Yes. Nat and Martha gifted the station to Hannah and I when we married.’ Joe explained.
‘This is like drawing teeth. If you worked with The Honourable Joseph Ryan, Esquire, MLA as a shearer. How did he become a member of Parliament?’ Billy questioned.
‘We have plenty of time. I’ll tell you the whole story.’ Joe commenced to share his story with Billy. Started with shearing with Joseph on ‘Tilbaroo Station’ explaining the intense idea Joseph developed wanting to help his fellow shearers improve wages and working conditions. Joe followed with the event of ‘The Great Shearers Strike of 1891’ continued on with swapping places. His conviction and imprisonment on St Helena Island Prison finishing off with meeting Joseph at Barcaldine to change back to their rightful identities.
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Re: Pat Ritter. Books

Postby patritter » Sun Dec 17, 2017 10:41 pm

'The Year That Never Was' - Page 31:

‘Wow! What a story. You’re a bloody hero Joe. I’m in the presence of a hero.’ Billy shouted with joy shaking his friend’s hand, slapping him on the shoulder.
‘Not so much of the hero stuff, Billy. More a bloody idiot for going along with the plan.’ Joe answered.
‘No mate. You are a hero to take the place of a coward like The Honourable Joseph Ryan, Esquire, MLA. You are a hero mate.’ Billy couldn’t make his expression clearer.
‘Billy, you’ve got to understand at the time we swapped places, Joseph Ryan was engaged to Hannah. This was my idea to change places because I wanted them together. I didn’t realise at the time I’d be thrown into prison.’ Joe explained.
‘Doesn’t matter. You are with me. We’re going to another country to fight the bloody Boers for our Empire. I wouldn’t want to be with anyone else but you to be by my side through this fight.’ Billy did something which was uncalled for at this stage. He hugged Joe, wrapped his arms around his shoulders. ‘I’ll look out for you.’ Billy released his hold. Never had he ever done this act of friendship to another human being before.
Joe and Billy stood on the top deck of the SS Cornwall. Neither man had ever sailed before. Up to this point of their journey the ocean calm until the winds blew, waves rose above the deck where Joe and Billy stood.
‘What’s up Billy? You’re turning green.’ Joe shouted above the noise of the waves lashing their bodies. Billy turned toward the waves, placed his hand over his mouth, a huge wave almost pushing him against Joe. Billy opened his mouth to speak, his stomach emptied against the wave. Vomit covered his face and shoulders. Joe grabbed hold of Billy to steady him. ‘Come on mate. You’re crook. I'll help you inside before you end up over the side of the ship.’ They grabbed hold of each other, forced the door open, climbed inside, forced the door closed. Joe carried Billy to the sick bay of the ship.
Aboard the ship whispers of the conflict in South Africa seeped through to five hundred soldiers leaving their homeland to fight the Boers in South Africa. British armies, infantry, were defeated by mobile Boer mounted troops. Rumours spread throughout the troops the result of this battle referred to as ‘black week’ when 2300 men were killed or wounded by the Boers in three separate engagements.
‘From the rumours among the soldiers we’re in for the fight of our lives.’ Joe told Billy after their dinner one night. They’d been at sea for almost two months. Billy recovered from his sickness. Officers told them they’d arrive on South Africa shores in December 1899.
TO PURCHASE THIS BOOK CLICK ONTO THIS LINK: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/758644.
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