Jim’s Australiana Spot – 2UE - January 1, 2012

THE SECRET LIFE OF BANJO PATERSON

The secret Life of ‘The Banjo’ who was MUCH more than the man who wrote 2 famous poems and a song!

THERE IS A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO BANJO AS PART OF THE ILLAWARRA FOLK FESTIVAL in TWO WEEKS … there will be a concert and two informative sessions ….. www.illawarrafolkfestival.com.au

QUESTIONS:

Family background – live with his literary minded Grandmother in Sydney from age 10 and attended Sydney Grammar School. Became a solicitor, editor and prolific writer of poetry stories and articles.

As a Rider …..        

  • played in the 1st NSW Polo Team Vs Victoria
   • Won the Polo Challenge Cup 1892
       • was a member if the Sydney Hunt Club
        • Rode winners at Randwick and Rosehill

The Broken Arm he suffered as a child was his secret he always said, his shortened arm gave him a light touch on the reins.

His politics were conservative but humanist ..he had enlightened attitude to Aboriginals, a great love of working people and believed in ‘Australia For The Australians’.

Solicitor by trade – helped Henry Lawson and Breaker Morant

Edited the Sydney Evening News and Town and Country Gazette and Sporting News – collected the OLD BUSH SONGS and saved them.

War – Boer War Correspondent  - became opposed to the war.

Enlisted at age 51 in WW2 and was an Ambulance driver Western Front
And then in charge of 2nd remount division

Friendship with Norman Lindsay … they went for weekend rides ‘in the BUSH at Cremorne’ !

'SONG OF THE FUTURE'
A B Paterson ('The Banjo')

We have no tales of other days, No bygone history to tell; Our tales are told where campfires blaze At midnight, when the solemn hush Of that vast wonderland, the Bush, Hath laid on every heart its spell. ’Tis strange that in a land so strong. So strong and bold in mighty youth, We have no poet’s voice of truth To sing for us a wondrous song. So may it be, and he who sings In accents hopeful, clear, and strong, The glories that the future brings, Shall sing, indeed, a wondrous song.

Tune in to hear Jim on 2UE every Sunday at 12.30 pm