Jim’s Whip by Barcroft BoakeJim’s Whip Yes! There it hangs upon the wall And never gives a sound: The hand that trimmed its greenhide fall Is hidden underground — There, in that patch of sallee shade, Beneath that grassy mound. I never take it from the wall: That whip belonged to him — The man I singled […]
Where Belinda Bought the Drinks –
10/05/2025 By 1 Comment
Where Belinda Bought the Drinks by Andree Hayward – 1896 In the outback pub, it was always known when ‘womenfolk’ would be arriving in town. The news could never be kept secret. When the weekly coach arrived, all eyes would be on the lookout to catch a glimpse of the ‘new girl’. There was no […]
The Death Outback of ‘Old Jack’ –
12/04/2025 By Leave a Comment
John Saul Turner known, as’ Old Jack’, died on the 15th of February 1896 aged between 54 and 57 years, 2 miles southeast of Cement Creek at Mount Margaret. He was found on the 16th of February 1896 and later buried by WP McCormack and Police Constable Lionel Bradley from Menzies. He was a prospector […]
The Diggers Song – by Barcroft Boake
05/04/2025 By Leave a Comment
Barcroft Henry Thomas Boake (26 March 1866 – 2 May 1892) was an Australian Stockman and poet who wrote primarily within the ‘bush poetry’ tradition. He was active for only a few years before his suicide at the young age of 26. He belived that ‘bush life’ was the only life worth living. Boake was […]
Tommy’s Hut –
22/03/2025 By 2 Comments
Victorian Express 7 April 1893, page 3 TOMMY’S HUT From The Sydney Bulletin There’s a clearing in the ranges on the old bush road to Yea, Where a shanty once was running in the old and lawless way; It was here the splitters rallied, and the drifting traveller soaked, And the drover, halting, tallied, and […]
