7. Precious Cargo

Paddle Steamer Tanjil

Image Source: State Library of Victoria - ca. 1873-ca. 1882 http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/69056

Riverboat - Steam along
Moonlight destination not in the captain’s log
Sneak your way, Through Bankroft Bay
Up the mighty Tambo
A bullock team awaits

Riverboat captain - God fearing man
Lay down your bible, Round the devils bend

Prankerd’s Bullock Team at Gillingal

Image Source: Rhonda Coates, Buchan Heritage Group

So heave away, haul away
Unmarked crates and barrels Heading our way

Bullock team – Creeps along
Precious cargo that’s the devil to this town
Drive the dray, up Snowy way
Sly moonlight meeting ‘fore the break of day

Bullock team driver - What forced your hand?
To deliver this misery to your own land

Heave away, haul away
Weary bones, heavy load
With whose life do you pay?

There’s a riverboat – waiting
To take me home
An unmarked crate, At Batter’s Warfe, 6ft long

All captains know - one day
A bell will ring
You’ll run aground without a sound
And sink with your sins

Heave away… Haul away….