G'day lamarca,

Yes, I think Lawson was using 'dialect' to create an impression of the person - a fellow poet, one of the "bohemians of the Bulletin", the casual speech that of a friend among friends and the request "to borrow a match" and indication of their close friendship ... and their perennial lack of money!

Norman Lindsay, Australian artist and author, wrote a novelised account of this life as The Bohemians of the Bulletin and it an hilarious read - but the hard life of young writers and artists come through clearly.

I hope the Lawson book makes a quick trip - it is 11 days on its way. I have just sold the Bush Music Club's last copy ... to another, more local Mudcatter.

Regards,

Bob Bolton