Sunny New South Wales by Andrew Barton Paterson
The work celebrates the beauty, wealth, and charm of New South Wales, presenting it as an ideal land compared to others. It begins with a reflection on national pride, asserting that every individual believes their homeland is the best. The speaker invites others to join in celebrating New South Wales, claiming it surpasses all other countries in beauty and prosperity. The poem highlights the land's abundant resources, emphasizing its agricultural wealth, particularly in sheep and cattle farming. It contrasts New South Wales with England, noting that the latter has had to import meat from the former, showcasing the region's agricultural superiority. The narrative continues by addressing the mineral wealth of New South Wales, asserting that it rivals the gold rush of California. The speaker points out that the land is rich in various minerals, including silver, copper, and tin, reinforcing the idea that New South Wales is a treasure trove of natural resources. The climate and natural beauty of the region are praised, with descriptions of sweet and rare flowers and stunning landscapes. The speaker criticizes those who have misrepresented the land, referencing Anthony Trollope's visit and his astonishment at its beauty. The poem concludes with a celebration of the local people, particularly the native girls, who embody the spirit of the land. Overall, the work is a patriotic ode that extols the virtues of New South Wales, inviting readers to appreciate its natural wealth, beauty, and the integrity of its people.
By Andrew Barton Paterson · First published 1902 · Genre: Poetry, Regional Literature, Celebratory Literature · 652 words
First lines
We often hear men boast about the land which gave them / birth, / And each one thinks his native land the fairest spot on / earth; / In beauty, riches, power, no land can his surpass; / To his, all other lands on earth cannot even hold a glass. / Now, if other people have their boasts, then, say, why should / not we, / For we can drink our jovial toast and sing with three times / three; / For there's not a country in the world where all that's fair / prevails / As here it does in this our land, our sunny New South / Wales.
Chorus / Then toast with me our happy land, / Where all that's fair prevails, / Our colour's blue and our hearts are true, / In sunny New South Wales.
What this Textopian page supports
Sunny New South Wales is listed on Textopian as a poem by Andrew Barton Paterson, dated 1902 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Andrew Barton Paterson
- Date: 1902 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Regional Literature, Celebratory Literature, Nature Writing, Patriotic Literature
- Length: 652 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Sunny New South Wales by Andrew Barton Paterson
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Regional Literature — The themes focus on the beauty and wealth of New South Wales, highlighting its regional identity.
- Celebratory Literature — The text expresses pride and joy in the land, celebrating its attributes and resources.
- Nature Writing — The descriptions of the landscape, climate, and flora indicate a focus on nature.
Tags
Australia · New South Wales · patriotism · nature · wealth · agriculture · sheep · cattle · gold · climate · beauty · landscape