From Coast To Coast

By Dawn Pitts

This novel, the eighth in the series, follows the lives of the two families as the children grow into adulthood and leave home.
Benjamin, Patricia and Rose remain on the farm and Rose continues her education in Chadora and moves to Bunbury where she completes her high school studies before fulfilling her dream to become a schoolteacher like her mother was. Rose boards with her aunty in Bunbury and she becomes like a sister to Edward.
Ambrose lives in the cottage and continues his love of playing the piano and tending to chores on the property with his son, Benjamin.
Elizabeth, Connor and their children, Edward and Charlotte remain in Bunbury and with the introduction of television into their home convey some of the news to their friends in Chadora.
Charlotte also is in her high school years and when the time is right, she commences her nurses training at Royal Perth Hospital (RPH) and on graduation moves to King Edward Memorial Hospital (KEMH) for her midwifery training.
The hospitals of that era provided accommodation for their nurses and under their guidance were cared for. House rules were strict with only limited time permitted for social activities when the time to report in to the staff on duty, maintained homelike discipline.
Edward is a young man and behaved as such, yet, he is not averse to sewing the arms and legs of the girls’ pyjamas or short-sheeting their beds if they were being difficult to live with.
Ronald and Maxine’s son, Kenneth, is a young man, mature beyond his years in many ways as he set his mind on his trade as a mechanic. Despite his maturity, Kenneth was not beyond picking up his friend, Charlotte, and carrying her kicking and screaming in to the surf and dropping her. Her brother also if he could catch him off guard. Such was the simplicity of social gatherings.
Rose’s dream of visiting the Morgan family in Sydney is dashed when their prize bull dies, leaving them with a debt.
Connie Morgan, now living in Sydney with her husband, Charles and their adult family, has continued her nursing career and is a Matron in an aged care facility.
The space race is beginning and the Russian Sputnic could be seen moving across the sky to the amazement of the world below.
The American Government announces the plan to put a man on the moon within ten years and an American communication base is built and manned in the Northwest town of Exmouth at a cost of $33 million dollars.
Kenneth Murphy meets Mary Louise Jones and a romance develops moving the next generation of the family.
Rose and Charlotte meet prospective husbands and like their Uncle Alexander sent their parents a photo of themselves with a note written on the back saying, ‘me and a friend’.
The story leads the characters to towns south and east and they remain in contact with their friends From Coast to Coast.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dawn Pitts
• Release date: Aug 14, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370480623

Dawn Pitts

My writing career began in 1999 when I was led to write a children's book. A few years earlier I was working as a Library Assistant in a high school and soon discovered that a number of young teenagers had reading difficulties and that there was no suitable material for them to read. This was the seed that grew a few years later when I was walking regularly in an effort to lose weight when I heard a voice tell me to write a children's book. My reaction was, "No way. I'm not good at that sort of thing and where would I start." Feeling smug I continued home and tried to put the idea out of my mind. A few days later the Reader's Digest arrived in the letterbox and in it was a course for Writing for Children. I almost died."Over the next six months I completed the course and then had the confidence to join a local writing group. Since then I've have had success entering both local and national competitions. I now teach classes as a volunteer and enjoy passing the knowledge on to other authors.I have three adult children and five adult grandchildren.

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FROM COAST TO COAST

By Dawn Pitts

Copyright © 2015

Cover Photo by Dawn Pitts

©

This book is copyright and apart from any fair dealing for criticism or review under the copyright act no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission.

License Notes

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favourite eBook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

About Dawn Pitts

Dedication

Tribute to Pioneers

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Other books by Dawn Pitts

Connect with Dawn Pitts

Tribute to Pioneers

(Early Settlement of Western Australia)

Australia was settled by people, who had dreams to fulfil. Men women and children who, through sheer stubbornness and hard work tamed and developed the land. They too, like today’s folk on the land, fought against flood, drought and raging bushfires. This series of books depicts the fight that two pioneer families made to tame their land. Fictional characters are entwined with the historical facts of the time in which the books are set.

Dedication

I wish to dedicate this book to those who have assisted me by prof-reading and re-reading these words that paint a picture of a life once lived by real people in this great land Australia.

An author is not alone for it is a team effort to produce a novel. It is something that takes time, effort, and sometimes tears, to bring to life a story so that the reader is transferred to another place, another time, and become connected emotionally to the characters that live out the story. Thank you to those who purchase the book, and to my family members who have encouraged me along the way.

PROLOGUE

Much has happened since Benjamin and Patricia’s daughter, Rose, was born in September 1953, Eleanor Roberts told Winton Andrews, who was sitting close by. She allowed her mind to dwell on all that had taken place during those years she and Winton had read about her family’s history from the tin trunks they had discovered in the barn at the family home at Chadora. The house her great-great-great-grandfather purchased from his cousin Mark Whittiker who had developed it over a number of years into a working cattle farm and then decided to go into other businesses. It was at the time Doctor Ambrose Whittiker, his cousin, accepted the opportunity to purchase the land so that it remained within the family. Sadly Doctor Whittiker was killed in a car accident on the Dwellingup Road.

After his parents’ death Benjamin’s father, Ambrose, or ‘AJ’ as he was called as a lad, inherited the property. When Benjamin and Patricia were married Ambrose built a cottage at the rear of the main house to allow them to begin a new life together without his interference.

Over the years from the end of 1953 to 1963 many changes took place in the world, and the family adjusted to them. But the history we have read shows there were no dramatic changes within the family, Eleanor informed Winton.

"Yes, I noticed that as well; there was a Polio epidemic during the Royal Tour in the early fifties. Then the space race began with the Russians putting Sputnik I into space and the USA answered with a plan to put a man on the moon within ten years of the announcement in 1959. And there was a cyclone at the small coastal town of Onslow in WA. On the 24th January, 1961, and because of the resultant weather conditions in the South West of the state, a lightning strike started a bushfire that destroyed many small mill settlements in the Darling Range, including the town of Dwellingup," Winton Concluded.

"I read that section, but I am more interested in connection with what occurred with the earlier history and my ancestors in the 1800s. It states here that Ambrose Whittiker and his son, and daughter-in-law, Benjamin and Patricia, along with Rose, their daughter, remain on the farm at Chadora, and Connor and Elizabeth Beck and their two children, Edward, and Charlotte, live in Bunbury.

And the Whittiker family’s close friends, the Morgan’s, moved to Sydney, New South Wales, to start new lives after the tragic death of Nelson and Frances Morgan in a freak accident while returning from their honeymoon. Charles Morgan, and his wife Connie, in conjunction with their son-in-law, George Marshal, commenced a new Accounting Business in Sydney, and after their only living son, Nelson and his wife, Frances Morgan, completed their degrees in accountancy at university, also joined them; making it a family business, Eleanor continued.

"Ronald Murphy, Connie Morgan’s nephew, his wife and son, Maxine and Kenneth, continue living in Bunbury and Ronald is the manager of a farm machinery firm. Kenneth, after completing his apprenticeship in mechanics is employed at Dorsett Motors a new and used car sales business.

Connie continues her nursing career and became Matron in a suburban hospital. Gloria Morgan, her daughter-in-law, completed her teacher’s training and obtained a position at the same suburban school in which, Hope, her daughter was a pupil. Eleanor concluded and lapsed into silence.

Eleanor! Winton spoke softly, not wishing to startle her, You were miles away, darling, so I left you to your thoughts and made us a cup of tea, he explained, and kissed her softly.

I’m sorry Winton. I didn’t notice you had left the room. As you know I’ve been going through the trunks for the years from 1954 to 1962. So many things happened during those years, she remarked, and continued to explain what she had read.

"Connor and Elizabeth purchased an investment property in the Bunbury area and had encouraged other family members to do so. Ambrose purchased a half acre property at a small settlement of Eaton overlooking the estuary and rented it out. Benjamin and Patricia purchased property not far from Elizabeth and Connor’s home in 1960 at the same time. A few years later they all purchased a second property for rental.

After Ronald, Maxine and Kenneth sold their land in Donnybrook they also accepted the advice given to them by Connor and began to purchase land and real estate for security in years to come.

I had not realised the influence accountants had in those years, Eleanor. Today it is called ‘building a portfolio of property’. That’s remarkable. I remember grandad, Alan Murphy, talking about how Uncle Charles and Aunty Connie explained the benefits of purchasing property to him in letters and phone calls after their moving to the other side of the nation."

"The nineteen fifties are a sad time and were the catalyst for Aunty Connie and Uncle Charles to move to Sydney, Eleanor. Yet as always, life moves forward through the tears and laughter. The marriage of my great grand-parents, Kenneth Murphy to Mary Jones in 1964 and the birth of their two children, Alan in 1965 and then a daughter, Daphne, my mother, brought much joy to my ancestors Ronald and Maxine Murphy, who continue to live in Bunbury. It was through Ronald’s birth at Donnybrook when Aunty Elizabeth commenced nursing at the hospital as an assistant nurse that the reuniting of the Whittiker and the Murphy families was made. I am so glad our families are all in good health and we can share our lives with them, Eleanor.

It was on one of my trips to Sydney that I was able to begin to join my family together in a meaningful manner. Aunty Connie was telling me about the connection and the joy she felt knowing where her deceased brother’s son was. She even told me of our family living in America and one day I’d like to travel over there and see them, Winton told her.

It appears to me Winton, that most of the trunk contains letters from Connie, Charles and their families in Sydney that cover the most relevant news items of interest and the replies from those in Western Australia.

Shall we continue to follow their lives? he asked and together they examined more of the history of the pioneering families Levi Whittiker and Samuel Murphy, who met on the shores of Cockburn Sound in WA in 1833.

CHAPTER ONE

Gosh it is so hot, Mum, Rose stated, as she hurried into the kitchen after completing her usual chores.

It certainly is. While you were doing that, I made some lemon drink and put a tray of iceblocks in it, would you like some?

Yes, please. Dad’s coming inside now; will I get the glasses out for you. Seeing her mother’s approval, she did so.

Ah! That feels better, Benjamin said, on entering the house. I’ve washed my face and head in cold water and I feel almost human again. Even at this hour it is hot.

I feel sorry for the animals, don’t you? We can have our cold drinks and come into the house and they have to stay in the paddocks in the sun.

That’s why I’ve kept several stands of trees in the paddocks for them to shelter under during extreme weather.

Right now, Dad, I think I’d rather the winter.

I’ll remind you of that, Rose, when you come home from school cold and wet.

Mm. I think I said something on my birthday, like, ‘I’ll be glad when the summer’s here,’ when we had an unexpected frost.

If it’s hot tomorrow, Mum, do you think you and Mr Farrow will send us home from school?

You do have an imagination, Rose. The Education Department would not be pleased if we did.

Drats! she exclaimed, clicking her fingers to add meaning to her feelings.

I’d thought you’d have the radio on listening to the tennis, or is it the cricket? Benjamin queried.

I’ve been listening to the cricket since I’ve been home from school and Australia has won the third Test. Next week they play in Adelaide, Patricia told him.

No doubt Elizabeth will be calling this evening to bring you up to date with the scores; if they haven’t gone for a swim and have fish and chips for tea on the beach.

If not Elizabeth, Connor or Edward will. He is quite a young man now and is as enthusiastic about the game as his parents are.

A swim and tea at the beach sounds fun…

You can swim in the dam if you wish to, Rose.

No thank you, Dad. The water is far too cold for me. When I tried last year it took my breath away, it was so cold I experienced cramps for hours. If you and mum hadn’t been with me I could have drowned, she reminded them.

You are dramatising the event a little, young lady.

It sounds better that way! But it did frighten me as I couldn’t touch the bottom with my feet and when I did manage to it was slimy. Yuck! she replied, giving a chuckle. "I loved sleeping under the stars and watching Sputnik I wink its way across the clear night sky. I’m still surprised that we could see it blinking across the heavens beneath the millions of stars. Mum and Dad, do you think man will ever walk on the moon?"

I believe a man or men will do so at some time in the future, Rose, her mother stated.

I’m sure you’re correct. From what Alexander was telling me when he and the family were here. The Americans are determined to develop space exploration and I have no idea what inventions will be made to achieve it.

Gosh, Dad, it sounds like something the author Jules Verne writes. I wonder if a watch like the one Dick Tracy, the cartoon character, wears and talks into like a phone will be a reality. Now that is unbelievable! she exclaimed, and sipped her drink. Thanks Mum, this is delicious. I’ll go and do my homework before tea. Will that be all right?

Yes, Rose. I’ll call you when it’s ready.

Benjamin and Patricia watched their daughter leave the room. Sometimes I feel sad that we have no other children to keep her company, Benjamin. I feel I’ve failed you.

My darling Patricia; how could you feel that way? We have a beautiful intelligent daughter and I wish for nothing. My brother, Alexander has a son to carry on the family name. I remember what you went through to give birth and felt guilty for doing that to you.

I forgot that the moment she was born.

Shall we have tea outside beneath the wisteria vine? I’ll light the old wood-fired stove and you can cook on that and not heat the house.

Eating outside will be more comfortable. As for tea, I’ve cold meat and salad prepared for tonight with stewed fruit and ice-cream to follow, thank you Benjamin.

Rose entered the kitchen an hour later and asked, Is there anything I can do to help Mum, I’ve finished my homework?

Would you like to pass me the trays and we can take our meal outside to eat before the mozzies find us.

The cool breeze rustled the leaves as they listened to the radio through the open lounge room window.

Mm. A delicious meal, Mum. It was just what I felt like. Thank you, Rose said, reaching across the table to collect their plates. She continued. I’ll do the dishes Mum. You and dad stay in the cool for a while longer.

Thank you. We’ll go for a walk while you do them, her father said, and taking Patricia’s hand led her towards the bush track.

Some days later they were listening to the news when the phone rang, Hello, Elizabeth; I thought you’d call this evening. How are you all? Patricia greeted.

"We’re all well and, like you, suffering through this heatwave. I’m so glad to be listening to the cricket in the cool of the house and not playing it. The fourth Test was a drawn game, which is disappointing, but as Edward keeps reminding me, ‘Mum, it’s only a game.’ When we explained that to him when he was small, I never thought I’d be regularly reminded of it. He really took it to heart.

We’ve only been home a short while as Connor arrived home from the office and suggested we go for a swim. While we were swimming Ronald, Maxine and Kenneth were strolling along the beach. Being such a surprise we decided to buy fish and chips. It was such an enjoyable evening, we all felt reluctant to return to our hot homes.

We stay outside in the cool of the evening until the mozzies decide to attack us, then we come into the house, Patricia told her.

Kenneth is nineteen this year and has grown to be a mature young man. Well, maybe not. When they are at the beach, he isn’t beyond picking up Charlotte and tossing her into the ocean. Edward as well if he can catch him. We do laugh at their playing. We were no different running around the orchard as kids escaping the boys carrying a spider in a jar. Once we realised the spiders were dead and the boys were also frightened of the live ones, their teasing ended.

I can’t imagine them as naughty boys, now they are grown men, stated Patricia.

If the weather remains as it is, can you close the school and send the children home?

No, Elizabeth. Although the children often suggest we do so. We allow them to keep a damp cloth on the top of their desks to wipe their face during lessons and during lunch and recess, and we encourage them to wet their hair to keep cool. The sun is too strong to allow them out to play.

I remember mum and dad telling us a similar thing, Patricia. In Aunty Connie’s latest letter, she told us that Sydney weather is different to ours and she finds it easier to adjust to. She casually mentioned that she is slowly coming to terms with her title of Matron. Can you imagine Aunty Connie reprimanding anybody?

Not really, but from what I’ve been told she is an excellent nurse and she would expect nothing less from her staff. As for summer rain we need a cyclone up north to get any.

How is dad, Patricia?

He is full of energy and we think he is the happiest he’s been in years. He will always miss mum, of course, yet he feels content. We hear him playing the piano of an evening and marvel at his skill despite his wooden leg. Benjamin plays regularly as well and we all find it far more relaxing than the radio.

Rose also enjoys her piano lessons and she and Benjamin play together several times a week. When she attends the Bunbury High School as a boarder, she will have private lessons. We try not to think about that time as we will miss her terribly. We remind ourselves that experience is a few years away as yet.

The years certainly rush by, Patricia. As a child, when I asked mum where the time went, she’d softly say, ‘into history’. In the meantime, please give my love to the family and I’ll talk to you again soon," Elizabeth told her.

Thank you for calling, please give my love to all, as well. Bye for now. Then hearing her reply, Patricia replaced the phone.

Is that smoke I can smell, Rocket? I’d best climb the lookout, Benjamin told his dog a few weeks later. Stopping at the bottom of the ladder, he ordered, stay! Boy. Then several minutes later he climbed into the shelter, took up the binoculars and scanned the horizon. Looking down he called, Rocket! Fetch Dad! Go! Taking out the pencil and paper he made notes of the direction of the fire and approximate distance from their farm.

Good grief, Rocket, what’s all the fuss about? Ambrose asked. Seeing his agitation and continued barking realised there was a problem. I’m coming, Boy. Not so fast, I’m not as young as I once was.

Woof! Rocket barked.

‘There’s no need to agree with me,’ Ambrose thought, as he headed beyond the milking shed and into the bush.

Before starting his climb he took a small tin with a stone in it from a box nailed at the base of the lookout.

Good, Boy, Rocket, he praised and began to climb.

As he joined Benjamin he was told, There’s a fire, Dad. Would you take a look at it? I’m not sure of the size of it, but it is spreading quickly towards farms northwest of here.

It is spreading fast. It is east of us and appears the size of the 1961 fire that destroyed Dwellingup. If the wind doesn’t change it will reach the new area of Boddington and then who knows? I’ll drop a note to Rocket and get him to give it to Patricia.

I’ve filled out the standard form but I’d like you to add to it, Dad. However, when the wind turns easterly about two in the morning we could be in its path.

I’ll add my views and the time as well, Benjamin. Folding the forms he put them in a tin and drawing Rocket’s attention, called down, Take this to Patricia, Boy. Seeing him grab it firmly Ambrose ordered, Go!

After securing the small cupboard in the tower, they began to climb down.

What did we do before he came into our lives as a small puppy?

Much more running around than we do now, Dad. I’ve noticed him becoming slow in his movements at times and I’ve wondered if we should get a pup and train him with Rocket’s help...

That’s up to you of course, Benjamin...

"Thanks, Dad. I was hoping for some words of wisdom from you. You see, I’ve been mulling the situation over for a few weeks and no matter how I look