Kynuna - Home of "Waltzing Matilda"
Any Australian out there will know the tune and quite possibly the words to Waltzing Matilda. But, do you really know the story behind it?
I have spent much time trying to get to the bottom of how this famous song became such an important part of Australia's history.
There are a few conflicting stories as to the true origination of song, but there are indeed a few facts, that remain constant.
I will take you back to the beginning. Well, not too far back!
The 1890's in Australia were a troubled and unsettled time for many, least of all the Shearers of the Outback. These fellows would pack themselves up, with their swags, their billy and few important possessions, and travel from one large station/property to the next. Each property could be 100miles or more from the last.
By 1891, the wool industry within Australia was massive, and the industry was growing. As such, the working conditions for wool workers was quite deplorable and the Australian Shearers Union (ASU) was set up to protect tens of thousands of workers. They also unionised a large amount of sheds to help employ and protect their workers.
However, there was still many shearing sheds and properties that would not be party to the 'demands' of the Union. Consequently, the ASU decided that Union members were not to work with Non Union members. Added to this, various Property owners were asking Shearer's to sign documents waiving or reducing the power of their union agreements. This set the ball rolling for not only a "Shearer's Strike" but also the "Wharfies" in Rockhampton went on strike also, refusing to handle any wool that had been processed by non union wool workers.
Sadly, for the Unionists, they were unable to hold out. They were hungry and the weather had been unkind with much rain. As such by the middle of 1891, the "Squatters" had won, but it had proven a costly venture for them. It was around this time that the birth of the Australian Labour Party can be noted.
Fast forward to 1894, wool prices had dropped, unions had been defeated and were lacking funds. Pastrolist's were forced to cut wages and conditions and many shearer's were happy to jump off the union 'bandwagon' in favour of wages. Those that remained true to the Union cause, went on strike; again.
This time however, their actions were more aggressive and at times violent. Hundreds, even thousands of men gathered in strike camps and were monitored by local constabulary.
It was during this strike in September, 1894; that the property of Dagworth, near Kynuna in Central West Queensland was targeted. Dagworth was in control of the MacPherson brothers, Bob, Gideon and Jack. Just like the property, their shearing shed was huge! It was set up for 40 "scab" (non union) shearers to shear at least 120,000 sheep and then class and press the wool.
During the night on the 1st September 1894, 16 Unionist Shearers crept up on the property and open fired, during the 20 minute gunfight, one Unionist (said to be Samuel Hoffmeister) burnt down the shed, including the 140 lambs located inside waiting for the morning to be sheared by the scabs. Owing to the current upheaval in the industry, the brothers MacPherson had organised for there to be Police and Troopers available.
Bob MacPherson, and three troopers set off after the Unionists, and upon finding them near Combo Waterhole, they also found Samuel Hoffmeister, dead - allegedly by his own hand. And so begins the story of Waltzing Matilda.
It is now January 1895, Banjo Paterson is holiday with his fiance Sarah Riley, whose family own the property next door to the MacPherson's. It is also at this time that Christina MacPherson has returned to Dagworth owing to the passing of her mother only weeks before hand. Christina and Sarah are childhood friends and consequently, Banjo and Sarah are invited to stay at Dagworth for a period of time.
It is during this time that Bob retells the story of the night in September 1894, among other tales. Bob and Banjo spend much time together riding the property, and without doubt would have visited Combo Waterhole. Here, it is possible they witnessed a 'swagman' with a slaughtered sheep, or perhaps just saw a killed sheep. Maybe they did witness a swagman jump into the billabong and drown. Maybe the story was told that Samuel Hoffmeister tried to 'run away' and rather than being shot was chased into the billabong, fully clothed and with heavy boots, and getting stuck in the thick clay that is the base of the billabong. There are many stories around just who the swagman is, and the truth behind it may never be known.
What is known, is that Christina MacPherson played a sweet and catchy tune upon the Zither, that she had previously heard in Warrnambool (Melbourne). She knew she was not playing it exact, and was playing it from memory. The tune is wildly known as "Bonnie Wood o' Craigielee". Banjo was quite taken by the tune and decided to pen some words to go with it.
Banjo draws on the stories as told by "Squatter" Bob MacPherson, and romances the story of what "Waltzing Matilda" really means. It is said that this term was raised over dinner one night, in the company of Banjo, when the Overseer of Dagworth was asked if he had seen any men on his travels. He replied "I only saw one man, Waltzing Matilda". Later the question was asked - "What does Waltzing Matilda mean", an explanation was given that it was the 'dance' of a swagman walking along with his swag over his back swaying back and forth.
Thus, Waltzing Matilda was born. Much has been said over what the song really means; and truthfully, we may never know. After leaving Dagworth, Banjo very rarely spoke of "Waltzing Matilda". Not long after Banjo's visit, Bob MacPherson and his brothers were forced to leave Dagworth, the drought and depression had made it difficult for Squatters to make ends meet.
Bob MacPherson, did not leave the area, he was a part of Kynuna for many years to come. Sadly, Bob passed away after a pleasant day at the races at the Kynuna Hotel (now Blue Heeler Pub and Hotel) in 1930. Banjo and Sarah Riley ended their engagement, and the contact between Christina MacPherson and Banjo became non existant. It is said that Banjo had 'flirted' with Christina during their time writing Waltzing Matilda, and hence Sarah left Banjo for England. It is interesting to note that neither Sarah or Christina ever married.
The Story of Waltzing Matilda after 1895 is a sad one. Although it is considered Australia's Unofficial Anthem - the copyrights to the words and music are owned by an American Company. This is mainly owing to both Banjo and Christina not copyrighting their work, and consequently the music and words being onsold to "Billy Tea Company" owners James Inglis & Co, who made changes to the prose and music to suit their needs. These changes were made by Marie Cowan, the wife of a manager at Billy Tea. Subsequently, the Sydney University gained permission to publish these words and music in a song book.
Somewhere along the line, Carl Fisher Music in the United States of America falsely copyrighted the song as an original composition in 1941. Since there was no challenge at this time or since, the copyright in the USA stands. However, it is only in the USA that this copyright stands and as such, during the closing ceremony of the Atlanta Olympics in 1996, the Australian Team were required to apply for approval and pay royalties to sing & perform Waltzing Matilda.
Any Australian out there will know the tune and quite possibly the words to Waltzing Matilda. But, do you really know the story behind it?
I have spent much time trying to get to the bottom of how this famous song became such an important part of Australia's history.
There are a few conflicting stories as to the true origination of song, but there are indeed a few facts, that remain constant.
I will take you back to the beginning. Well, not too far back!
The 1890's in Australia were a troubled and unsettled time for many, least of all the Shearers of the Outback. These fellows would pack themselves up, with their swags, their billy and few important possessions, and travel from one large station/property to the next. Each property could be 100miles or more from the last.
By 1891, the wool industry within Australia was massive, and the industry was growing. As such, the working conditions for wool workers was quite deplorable and the Australian Shearers Union (ASU) was set up to protect tens of thousands of workers. They also unionised a large amount of sheds to help employ and protect their workers.
However, there was still many shearing sheds and properties that would not be party to the 'demands' of the Union. Consequently, the ASU decided that Union members were not to work with Non Union members. Added to this, various Property owners were asking Shearer's to sign documents waiving or reducing the power of their union agreements. This set the ball rolling for not only a "Shearer's Strike" but also the "Wharfies" in Rockhampton went on strike also, refusing to handle any wool that had been processed by non union wool workers.
Sadly, for the Unionists, they were unable to hold out. They were hungry and the weather had been unkind with much rain. As such by the middle of 1891, the "Squatters" had won, but it had proven a costly venture for them. It was around this time that the birth of the Australian Labour Party can be noted.
Fast forward to 1894, wool prices had dropped, unions had been defeated and were lacking funds. Pastrolist's were forced to cut wages and conditions and many shearer's were happy to jump off the union 'bandwagon' in favour of wages. Those that remained true to the Union cause, went on strike; again.
This time however, their actions were more aggressive and at times violent. Hundreds, even thousands of men gathered in strike camps and were monitored by local constabulary.
It was during this strike in September, 1894; that the property of Dagworth, near Kynuna in Central West Queensland was targeted. Dagworth was in control of the MacPherson brothers, Bob, Gideon and Jack. Just like the property, their shearing shed was huge! It was set up for 40 "scab" (non union) shearers to shear at least 120,000 sheep and then class and press the wool.
During the night on the 1st September 1894, 16 Unionist Shearers crept up on the property and open fired, during the 20 minute gunfight, one Unionist (said to be Samuel Hoffmeister) burnt down the shed, including the 140 lambs located inside waiting for the morning to be sheared by the scabs. Owing to the current upheaval in the industry, the brothers MacPherson had organised for there to be Police and Troopers available.
Bob MacPherson, and three troopers set off after the Unionists, and upon finding them near Combo Waterhole, they also found Samuel Hoffmeister, dead - allegedly by his own hand. And so begins the story of Waltzing Matilda.
It is now January 1895, Banjo Paterson is holiday with his fiance Sarah Riley, whose family own the property next door to the MacPherson's. It is also at this time that Christina MacPherson has returned to Dagworth owing to the passing of her mother only weeks before hand. Christina and Sarah are childhood friends and consequently, Banjo and Sarah are invited to stay at Dagworth for a period of time.
It is during this time that Bob retells the story of the night in September 1894, among other tales. Bob and Banjo spend much time together riding the property, and without doubt would have visited Combo Waterhole. Here, it is possible they witnessed a 'swagman' with a slaughtered sheep, or perhaps just saw a killed sheep. Maybe they did witness a swagman jump into the billabong and drown. Maybe the story was told that Samuel Hoffmeister tried to 'run away' and rather than being shot was chased into the billabong, fully clothed and with heavy boots, and getting stuck in the thick clay that is the base of the billabong. There are many stories around just who the swagman is, and the truth behind it may never be known.
What is known, is that Christina MacPherson played a sweet and catchy tune upon the Zither, that she had previously heard in Warrnambool (Melbourne). She knew she was not playing it exact, and was playing it from memory. The tune is wildly known as "Bonnie Wood o' Craigielee". Banjo was quite taken by the tune and decided to pen some words to go with it.
Banjo draws on the stories as told by "Squatter" Bob MacPherson, and romances the story of what "Waltzing Matilda" really means. It is said that this term was raised over dinner one night, in the company of Banjo, when the Overseer of Dagworth was asked if he had seen any men on his travels. He replied "I only saw one man, Waltzing Matilda". Later the question was asked - "What does Waltzing Matilda mean", an explanation was given that it was the 'dance' of a swagman walking along with his swag over his back swaying back and forth.
Thus, Waltzing Matilda was born. Much has been said over what the song really means; and truthfully, we may never know. After leaving Dagworth, Banjo very rarely spoke of "Waltzing Matilda". Not long after Banjo's visit, Bob MacPherson and his brothers were forced to leave Dagworth, the drought and depression had made it difficult for Squatters to make ends meet.
Bob MacPherson, did not leave the area, he was a part of Kynuna for many years to come. Sadly, Bob passed away after a pleasant day at the races at the Kynuna Hotel (now Blue Heeler Pub and Hotel) in 1930. Banjo and Sarah Riley ended their engagement, and the contact between Christina MacPherson and Banjo became non existant. It is said that Banjo had 'flirted' with Christina during their time writing Waltzing Matilda, and hence Sarah left Banjo for England. It is interesting to note that neither Sarah or Christina ever married.
The Story of Waltzing Matilda after 1895 is a sad one. Although it is considered Australia's Unofficial Anthem - the copyrights to the words and music are owned by an American Company. This is mainly owing to both Banjo and Christina not copyrighting their work, and consequently the music and words being onsold to "Billy Tea Company" owners James Inglis & Co, who made changes to the prose and music to suit their needs. These changes were made by Marie Cowan, the wife of a manager at Billy Tea. Subsequently, the Sydney University gained permission to publish these words and music in a song book.
Somewhere along the line, Carl Fisher Music in the United States of America falsely copyrighted the song as an original composition in 1941. Since there was no challenge at this time or since, the copyright in the USA stands. However, it is only in the USA that this copyright stands and as such, during the closing ceremony of the Atlanta Olympics in 1996, the Australian Team were required to apply for approval and pay royalties to sing & perform Waltzing Matilda.
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| The Duffers Bar |
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| The Duffers Bar |
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| Inside the Main Bar - very hard to find a piece of wall or ceiling that has not already been signed |
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Marie Cowan was employed by Billy Tea to rearrange the music of Walzting Matilda to better suit their advertising campaign. |
 Waltzing Matilda Centennial Edition. Given to the Blue Heelers Pub by Richard Magoffin AOM to celebrate the Birthplace of A. B. Paterson and Christina MacPherson's collaboration |
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Bob MacPherson was the Squatter (owner) of the property Dagworth, where Banjo Paterson stayed with his fiance, and subsequently wrote Waltzing Matilda based on some stories (perhaps some truths) as told by Bob. |
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Christina MacPherson, was the School friend of Banjo Paterson's fiance Sarah Riley, she was also the sister of Bob MacPherson, Squatter of Dagworth |
| WALTZING MATILDA (A. B. Paterson Original) Under the shade of a coolibah tree; And he sang as he looked at the old billy boiling “Who'll come a Waltzing Matilda with me?” Who'll come a Waltzing Matilda with me? Waltzing Matilda, and leading a water bag; Who'll come a Waltzing Matilda with me? Up jumped the swagman and grabbed him with glee; And he said as he put him away in the tucker bag “You'll come a Waltzing Matilda with me!” Who'll come a Waltzing Matilda with me? Waltzing Matilda, and leading a water bag; Who'll come a Waltzing Matilda with me? Down came policemen, one, two, three; “Whose is that jumbuck you've got in your tucker bag? You'll come a Waltzing Matilda with me!” Who'll come a Waltzing Matilda with me? Waltzing Matilda, and leading a water bag; Who'll come a Waltzing Matilda with me? Drowning himself by the coolibah tree; And his ghost may be heard as it sings by the billabong “Who'll come a Waltzing Matilda with me?” Who'll come a Waltzing Matilda with me? Waltzing Matilda, and leading a water bag; Who'll come a Waltzing Matilda with me? |
WALTZING MATILDA (as written by Marie Cowan for Billy Tea commercial) Under the shade of a Coolibah tree, And he sang as he watched and waited till his billy boil, You'll come a Waltzing Matilda with me. You'll come a Waltzing Matilda with me, And he sang as he watched and waited till his billy boil You'll come a Waltzing Matilda with me. Up jumped the swagman and grabbed him with glee, And he sang as he shoved that jumbuck in his tucker bag You'll come a Waltzing Matilda with me. You'll come a Waltzing Matilda with me, And he sang as he shoved that jumbuck in his tucker bag You'll come a Waltzing Matilda with me. Down came the troopers One Two Three Whose that jolly jumbuck you've got in your tucker bag You'll come a Waltzing Matilda with me. You'll come a Waltzing Matilda with me Whose that jolly jumbuck you've got in your tucker-bag You'll come a Waltzing Matilda with me. You'll never catch me alive said he, And his ghost may be heard as you pass by that billabong You'll come a Waltzing Matilda with me. You'll come a Waltzing Matilda with me And his ghost may be heard as you pass by that billabong You'll come a Waltzing Matilda with me. |
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