[Editor: An article about “Waltzing Matilda”, the song written by Andrew Barton (“Banjo”) Paterson.] Origin of “Waltzing Matilda”: Rotary addresses Mr Sydney May, Queensland, University music lecturer and hon. secretary of the Queensland Place Names Committee, was the … [Read more...] about Origin of “Waltzing Matilda” [21 September 1944]
SourceTrove
Thoughts [poem, 14 December 1941]
Thoughts While the blazing sun is setting, Somewhere in the golden west, And its last dying embers Attack the clouds with colored zest, Perhaps the harsher shade of crimson Or peaceful Pacific blue, Then suddenly, changing To tender shades of pastel blue, And a breeze … [Read more...] about Thoughts [poem, 14 December 1941]
Ringing Appeal [poem, 11 April 1936]
Ringing Appeal. Bells have been rung o’er all the earth, Their joyous notes resounding In peals of triumph and of mirth And happiness abounding. All happiness that life can bring Lies with a belle I know, And fain would I give her a ring, Because I love her … [Read more...] about Ringing Appeal [poem, 11 April 1936]
We are the Youth of Australia [song, 16 January 1930]
We are the Youth of Australia (Copyright.) We are the Youth of Australia! Youth of a glorious land! Young in a country that’s youthful, Shoulder to shoulder we stand. We are the Youth of Australia! Eager and happy and free. Forward we march in her service, Onward … [Read more...] about We are the Youth of Australia [song, 16 January 1930]
Poetry from the “In Memoriam” notices [poem, 25 June 1929]
[Editor: Some poetry from the “In memoriam” section of The Brisbane Courier, 25 June 1929.] JOHNSTON. — In loving memory of mother, who passed away at Chermside, June 25th, 1926. She bade no one a last farewell, She said good-bye to none; The Heavenly gates were … [Read more...] about Poetry from the “In Memoriam” notices [poem, 25 June 1929]
Friendship [poem, 16 August 1928]
Friendship [poem, 16 August 1928] [Editor: This poem was published in 1928, attributed to Gwen Trent; however, it was also published in 1934, attributed to R. Ambrose Roberts. It could be assumed that Gwen Trent, being noted in the earlier publication, is the original … [Read more...] about Friendship [poem, 16 August 1928]
Songs of the ’Sixties [30 October 1926]
Songs of the ’Sixties By Spencer Browne. Do Songs Live? One may be pardoned for a difference in view from the old saying that Empires dissolve and peoples disappear, but songs pass not away. Even one questions Ovid in the doctrine that “songs have immunity from death.” … [Read more...] about Songs of the ’Sixties [30 October 1926]
Our Member [poem by “Kookaburra”, 13 April 1917]
[Editor: A poem by “Kookaburra”, attacking the work (or lack thereof) of Andrew Robertson (Member of the Legislative Assembly, Victoria, 1903-1924). Published in The Eltham and Whittlesea Shires Advertiser and Diamond Creek Valley Advocate, 13 April 1917.] Our … [Read more...] about Our Member [poem by “Kookaburra”, 13 April 1917]
The Fusion Age [poem by “Kookaburra”, 6 April 1917]
[Editor: A poem by “Kookaburra”. Published in The Eltham and Whittlesea Shires Advertiser and Diamond Creek Valley Advocate, 6 April 1917.] The Fusion Age What’s come over the “Age,” John? What’s come over the “Age”? It’s just as still as a country mouse, And don’t fly … [Read more...] about The Fusion Age [poem by “Kookaburra”, 6 April 1917]
In Flanders’ Fields [poem, 5 February 1916]
[Editor: “In Flanders Fields” was written in May 1915 by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, a surgeon in the Canadian army, who wrote it following the death of a friend on the Western Front. The poem was originally published on 8 December 1915 in Punch magazine (London, UK), and … [Read more...] about In Flanders’ Fields [poem, 5 February 1916]
Poetry from the “Deaths” and “In Memoriam” notices [poems, 5 August 1890]
[Editor: Some poetry from the “Deaths” section (Edis and Standley) and the “In Memoriam” section (Thiel) of the The South Australian Register, 5 August 1890.] EDIS. — On the 27th July, in the Adelaide Hospital, the dearly beloved wife of J. Edis, of Port Wakefield, aged 53 … [Read more...] about Poetry from the “Deaths” and “In Memoriam” notices [poems, 5 August 1890]
Poetry from the “In Memoriam” notices [poems, 7 October 1910]
[Editor: Some poetry from the “In memoriam” section of The Advertiser (Adelaide), 7 October 1910.] BOWDEN. — In sad and loving memory of our dear Lionel Hamilton, eldest son of J. R. and S. Bowden, who died October 7, 1907, Halifax-street, aged 5 years 4 months. In … [Read more...] about Poetry from the “In Memoriam” notices [poems, 7 October 1910]
Poetry from the “In Memoriam” notices [poem, 29 September 1906]
[Editor: Some poetry from the “In memoriam” section of the Sydney Morning Herald, 29 September 1906.] COLEBROOK. — A tribute of love to the memory of my devoted dada, Edward A. Colebrook, whom Jesus called September 29, 1903, aged 50 years. Deeply regretted. Across the … [Read more...] about Poetry from the “In Memoriam” notices [poem, 29 September 1906]
Waltzing Matilda [song, 14 December 1901]
[Editor: An early printing of the song “Waltzing Matilda” (written by Andrew Barton (“Banjo”) Paterson). Published in The Capricornian, 14 December 1901. Click here to see some videos of this song being played.] A Popular Bush Song. A bush poem entitled “Waltzing Matilda” … [Read more...] about Waltzing Matilda [song, 14 December 1901]
Federation [poem by “Eileen”, 29 September 1900]
[Editor: This poem, about the Federation of Australia, was published in The Northern Star, and Richmond and Tweed Rivers Advocate (Lismore, NSW), 29 September 1900.] Federation. October 1st, 1900. No sound of war, no din of strife Re-echoed at thy birth, But calm in … [Read more...] about Federation [poem by “Eileen”, 29 September 1900]
Australia Federata [poem, 9 September 1899]
[Editor: A patriotic poem, with an internationalist flavour. Published in The Queenslander, 9 September 1899.] Australia Federata. By Austin South. Last born of nations! Fair, and young, and free! Continent isle, blue-bounded by the sea — Australia, hail! A glorious … [Read more...] about Australia Federata [poem, 9 September 1899]
Lions v. Kangaroos. [song, 1 August 1896]
[Editor: A song about the cricket matches played between England and Australia. Published in The Queenslander, 1 August 1896.] Lions v. Kangaroos. Air, “Ten Thousand Miles Away.” Singing oh! for a fine and manly sport, for cricket is my theme, Singing oh! for Captain … [Read more...] about Lions v. Kangaroos. [song, 1 August 1896]
Aboriginal songs and words [16 May 1896]
[Editor: A letter published in the The Australian Town and Country Journal which included two Aboriginal songs; these songs were also published in Banjo Paterson’s collection, The Old Bush Songs (1905).] Aboriginal songs and words (By S. M. Mowle.) I am in accord with … [Read more...] about Aboriginal songs and words [16 May 1896]
Australia For Ever [poem, 21 January 1895]
[Editor: This poem, by F. S. Lewin, was published in The Barrier Miner (Broken Hill, NSW), 21 January 1895.] Australia For Ever Firmly we stand on our native land, Washed by Southern waters, Heart to heart and hand to hand, Australia’s sons and daughters. And this be … [Read more...] about Australia For Ever [poem, 21 January 1895]
True Bushmen [song, 22 September 1894]
[Editor: This song was published in The Queenslander (22 September 1894). It was also included in Banjo Paterson’s collection, The Old Bush Songs (1905), under the title of “The Bushman”, with some variations.] True Bushmen. (Supplied by R.C.L., Mitchell.) Air. — “The … [Read more...] about True Bushmen [song, 22 September 1894]
The Dying Stockman [Harrison/strapping version] [song, 4 August 1894]
[Editor: This song was published in the “Flotsam and Jetsam” column of The Queenslander (4 August 1894). Two different versions of the same song were included on the same page; this is the version supplied by F. Harrison, which uses the phrase “strapping young stockman” (the … [Read more...] about The Dying Stockman [Harrison/strapping version] [song, 4 August 1894]
The Dying Stockman [Doyle/stalwart version] [song, 4 August 1894]
[Editor: This song was published in the “Flotsam and Jetsam” column of The Queenslander (4 August 1894). Two different versions of the same song were included on the same page; this is the version supplied by G. Doyle, which uses the phrase “stalwart young stockman” (the other … [Read more...] about The Dying Stockman [Doyle/stalwart version] [song, 4 August 1894]
The Old Bullock Dray [song, 14 March 1890]
[Editor: This song was published in The North Melbourne Advertiser (14 March 1890). It was also included in Banjo Paterson’s collection, The Old Bush Songs (1905), with some variations.] The Old Bullock Dray Oh, the shearing is all over and the wool is coming down, And I … [Read more...] about The Old Bullock Dray [song, 14 March 1890]
Botany Bay [song, 1885]
[Editor: This is the text of the song from the stage show “Little Jack Sheppard”, which played in London in 1885 and in Melbourne in 1886, which went on to become a popular song in Australia. Published in Selection of Words and Music from Little Jack Sheppard: Burlesque Drama in … [Read more...] about Botany Bay [song, 1885]
A Business Melody [poem, 24 July 1885]
[Editor: A poetic encouragement to advertising, based upon the old poem “The Man in Our Town” (further details given below). Published in The North Eastern Ensign, 24 July 1885.] A Business Melody There was a man in our town, And he was wondrous wise, For when he marked … [Read more...] about A Business Melody [poem, 24 July 1885]