The effects of unemployment in Peterborough during the Great Depression were brutal. Sergeant Roy Wright arrived in the town in early October 1929, just over three weeks before the Black Tuesday stock market crash. The town had already been grappling with the insidious social, emotional and pressing practical impacts of unemployment, as well as dealing with the passing parade of travelling swagmen. This book is the story of the town of Peterborough and of Sergeant Wright, how together they showed compassion and care to those in need during the Depression, especially to swagmen. Roy Wright was a man with a large heart towards those in need; he truly was the Swagman's Friend.
The effects of unemployment in Peterborough during the Great Depression were brutal. Sergeant Roy Wright arrived in the town in early October 1929, just over three weeks before the Black Tuesday stock market crash. The town had already been grappling with the insidious social, emotional and pressing practical impacts of unemployment, as well as dealing with the passing parade of travelling swagmen. This book is the story of the town of Peterborough and of Sergeant Wright, how together they showed compassion and care to those in need during the Depression, especially to swagmen. Roy Wright was a man with a large heart towards those in need; he truly was the Swagman's Friend.
Jeff Noble is a retired pastor with an interest in local history, especially that of his hometown of Peterborough, South Australia. Jeff and Wendy now live in Gawler, but he loves returning to Peterborough at any opportunity. Jeff looks after the website lionelnoble.com which is a collection of his father Lionel's photographic record of Peterborough and the surrounding areas.
Every community has special stories and memories-this is one of ours. It is a wonderful soupçon of the ever-evolving history of Peterborough. The story illustrates the true reality and harsh life of 'the jolly swagman' and perhaps the beginning of compassionate and practical community policing in Australia. Full credit to Martha Polomka for spotting the whiff of a story and then continuing to 'follow the breeze'. Grateful thanks and congratulations to Jeff Noble for sensing the importance of capturing this snapshot of the life some pioneers and our forbears lived in our sunburnt land!Mayor Ruth Whittle OAM Peterborough SA
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