History - Part 3

By the time the drought ended, they only had 400 head of stock left. It took several years and the commencement of good seasons to restock to 4500 head.

Ashley had returned home from school in Alice Springs and blended in with all the operations then in progress.

During these good years many things occurred.

• There was a 10 year programme for the eradication of the diseases TB & brucellosis
• Mustering changed from horseback to helicopters
• Road trains to drive the cattle to market rather than weeks of walking/droving
• Decline in the availability of young stockmen
• Telephone and fax machines coupled with computers - a big improvement from pedal radios
• The family way of life underwent a huge change.

This change of life began with a necessary diversification during the drought. Len Tuit had commenced a tour operation from Alice Springs to Ayers Rock and back. This service was run twice a week. (Today we cater for 30-40 coaches a day).

Peter and Dawn installed a fuel dispensing pump and a 500-gallon underground tank to store the petrol because in the summer the petrol used to boil in the 44-gallon drums. They started a small grocery store to cater for the requirements of the ever-growing number of travellers. Dawn started to provide morning and afternoon cups of tea and scones. They also obtained a liquor license to provide alcohol for the thirsty traveller.

During that extended drought, Peter took on contract work at Ayers Rock, which was administered by the NT Reserves Board. This included the cartage of material for the building of several motels, the first Ranger's (Bill Harney's) house and garage, maintenance of the bore (water), water reticulation to each of the established buildings, building of the first aerodrome at Ayers Rock and general handy man. Peter helped install the chain on the Rock climb. Folklore says that the reason the chain is at the height it is is because Peter isn't very tall!!!