Famous for the creation of bush ballads “Waltzing Matilda” and “The Man from Snowy River”, Andrew Barton “Banjo” Paterson was also a solicitor, journalist, war correspondent and soldier. Many people are probably aware that Banjo wrote “Waltzing Matilda” in 1895 while holidaying at Dagworth Station near Winton. However, what is likely less well-known is that six years later he visited key towns in the state, delivering lectures about his Boer War experiences.

Andrew Barton (Banjo) Paterson, poet, solicitor, journalist, war correspondent and soldier, ca. 1890 / photographer Falk, Sydney
Source: Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

On 14 March, 1901 it was Ipswich’s turn to host Banjo Paterson. At this one-night only event, he entertained the crowd with a lecture called “Queenslanders and Australians in Action and Humors of an Army on the March”. According to a local report, the lecture was very well attended and much appreciated by those in the audience.

Advertisement, Queensland Times, 14 March 1901, p.1 – Image Courtesy of Trove

Mr Paterson recounted the time he spent in South Africa with the Australian, New Zealand and British troops, covering some of the principal incidents of the campaign in a way that both captivated and educated the crowd. A local resident, Miss Mapstone, added to the atmosphere by providing accompaniment on the piano, while lantern slides were also used to great effect.

Interestingly, Mr Banjo Paterson was not the only famous writer to visit the area in the early 20th century. Back in 1921, the creator of Sherlock Holmes visited the Redbank Plains apiary of Mr H. L. Jones. While Sir Arthur Conan Doyle chose a bee-farm as the place to retire his beloved fictional character, this visit actually marked the author’s first foray into bee-keeping.