This item contains copied extracts from Mary Thomas' diary. It is believed that Herbert Hale (see AA 124) transcribed two segments as the relate to the painting 'Corroboree', which hung in Herbert Hale’s office.

Mary Thomas author of the diary was the mother of Skipper's first wife Frances. All three individuals travelled to Adelaide at the same time on board the 'Africane'. This journey is documented in Mary Thomas' published diary and collection of letters about early colonial life in Adelaide.