Nuccaleena

A Good Read Well Read

One of the great joys we have is researching the history of the areas we travel and work in and around. There is a lot written about our well known explorers and pioneers but we are more interested in the people who opened up the country and worked it to obtain a living. This information is often hard to find in book form so when we find an out of print book that fits our interests it is always a great find and an interesting read.

Some recommended reading:

Kings in Grass Castles is one of the stories of the great S Kidman empire and offers an insight into an organisation that still exists today.

Two “finds” we have recently made are:

“Hell West and Crooked” by Tom Cole. This is the autobiographical account of a young Englishman’s life in the Outback in the 1920’s and 30’s and covers his days as a drover and station hand to working as a crocodile and buffalo hunter in the Northern Territory just before World War Two. A tremendous and very personal yarn and such a great read if you can find a copy. It gives you a wonderful sense of the immensity of our great country and the courage, stamina and spirit required to open it up.

The next one is “No Roads go by” by Myrtle Rose White. What an incredible tale. It covers the seven years she spent with her husband, the station manager at Lake Elder. Lake Elder station was situated in what can still only be described as waste-land to the East of Lake Frome in the North East of South Australia. Whilst there she brought up three children, survived where the rainfall was about four inches (100mm per year) and helped with the never ending battle to maintain over five thousand head of cattle. Flynn of the inland described this book as one of the most potent forces assisting him in his drive to collect funds to maintain and extend the then beginning Flying Doctor Service. You can only understand this by reading the book. I found the book a bit gob smacking not only for what is says but equally for what is not said but is contained between the lines. If you reckon life is tough then read this for a reality check.

These are two books that will and should touch your heart and make you more appreciative of that nice air-conditioned 4WD you are in and the country you are travelling through. If you can find them that is. All the best with the search as it will be worth it.

Regards,

Rob