During the Federation era and the First World War, orcharding formed a demanding pillar of the Arthurs Creek community, requiring long, arduous journeys to transport produce to the Melbourne markets. This account examines the daily rigours of the trade through the observations of W. Smithers Gadd and a notable 1917 incident involving the orchardist Marty Brennan and his passenger, Jack Oliver, during a descent from McDonald's Hill.
…a local fruit wagon was on its way home from market with a passenger sitting on the empty cases behind. Coming down one of the hills these slipped, and the passenger was deposited on the roadway…
To Market
An article in the Evelyn Observer of 16 February 1917, by W. Smithers Gadd J.P. Secretary of the Early Pioneers’ Association, describes the orchardist―‘who travels the long and weary roads in silent thought whilst his horses, the treasured friends and help-mate of man, pull a heavy laden vehicle to the Melbourne markets, and once his destination is reached he falls asleep for an hour or so to be awakened by the bell, that forcible indication that the market is now open. After selling his produce there is a long drive back to his home, which he reaches worn-out and tired, he lies his head on the soft pillow to rest. The work of the orchardist is not for a lazy man ’
Home Again
The following item was published in the Evelyn Observer of 2 March 1917 under the heading ‘When Ignorance is Bliss’ (By Revenge).
The truth of the saying, ‘Where ignorance is bliss ‘tis folly to be wise’, was very strikingly demonstrated down at Arthurs Creek the other evening.
A local fruit wagon was on its way home from market with a passenger sitting on the empty cases behind. Coming down one of the hills these slipped, and the passenger was deposited on the roadway, from which he was picked up unconscious some time later.
Meanwhile the wagon proceeded happily on its way, the driver (Marty Brennan) being quite unaware till he got home that anything unusual had happened.
Well, my dear, and did you hear
The news that’s going round,
How Marty lost Jack Oliver
Coming home from town.
‘Twas coming down McDonald’s hill
A lot of cases slipped,
And Oliver and cases, too,
Were o’er the tailboard tipped.
But the driver still went on his way,
And not a thing did miss,
Which proves the good old saying true
That ignorance is bliss.
