Like many others, I spend a lot of time on Trove to learn more about the daily
lives of my ancestors. I found an article from 1931 this week that seems
perfect to share during the Holiday Season.
As background, my father grew up during the depression in the South Australian
rural town of Blyth, and he often told me that as a child, his father (who is
the motorist mentioned in the article below), would never let him play with
children who could not afford shoes, even though unemployment was nearly 30%.
“…. I take the liberty of informing you of the following incident which is
quite true, and which I am only too happy to relate. Mr. Alf. Bebee. who is the
local manager for Goldsbrough, Mort & Co., Ltd., of this town, happened to be
out in his car some miles away from Blyth, when he saw two children, whom he
afterwards ascertained were only 6 and 7 years of age, walking along the
burning dusty road with their boots tied together by the laces and hanging
around their necks. He stopped the car and asked them would they care to have a
lift. 'My word, mister, too right we would, we're on our way to school and the
roads are jolly hot and there are a lot of pirickles about,' they replied. On
being further questioned, the kiddies replied, ‘You know, mister, things have
been mighty tough with Dad lately. He hasn't had a crop for four years, and
this year, when he has had a little better luck, the price is no good. Dad is
trying jolly hard and we want to help him if we can. You see, mister, we know
he can't afford to buy us new boots when these are worn out, so we walk to
school and home again each day without our boots and socks. We only wear them
when we are at school.' These children have four miles to walk to school each
day and it speaks volumes for their pluck and grit. What manly thoughts and
noble sentiments are expressed in these kiddies' reasoning. If only this same
spirit of unselfishness and sacrifice existed right through Australia today, we
would find the solving of our present difficulties a much easier job than it
now appears to be. …” W. A. R. Crouch, E. S. & A. Bank, Blyth
"Out among the People" Observer (Adelaide, SA : 1905 - 1931) 12 February 1931:
50. Web. 20 Dec 2016 <http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article164816737>.
Seasons Greeting, and a Christmas hello to all my fellow DPS’ers!
Lyn
