Diary. Vol. 14, 1884 January 1-1884 December 31 Digital

For the first half of the year, Jenkins lives at Ant's Hill Hermitage, his hut near Walmer. He works for farmer John Lewis at Ravenswood and for wood carter William Hogarth. Lewis is seriously ill this year. In early February, Jenkins undertakes thatching for Mr Byrnes. He often walks to David Davies' farm for his weekly provisions. In June, he attends the opening of the Castlemaine to Maldon railway. In July, he thatches a shed for Mr W.E. Brown of the Foresters Arms at Porcupine Flat. He tenders successfully for clearing and grubbing work on the roads on behalf of Maldon Council. In August, he begins this job at Porcupine Flat although often impeded by bad weather. He builds a new hut nearby named Hermitage No. 2, returning to his old home near Lewis's farm on Sundays. In October, he tries unsuccessfully to obtain his wages from Lewis and finishes the road contract. In November, he fulfils a contract digging drains for Maldon Council and attends the Castlemaine Show. In December, he is haymaking for Mr Brown and is contracted by Maldon Council to clean water channels for 12 months.