Diary. Vol. 18, 1888 January 1-1888 December 29 Digital

Jenkins lives in his cottage in Maldon. He is employed by the Shire Council to clear roads and water channels, remove weeds, trim and plant trees and repair bridges. In February, he celebrates his 70th birthday. In April, he attends the funeral of his friend David Evans in Rheola, and assists with valuing Evans' property and drafting Mrs Evans' will. He receives letters from daughter Nancy and from John Jones in Wales. He composes two englynion for the Williamstown Eisteddfod. He comments on the 'Jerusalem Star'; two grand weddings; burial of a cat and dog; voting for Mining Board members; Easter Fair; lecture about love, philosophy and phrenology; display of tight rope walking; suicide of Mrs Woodward; football matches; Melbourne Exhibition; spectacular thunderstorm; Hospital Sunday fundraising meeting; declining yields from goldmining; intense heat interspersed with thunderstorms; bushfires; installation of gas pipes in Maldon; and Christmas. Several friends and neighbours die including Robert Ogle; Joseph Thomas; Isaac Daniel, preacher at the Welsh Chapel; Mrs Elizabeth Davies, mother of John Davies; and John Lewis, a wealthy Maldon resident (not the Ravenswood farmer of that name). From May onwards, his injured fingers make writing and working difficult. He suffers from rheumatism and dysentery. The hot summer affects his health and he is concerned about drought conditions.