Chapter 15

Droghedahadawirelessset.ProgresshadfinallycometoGillanboneintheshapeofanAustralianBroadcastingCommissionradiostation,andatlonglasttherewassomethingtorivalthepartylineformassentertainment.Thewirelessitselfwasaratheruglyobjectinawalnutcasewhichsatonasmallexquisitecabinetinthedrawingroom,itscar-batterypowersourcehiddeninthecupboardunderneath.

EverymorningMrs.Smith,FeeandMeggieturneditontolistentotheGillanbonedistrictnewsandweather,andeveryeveningFeeandMeggieturneditontolistentotheABCnationalnews.HowstrangeitwastobeinstantaneouslyconnectedwithOutside;tohearoffloods,fires,rainfallineverypartofthenation,anuneasyEurope,Australianpolitics,withoutbenefitofBlueyWilliamsandhisagednewspapers.

WhenthenationalnewsonFriday,September1st,announcedthatHitlerhadinvadedPoland,onlyFeeandMeggiewerehometohearit,andneitherofthempaidanyattention.Therehadbeenspeculationformonths;besides,Europewashalfaworldaway.NothingtodowithDrogheda,whichwasthecenteroftheuniverse.ButonSunday,September3rdallthemenwereinfromthepaddockstohearFatherWattyThomassayMass,andthemenwereinterestedinEurope.NeitherFeenorMeggiethoughttotellthemofFriday’snews,andFatherWatty,whomighthave,leftinahurryforNarrengang.