Memories of Ora Banda – a verse

Ora Banda in 1938

My old home town is deserted now
The prospecting scene has been altered
But the memory lingers deep down somehow
Of brave men who never faltered
In their search for gold, in the auriferous hills.

Despite the heat and cold and winter ills
I can see them now as they blazed the track
Accepting the challenge of the great outback
With a few tools and a horse and a dray,
Hoping to morrow would be their day.

In crude bough shed they camped at night.
A hurricane lamp supplied the light
A camp oven cooked over an open fire
A billy can hung from a piece of wire,
Water was scarce, but not the flies
And sandy blight tortured the prospectors eyes.

Though at times their hopes seem forlorn
From their efforts a thriving town was born,
Created by courage so toughly displayed.
I loved this town where I worked and played.

I often wonder what those men would say
If they could see the methods they employ today
Radio equipped vehicles replace the horse and dray
And modern caravans makes camping child’s play.

My father was one of the gallant few
That’s how I know these facts are true,
And if its thought this story is propaganda
The town I refer to is Ora Banda.

By L Nazzari 1974

An early morning walk in Ora Banda 1938

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Moya Sharp

Owner at Outback Family History

My name is Moya Sharp, I live in Kalgoorlie Western Australia and have worked most of my adult life in the history/museum industry. I have been passionate about history for as long as I can remember and in particular the history of my adopted home the Eastern Goldfields of Western Australia. Through my website I am committed to providing as many records and photographs free to any one who is interested in the family and local history of the region.

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