Anyone wanting the SERIOUS TRUTH about this most discussed song
should consult Frank Hardy (author of 'Power Without Glory')
In his book 'Great Australian Legends' Truthful Jones tells him
the story of the demise of one Samuel Hoffmeister, a Bavarian anarchist, one of the shearers who set up a military style camp at
Barcaldine in 1891, the beginning of the great strikes.
He and his mates burnt down squatter Mcpherson's woolshed in 1894 (Mcpherson hired 'scab' labour you see)
The troopers came after him for arson, conspiracy and sedition - but he shot himself by the four mile billabong near Kynuna.
The Dagworth woolshed fire was mentioned at the inquest.
'The Banjo' arrived the year after, and you can think what you like about the rest....
Incidentally Frank Hardy was the first person Wendy Lowenstein (folklorist, feminist, activist, educator) ever heard sing an Australian folksong...waltz on! regards Davo