[Editor: This poem, regarding the pay rates of workers in the shearing industry, was published in The Worker (Sydney, NSW), 9 September 1893.] The Song of the Rollicking Rouseabout. Shearing season fast approaches, Squatters giving smaller pay: Fifteen bob a week and … [Read more...] about The Song of the Rollicking Rouseabout [poem, 9 September 1893]
shearers
A Pound a Mile [poem by Louisa Lawson]
[Editor: This poem by Louisa Lawson was published in “The Lonely Crossing” and Other Poems (1905).] A Pound a Mile. The tar-boy looked perplexed to see Tom Dawson cut the skin, And Sweeper Bill remarked that he Had nothing in the bin. His eyes for want of sleep were … [Read more...] about A Pound a Mile [poem by Louisa Lawson]
The Harvest of the Flock [song by John Neilson (senior), 19 January 1887]
[Editor: This song by John Neilson (1844-1922) was published in The Morning Bulletin (Rockhampton, Qld.), 19 January 1887.] The Harvest of the Flock. Air “Babies on the Block.” Ho! brothers join in a song, and this our song shall be; Oh let it shout the chorus till it … [Read more...] about The Harvest of the Flock [song by John Neilson (senior), 19 January 1887]
The Song of the Shearer [song by John Neilson (senior), 6 November 1886]
[Editor: This song by John Neilson (1844-1922), with alterations by Cecil W. P. Poole, was published in The Adelaide Observer (Adelaide, SA), 6 November 1886. The original version of the song, “Waiting for the Rain”, by John Neilson, was first published in 1878.] The Song of … [Read more...] about The Song of the Shearer [song by John Neilson (senior), 6 November 1886]
Waiting for the Rain [song by R. G. S. (John Neilson, senior), 23 November 1878]
[Editor: This song by “R.G.S.” — a pseudonym of John Neilson (1844-1922) — was published in The Border Watch (Mount Gambier, SA), 23 November 1878. The song was published elsewhere, under several titles, including “Another Fall of Rain”, “Shearer’s Song”, and “The Song of the … [Read more...] about Waiting for the Rain [song by R. G. S. (John Neilson, senior), 23 November 1878]
Australia Shearing [postcard, 1907]
[Editor: This postcard, which incorporates a photo of an Australian shearer shearing a sheep, is postmarked 1907.] [Front of postcard] Australia Shearing [Handwritten text, in italics] From your loving Bro and Sister W & G Sassy[?] [?] address … [Read more...] about Australia Shearing [postcard, 1907]
Lime-Juice Tub [folk music, videos]
“Limejuice Tub” is an Australian folk song, which is part of Australia’s folk music tradition. The lyrics are available here. The Bushwackers - Limejuice Tub https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGAhrR3xxWE Bruce Woodley - Limejuice … [Read more...] about Lime-Juice Tub [folk music, videos]
Lime-Juice Tub [folk song]
“Lime-Juice Tub” is an Australian folk song, which is part of Australia’s folk music tradition. The song has been passed on by word of mouth, and has been collected by folk music enthusiasts. As is common with folk songs which have been passed around by word of mouth, there are … [Read more...] about Lime-Juice Tub [folk song]
Goorianawa [song]
[Editor: This song was published in Old Bush Songs: Composed and Sung in the Bushranging, Digging, and Overlanding Days (8th edition, 1932), edited by Banjo Paterson.] Goorianawa Now I’m getting broken mouthed, My shearing’s at an end, Although they call me … [Read more...] about Goorianawa [song]
Tomahawking Fred [song]
[Editor: This song was published in Old Bush Songs: Composed and Sung in the Bushranging, Digging, and Overlanding Days (8th edition, 1932), edited by Banjo Paterson.] Tomahawking Fred Now some shearing I have done, and some prizes I have won, Through my knuckling down … [Read more...] about Tomahawking Fred [song]
Banks of Riverine [song]
[Editor: This song was published in Old Bush Songs: Composed and Sung in the Bushranging, Digging, and Overlanding Days (8th edition, 1932), edited by Banjo Paterson.] Banks of Riverine Hark! Hark! the dogs are barking, I can no longer stay; The boys have all gone … [Read more...] about Banks of Riverine [song]
My Four Little Johnny-Cakes [song]
[Editor: This song was published in Old Bush Songs: Composed and Sung in the Bushranging, Digging, and Overlanding Days (8th edition, 1932), edited by Banjo Paterson.] My Four Little Johnny-Cakes Hurrah for the Lachlan, boys, and join me in a cheer; That’s the place to … [Read more...] about My Four Little Johnny-Cakes [song]
The Snagger’s Lament [poem by T. C. Luke, 15 March 1893]
[Editor: This poem, by T. C. Luke, was published in The Shearers’ and General Laborers’ Record (Newport, Vic.), 15 March 1893.] The Snagger’s Lament. I’m only a snagger, you know me, I thought I would tackle the game; I reckoned some fast man would show me The path … [Read more...] about The Snagger’s Lament [poem by T. C. Luke, 15 March 1893]
A Queensland back block story in verse [“Lambing Down His Cheque” poem, 15 March 1893]
[Editor: This poem was published in The Shearers’ and General Laborers’ Record (Newport, Vic.), 15 March 1893.] A Queensland back block story in verse. No resident of Australian towns or cities for any length of time, however ignorant of the customs of the Australian … [Read more...] about A Queensland back block story in verse [“Lambing Down His Cheque” poem, 15 March 1893]
Dangers of Bush-Travelling [15 February 1871]
[Editor: An article about the dangers of lack of water and hot weather faced by itinerant workers traveling in the bush. Published in The South Australian Advertiser, 15 February 1871.] Dangers of Bush-Travelling. A bushman named John O’Flaherty has called upon us and … [Read more...] about Dangers of Bush-Travelling [15 February 1871]
Shearing in Australia [31 October 1874]
[Editor: An article published in The Australasian Sketcher, 31 October 1874.] Shearing in Australia. Shearing time is the great harvest of the pastoral interest and all the industries depending upon it. In our last issue we had an article, showing how much in Victoria, … [Read more...] about Shearing in Australia [31 October 1874]
The Barcoo [10 September 1889]
[Editor: These items are extracts from “The Barcoo” section (consisting of various news items regarding the Barcoo area of Queensland) published in The Morning Bulletin (Rockhampton, Qld.), 10 September 1889.] The Barcoo. [From our own correspondent.] The town has been … [Read more...] about The Barcoo [10 September 1889]