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Pat (Tex) Ritter
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25.01.2022 'The Year That Never Was' - Page 89: 'Perhaps if we explain our position to Nat.' Sir Henry interrupted. 'I'm listening.' Nat said. 'Nat, in 1891 we commenced with a broad outline of a Federal government. Its lower house to be elected by districts drawn up on the basis of population.' Sir Henry continued to explain the process of writing the 'Constitution' over the past decade to have a document to be accepted by Queen Victoria.... After Sir Henry explained the pathway his members wrote the 'Constitution' his reply astonished the other men present. 'I understand your point in this gentlemen. Don't worry about Martha's quest. This is more important to Australia as a nation than to slow down the process. Whenever Parliament is formed for Australian Government perhaps changes can be made to the 'Constitution' to include Indigenous peoples.' Nat understood he needed to let-go to allow these power house of gentlemen to foreclose and made Australia a nation. 'We thank you for understanding.' Sir Henry admitted. 'Now this is all cleared up. Shall we join our wonderful wives.' Sir Henry finished. They joined their wives in the Refreshment area. 'What happened?' Asked Martha soon after Nat sat beside her. 'We'll talk about this later.' His expression not pleasing for Martha to understand her proposal wasn't accepted. Quiet whispers of conversation between husbands and wives rushed around the table. See more
18.01.2022 'The Year That Never Was' - Page 85: 'To answer your question Mrs Young. We have sufficient work to do without worrying about Indigenous peoples of this country.' Sir Edmund stated. Martha tried to hold her tongue but couldn't. 'We have friends who were herded like a mob of sheep from their tribal areas; forced to live on the outskirts of Cunnamulla living in Gunyas.' Martha's eyes moved to her husband seated beside her. 'Our daughter, Hannah, befriended a family named Whitem...an. We've become very close to this family. Mr Barton, these Indigenous people have been living in this country for over fifty thousand years. They must be included into this whatever-you-call-it.' Martha stopped. Each person at the table glared at Martha as if she wore two heads not believing the words she'd spoken nor displaying the courage to display her ideas to such distinguished people. 'Anything to drink here?' Julia asked looking for a waiter to serve them. Silence at the table. Sir Samuel leaned toward Nat to whisper in Nat's ear. 'Can you tell your wife to leave this go so we can enjoy our meal in peace. I think she's said enough to stir the pot.' Nat nodded. Nat leaned over to his wife, 'Please let sleeping dogs lie. This is not the time nor place to send your message. Convince their wives of your demands. These fellows are all 'Sirs'. They expect respect.' Martha's words whispered by her husband. She nodded. Her thoughts refocused. 'I will not let this go. More than one way to skin a cat.' She smiled at the group to show she received the message from her husband. Meeting each wife on the deck of SS Australian departing Sydney Cove Martha's mood settled to enjoy sighting open ocean. 'Shall we partake of refreshments Ladies?' Joan Parkes asked her new friend Martha, who she took an instant warmth to.
13.01.2022 'The Year That Never Was' - Page 87: 'Tell us Martha how did you meet this Daisy friend of yours?' Julia asked her friend. Martha shared her story of first meeting Daisy at Christmas Dinner when they all gathered at 'Tilbaroo Station'. Prior to meeting her son Desi who stayed at their property. Martha's face brightened at the memories when her daughter hugged Daisy. When Martha explained Daisy cooked a goanna for Christmas Dinner, Joan placed her hand to her mouth. 'How did y...ou ever eat Goanna?' Joan's facial features tightened in horror. 'Similar to chicken.' Martha explained. Continuing to share her story with her guests how delicious the goanna to eat. All of the other woman looked at Martha astonished to think any white person ate goanna. 'I hope they don't have goanna for lunch here.' Sarah cried. 'We'll find out.' Julia waved to a waiter who walked to their table. 'How can I help you ladies?' The waiter asked in a jovial manner. 'Have you any goanna on the menu?' Asked Julie smiling. 'No. Madam! We wouldn't have anything so disgusting.' The waiter replied unable to wonder why these distinguished ladies would want to eat goanna. 'What about porcupine?' Asked Martha looking into the waiter's eyes. 'No!' He exclaimed. 'Anything else I can help you with ladies?' 'A menu please?' Julia asked. The waiter handed Julia a menu. 'I'll return when you are ready to order.' He walked away. 'I think you scared him off Martha.' Joan admitted after the waiter left. See more
13.01.2022 'The Year That Never Was' - Page 88: After reading the menu Julia raised her hand to signal the waiter to return for their order. He wrote down their orders, left without another word being spoken. 'After listening to your story about Daisy, Martha. I've decided to follow in Julia's footsteps and not let Sir Henry take advantage of me from my waistline down until they include Indigenous peoples into the 'Constitution. You have my vote.' Joan smiled. Nat's idea is working. Mar...tha thought to herself. A smile spread across her lips. In the smoking room four men sat around a table. 'Nathan, your wife has plenty to say about wanting to include Indigenous peoples into the 'Constitution'?' Sir Edmund remarked to open conversation. Nat thought about his answer before he opened his mouth wanting to protect Martha in front of these distinguished gentlemen. 'I agree with my wife.' Nat put his hand in the air to stop any conversation from the others present. 'I am the largest owner of pastoral land in south-west Queensland. Gentlemen, this land didn't fall into my lap, so to speak. Over many years I worked hard to attain this land. Taking risks way above my head. Martha has stood beside me all of the way. I will support her in all her views to include Indigenous peoples into the 'Constitution'. Nat finished, stumped his cigar out on the ashtray. 'I wish we had room to include Indigenous peoples into the 'Constitution' to appease your wife and yourself, however, at this point in time we need to have this document completed to be given Royal Assent by Queen Victoria on 9th July 1900.' Sir Edmund told the gathering more directing his answer to Nat. 'Much work to be completed.' 'I understand how difficult is for you Nat. We've been working on this document for over a decade. Julia has been more than patient with me through this time. She's threatened me by using no hanky panky policy in the bedroom if I don't agree with Martha's claims. You must understand Nat this is bigger than Martha's claims. I can assure you.' Sir Samuel shared his point of view.
10.01.2022 'The Year That Never Was' - Page 84: Sir Samuel whispered to Nat. 'You got a hot one, my friend.' Nat smiled, took hold of his wife's hand. You haven't seen anything yet! He thought. 'Here comes Sir Edmund. You may want to discuss with him about Indigenous peoples being included into the 'Constitution'. He'll become our first Prime Minister of Australia.' Sir Henry's sharp tongue echoed through Martha's ear drums. Sir Henry rose, shook hands with Sir Edmund nodded to his wife.... 'Sir Edmund. May I introduce you to Mr Nathan Young, his wife Martha who are from Queensland to assist with the writing of the 'Constitution'.' Nat stood, shook hands with Sir Edmund. Martha stood, nodded, sat down. Sir Edmund with his wife sat to join the group. 'How was your cruise down from Queensland?' Sir Edmund asked the group in general. 'Very good. Thank you for asking.' Sir Samuel answered, not quite certain if Martha's temper would overflow toward Sir Edmund. 'My wife and I will be accompanying you to Melbourne when SS Australian sails.' Sir Edmund continued. 'My wife and I will also be joining this voyage Sir Edmund. This'll give you time to digest what Mrs Young wants. To include Indigenous peoples in our 'Constitution'.' Sir Henry smirked. His anger still girdling inside his mind to have a woman express her point of view. 'Why should we include Indigenous people in our 'Constitution'?' Sir Edmund queried. Nat nudged Martha in the ribs. 'Before you arrived Mr Barton, I asked why Indigenous peoples are not included in the 'Constitution'?' Martha's confidence rose to make the question clear. See more
04.01.2022 'The Year That Never Was' - Page 90: 'I'm sorry Martha. They are not going to include Indigenous peoples in the 'Constitution'. Sir Henry, no more hanky panky below the waistline for you.' Joan looked at her husband. Smiled at Martha. Sir Henry looked at his wife in a way if looks were daggers Joan would've been dead on the spot. 'Also same goes for you Sir Samuel. No sex until you change your mind.' Julia's voice rose loud enough, everyone at the table understood her words. ...'I'm sorry ladies. I tried to change the minds of these gentlemen. After listening to their argument I say I must agree with them in not including Indigenous peoples in the 'Constitution' at this time. Once Parliament has been established in Australia, this policy can be reviewed.' Nat spoke as if he was a politician. Martha looked at the dissapointment on her friends faces. 'Don't worry ladies. More than one way to skin a cat. Don't blame your husbands for this debacle. Treat them as you would normal. With Nat, I listen to all his argument, never agreeing with him. I do love my husband with all of my heart as I'm certain all of you do with your husbands.' Nat leaned across kissed his wife on the lips. See more
02.01.2022 'The Year That Never Was' - Page 86: 'Excellent idea.' Martha expressed. Standing with the other ladies to move inside to the refreshment room. Being settled Joan sat beside Martha whispered into her ear. 'You showed a lot of spunk to let the men understand about your idea of including Indigenous peoples into their 'Constitution'. I need to learn how you had the courage to speak up.' Joan finished. 'Don't worry about Martha, Joan. I've made my point clear to Samuel. Will be n...o hanky panky below the waistline until he convinces the others to concede to Martha's request.' Julia smiled, sipped her tea. 'I don't think I can go doing what you say Julia. Haven't got the courage. Whenever Henry wants that sort of thing I surrender to him, which is not too often I may add. Thank goodness.' Joan giggled. Martha's mind filled with glee hearing these comments from her friends. Her husband's words echoed in her head. Convince their wives of your demands. Sarah Barton sat silent listening to different conversations. She didn't want to participate. Edmund wouldn't listen to her requests. She wished having Martha's courage to speak up. Where she came from, ladies, ones whom will be the wife of the first Prime Minister of Australia will need to be beside their husbands; not give their husbands any strange ideas of change, with the 'Constitution'. 'I'm most pleased you agree with my wanting Indigenous peoples included into the 'Constitution'. If you'd ask me this question before I become acquainted with my aboriginal friend Daisy, I'm afraid to admit, I would've agreed with Sir Henry.' Martha admonished. See more
