September 2020

The 1886 embezzlement scandal, and the disappearance of Robert Alston Murray

20 September 2020 / 5 Comments

The story below is peripheral to the main themes in ‘Fires, Farms and Forests’ and is not covered in the book. However, I want to share with you this remarkable incident that occurred in 1886.

James William Norton Smith features prominently in my book, particularly in Chapters 2-6. He was born in England in 1846, and after receiving an education in agriculture, he managed a sheep farm in New Zealand.

Our friends at Hervey Bay

12 September 2020 / 3 Comments

Antechinus
Source https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O8mHF8Jq4d0/WRY8jAl_86I/AAAAAAAAOlI/CmSwxi792J0zS6qfVkIvcvXPGHVATvaegCLcB/s1600/antechinus-min.jpg

While staying in Hervey for ten weeks during the COVID19 travel restrictions, the two of us would sit outside under our awning during late afternoon, near dusk, enjoying our happy hour drink. Most times we were entertained by a pair of brown antechinus (Antechinus stuartii) darting about at twilight after waking up from their slumber.… Read more

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From Cania Gorge to the highlands of Tasmania and lots of places in between – the mismanagement of Australia’s forests

6 September 2020 / 2 Comments

While on a bushwalk through Cania Gorge National Park near Monto last June, I tended to do what I always do. I studied the forest around me as I walked up a particular gully off the main gorge and looked for clues about the history of the forest and its condition.… Read more

From Cania Gorge to the highlands of Tasmania and lots of places in between – the mismanagement of Australia’s forests Read More »