Overview
Leslie Adkin continues to work on his father's farm Cheslyn Rise, near Levin. He also manages two other properties - the North Block and the Rear 42 - and invests a great deal of time and energy in developing those. Farming activities this month include haymaking, firing fern and thistles, cutting scrub, mustering, dagging, shearing, dipping, and attending stock sales. Leslie works with his father William, his brothers Gilbert and Clifford, their farm labourer Andy, and various contract workers.
Having married in December, Leslie and his new wife Maud settle into their temporary home on the North Block. They do their cooking in a camp oven, and Leslie writes on the 21st that 'Maudie cooked some ripping meals.' A new house is being built for them on the Rear 42, and they check in regularly to see how it is progressing. This month the roof goes on, and the builders begin lining interior rooms. Leslie expresses his delight at having Maud there with him, professing her 'an angel + the best ever.'
Both Leslie and Maud are keen readers, and Leslie is an avid photographer. They attend church regularly, and enjoy visits from a number of friends and neighbours.