Item 3 - Diary for the year of Grace 1893

The diary commences with recollections of the Christmas period from 12th December, 1892 to 30th December, 1892, during which the family went to Melbourne. Gracie returned home before Nathaniel. Describes a trip to Tasmania with his father, who was intending to purchase some land. Whilst staying in Melbourne Jones embarked upon a number of short journeys to Geelong, Warragul, Buln Buln, Orbost (description of the Latrobe River) , Lake Wellington, and Lake Tyers. The diary was written whilst Jones was the Priest in the district of Tarnagulla and Newbridge. It is mostly a general account of his parish work (visits, titles of sermons, etc), and daily life. At this time Jones is supervising readers and mentions their progress and his activities relating to this. Mentions a number of young men wishing to enter into the Church; Gamble, Kent, Crawford, Oakes. Friday, 20th January 1893 Jones received a letter from Ward suggesting that a Dr. Cox, with whom he had spoken was confident of restoring Jones" voice. Ward invited Jones to Melbourne in order to consult with the doctor. Jones resolved to go. He left for Melbourne 23rd January, 1893 and remained there until 2nd February, 1893. Gives a detailed description of the diagnosis and treatment of the growth upon his vocal chords which had rendered his voice inaudible for approximately 2 years. In his absence some trouble arose at home involving Jones Senior and J.R. Majendie (a reader?). Jones returned to Melbourne for further treatment 15th February, 1893 - 18th March, 1893, accompanied by his father. The entry for Wednesday 8th March, 1893 describes the 'At Home' held by the Bishop and Mrs. Goe (he gives a second account of this event in a letter to Gracie 9th March 1893 - see GRACIE JONES Correspondence In). Jones preached in St. Mary's, Brighton Rd. on 15th March, 1893. Jones outlines some controversy between he, Langley, and Archdeacon MacCullough over the disposition of Oakes (24th March, 1893 -8th April, 1893). Describes the birth of his son 9th April, 1893. Outlines his proposal for a readers scheme based in Bendigo which he put to the Archdeacon in a meeting with him 10th April, 1893. 22nd April, 1893 - 26th April,1893 Jones records correspondence with the Bishop regarding 'Palmer', who wished to enter the ministry. Entries for July to September 1893 mostly relate to Church business.