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General => The Common Room => The Lighter Side => Topic started by: Crabby on Tuesday 20 March 12 05:11 GMT (UK)
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Well worth the read!
For those who may be interested in the rigours of cruel mid-20th century country living in Queensland
"From Stock Camp to City Hall".
In 1937, a six-year-old boy was dumped like an unwanted pup, by an uncaring father, and unbeknown to his mother. This little boy found himself imprisoned in a cruel environment of a church-run boys' home. His ordeal lasted almost ten years when he was then banished to the remoteness of a harsh existence on large cattle stations in the far Western Queensland Channel Country. His resume, after seven years stockman, horse breaker, drover, jockey, shearers cook. ................................
Now in his 82nd year, follow this true story of his journey from orphanage to Stock Camp to City Hall. In this story, you may be shocked at the brutal child abuse suffered by children, unfortunate enough to have found themselves in this institution. Follow his footsteps along the western stock routes of the Georgina, Diamantina, and Coopers Creek. A story about cattle stampeding in the darkness of night to becoming Town Clerk of Hervey Bay City.
Regards
Crabby
http://www.bookpal.com.au/OtherLinks/Store/tabid/91/ProductID/10532/Default.aspx
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In 1937, a six-year-old boy was dumped like an unwanted pup, by an uncaring father, and unbeknown to his mother.
Sounds an awful life, but where was his mother, surely she wouldn't just accept that her little boy had disappeared.
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Hello Lizzie
From reading the autobiography, I gather that Ray was born out of wedlock to a 17y.o. female and a father 12 years her senior. This was abt 1931 during the harsh depression years.
The son was left in the hands of the father, whom, possibly due to lack of work opportunities, had Ray installed into a church home. He was abt 6y.o. at the time. The father never visited his son!
Ray tried to run away, but was always brought back to severe corporal punishment.
There were other children of the mother. Their fate was not stated.
How he overcame his personal grief to become a Drover in western Queensland, and later, after years of study 'on the track', to become a civic leader, a Town Clerk, is astounding.
Hope I have not spoiled the book for you!
Regards
Crabbie
http://www.bookpal.com.au/OtherLinks/Store/tabid/91/ProductID/10532/Default.aspx
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BOOK: "From Stock Camp to City Hall"
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Crabbie
Thank you for the extra info. Unfortunately the book doesn't appear to be available in UK.
Lizzie
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Have found that the Publisher does market the book in UK
EDO
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You can buy it direct. $42 Aus, £27:50 from :-
http://fromstockcamptocityhall.com/
Regards
Malky