ADVANCING CHANGES
As I watch the modern traffic speeding on its various ways
I am taken back in fancy to the mode in bygone days
To the early days of Bathurst and the Turon at her best
When our wares were hauled by horses out from Sydney to the West.
There were teams of all dimensions, there were bullock teams galore.
There was five-horse drays, tilted carts and waggons by the score.
With horses groomed till shining and their bullocks rolling fat.
They hauled their loads from Bathurst out through Peel and Wattle Flat.
Onward to Sofala over rough and boggy road
While the waggon wheels were creaking beneath their heavy load
Till they reached the Turon River which is really but a creek
Many hidden tales could she reveal could the old place only speak.
The road was like a bee hive, there were people young and old
All spurred with one set purpose then the search for precious gold.
Some wheeled their load in barrows, they were sure but rather slow
While others pressing to be first went out per Cobb and Co.
The Escort was impressive and her staff impressive too.
She was manned with mounted troopers with a risky job to do.
In spite of all bushrangers who were villains we were told
They travelled out from Bathurst and brought in the Turon gold.
We kiddies had our troubles then which are overcome today.
The school (when you could find one) was miles and miles away
But we toddled off their daily to the desk and four legged stool
Where we sat to learn our lessons at the old Wyagdon school.
But the scenes are changing swiftly as the years go rolling on
And like Rivitt Bros. waggons, the gold rush days are gone.
But I’ll keep on thinking sadly till I’m numbered with the past
Of these happy days of Turon that were all too good to last.
PAT O’DONNELL, Macquarie Fields
National Advocate, Wednesday 6 January 1943, page 3
(http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/160901265)