G'day all, When I noticed this thread, I thought that the song was one of those known best in Australia through early recordings - and the Peter Dawson reference tends to confirm this. The story fits well in Australia ... and California ... and the Yukon ... and the Blomfontein ... so it will be bound to surface in Australia, America, Canada, South Africa (and New Zealand ... and anywhere else there was a gold rush).

John's friends at Skenes Ck have probably remembered only the parts that remained relevant long after the roaring days of the gold rush. I will check my Peter Dawson records to see if it is on one of them. Peter Dawson was a favorite of my Grandfather, when a parlour singing mood came on him, so that may be why I associate this song with the parlour and not the folk club.

Regards,

Bob Bolton