The Barkly Story 1859 – 1985 by Eulalie Driscoll (Second Hand Book)

SECOND HAND BOOK

The History of Navarre – Barkley Region from 1859-1985.

Progress is a two-edged weapon. Who would deny that it has brought many benefits to Australian country people? Railway, mail services, telephones and improved health care are some of these benefits. However, many of the advantages which progress brought to the country Australia, have now been taken away from the people in the name of economic viability.

Small country places have, in general, just managed to retain their identify as changes occurred. Their general store, their church, their school, their annual picnic and sports day, these are some of the institutions which are disappearing.  The very name of small country places is preserved only in local records. The traveller passing through will see only a few abandoned fruit trees, some old chimneys, a few bricks, to mark the place where a settlement once stood. Families have moved away from the district and today have only their memories to pass on to future generations.

Who is to tell the story of the pioneers who settled this harsh country? Having lived my life of 72 years at Barkly and Frenchman’s, the changes that I have observed are those of declining population as young folk, having completed their education, are forced to seek employment elsewhere; the closing of the Post Office after 120 years with Telecom headquarters removed to Moonambel; the closing of the school after 118 years; and the removal of the Polling Booth from the hall to larger centres.  It is fitting that this book is produced in the closing stages of an era that has resulted in a changing lifestyle for the residents of Barkly. Consequently, I have been impelled to record as much as I have been able, to interpret the past of what has been closely-knit community. The question now is  – what does the future hold for this little settlement? Is it dying community or will there be a whole new surge of re-settlement -something of value to rise from the ashes?

The community, as we historically know it, is already dead. On the other hand, it is also living with future technology – a living, exciting viable community, using modern technology to promote its future. Those who will be fortunate enough to be a part of this changed community are the ones who will be privileged to know the answer.

Specifications:

Condition: Fair, Inside front cover page has bit of notes.

Publisher: Self – Published

Year: 1986

Format: Paperback

Pages: 120 pages

ISBN: 0958970603

$30.00

1 in stock