Name/TitleOld times in the bush of Australia : trials and experiences of early bush life in Victoria during the forties
EditionFirst
MakerKirby, James, 1828-1904
Maker RoleAuthor
About this objectThe author describes himself on the title page as 'one of the earliest (if not the earliest) Bush Pioneers, of the Colony of Victoria, now living.' Kirby came to Australia from Northampshire in 1839. Provides first-hand oral history of early Swan Hill district circa 1840 until 1894 by James Kirby was a sheep farmer at "Hillcroft" near Minyip in the Wimmera.
Describes Tyntyndyer Station and the Beveridge Brothers for whom Kirby worked, details events leading up to and following the murder of Andrew Beveridge, relates detail of Aboriginal contact with white settlers, Aboriginal culture and tribal life, plus anecdotes about settlers in Swan Hill district. Mentions bush ranger Morgan and gold miners, and includes some bush yarns.
The book was written at the expressed wish of his Excellency the Governor, Lord Hopetoun. RHSV copy has a dedication by the author to Edward Armstrong, the public librarian of Victoria.
Medium and MaterialsOriginal cloth, backstrip missing.
Period1840-1850
PublisherGeorge Robertson & Co.
Publication Date[1895]
Publication PlaceMelbourne, Vic.
Subject and Association KeywordsKirby, James, 1827-1904
Subject and Association KeywordsAboriginal Australians
Subject and Association KeywordsMinyip (Vic.)
Subject and Association KeywordsFarmers and farming
Subject and Association KeywordsTyntynder Homestead (Swan Hill, Vic.)
Subject and Association KeywordsPersonal narratives
Subject and Association KeywordsSwan Hill (Vic.)
Named CollectionLibrary
Object TypeBook
Object numberLIB 015537
Spine LabelX 994.502 KIR
Copyright LicenceAll rights reserved