Part 9 Farming -- Tony starts work at Tara with John
By now Tony is working under John's watchful eye at Tara and has meet his mate Ian a number of times over this last three months. His work here has been varied but of good quality.
Roger has been watching how Ian is coming along; Ian has already proved himself to the crew especially in regards to Jimbo who is back home recuperating but doing some light work. Roger has recommended to Jim that Ian becomes Station Manager and bring Tony back to become Assistant Station Manage/Maintenance man.
Jim is up with Keith checking on how Pete is doing as things have to be vastly different from working in BC the major item being the climate plus employee attitude is blunter.
This morning Keith says to Jim lets go out in my Ute as I have something to show you, well they are well away and Keith opens up and says Pete is not working out and I cannot put my finger on the problem. I would like you to talk to him as he is a nice person and appears to have no BS in him. How is he with the crew -- hum! I guess the best way to put it is he does seem to mix too well. I'll sure have a talk and Keith have you taken him out over night in the bush -- well no I have not because that generally gets them loosen up. OK Keith I'll talk to Pete later to-day when I see the right opportunity.
On the way back we see Pete heading to-wards us, a quick call Hi Pete you look to be in a rush where are you heading. There is a problem where the cattle are grazing, might be an idea if you see this for yourself OK we are turning around and heading that way.
Must be serious as Pete was not spelling out the problem just hope it is not cattle rustling again. Oh Jim there is ammunition in the glove box both guns are the same caliber and behind the seat wrapped up. Pete has stopped and looking through his field glasses as we pull up alongside him, right over there is a dust trail we will never catch who ever it is too far away.
Jim says they will not get far, we are about 15 minutes from base, Keith goes back and get the chopper meet us here and we will come with you, while you are gone we will make sure that these three animals are dead otherwise we will put them down. Keith is soon back and brings the guns and ammo; luckily this chopper will carry four people. Helmets on please and buckle up. Pete how good a shot are you average, well we shoot out the back tire's and not people. We catch up with the Ute creating the dust trail, Keith says that Is one of ours and he call then on the radio Clara Ute come in please -- no response a second call is made. Jim asks got any of those cracker flare bullets. Some in the ammo box Jim loads two bullets and fire them off just ahead of the speeding truck.
The truck stops and the driver gets out with his hands up in the air. Keith lands the chopper while Jim ropes the person up and then calls the police gives then the GPS co-ordinates. There response was they were not far away and will be there in about 15 minutes.
The police arrive and take this guy into custody and we tell the police we are going to follow back his trail as we suspect there may be another problem as three cattle have been shot and where is the driver for this Ute. So Pete would you dive this Ute back stay on the trail as something might show up if you see anything call us and we will be close to you. Well they get back and no sign of the driver of this Ute, the cattle are all grazing peacefully. Jim is looking around and walks over to a group of trees and then calls out we have an injured man here. He is bleeding badly from his lower leg looks as if he might have been shot.
Well we need to get him to the hospital ASAP; the police who are looking at everything said we will contact the hospital as they have recently put in a helicopter-landing pad so you should be able to get right in there. Our man's lower leg is made secure and well wrapped and loaded in to the chopper. By this time Pete has arrived and we look over the dead cattle, Jim says we need to find the bullet in one of these animals to see if there is a match. Pete is right in there, finds the bullet from the first animal, put it in a plastic bag, and hands it to the police. They eventually get back to base and it is only then that Pete realizes how much blood he has on him. He simply empties all his pockets and goes under the outside shower and washes off.
So Pete says I think I need a beer what about you Jim that would go down nicely thanks. So they sit outside and Jim asks Pete how he is making out. Well not as well as I would like, so what is it that's troubling you. There are things and ways the problems are resolved here in Australia are so different to BC and I have to change my ways if I'm going to fit in.
Jim says today you acted in a proper manner and hopefully our crew member will heal up and be back to normal sooner than later. The Aboriginal folk seem to have a remarkable ability to heal quickly. BC farms generally don't generally employ so many native folk as we do in this country that is so different for me says Pete, however I must say they are very good with the cattle and other livestock.
A question for you Pete, since you have been living here have you gone bush; in other words have you taken your swag and grub and spent time over night with any of the crews. No, I have not to date; by the way, do you have swag not at present but have one on order that is good. Keith may have a spare one because as soon as he is back with a report on Big Tom then tonight will be a good night to go bush and tell the Aboriginal crew status of there mate. Those guys will appreciate getting this information first hand and you will see how they react.
We hear the chopper coming in, so Pete just remember I'm always hear to listen and if you are having problems don't let them get bottled up just talk about. Pete says thanks for your time and listening.
Keith arrives and see us both having a beer and says that is one heck of a good idea and brings out three more beers. First, he says Pete you did real good thank you, so he asks how is the patient, doing well and they got the bullet out of his leg and it has been handed over to the police to see if it matches which I am sure, it does. They have Big Tom sedated at present but he is expected to be in for about a week and then he can come home but will have to use a crutch because they are going to put a plaster on his leg as some bone was shattered.
Keith have you got a spare swag yes I do well I'm going to suggest that you two go bush to-night and meet up with crew and let them know first hand the status of Big Tom is and as you know they will want to know. I can easily stay here in case anything should crop up -- dammed good idea what do you think Pete you willing to join me going bush -- sure am. This will be a new experience for me so what do we take basically nothing other than some grub and water; I have two esky's already equipped for this type of event. Pete has got up and Keith says I would put your shorts in a bucket of water and let then soak over night you still have a fair amount of blood on then, just wear some old shorts and shirt and take a jacket and hat. I'll go and get the esky's ready.
Time is now 4:00pm and Keith and Pete take off, they arrive on site some 45 minutes later. The crew is getting its grub going; come with me Pete says Keith. The crew ask how is Big Tom doing well but they have him heavily sedated, he has some shattered bone so a plaster will be put on and he will have to use a crutch for a period. Well we both decided to let you know first hand and we are going to stay out over night so we can all talk about to-days events.
Use our fire for cooking please and we have lots of good boiling water for tea, thanks we will do that. We make ourselves two mugs of tea and top up the kettle with more water. I throw a couple of spuds in the hot ashes and cover them over, I said to Pete leave them now for about 30 minutes and then we will put the chops on. Well supper was cooked and we had plenty of chops some for everyone and during this time much discussion on what happened. Eventually we all settled down in our swags, I roused during the night for a good piss and crawled back in.
Next morning at daylight the fire was reactivated and the kettle was brought to the boil ready for tea. We started packing up and Pete said thanks for the information you gave both Keith and I. There answer no problems mate we all must work as a family and look after each other. The crew came over to shake hands but in fact they came to give Pete a good hug thank you for what I did for our mate. Well we both got into the chopper and took off, Keith said well Pete what do you think of last night; an incredible experience I would not have missed for anything. Pete I know things here are different from BC but that type of communication really helps further more you will find your name will now be spread far & wide via the Aboriginal Community you will be accepted by them generally.
Next report Jim gets regarding Pete from Keith was that Pete is a changed man and is much happier thanks for your efforts. Jims thoughts well that a problem we did not need.
So everything is running well, also Jim got Keith and all his crew used to using Hi-Vis safety gear, and now he has to get all the kids going the same way.
The next morning, Jim has gone with Keith to visit the school and to have a safety talk to the kids as we are going to have a fair amount of traffic going through the town site creating dust.
They were told for there own safety they needed to be seen so please wear Hi-Vis shirts like the ones we are both wearing. Now in the first instant we are going to give you all a shirt, addition ones will cost you $10 look at the shirt as a uniform shirt which what you would have wear if you were living in town. Now if there is a lots wind the dust and grits gets into your eye so please safety glasses as that will reduce the problem by about 90%. Thanks folk look forward to seeing those shirts being worn at all times, all of you have a safe day.