Receive an e-mail notification of new posts on this site:

Living Rural - www.livingrural.net

observations - Living Rural

Previous Page (1-14) | Next Page (29-42)

Pondering our past - and future in Country Museum Parks

August 18th 2007 10:29

Pondering the past

What is this fascination of old rusty equipment from agricultural pursuits of the past or the machinery from saw mills or old dairies? Why do we spend hours standing in front of old steam trains or cars from the 1920’s pretending to remember things that were not our memories but the memories of our fore-fathers? What is it that drives people into yet another early settler’s kitchen to see yet another fire place and hanging black pots?

There are those who spend their whole lives trying to recreate the atmosphere of the early settlers in country towns – with their slab bush school, doctor’s surgery, police lock-up and “Mrs Jackson’s” house. These are often set among little bush walks, streams and wooden bridges, labeled trees, hand made wooden benches and picnic gazebos.
But there is nothing romantic about not having anywhere to be treated for a broken leg. There is nothing romantic about being crushed between a goods train and a timber log or several falling wheat bags. There is nothing romantic about being thrown from a flighty horse or being lost in the bush. There is nothing virtuous about slaving over a wood fire on a hot day in an iron hut. And what child would enjoy learning in a classroom that had cold wind whistling through the cracks all winter. These stories hold the attention of tourists and locals alike when they make the obligatory visit to the museum park.

air conditioned classroom

Do we go because we are humbled by the way people lived and survived and do we admire their fortitude? But do we really believe that the people of that day – who, let’s face it, weren’t comparing our “now” with their lives, were unhappy, felt deprived and considered their life only held unbearable hardships?
Perhaps we visit these places because deep down we know we don’t live in a vacuum. Are we trying to get into the mind of those of the past, in the hope that they had the answer to the meaning of life? What happened to our parents and our grandparents shaped their attitudes and their values, and these have been passed on to us – whether we liked it or not.
If that is the case - what will be the thoughts for those who, in the future, stand in front of a restored plasma TV screen, DVD player or mock-leather furniture or when children climb all over a tractor with satellite tracking devices? Will they be wondering what we were thinking – what were our values and priorities. Will the future generations be bemoaning the fact that we did not make the most of the technology we had? Will they conclude that we must have been unhappy because we were so insular in our lifestyles and spent so little time doing things with others in the community? Will they wonder why, with so many ways of communicating, we still didn’t really understand our neighbours? Will they be looking at the waste we created and be cursing us for how we had it so good and ruined the environment for them?
We can be sure that how we lived our days right now will be studied and scrutinized and probably judged even more harshly than we view the past. And what our attitudes, values and priorities are today will somehow rub off on the children of today and tomorrow.
So the question still needs to be asked. “Are you and I making the world a better place?” Or will all we leave behind be rusting cars, mercury leaking light globes and toxic plastic waste dumps. I hope we can do better than that. As the old hymn says “You in your small corner and I in mine.”

39

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: bumpkin - Category: farming, people, observations

   

Email this Post to a Friend 

Multi-cultural living

August 3rd 2007 01:28

Sharing Culture - photo from "The Kodja Place

All Australians are migrants – including the Aboriginal people, but their's is a level of occupation of thousands of years compared to the meagre 200 years of European and other nationalities.
While there are people within all communities that forget this fact and treat their British heritage as a class above the rest, it is time that the recognition of the diversity, even within a rural community needs to be acknowledged.
As I know my community, I will use it as an example. When British settlers arrived in this area they shared it with the Noongar people (Aboriginal name for our local people) for nearly seventy years. However even then, there were others wandering through the area. Then in the 1890’s things began to change. Italian settlers began to arrive. This population increased early in the new century after the Italian Consul visited the areas and recommended it to his people. We have a great local story of the Italians and Noongar people working together – and teaching each other swear words in each other language – no doubt to try out on their British bosses! Slowly these Italians were able to buy their own farms and build a Catholic Church to give them spiritual and social identity.
Other early workers to the area were some Chinese who were employed by a large Estate to clear the land. There are still remnants from their settlement and a dam called China Dam which is on the Municipal Inventory as a place of significance.
While they did not stay, other people from Asia have become part of the community, including three or four women from the Philippians.
There are people from the Netherlands, Germany, parts of Russia, Hungary and Scandinavia – all having to learn English and somehow fit in the community away from others of their cultural group.
In our town the most recent group of migrants are Maori New Zealanders. They have come with their families to fill in the employment needs as shearers and in other work. Several have intermarried with Noongar people and others and are beginning to become part of the community as well.
Other communities have different groups – our neighbouring town has a large population of people from Christmas Island who have built their own mosque and share their culture in a festival each year. Broome also has a festival celebrating their Chinese heritage.
Why do I write about such things? Perhaps it is a concern I have that there is a perception among some policy makers that in most rural towns only Aboriginal or people of British origin are in residence- that there is not the diversity of cultures and a need for suitable infrastructural assistance for these people. Just as we all still need to learn the cultural mores of our Noongar people, we also need for our education system, medical system, law enforcement officers and churches to be educated in the cultural mores of other groups – so that we can work and live with understanding towards one other. Perhaps this recognition will help to break down the real prejudices that still exist in some pockets of the community.
However developing personal relationships and friendships could do more to unite any community. So, when we hear the old “them and us” comments we can confidently stand up and say “You are talking about my friend”

50

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: bumpkin - Category: town life, people, events, observations

   

Email this Post to a Friend 

Shopping for food in a country town

July 27th 2007 03:35

Sunday -quiet, Monday - trucks, utes and muddy cars

Don’t you hate those food preparation programs on TV that insist that you must visit the local fish market to pick up some exotic species of marine animal that is essential for their recipe? Or even things like sea salt or a variety of Chinese vegetable only to be found in a city market? Now I don’t know what the local supermarket is like near you, but the only fish I can get is frozen hake, schnapper and a couple of other types – and they nearly all come from somewhere like Japan, Vietnam or Korea. Fresh unusual vegetables will take a week to get if you really want them – by which time the urge to experiment will have left long ago. You can try tinned lychees if you like or frozen raspberries – but they will be rather squishy when they defrost.
If you are attempting to be an enthusiastic chef, then shopping for your food supplies is not a joyous event in any supermarket – but particularly in a rural town several hundred miles from the coast or the city. However, if you are a reasonably straightforward cook who occasionally likes to try that new Charred grilled vegetable sauce, then you will survive shopping for food in a rural setting.
However, what is missing in variety of products is usually made up in friendly service. I mean you won’t get someone filling the shelves and admiring young Jenny’s new baby at the same time in a big city supermarket! I also doubt you will ever see a strange pnenonemum that occurs in our main street every now and then, when either pink or blue balloons suddenly appear on a post outside one of the shops just to let everyone know that someone who works in that shop have just had a new addition to the family.
And the same person who works behind the deli will not be the same person who helps out at the school. And the mum of your son’s friend at primary school won’t be asking you how your kid is getting on these days as they help you pack your groceries. Nor is the young kid on the till the one you taught in year three so you can be reasonably satified that they should be able to add up.
And does the manager of one of your local supermarkets give his time freely to be the Treasurer of one of the local Community groups? Or does the manager of the other food store in your area allow the School Chaplain to hold money raising sausage sizzles in the front of his shop every fortnight during winter and gives them the sausages to cook?
Also there is the issue of parking. Those of you in the city have to spend ages finding a spot in the large supermarket car parks and have to keep in your mind the row and the exact spot you parked - sometimes walking for ages to return to your car. Almost without exception I can drive into our car parks or park on the main street and be back to the car in less than a minute. And if I am rather preoccupied and can't remember if I parked out the front or out the back - soemone will usually be able to tell me which door I came in - (They are very tolerant in my supermarket.)
We may not be able to make anchovy or fresh crab dishes and even eggplant and artichokes are not always available – but I’ll survive!

PS Sorry for my long silence- regular readers (special Hi to Peter!) I've been sending off my novel - wish me luck!- Bumpkin.

45

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: bumpkin - Category: town life, people, observations

   

Email this Post to a Friend 

Lifestyle Farmers - neighbours from Heaven or Hell?

May 30th 2007 02:25

Farms to the left of you, farms to the right

There is a sense of unease among many farmers who rely on what they can produce from the land as their major source of income, when they are introduced to the hobby farmer, absentee land owner or those who have opted for a “bush change” in their retirement or semi-retirement - the so-called lifestyle farmers. While most people in the bush make a great effort to welcome new-comers to their district, these people can be met with some suspicion and coolness, if certain basic principals are not followed.
The new comer must realize that to begin with, the price paid for the piece of land they have acquired was probably inflated to a degree that a normal farmer was unable to acquire it. This is great for the seller, but not for farmers who wish to expand their properties. However, most farmers bow to the demands of market forces, however unwillingly, and if the new neighbours are nice enough people, such little matters can be overcome. (Besides, the farmer will make a mental note of the price and adjust the equity value of his property a little as a result

[ Click here to read more ]

51

Vote

Read More Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: bumpkin - Category: farming, town life, people, events, observations

   

Email this Post to a Friend 

Here comes the Rain!

May 3rd 2007 04:14

I'm in the good books!

The cat is earning his keep at the moment. He has managed to catch two mice in the house and he and I had a wonderful time getting rid of a family of eight rats that took up residence in the hen house. Well the old dog helped a bit with one – he scared it to death – honestly – it had a heart attack! I believe the moggie is now being employed gainfully down at the shed for the same purpose.
Why this sudden influx of rodents? It all has to do with a change in the season – and more importantly the signs that it is going to rain. I have it on very good authority (my husband) that rodents in my kitchen are a sure sign that good rains are on the way. So instead of complaining about the half eaten Weetbix and the smell in the saucepan cupboard I should be happily cleaning out said cupboards each week and living in hope! Well I hope he’s right – because I hate cleaning at the best of times… (Just as an aside here - we have had some rain already – it’s good to see some patches of green in the paddocks – may it continue – lots and lots!)
What other signs of nature should we all be aware of to predict rain? The first one to to be seen is when the salt water that is just below the ground in salt patches comes to the surface. This is really noticeable and often salt tolerate grasses start to green up too. This is, of course, like many farm activities a mixed blessing. The farmer can see if his salt patches have spread – not good, but he is also hopeful that rains are on the way - good.
[ Click here to read more ]

57

Vote

Read More Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: bumpkin - Category: farming, town life, people, events, observations

   

Email this Post to a Friend 

Anzac Day in the Bush

April 17th 2007 07:49

Lest We Forget

The time of year is again approaching when Australia remembers those who fought in many theatres of war over the last one hundred or so years. Most country towns will hold a march from point to point with any veterans available, women who had served as nurses or land army, some children of these service men and women, Red Cross and CWA members, the boy scouts, girl guides and possibly the fire and ambulance volunteers to swell the numbers. The local clergy will say the prayers and others will share the formalities of the service. The last post and reveille will be sounded by the gifted child that is learning the trumpet or the sounds will come from a well worn tape recording. Wreaths will be laid at the local memorial – a cairn in a park, a soldier with his rifle turned upside down in the main street or a wall on which names are displayed – many of them the same surnames as those that are still within the town. Nothing will stop this solemn ceremony – even Highway traffic must give way for this event.
Most towns sport a Memorial Hall, a Memorial park and/or an RSL Hall as permanent reminders of these sacrifices. These places are held in respect and a certain reverence.

[ Click here to read more ]

59

Vote

Read More Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: bumpkin - Category: farming, town life, people, events, observations

   

Email this Post to a Friend 

Old Dog

March 27th 2007 03:43

The old dog - just resting

Our old sheep dog is getting slower and slower. While a couple of years ago he would tell off the other mutt when he invaded his territory in the sheep yards, now he is more likely to let any other dog do the work. Now he gets in the road when sheep are being moved from one paddock to another– not on purpose- it's just that it takes him longer to get there! Only if his master is at the sheds for more than two hours will he bother to wander down to join him. His life now tends to be a series of moves from one dug out in the garden to another - following the sun around the house.
He is actually lucky to be alive at all. As a very young dog he fell off the back of the ute and went under the full sheep feeder which is attached behind, breaking the bone at the join to the hip. The first diagnosis was “forget it”, and then the vet decided he needed the “practice” and offered to do it for nothing. (When the bill came we realized he meant he needed his practice - that is, needed to keep his veterinary practice going – as the anesthetic bill was enormous). However, despite being told the dog would never be able to jump on the tray of the ute, he has always done so for many years.
Then he had a run in with a kangaroo which meant he is not as manly as he was – if you get my drift.- more stitches

[ Click here to read more ]

68

Vote

Read More Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: bumpkin - Category: farming, observations

   

Email this Post to a Friend 

The Country smells! Good and bad!

March 1st 2007 08:41

Intoxicating Red Gum Flowers

Enough rain fell today to freshen the air and stop the dry dusty smells of summer. But not enough to allow the earth to release the sweet aroma of promise that heralds a change of season – the smell that awakens grasses to germinate and for the greening to begin

[ Click here to read more ]

65

Vote

Read More Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: bumpkin - Category: farming, observations

   

Email this Post to a Friend 

I have a forest growing in my office - It's paper overload!

January 19th 2007 08:32

Blue gums - used for paper production

There is a forest growing in my office!!
In our part of the world we have the ever-encroaching timber companies tempting the farmers to lease out their best bits of land so that they can grow trees for the pulp mills – for paper production. While it has to be said that the money is very handy and has helped many farmers to either survive, or semi-retire, it is with some regret that they must leave their properties to the big companies who are only interested in planting neat rows of blue gums. These will eventually be cut, leaving paddocks full of stumps that will need to be re-cleared – with memories of the old days of grinding out the stumps and years of stick picking! Or, if it was a good crop it may be re-planted by the company. Sadly, some of the best land for farming crops is used for this purpose, as the companies are very selective in what will produce the trees- (naturally they need to please their shareholders

[ Click here to read more ]

80

Vote

Read More Comments (3) Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: bumpkin - Category: observations

   

Email this Post to a Friend 

Country driving - following directions

December 29th 2006 04:40

Which way now?

You have been invited to a friend’s place for afternoon tea, a party, book club, a game of tennis or even to check out the new tractor. Yes this is for the blokes too – just because they will never admit they are lost, doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen – I happen to know men get “temporarily misplaced” all the time… I digress…
You have been invited to a friend’s place – except that you have never been there before and they live at the remote end of the Shire. What do you do

[ Click here to read more ]

78

Vote

Read More Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: bumpkin - Category: observations

   

Email this Post to a Friend 

Prayer for the fire fighters

December 17th 2006 06:13

Fallen tree

We are all aware of the fires that are being fought in Victoria, Tasmania and N.S.W. at the moment. At the same time there are many minor outbreaks throughout Australia being fought by local volunteer groups or regular fire fighters. Summer has come with a vengence

[ Click here to read more ]

74

Vote

Read More Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: bumpkin - Category: observations

   

Email this Post to a Friend 

A Christmas Wish

December 14th 2006 09:07

Santa makes a wish

Christmas Wish
[ Click here to read more ]

60

Vote

Read More Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: bumpkin - Category: observations

   

Email this Post to a Friend 

Road Safety on Country Roads part 2- Gravel Roads

December 7th 2006 13:41

A quiet gravel country road!

Having lived in the Country for most of my life, I have heard some really sad stories of people dying on gravel roads, some in unusual circumstances. I have also heard of serious injuries that leave physical and mental scars on those involved. So the hints I can give you now come from real situations – and as I said in Part One, if this means there is a voice in your head telling you to take care – then I have achieved my objective.
I state the obvious, speed and gravel roads do not mix. I won’t tell you how fast is too fast – on some roads 50km/ph may be too fast. But remember

[ Click here to read more ]

66

Vote

Read More Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: bumpkin - Category: observations

   

Email this Post to a Friend 

Road safety tips for rural driving - part one

December 2nd 2006 06:25

Dip those headlamps!

I have sometimes pitied my sons, who, all their life have had a mother who has commented on the driving of others as we have traveled over may a country mile. Look at that fool – passing that truck on a double white line on a bend!” “What the hell is this person doing passing three of us when there is a car coming?”
[ Click here to read more ]

62

Vote

Read More Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: bumpkin - Category: observations

   

Email this Post to a Friend 

Previous Page (1-14) | Next Page (29-42)

[ Living Rural Home ] [ Create A New Post ]