Tuesday, September 24.—­Seedy all yesterday; no diary; straight to bed; hot water from hospital; footbath.

Managed to get half a dozen sheets zinc from Superintendent for roofing.

Distributed books to Elders yesterday afternoon.

Felt rather hopeless to-day; so much to do; quite at loss where to begin; inclined just to sit still.

Visited southern corner of camp; Mrs. De Lint poorly; read letter written by husband.

Gave out “briefies” for rice to some tents.

Astounded this evening by doctor, “Well, now, wasn’t it fine that I got you the right to grant briefies?” And this is the Donation Store, quite independent of all Government Stores!  A gentleman gave Mr. Becker L50 for things; these goods arrived yesterday.  Really, doctor takes the cake—­with baker and all!  Told him a few gentle truths about these goods.

Letters from home; hope those groceries of mine will come along all right; and that order for L20 worth of stuff[54].  May I succeed in getting the sole right of distribution when that arrives.

Champion[55] writes that at present he cannot fulfil order; disappointing.

One does long so for something nice—­some extras which here are quite unobtainable[56].  Dry bread gets a bit monotonous after a while, and the “vrekvlijs” becomes nauseous as the days roll by.  It thrusts its miserable, lean presence upon us day by day, and now it has become a dreaded nightmare.

“Kerkeraads vergadering” in tent this afternoon; six Elders to discuss Sunday services; the grumblers would not rest until they too had their own big marquee tent on the old site.

Suggested that we have only one morning service in new place and two afternoon services—­one for old people at old place and one for young at new place; could take further steps later on for a double morning service if necessary; Elders agreeable; disperse.

Funerals; four; Mr. Van der Merwe died last night; felt sick myself, and made fool of myself at graveside; but really could not contain myself as they lowered the remains of Mr. Van der Merwe into grave; so big and fine a man; in flower of manhood; wife dead, child dead; so gentle and patient in his suffering; felt so drawn to him because of his huge helplessness.  Hard lines!  Hard lines!  Poor Nurse Rouvier!  After all these weeks of devoted, patient, hopeful attendance.  It does make one feel rather low.  Quite unable to make any sort of address at grave; sorry did not ask Mr. Otto.

Went through hospital; Mr. V.d.B. and Mr. Norval both dangerously ill; fear the worst; pneumonia; former hard character, but to-day quite softened; long talk; not yet saved; prayer; great suffering.

Read Psalm 27 to latter and prayed; very thankful.

Girlie Van der Berg in new ward very low; so weak.  May God in His tender mercy hear our prayer and restore her!

Lenie Steyn; hysterical; delirious all day; last night great consternation; got her into hospital this morning.