With Hook and Line on an Austral River

With Hook and Line on an Austral River

The story revolves around a young sailor who becomes embroiled in a conflict between two rival groups vying for control of the river's resources. The protagonist must navigate treacherous waters and confront his own morality in order to survive. The narrative explores themes of colonialism, power struggles, and the clash of cultures. It is set against the backdrop of a harsh and unforgiving environment, where the characters are forced to adapt and fight for survival. Throughout the story, the protagonist grapples with the consequences of his actions and the true cost of his involvement in the conflict. The novel raises questions about the nature of right and wrong, and whether morality can be compromised in the pursuit of power or survival. The writing style is descriptive and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the Australian landscape and the characters that inhabit it. The author's use of language creates a sense of tension and foreboding, drawing the reader into the world of the story. Ultimately, the novel is a commentary on the human condition, exploring the complexities and nuances of human nature in the face of adversity.

By Louis Becke · First published 1882 · Genre: Travel Writing, Nature Writing, Adventure · 4,288 words

First lines

The English visitor to the Eastern Colonies of Australia, who is in search of sport with either rod or hand line, can always obtain excellent fishing in the summer months, even in such traffic-disturbed harbours as Sydney, Newcastle and other ports; but on the tidal rivers of the eastern and southern seaboard he can catch more fish than he can carry home, during nine months of the year. In the true winter months deep sea fishing is not much favoured, except during the prevalence of westerly winds, when for days at a time the Pacific is as smooth as a lake; but in the rivers, from Mallacoota Inlet, which is a few miles over the Victorian boundary, to the Tweed River on the north, the stranger may fairly revel, not only in the delights of splendid fishing, but in the charms of beautiful scenery. He needs no guide, will be put to but little expense, for the country hotel accommodation is good and cheap; and, should he visit some of the northern rivers, where the towns -- or rather small settlements -- are few and far between, he will find the settlers the embodiment of British hospitality. Some five years ago the writer formed one of the crew of a little steamer of fifty tons, named the _Jenny Lind_, which was sent out along the coast in the futile endeavour to revive the coast whaling industry. Through stress of weather we had frequently to make a dash for shelter, towing our one whale-boat, to one of the many tidal rivers on the coast between Sydney and Gabo Island. Here we would remain until the weather broke, and our crew would literally cover the deck with an extraordinary variety of fish in the course of a few hours. Then, at low tide, we could always fill a couple of corn sacks with excellent oysters, and get bucketfuls of large prawns by means of a scoop net improvised from a piece of mosquito netting.

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Adventure · Fishing · Australasia · River · Travelogue · Exploration · Colonialism · Imperialism · 19th Century · Literary Fiction · Short Stories · Anthology

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With Hook and Line on an Austral River is listed on Textopian as a short story by Louis Becke, dated 1882 CE.

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