G'day Phil,

I had a listen to two different versions of yourself singing this song (a dub of an ABC Folk Program in the late '70s/ early '80s ... and the 2001 recording on the CD accompanying An Ordinary Joker) - and I realise that it actually works quite well. What seemed jarring read as a poetry text becomes just an enigmatic line at the start of the sung version ... then returns with full force at the end.

It's a good song and a good setting - I can see why it has continued to appeal. Interestingly, the words " ... from the Buller to the Grey. " seem to have stuck in my mind for years (decades?) because I would not have listened to the meagre assortment of NZ songs I gleaned from the aforesaid ABC program for many years ... yet they reappeared unbidden when a friend's daughter went off to study jade carving at Greymouth, this year.

Thanks for your response.

BTW: Will we hear you over on this side of the Tasman? I was disappointed when you had to cancel the appearance at Sandra's The Loaded Dog, after other tour spots fell through. It's always good to hear our nearest neighbours - so alike in many respects ... but different in many others!

Regards,

Bob Bolton