“The Eumerella Shore”
Description
"There's a happy little valley by the Eumerella Shore Where I've lingered many happy hours away...." The singer rejoices to be free of the squatters, or even to be able to steal their cattle. He encourages his animals to enjoy their freedom
Notes
Manifold notes that Australia boasts a Eumerella River in Victoria, while New South Wales has a Umerella (Numerella) River. The reference to John Robertson implies a New South Wales setting -- but of course the song could have spread.
Manifold thinks this is a satire of the free selection movement, and I think he is right. (For a more positive view of the situation, see "The Old Bullock Dray.") - RBW
Historical references
- 1861 - Sir John Robertson (called Jack Robertson in the song) passes the New South Wales Free Selection Act, allowing the poorer members of the population freer access to land
Cross references
- cf. "Darling Nelly Gray" (tune)
References
- Meredith/Anderson, pp. 155-156, "The Eumerella Shore"; p. 238, "The Noomanally Shore" ; pp. 278-279, "The Neumerella Shore" (3 texts, 3 tunes)
- Manifold-PASB, pp. 106-107, "Eumerella Shore" (1 text, 1 tune)
- Meredith/Covell/Brown, pp. 272-273, "The Umeralla Shore" (1 text, 1 tune)
- Paterson/Fahey/Seal, pp. 162-165, "The Numerella Shore" (1 text)
- BI, MA155