Sesqui Diary

Sydney Morning Herald

Thursday June 11, 1992

From the diaries of A. B. Spark: September 26, 1842: Sold the steamer Tamar by auction for Pound 3,000 thus enabling the Steam Company to bring their affairs to a more rapid conclusion. My little daughter was inoculated in both arms by Dr Wallace. Her mother afterwards drove me home.

October 10: Nothing but unpleasantness and apprehension in Sydney and my life is scarcely worth possessing.

October 11: Returned early from the bank for the purpose of meeting the Steam Committee. Good prospect of early settlement.

October 13: The Trust Company will neither give me the Pound 5,000 promised nor return part of my land. I feel as if in utter despair of ever overcoming the difficulties with which I am surrounded.

October 14: Saw Mr Barker on the subject of the Trust Company's estimate of property. Intend making a fresh proposal.

October 17: Very blowing and dusty. Mr Robinson the architect came out to appraise the buildings at Tempe that I may show the Trust Company the error of their estimates, Pound 4,640.

October 18: Feel apprehension in attending the Bank Board and am relieved when it is over. My Maria called for me, when after a little shopping we drove home.

October 26: Solicited for my vote by Mr Holden, a candidate for civil honour. Attend Marine.

The diaries of Alexander Brodie Spark are held in the Mitchell Collection of the State Library of NSW.