QUOTE:-....
but think you are right this appears to be a "tall tale" .. or a misunderstanding.. as the book was written in the 1940s I am guessing the author is not available to verify sources. .........[/quote]
Balakava, the port of entry for the British Crimean Campaign, went from a little fishing village to a port where over 100 vessels were recorded attempting to discharge their cargo, or were in roadstead acting as accommodation, stores, ammo depots and hospital ships.
All trades in, and out of service, were engaged in building wharfs, warehouses, roads and a railway to get the necessities of war, off the ships, and up the valley.
It is quite probable that Mr White had a sibling or relative that was involved for a time, or the author was confusing the previous history of stockmen employed on the station.
Alan.