Shearers & Some Sheds

Name: Shearers & Some Sheds
Author: John Arthur Barry

Shearers & Some Sheds is a work about the history of shearing in Australia. It tells the story of the shearers who worked in the sheds, the people who owned the sheds, and the communities that grew up around them. It looks at the development of the industry, the technology used, and the impact it had on the people and the environment. It also looks at the social and cultural aspects of the industry, including the role of women, the impact of unionism, and the changing nature of the work. The book is written in an accessible style, with plenty of anecdotes and stories from the people who lived and worked in the sheds. It is a fascinating look at a unique part of Australia's history.

By John Arthur Barry · First published 1906 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Biography, Adventure · 4 chapters · 1,863 words

First lines

Shearing throughout Australia will soon be in full swing, and already in some districts early sheds are "cut out, " and have relapsed into their usual condition of dormant quiet, relieved only by an occasional "drafting match, " or a visit from a party of swagmen seeking shelter in the deserted huts. But during next month, in the majority of sheds, will still be heard the incessant whirr and drone of the machines as the golden fleece is peeled off the animals' bodies by the sturdy toilers, whose harvest, as well as that of the sheepowners, the present season provides. With varying localities so does the work differ in its essential features. In the more settled districts of the Eastern Division, where the flocks are comparatively small, there is seldom or never any trouble. Year by year the same procedure obtains; the work is carried on without trouble; all things run smoothly. Often the same sure hands appear on the board and take their old stands, remaining until the last "cobbler" disappears and the bell sounds for the last time. In such sheds there is generally a good understanding between employer and employee. The former is personally acquainted with most of his men; they are, indeed, often themselves small holders in the neighbourhood. They know his price, the "cut" he requires, and they strive to give the satisfaction that shall ensure another engagement. This type of shearer is essentially a good one, reliable, steady, an expert worker; a family man, as a rule, who has a home and interests in the district. About him there is nothing flash or rowdy; there is no gambling in the hut o' nights; no "flutters" with his "prads" on Sundays. He wants his hard-earned money to improve his holding, to purchase some fresh stock, to clothe and feed the "missus an' the kids." Lucky the sheepgrower who can fill his board with shearers of this class; he may depend on getting his wool off well and quickly and to the accompaniment of none of those "rows" which so often mark the progress of shearing in many sheds where owners are not so fortunate in their men.

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Shearers & Some Sheds is listed on Textopian as a historical account by John Arthur Barry, dated 1906 CE.

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Work type: Historical account
Author: John Arthur Barry
Date: 1906 CE
Language: English
Genres: Historical Fiction, Biography, Adventure, Romance
Length: 1,863 words
Structure: 4 chapters, 53 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

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Work identity for Shearers & Some Sheds by John Arthur Barry
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Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Historical Fiction — The book title suggests a focus on shearers and sheds, which are both associated with the Australian outback and rural life. This implies a focus on the history of the Australian outback and rural life, making historical fiction the most relevant genre.
Biography — The book is written by John Arthur Barry, suggesting that it may be a biography of his own experiences as a shearer or of someone else's experiences in the Australian outback.
Adventure — The book title suggests a focus on shearers and sheds, which implies a focus on the adventures of shearers in the Australian outback.
Romance — The book title suggests a focus on shearers and sheds, which implies a focus on the relationships between shearers in the Australian outback, making romance a possible genre.