The happy wanderer, 1920-1950 by Rudolf Hold, 1954

MLMSS 9248

fonds

1954

881035

0.16 cm of textual records (1 box)

Reminiscences of an Austrian man who travelled to Australia as crew member on a ship, and deserted in Sydney in 1928. He briefly describes his life as a child in Austria, and he more fully tells about his early days in Australia.

He describes his wanderings; picking up the language; getting jobs; hitching rides; travelling free on trains and the dangers of jumping off; the kindness of strangers; world events, including the depression.

Working on farms, including a vineyard in Queensland; travelling by boat from Brisbane to Townsville; living and working in Cairns and other North Queensland towns; his opinion of Chinese people and their love of gambling; working in mines in Mount Isa and in the Northern Territory; living in Darwin, with a detailed account of aborigines and their skill in catching food, and their lack of interest in possessions; seeing a corroboree; moving to Tennant Creek.

There is very little mention of the war years, and in 1946 he describes living in Coober Pedy with the opal fields, and the underground stores where whites would be served first.

He suggests how Australia should be farmed and irrigated, and the importance of the Murray River and the need for re-planting after cutting trees. He says that immigrants should be warned that life in Australia will be hard, and that only people who know how to work the soil should be allowed to come. A postscript to the story suggests a canal be built. (Reference: Hold, Rudolf 1954, The happy wanderer [reminiscence of Rudolf Hold, an Austrian in Australia in the 1920s to the 1950s] http://trove.nla.gov.au/version/38118806)

Rudolf Hold is alternatively known as Max Hold, changing his name upon deserting his ship in Sydney in 1928.

Manuscript in 4 booklets, possibly written in Austrian/German of Rudolf Hold's experiences of travelling in Australia, especially in outback regions.

1 bound book of a photo-copied translation of original manuscript.

Clippings of Michael and Lindy Chamberlain.

Copyright status:: In copyright
Please acknowledge:: Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

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