The Old Razorback Road by Elizabeth Villy is
better described in its subtitle “Life on the Great South Road between Camden
and Picton 1830-1930” than in its title. The Old Razorback Road links the
neighbouring towns of Camden and Picton but the fortunes of the towns often
varied. This book describes life in the towns and their changing fortunes;
towns linked by a road that had its own fluctuating fortunes and dramas.
Elizabeth Villy is a well-known local
historian and although this is primarily a ‘local’ history, because of the
importance of the district in the early history of NSW, it is like having a
magnifying glass on NSW and seeing the detail what life was like in Australia’s
first colony over a 100 year period and governed initially by economic and social
issues in Britain.
Elizabeth Villy’s creative writing style
brings to life the characters, both heroes and villains that became so much a
part of Australia’s history. It is an easy to read, and often amusing, style; neither
superficial nor too academic.
We read history books about people and
their impact, good or bad, on the growth of the nation. We read ones that tell
of gold rushes and wars, towns and laws. Betty Villy’s book is about the life
of a road built by convicts.
She clearly paints in words images of convicts
labouring to build a road over that part of the Great Dividing Range called
‘Razorback’; aptly named for its steep ascent and narrowness. Add to that explorers
opening up the inland, land falls and accidents caused by unstable ground and
lack of government funding, official arguments, bushrangers, plagues of rabbits
and weeds, droughts and floods, the coming of the railway.
Then there is the passing processing of
bullockies, coaches, farmers, shop keepers, settlers, migrants, men rushing to
gold fields, gypsies, traders and travelling entertainers.
The Old Razorback Rd was witness to and
played an important role in the growth of NSW – its people, land use and
finances but it was like an abused work horse; constantly returning a profit
and leading the way but no care taken of it and little money spent on it.
My only disappointment with this book is
that there is not enough of “Razorback”, once my home. After 1930 a new section
of road was built to avoid the worst and most difficult section. This new
section has also had an interesting history with its accidents, ghosts, the
opening of a freeway and a truckie blockade. But that is a very personal view
and it takes nothing away from the books readability and interest.
Old Razorback Road is well illustrated with
maps, photos and reproductions of old illustrations. The five appendices
provide added detailed information for the researcher, history and student.
My rating 4 *
My rating 4 *
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