Pat Ritter. Books

[patritter]

'The Year That Never Was' - Page 92:

Chapter 13

Nat and Martha couldn't believe how proud they were of Joe and Billy representing their own country in a war far across the seas from their homeland. Much had taken place since their departure more than two years before.
Australia became a nation. Sir Edmund Barton elected first Prime Minister of Australia. Much more to be done before Australia held their head high. The Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act (UK) was passed on 5th July 1900, given Royal Assent by Queen Victoria. Proclamation being declared on 1st January 1901 in Centennial Park, Sydney.
Enjoying an Aussie cuppa at Nan's home Joe's mind reflected on Billy and their past couple of years. Was fighting in South Africa a waste of time? One important issue raised from his thoughts were he and Billy would be mates for the remainder of their lives.
Billy tried to excuse himself from attending their small gathering. Joe wouldn't have a bar of not including Billy. Billy welcomed anywhere at anytime. Billy kept his word to look after Joe to keep his back throughout their absence. Joe wanted to ensure Billy became always part of everything they did together.
Joe listened to Nat's story. How he worked with Founding Fathers to complete 'The Constitution' so Queen Victoria would proclaim Australia as a Nation. Nat's enthusiasm had Joe listen to each word Nat uttered, when the words, 'they didn't include Indigenous Peoples into 'The Constitution'.'
'Why not?' Joe asked. In his mind Indigenous People had more right to be included in 'The Constitution' than any white person.
'Don't worry Joe, Martha and I tried. Martha convinced the wives of the Founding Fathers to stop having any hanky panky with their husbands below the waistline until they included Indigenous Peoples into 'The Constitution'. Thank goodness that didn't include me.' He smiled at Martha. 'In the end I needed to let things go because of more important issues to be included'. Nat finished.
Joe decided to let things go himself. His thoughts more on being with Hannah than anything to do with 'The Constitution'. Someone raised the subject Billy and Joe fought the Boers in South Africa. Joe didn't want to talk about their time spent in South Africa. Nothing between Joe and Billy were ever going to pass their lips of their personal experiences. Each would rather forget their time spent in South Africa. Both their horses remained in South Africa.
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'The Year That Never Was' - Page 93:

All parties readied themselves for their night at the home of The Honourable Joseph Ryan, Esquire, MLA. Billy stayed at George and Gloria's home. Everyone invited to attend. A carriage to take them to the banquet, also deliver them home afterward.
Joe needed to rest before the function so excused himself to his and Hannah's bedroom for solance. His mind remained fixed on his time in South Africa. Will these demons ever leave his conscious mind buried deep down in the dungeon of his memory, he pondered. Exhausted from their journey home Joe soon fell asleep, his dreams signalled a return to South Africa. Breaker Morant with Handcock stood before him at his office. They each looked alive.
'What are you doing here?' Joe asked in a surprised question.
'We've come to say our goodbyes.' Breaker replied.
'Where are you both going?' Asked Joe. Stains of blood splattered across both Morant and Handcock's chests.
'Hell. I expect.' Breaker remarked. 'You're not to blame for what happened to us Joe. We caused our own demise. We'll be off now.' Within a flash they vanished into thin air.
'No! No!' Joe shouted.
'Joe. Wake up. You're having a nightmare.' Hannah spoke to him laying down beside him wrapping her arms around his chest.
Joe awoke, thoughts as if he'd been dragged through a sheep dip. Face and clothing soaked. Hannah hugged her husband telling him everything will be okay. She worried about her husband. What caused Joe to have nightmares? Who were Breaker Morant and Handcock? She'd ask Billy.
Hannah let Joe rest, walked to the kitchen where Billy sat at the table drinking tea.
'Billy. Can I have a quiet talk to you about Joe?' Hannah asked.
'Depends on what you want to ask Hannah?' Billy sat upright, alert for Hannah's question.
'Joe had a nightmare. Mentioned Breaker Morant and Handcock. What happened in South Africa Billy? Please! I need to understand.' Hannah expressed in a concerned voice.
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[patritter]

'The Year That Never Was' - Page 94:

'Hannah as much as I'd love to tell you about these two people. Joe and I made a pact to never talk about what happened when we fought overseas. Hope you understand Hannah. Joe may tell you one day. I doubt if he ever will.' Billy finished returned to his cuppa.
Hannah walked over to Billy, threw her arms around his shoulders, 'I'm sorry for asking you. You're right, Joe will tell me when he's good and ready. I never imagined what you two went through. Thank you Billy.' Hannah returned to her bedroom. Joe awoke.
'We better start getting ready for this shindig tonight. Have no idea what The Honourable Joseph Ryan, Esquire, MLA will put on.' Joe smiled. Hannah walked over to her husband, wrapped her arms around him kissed him on the lips. 'What was that for?' Joe asked.
'I'll always be here for you Joe.' Hannah said.

Both men looked gallant in their uniforms. Joe displaying Captain badges whilst Billy Lieutenant insignias. Awaiting at the front of their home two carriages arrived to transport everyone to the function. Joe, Hannah and Billy boarded the first carriage whilst the remainder of the party boarded the second carriage.
Arriving at the function The Honourable Joseph Ryan, Esquire, MLA greeted his guests on their arrival shaking hands with the men folk, kissing the hands of the women. His smile exhibited his happiness to have these special quests at his home.
'Please follow me.' Joseph instructed entering his home to applause. The Prime Minister, Sir Edmund Barton with his wife were present awaiting the arrival of these special guests. Standing in front of Sir Edmund Barton, Joseph stopped to introduce his quests of honour.
'Mr Prime Minister. I have the honour to introduce Captain Joseph Gibson, his wife, Hannah.' Joe saluted his Prime Minister who in return tried to return the salute without the urgency of Captain Gibson's salute, instead they shook hands.
'Captain Gibson. This is indeed a pleasure to meet you also to thank you for representing Australia in the war in South Africa.'
Joe stood back a step, 'Mr Prime Minister. I have the honour to introduce Lieutenant William Campbell who fought with me in South Africa.' Billy stood to attention saluting the Prime Minister who placed his hand out to Billy to shake his hand.
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[patritter]

The Year That Never Was' - Page 95:
'Lieutenant Campbell. Like Captain Gibson, I thank you on behalf of Australia for representing our country in the fight in South Africa.' Billy stood to attention saluting his Prime Minister.
'May we celebrate the safe return of these gallant Australian soldiers. Please everyone take your places at the banquet tables.' Joseph instructed everyone. Seated beside Martha, Julia Griffiths.
'Wonder if we'll be eating goanna for our meal tonight?' Julia asked her friend Martha.
'I wish. You'd love the taste. The manner in which to cook the goanna on a open fire.' Martha answered.
Everyone enjoyed their meal afterwhich The Honourable Joseph Ryan, Esquire, MLA made an announcement.
'Thank you all for your attendance. Once you've completed your meal I have a surprise in the Ballroom. Would you please gather for this surprise.' Joseph finished.
The Ballroom, size of Joe and Hannah's home at 'Tilbaroo Station'. Seating arranged in rows. At the front a stage a piano to the side. Curtains hung from ceiling to floor.
The Honourable Joseph Ryan, Esquire, MLA took his place at the centre of the stage after everyone seated.
'I call on Our Prime Minister, Sir Edmund Barton to join me on the stage please.' Joseph instructed.
Sir Edmund Barton walked to join Joseph on the stage.
'I call on Captain Joseph Gibson and Lieutenant William Campbell to also join us on the stage.' Joseph instructed.
When all four people were on stage, Sir Edmund Barton walked to front of Captain Gibson who stood at attention. Sir Edmund Barton removed a medal of honour from his pocket.
'Captain Gibson. On behalf of Australian people I have the honour to present you with 'The Medal of Honour' for distinguished service in the face of enemy in South Africa. Sir Edmund Barton pinned the medal onto the pocket of Captain Gibson's uniform. Captain Gibson stood to attention, saluted his Prime Minister.
Sir Edmund Barton moved in front of Lieutenant William Campbell, produced a similar medal attached the medal to the pocket of Lieutenant Campbell's uniform. Lieutenant Campbell stood at attention saluting his Prime Minister.
'Would you now return to your seats. I have a special guest to introduce.' All three returned to their seats. Hannah hugged both Joe and Billy. Many shook their hands.
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'The Year That Never Was' - Page 96:
'Mr Prime Minister, Lady Prime Minister, distinguished guests, fellow Australians. I have the honour to introduce you to a young lady who has performed in cities of Paris, London and throughout Europe. She will perform a song she wrote to show her love for Australia. Please let me introduce Evie Pikler who will perform her song 'Australia Calls Me Home'.
Lights faded within the ballroom. A spotlight highlighted a female figure dressed in a long purple dress, her hair shined. From the moment her voice reached each person of the audience all attention went to this golden voice echoing in their ears. Words of joy spread from Evie's voice circulating amongst her audience. By the end of the song everyone stood as one, clapping, roaring for more, many joined Evie in singing the chorus of the song.
Australia calls us home
From around the world
Each of us came
Within our hearts our love is the same
Within our souls an endless flame
We are Australia, Australia's our name
We are Australia, Australians are we
We are an island, the sky and the sea
Ancient land, a welcome country
We are Australia, Australians are we
We are the mountains, the rivers and plains
We are the forests in sunshine and rain
We are the centre of every hue
Within the spirit of Uluru
We are Australia, Australians are we
We are an island, the sky and the sea
Ancient land, a welcome country
We are Australia, Australians are we
Every path through time and space
Leads one to a sacred place
Where all hearts and souls embrace
Australia calls home the human race
We are Australia, Australians are we
We are an island, the sky and the sea
Ancient land, a welcome country
We are Australia, Australians are we
We are koala and kangaroo
We are goanna and we are emu
We are the stars in the Milky Way
Dreaming spirit hear us say
We are Australia, Australians are we
We are an island, the sky and the sea
Ancient land, a welcome country
We are Australia, Australians are we
I am Australia, Australia are we
Prime Minister Sir Edmund Barton stood applauding this performer as well as the performance. Sir Samuel Griffiths leaned across to Nat Young who stood beside him. 'I now wish we included Indigenous Peoples into 'The Constitution'. At this moment my wish is: This Is The Year That Never Was!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
The Year That Never Was is Pat's twenty-first book. Click onto his website www.patritter.com.au to view all his work. Pat has been writing and publishing books since 1988. Whilst you're checking out his website why not register your name and e-mail address onto the website. Each Friday Pat publishes an Update News for all these members.
Pat would love to receive your feedback. Reply through any of the icons on the bottom of his website.
Happy reading.
THIS IS THE FINAL PAGE OF THIS BOOK: THANK YOU ALL FOR READING MY DAILY POST PLUS YOUR COMMENTS. NEW BOOK TOMORROW.
TO LISTEN TO EVIE SING THIS DELIGHTFUL SONG CLICK ONTO THIS LINK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5T6OspSrvY. A DELIGHT TO LISTEN TO.
MOST IMPORTANT MESSAGE: IF YOU HAVE ENJOYED THIS BOOK CLICK ONTO THIS LINK: https://www.amazon.com/…/dp/B077CV8CTX/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0… TO LEAVE A REVIEW.
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[patritter]

'Greatest OMR Stories' - Page 1:

GREATEST STORIES
OMR
(One Minute Reads)
By
Pat Ritter
© Copyright Pat Ritter - 2017
Published by Pat Ritter.
Smashwords
This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
Each week in 2017 I attended the Pomona Writers Group. The facilitator asked us to write a story about a topic he chose. These stories less than 500 words are OMR (One Minute Read). I hope you enjoy reading each one.
I want to express my gratitude to Melissa Smith. Thank you for doing a great job of the cover. If you want Melissa to create your next cover, I highly recommend you do.
If you have enjoyed reading this book, or if you haven’t enjoyed it, still let me know. I would love to receive your feedback. You can contact me on my e-mail: I’d love to receive your feedback.
Pat Ritter - Author/Self Publisher.

Five Ways To Carry A Goat

I'm a member of The United Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Queensland. Commonly named Masons. This personal journey commenced in 1972 beginning at my Mother Lodge Stanthorpe.
Much confusion over the years have been cast on Masonry. Like for instance: how many goats do they ride at their meetings. Another common misbelief: what do the Mason do with droppings from the goats? A common reply: bore a hole through the centre of each pellet, feed onto a string to sell as Rosary Beads. I've lived through humiliation of others who didn't understand the craft of being a Mason.
My initial introduction into Masonry came when a friend asked if I wanted to join a special brotherhood of men. This event happened in 1972 at Stanthorpe. Within hours of agreeing to this proposal I couldn't believe the number of others who congratulated me on taking my first step in Masonry. People I never would've realised belonged to the brotherhood.
Masonry is a craft which is centuries old beginning before the birth of Christ. These early learnings have progressed through the times to build a brotherhood amongst men. My story commenced at Stanthorpe being my Mother Lodge. Over a period of three years I commenced as an Entered Apprentice to eventually become a Master Mason after three stages of degrees.
Like anything in life are critics. Many critics show their ignorance when their knowledge about a subject is guesswork. Being a Mason I hold proud in myself. Over the years since becoming a Mason I've received untold criticism about the movement of Masonry. For instance: five ways to carry a goat. No mention of goats is mentioned in our scriptures.
Over the period I've been a Mason many changes have happened in my life, especially enjoying brotherhood of trusted individuals. Being a police officer, I affiliated with the Police Lodge named Vigilance Lodge which met monthly at their Masonic Hall, Petrie Terrace, Brisbane. I worked through the various ranks to become Worshipful Master of the Lodge.
One of my greatest achievements whilst in this position to officially open Grand Lodge in Ann Street, Brisbane assisting The Grand Master. To sit in the Masters Chair in Grand Lodge of Queensland became a pinnacle of my masonic career. I'd reached the peak of Mount Everest in masonry.
Not being outdone; my wife and I joined The Order Of The Eastern Star to enjoy a combined partnership into Masonry. My daughter joined Jobs Daughters an affiliate of Masonry. With all this in place we became a family in Masonry.
My daughter reached the heights of Honoured Queen whilst I assisted being the Bethel Guardian. My wife and I stood beside our daughter in helping her through this period of her life. Jobs Daughters being an Order for daughters of Masons to participate in the learning of Job through his struggles in life.
Five ways to carry a goat certainly doesn't relate to Masonry or other affiliates of Masonry.
Word count: 506
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[patritter]

'Greatest OMR Stories' - Page 2:

Fear Of Nuts

Colloquialism for the word 'Nuts' in Australian language has several meanings. One of which is 'you've gone nuts' meaning 'off your head'. Fear of nuts certainly falls into this meaning. When I served as a police officer, particularly on full moon each month 'Fear of nuts' came to the fore. Rays from the moon beamed from certain people's heads to force uncontrollable behaviours.
One memory of a detective; we'll name Detective Brown, investigated the murder of a property owner near Roma on Christmas Day. Son of the property owner had been released from a mental institution for Christmas break. Investigating the murder Detective Brown discovered a bullet hole in the back of the property owner's skull. His son admitted shooting his father because God told him.
In this investigation if a person hasn't the ability to understand at the time to know right from wrong; he was presumed innocent. 'Not guilty' of the act of murder. Detective Brown interviewed the son about the shooting of his father. The son answered all Detective Brown's questions with honesty, even showing him where his father sat in the lounge chair, how he pointed the barrel of the gun to his father’s skull and pulled the trigger.
When asked by Detective Brown why he killed his father, his answer, 'God told me to.'
Detective Brown asked a further question, 'if a policeman was standing beside you at the time, would you have shot your father?'
Offender replied, 'No.'
Detective Brown asked, 'Why?'
Offender replied, 'Because it is wrong to shoot a person in the presence of a policeman.'
This line of questioning proved beyond any reasonable doubt to Detective Brown the offender totally understood at the time of shooting his father he understood completely what he was doing. Therefore, his defence of insanity wouldn't be available to prove his innocence.
Detective Brown went on to investigate many other similar investigations throughout his career. His reputation expanded throughout the service causing him acclaim for his understanding of the law in respect to insanity.
For too long before Detective Brown used this portion of questioning to elicit wrong from right in the mind of the offender at the time, many 'Nuts' escaped punishment. No need to have 'Fear of Nuts' from the time Detective Brown introduced this line of questioning.
Word count: 394
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