by J A Scooter
She noticed on the left a bathroom door, so the sign 'Tandas' said, and a flight of steps leading down to a cool quiet cellar.
Peter led the way down the steps. Against the far wall was his family altar and above it the picture of Peter's parents. There was a faint suggestion of incense in the air as three faint wisps of white smoke climbed from three joss sticks.
The bookshelves against one wall were full of engineering manuals. The plaque with its two Gurkha knives hung on another wall. An extensive sound system filled the air with the sounds of 'Love Changes Everything'. The only furnishings were a leather-covered suite of large comfortable chairs and a luxurious sofa. There was no sign of air conditioning but Jennifer knew this room would be both cool in summer and warm in winter.
Jennifer took him back to her office where she pushed him down on the lounge as she kicked off her shoes.
She lay her head in his lap. However before she could speak, the phone rang and she looked expectantly at Peter. "Your phone - you answer!” was Peter's comment.
"Jennifer speaking, oh it's you Mum. Yes... Oh... Okay… It's that important... Lunch... but we've just had breakfast...”
She paused. "Andrew get off the phone, I'm talking to Mum...” She sounded exasperated. "Andrew, I'm talking with Mum. Stop interrupting."
The call ended and she was still annoyed when she informed Peter, "We are due at Mum's in half an hour. We are to lunch and then attend a board meeting. The company solicitor and accountant will be there. You and I don't have to give a report but there'll be a progress report from everyone else.
"That brother of mine's a pest, he wanted to tease me. He said our luggage was on its way over so we wouldn't have to go nude. Really, he's a pest."
Walking into the dining room at Deep Springs, they were not surprised to see Jack, the company solicitor, and Brian, the company accountant stand and welcome them back home. Conversation at the table centered on their trip to Malaysia and Singapore.
The meal was a leisurely affair. Relaxed and well fed, they made their way upstairs to the rear of the house.
Expectantly the party halted at a door with a brass sign, Blake Pastoral Company Boardroom.
Jennifer stood, perplexed, until she slowly realized they expected her to enter the room first. "My God, what's going on?” She was standing at the threshold of a new addition to her old home - a Boardroom.
Around the highly polished teak table were large, leather upholstered, comfortable chairs and in front of each chair was a name plate showing positions - Chairperson, Secretary, Board Member, Company Accountant, Company Solicitor.
Andrew sat Jennifer at the Chairperson's seat and Eric sat Elizabeth in the Secretary's position. The men sat in the Board Member's seats and waited. Then Jack and Brian sat in their allocated seats and everyone waited for Jennifer who remained silent.
Bubbling with enthusiasm, Elizabeth requested, "This is now the company's official boardroom so Jennifer please open the meeting."
Jennifer declared the meeting open and asked her mother to read the minutes from the previous meeting, which were accepted.
The solicitor stood. "I have to report that Peter's ideas for seeking government grants and assistance from universities have proved fruitful.
"The Immigration Department has granted visas for the people we sought and is keeping a close watch on the wages and conditions being offered.
"Letters of appreciation have been sent to your families in KL and Singapore, Peter, for their kind donation of the furniture and furnishings for this Boardroom."
Turning to Peter he added, "I'm afraid your idea, Peter, about bottled water is not viable but Brian will explain."
Brian looked extremely pleased as he rose to deliver his report. "Low interest loans were successfully negotiated with the Commonwealth Government and the money used to bring six 1.3 megawatt wind turbines on line. These towers are on the high ridge above the tree line at the State Pine Forest end of the properties.
"Two universities, Melbourne and the University of Technology Sydney have combined to install a satellite Internet Provider System free - with the proviso that no student will be charged for its use. It is to provide distance education facilities. E-University is the 'in' word.
"Research departments of those universities are also co-operating to a huge extent on our ideas for green, renewable, energy sources.
"The idea that the company investigates development of water conservation, water recycling and water harvesting has really caused tremendous interest. The Commonwealth Government and the two universities have combined to supply government money and university academic expertise for the venture.
"Despite the scope of the new directions for Blake Pastoral, these new ideas have put no financial strain on the company. Indeed, financially the company is stronger than ever."
"The production of bottled water is not feasible as the spring water is unsuitable for such a venture. That has been the only negative outcome I have to report."
Eric took over.
"We've increased our stud bulls with three Murray Grays. We've kept within the budget allowed. The purchase of twelve stud merino rams will eventually boost the value of our wool.
"As well, the company has built pig pens in the area at the Forestry Commission end of Rocky Springs for the processing of the wild pigs. European demands will lead to a lucrative market.
"The employment of stockmen, laborers and farmhands has been difficult but the Department of Immigration and Peter's Gurkha friends with their English Passports have been a boon to us.
"We constructed solar panels at the same site as the wind turbines using land that is totally unsuitable for grazing or crops. In conjunction with both the University of Technology Sydney and the Melbourne University, we are presently investigating the construction of a solar power station at the same location.
"I'm very pleased with our progress which has been amazing and I believe we will have greater success in the next quarter.” Smiling broadly Eric sat.
"Andrew, present your report please.” Jennifer, being officious, was surprised at the speed their plans had been implemented and sat back waiting for more revelations.
Andrew switched on the projector and stood. On the back wall a map of the two properties lit up and, as he spoke, he pointed out the locations on the map.
"We're presently enlarging the shearing sheds on Deep Springs because of the projected increase in our flock. The company is modernizing and converting the shearing shed and shearers' quarters on Rocky Springs into a conference center and motel with a view to making it a subsidiary university campus. The two universities are behind this venture and have had a much-needed input into layout, size and design.
"We've purchased a sixty passenger tourist coach for the transport of students and guests.
"Accommodation for all our workers and the necessary construction changes for their support are complete. We used pre-built steel frames and all houses are fully equipped with satellite TV using Blake ISP as the provider. I must add that we also have kept within budget with our construction.
"The universities have assisted by installing satellite internet access for the Old Shearing Shed Motel ready for lectures.
"The Government and the universities have made the project much easier. Without their co-operation and financial support I doubt if we'd be so close to finalizing the first stage of our plans."
Jennifer leaned back in her seat musing over the way things seemed to have fallen into place.
Elizabeth was the last person to give a report. Standing and smiling broadly, she showed her delight in what she had to report.
"The harvesting of water has commenced and intensive vegetable farming has started along the arable banks of the creeks."
Laughing she turned to her daughter. "See? We didn't forget your comment. 'You're all mad! We'll be out of water in a week. This place - this motel - will soak up water and no one will want to wash in a shaving mug’. In addition, we are constantly aiming to e
nsure a permanent water supply.
"Finding suitable workers has caused a problem as we were unable to get what we needed until we cast our net wider. The result of looking further afield is that we have an enlarged family with the assistance and co-operation of the Immigration Department. We now have a large number of new immigrants and their wives working for us. Our workers include thirty-six Gurkha families, fifteen Thai families, sixteen Tamil, twenty Cantonese families and twenty-five Vietnamese families. Actually we have a multicultural township."
Peter laughed.
"All are legal immigrants. All are earning fair Australian wages. The company employs all the men and women. Both properties have cooks and servants to allow you, Jennifer, freedom to pursue your studies and me time to further develop my musical and teaching skills."
"The motel has staff and we are able to offer Australian, Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese Cuisine and a full interpreter service in Asian Languages. My head whirls when I try to keep up with our workers and their abilities.
"I've been busy teaching the English language and Australian housekeeping to our newcomers. We've opened a pre-school and I've been active, teaching the mothers how to run that as a business. Additional teachers come from town to help. I've kept within budget and am making a small profit, although making a profit is not my aim."
Eric waited until Elizabeth resumed her seat. "Jennifer and Peter it's time to meet some of Blake's new staff,” and he called, "Come in.” Suddenly the room filled with smiling faces.
"Elizabeth, you're Company Secretary and know more of our workers than Jennifer so please welcome everyone."
Elizabeth introduced Jennifer and Peter, the solicitor and the accountant to everyone in the various languages. The Board members were astounded at Elizabeth's fluency and they could only grin, knowing that the teaching was going both ways.
With the introductions over everyone clapped and cheered Elizabeth for her successful efforts in breaking down the language barriers.
Jennifer recognized the Regimental Sergeant Major from her wedding as he stepped forward to speak for the workers.
"Madam Chair, Officers of the Board and Board Members. Everyone nominated me as spokesperson to thank you for your generosity and humanity in bringing our families and us to Australia. Your kindness will never be forgotten, and because you are helping us make a successful Australian life for ourselves and for our children, you can rest assured that we pledge our lives to make this company a safe, secure and resounding success."
"Now, before you go on a tour of the properties, may I request that you join us in a little festivity?"
Without pausing for a reply, he ushered everyone to the grand dining room where the table was groaning with sweetmeats, savories and cakes. No one stood back - not the servants, not the stockmen nor the board members.
The food was just too delicious to ignore. When Peter roared "dua tea au” gales of laughter met his outburst and a servant handed him a glass of ice-cold fruit juice.
Later in her bike gear and following her parents, Jennifer leant across from her bike.
"Will I ever get ahead of you? I don't know how I will ever be surprised again about the way you’ve become part of my family? How can I show you how much I appreciate what you've done for Blake Pastoral?”
Seeing the look in Peter's eyes and the grin on his face, she knew she had said the 'wrong' thing. Her husband was incorrigible. "Can't you think of anything else?” she called behind her as she accelerated to join her mother at the front.
Sliding her bike to a halt at the new cow bails, she was astounded when her mother explained the production figures.
"Yes, we now have our own milkers for milk, cream and butter. We're aiming to become self-supporting and to sell any surplus in town to discerning buyers. You should've seen our first market at the local school while you were away. The Gurkha and Tamil women in their saris caused a stir and the local school earned a lot in commission.
"The vegetable gardens have benefited from all the sheep, cattle and horse manure,” she laughed. “We waste nothing.”
With tears in her eyes, she turned to her daughter and smiled. "Jennifer, I've never been so happy in my life. In our little world, the changes have established a thriving community. We are genuinely helping impoverished families from Asia.
"I've done a lot of teaching and there's a lot more to do, but I believe we've all learned a lot. It's wonderful having so many happy smiling faces working safely here.
"No one dares come onto the property to take an odd sheep or two anymore. Our stockmen looked after a couple of townies trying to imitate the swagman in Waltzing Matilda and no one has been back to try their luck."
Jennifer was surprised at her mother's heartfelt enthusiasm and the new sparkle in her eyes. It was as though Blake Pastoral had been lying dormant for a long time and had suddenly awakened.
A motor cycle gang roared over the hill.
Jennifer couldn't air her thoughts through the approaching noise. 'What have my mum and dad done? Surely, could there be anything more to explain?'
She knew they had all plotted and planned this together before the honeymoon, but things had happened so swiftly.
Yet her mum looked so vitally alive and her dad had a new spring in his step. Even Andrew had forgotten to tease her. She liked what was happening and she liked their plans for the future.
Ten motor bikes halted in front of her mother and the riders dismounted and removed their helmets. All grins, the Gurkha stockmen waited to escort the party.
"The buggers can't ride horses yet they sure can round up cattle on those bikes,” was Andrew's wry comment and he didn't bother to remove his helmet.
"Got to teach 'em how to crack whips but they sure have learned how to make the cattle dogs work. The dogs sit behind them and snarl at the cattle, and if that's not enough, they launch themselves like projectiles and swing on the beasts' ears. The cattle have learned how to behave - just like school kids marching into school."
"Must get one of them to train a dog I can send after Sis when she annoys me. However, I suppose it would be quicker to tell Peter to calm her down. Bet he knows how.” He threw his head back and roared his merriment to the heavens.
His laughter quickly stopped when Jennifer grabbed his helmet and shook his head mercilessly until his teeth rattled.
"Stop teasing me or I'll set Peter on you and that'd be worse than all the dogs. He's my protector, so if you tease me again, start running.” The smile in her eyes belied the strict tone of her voice.
To Jennifer's surprise ten horses trotted up the hill with miniature riders urging them forward.
Laughing at her daughter's perplexed look, Elizabeth giggled, "I said I had been doing some teaching but I didn't tell you that Andrew has been busy as well. We have been busy teaching all the children to ride. They love helping round up cattle and they are looking after the horses so well. I believe they have an inborn knack of working with animals."
The old shearing shed had workers clambering all over it. They were extending the building and were adding a third floor.
"The third floor is for conference rooms,” was Andrew's explanation. "I have been asked to lecture at some of the conferences. Don't tell anyone. They'll never believe you. Tiny and Blue are lecturers as well!"
Sauntering down the hill were two men - the same age as Andrew but so different. One, a walking mountain, could only be Tiny, and the other, Blue, had the reddest mop of hair possible.
"Hi, Jennifer! You look as though married life agrees with you. Peter, you look worn-out, what's this girl done to you?” The twinkle in Blue's eyes said more than his words.
Tiny pounced and ignoring Jennifer's shriek grabbed her. He threw her high into the air before catching her and putting her back on her feet.
"Despite being married you're still our Jennifer who used to play mud pies with us down by the creek and once went skinny dipping with all of us. I'm sure you thought you were a boy until that d
ay. Strange you never went skinny dipping again, even if you were only five.
Blue took over and his deep voice was passionate as he explained how water recycling was in place, water harvesting and water management being a top priority. He even explained how the workers had developed drip irrigation on one of the vegetable plots with the water loss negligible. These plots were along the creeks towards the scrubby ends of both properties.
Later, the cavalcade of motor bikes and horses crested the last hill where both properties merged with the Forestry Commission Pine Plantation and the native forest.
Jennifer and Peter received the last surprise of the day. Below them lay a small, thriving village of fairytale houses, each in its own well-tended plot of ground with streets, streetlights, a small general store, a building - Bush Fire Brigade was its sign - and a small four-man helicopter. There was a small community hall and a second official-looking building proudly proclaimed Blake Pastoral Hospital.
"It's staffed by a surgeon from the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh, and his wife, the nurse, is an obstetrics specialist,” Andrew explained. "It even has a modern operating theatre and we have four other nurses we can call on. All are ex-British army Gurkhas, fully trained."
Women in saris and others in pajama-like samfoos were on the verandahs surrounded by little children who began running towards the bikes and the horses to get a ride. Happy, smiling faces swamped them, and hands reached out to tug them into various homes to welcome the visitors.
Hours later they returned to the Board Room, where they sipped at the Boh Tea Peter had demanded he bring home from Malaysia.
"There's nothing more to display, Jennifer.” Her father beamed. "We'll have to work very hard to bring our plans to fruition. Our Gurkha friends will be stockmen here and will boost the guards in Sydney, as some of the Security Guards in Sydney have been less than reliable. Oh, did you like the tourist coach?"
Jennifer could see the pride and the new light in her father's eyes as he shed years in his enthusiasm for the future of Blake Pastoral.
"The ideas of this man of yours has kicked us all into the future, and what a bright happy future that'll be."