OUR YOKEFELLOWS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 49, 27 February 1937, Page 2 (Supplement)

OUR YOKEFELLOWS.

Oldest survivor of Australia's mot,t picturesque calling—the lmllock driver — Mr. John K'ippon, of Victoria, celebrated his NUrd birthday a few days ago. And he is still driving bullocks. "[ don't believe in swearing too much at a team,"' said Mr. );ip|M>n in exploding a. popular conception. "At least, not often. But when I do swear I do not use the really rough words. Bullocks are like women," continual the bush philosopher. "Take them quietly and kindly and you always get the best out of them."

The bullock-'cam is winding down the rugged ti.nbor track; . The leaders straining on the chains, the polcrs holding back; The drover strides along beside, to guide, direct, and coax The muscled bovines as they put their shoulders to the yokes; And ever as they creak along between the fallen trees. You hear the drover's comments as they rise ui>on the breeze.

What does he say—that bullocky, as he directs his team To plod along the winding road and cross the wayside stream? A bullock-driver's language on the scene of daily use Is commonly supposed to be a torrent of abuse; In lurid, vivid, pithy phrase, in accents grim and tense, The pedigrees of all the " cows " are themes for eloquence. But listen! As the axles groan the rising tones resound: "Now. darlin', lift your little hoofs!" "Come, sweetheart, move around!" "Be careful, love!" "Tut. tut, dear one!" "Giddup, my heart's delight!" "Ah, honey, take the strain a bit!" "Now, precious, that's not right!" "Light of my eyes, haul on that trace!" "Stand up there, wonderful!" "Be gentle. O my soul's desire!" "Now, all together, pull!" Yes, bullocks are like women! From a store of patient strength Courageously they fate tin road in all its , wean length. Did someone gay they need the lash to make them do their stuff. And if \ou would succeed with them ymi ve got to treat "em rough? ,Tm not so sure of bullocks but of women. 1 brother Moke jUtii! All! What's that, my dear? Oil, I yes! I'm sorry that I spoke! • -El.