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Bushie

by Howard Reede-Pelling

336 pages; quality trade paperback (softcover); catalogue #07-2326; ISBN 1-4251-5283-X; US$22.88, C$26.31, EUR17.84, £11.83

The usual activities of a 'swagman' of the Australian life, his ups and downs.

About the Book

The story of Bushie, an Australian Swagman who works his way around the central and north of Victoria, Australia. The exploits and deeds of this man and his kelpie, 'Boy', are legendary and are a true reflection of the real Australian Bushman. Enthralling reading and excitement throughout, an 'always on the move; action packed episode on the daily life of these nomadic men.

About the Author

Born in Australia of English parents in 1930 during the Great Depression, Howard Reede-Pelling had a very deprived childhood. Due to a dispute over religion, his parents split up and he travelled to Melbourne with his father and was put into a Canterbury Boys' Home. After four years of a very strict regimen, Howard was again with his father. Not wanted, the lad was pushed from pillar to post. He settled down at seventeen when he became interested in sporting activities.

For fifty years Howard indulged in skating, swimming and various academic pursuits such as lapidary, numismatics, writing and bush lore. In later life he enjoyed a stint at billiards and snooker in which he won numerous trophies, including a Champion of Champions award for eight ball; then a stroke almost ended his career.

It was his interest in writing, poetry and prose, that became dearest to his heart. In this medium Howard found something that gave his life meaning. He could let himself delve into the mysterious unknown and become his own maestro for planning and diversifying a lifestyle to which he could not, in real life, find answers to fullfil himself. He was able to invent stories that were feasible and varied. Such as the short listing below -

• Little Bush Imp
  An eleven-year-old orphan runs from his adoptive parents to find love and happiness in the bush.
• Delumi
  A female executive of a corporate empire becomes involved with Aborigines in her business.
• Greta
  The story of two female and two male prostitutes who endeavour to better themselves.
• The Infiltrators
  Two ordinary warehouse employees who find themselves entangled in a drug cartel.
• Bushie
  A working 'swaggie' and his dog in central Victorian country districts and their experiences.

Howard gives of himself in his writings, of which he also has written 562 poems and songs.

Reviews

The author, Howard Reede-Pelling once again brings us a taste of life in the Australian bush. His main character, Raymond Daniels, better known as Bushie, is an example of a swagman from the 1930s depression years wandering from property to property as an itinerant worker. The antics of his canine companion Boy can only be described as "Lassie-like" as he predictably saves the day on a number of occasions as the pair meet up with families of the outback. This is an easy read and I recommend it to all who are interested in this aspect of Australian history.

Kath Ensor, Family Historian