THIS SERIES CONTAINS RESTRICTED MATERIAL

Dr Walker, a medical practitioner, observed and treated a variety of people for an array of illinesses, ranging from dental problems to infectious diseases during his travels and professional life, some of which may be documented in Mrs Walker's diaries. Doctor and Mrs Walker also observed and described some Australian Aboriginal ceremonial activity and associated materials.

Many of the diaries describe the photographs taken by Dr and Mrs Walker. A significant number of photographs have been noted for restricted access, either as being culturally sensitive or because of the graphic nature of some medical conditions.

These loose leaf personal diaries were maintained by Mrs Walker during her Australian and world travels with her husband William Delano Walker. They document her thoughts and aspirations for her husband and their travels together, including details of people met and places visited.

Particular documentation is noted in relation to industrial plant etc visited, significant events, locations, individuals associated with and photographs taken. A significant part of the diary has been restricted either as being culturally sensitive or because of the graphic nature of some medical conditions duscussed. Like Walker's diaries these provide some descriptive prose on people, institutions and private houses visited.

Significant incidents including an indication of Walker's change of career aspirations is given in Mrs Walker's diary at Sydney on 2 February 1929 after speaking of the foundations of the, then under construction, Sydney Harbour Bridge she says

• "...and so it is with us - two yrs have we spent almost in travel - all to one purpose the laying of broad, solid and deep foundations for Bill's future career which is going to be great and enough to need the best and most solid foundations which he can crown with a fine and worthy edifice - as it rise to its completion."


• on 19 May 1930 where she notes "Dr Walker and I have decided however that aerial medical services will ultimately be his great job - he is in every way ideally fitted for the post of Director of Aust Med Services [Australian Medical Services] some day - in the new future."


• In Barnstapletown visiting "Royal Barum?" pottery factory "Bill then had a try - and was really very successful - he'd be OK with just a little practice for he is very good at any craft requiring sensitive hands and fingers"


• on 22/10/1931 with Mrs Walker quoting from and musing about Sir George Newton "All great medical services and national medical reform or otherwise have just been made possible by voluntary enterprise and the devotion of a few men - great pioneers - more and more it comes forcibly home to me - how eminently suited Dr Walker is for his pioneer work in AMS and I am sure before he passes on he will leave it a great national service - an inspiration to the world and the supreme asset of our great commonwealth".