Page 21 - eMuse Vol.9 No.06_Classical

Humpin’ Bluey
Humpin’ Bluey

A stone placed on a fence post would most likely go completely the Swagman tended to walk upright. The remaining third of the
unnoticed these days but there was a time when this secret signal load was carried in the across the front thus balancing the load.
meant a lot to those in the know. The Tucker Bag (or dilly if you prefer) was often made from a
It was a sign from a swaggy to others passing by later, that this recycled sugar bag, flour bag or whatever. Anything the Swaggy
was a place where you could expect a fair deal — a meal, a few needed for the day was carried in there — Tucker for the day,
days work, a place to sleep or even a handout. With luck you could Piece of meat, damper prepared earlier, flour, tin of Golden Syrup,
get the lot. etc.
Itinerants the world over have such secret signs for a variety of The billy (a recycled tin with a wire handle) usually hung from
reasons. Even though some swaggies never heard of it, no doubt, the swag. The water bag was carried in the hand. Canvas water
the practice was inherited from people like the Romany (Gypsies) bags were preferred as when the exterior was kept damp, evapora-
or some other wanderers. tion kept the water inside cool. That was always appreciated on a
Swaggies have been a well established part of our culture since hot day.
almost from the start of European settlement. The name “Swag- Old bushies on foot will swear on a stack of bibles that there
man” however, dates back to the Gold Rush days of the 1850s. is no better way to carry you worldly chattels than in a well rolled
It’s a positive thing that people no longer have to walk such big swag and tucker bag.
mileage to find work. But I think it is also sad the culture of the Mateship was important to most Swaggies. When human com-
Swaggie has all but faded from living memory. What a pity to lose panionship was not available, some had their dog for a mate. As a
track of a vital part of our folklore. Lets throw a few ideas about legacy of the gold rush days the dog was often a small terrier type
and see if we can’t revive some memories. of dog but some had trained sheep and cattle dogs which assisted
Swagmen were known by a variety of names such as Swaggies men seeking work.
(of course), Travellers, Murrumbidgee Whalers, Sundowners, and, Carrying a swag was also known as: “humping bluey”, “walking
Tussokers (in New Zealand). Matilda”, “humping Matilda”, “humping your drum”, “being on the
The name “Swagmen” originates from the cant language of wallaby”, “jabbing trotters”, and “tea and sugar burglaring”.
thieves. Spoils of a robbery from, say, a household, were called Swaggies have a reputation for long distance walking but where
a “Swag”. Stolen items were wrapped a hasty bundle made from possible they’d seek alternate transport like riding push bikes and
suitable material found nearby like curtains, tablecloths, blan- illegal rides on trains.
kets, or, sheets. Because Swagmen wrapped most of their worldly
goods in a blanket, observers saw a similarity with swags carried
by thieves.
Swags were made by first laying canvas (if available) on the
ground. Blanket(s) are placed on top. Evenly space clothes and
gear not wanted during a day’s tramp are placed in the middle of Sketch of a Swagman
the blanket. Sides are folded inwards. The whole parcel is rolled from Lionel Lindsay.
tight and the roll kept in place with two straps. A third strap is used
as a carrying handle.
Ideally the straps should be the thickness of a belt and the car-
rying strap about 5 cm wide. If straps are not available, rope can
be substituted.
Traditional Swags are carried on the back as illustrated. For most
of them this meant that about-two thirds of the weight on the back

May 2020 eMuse 21