Walter was silo Manager at Weja from the time they were built, until the early 1950's. During the war years when engine drivers were unavailable, his responsibilities included the receival of the wheat, and he drove the engine and trucked out, without, it is recorded, any extra pay. Also during the wars years, Walter & Eileen had fostered a young girl from Sydney. Owing to the scare of possible attack on Sydney, many parents sent their children to the comparative safety of the Country.
The young girl was Joyce Coates born in Sydney on 2nd march, 1936. She arrived by train at Weja in 1941 at the tender age of 5, and was welcomed into the family. After 2 years Eileen and Walter wished to adopt Joyce as she had become part of this happy family. It was not to be as her Mother understandably wished to keep her. However, Joyce was allowed back for school holidays and she continued to visit the family and still does to this day.
Walter & Eileen's home was destroyed by fire on 29th January, 1956, burning all their possessions. Walter started to build again, then in April, 1958 Eileen died in Temora hospital aged 55 years. They had in the years spent at Weja raised a family of 3 daughters, Marie, Valerie & Beverley.
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