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y separately published work icon Laughter and Tears from Up North selected work   short story   poetry   humour  
Issue Details: First known date: 1985... 1985 Laughter and Tears from Up North
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Notes

  • Author's note: 'Laughter and Tears' is a collection of tales and anecdotes to make you laugh and perhaps to shed a tear, even if one of laughter.

Contents

* Contents derived from the Rollingstone, Toobanna - Rollingstone area, Ingham area, Ingham - Cairns area, Queensland,:Jack O'Connor , 1985 version. Please note that other versions/publications may contain different contents. See the Publication Details.
Mistaken Identity, Jack O'Connor , single work short story humour
A man recalls his friendship with Bill, a fellow small crop farmer, and the story Bill related to him of a case of mistaken identity.
(p. 3-4)
How, Jack O'Connor , single work short story humour
A tourist travelling through a country town meets a man reputed to have an amazing memory who asks him a simple question. Several years later the tourist is again passing through the town and encounters the man who, as if no time has elapsed, continues their conversation of years earlier.
(p. 5)
Feats of Endurance, Jack O'Connor , single work short story
The efforts of some notable pioneers and settlers who endured great hardship, and even death, to establish their cattle stations in remote parts of Australia are recounted.
(p. 6-13)
Come On, Let's Eat, Jack O'Connor , single work short story humour
Hank is renowned for being a big eater, so it is surprising that he wants to quit when he is ahead in an eating competition at a country fair. However, he reveals that the reason is his reluctance to incur his wife's wrath by missing dinner time.
(p. 15)
My Old Mate Ollie, Jack O'Connor , single work short story humour
The storyteller recalls three main things about cane-farmer, Ollie - that he was lazy, loved alcohol, and was a skilled marksman - and recounts the varied ways in which Ollie managed to indulge himself in these pursuits.
(p. 16-23)
Not Far at All, Jack O'Connor , single work short story humour
A traveller in a Julia Creek pub enquires of a local Aboriginal man how long it will take to get to Cloncurry, and is amused by the man's answer.
(p. 24)
Good News - Bad News, Jack O'Connor , single work short story humour
A man has the misfortune to have his feet amputated, but the doctor finds a positive aspect to the event.
(p. 24)
The Missing Ponies, Jack O'Connor , single work short story
When Townsville was still just a small town, a local family by the name of Howell lived in the Aitkenvale area. They owned five very domesticated ponies that the children used for transport, and were mystified when the ponies went missing. When a man claimed to have found the ponies and offered to drive them back for ten shillings, the family gratefully agreed. However, when this recurred the next year, and the following, Mr Howell threatened to put the police onto the man.
(p. 25-26)
A Tale of Two Ships, Jack O'Connor , single work short story adventure
An ageing man recounts his story of how a visit to the National War Museum in Canberra, where he sees a model of the World War II troop carrier, Westralia, triggers memories of his childhood escapades.
(p. 27-38)
The Italian Cocky's Lamenti"Me bloody full of da Queensland,", Matt Ferris (fl. 1985) , single work poetry (p. 39-40)
Dad and Dave, Jack O'Connor , single work short story humour
Young Dave and his siblings think it a funny thing to topple their 'thunderbox' into the creek, but do not realise it is occupied by their father. As Dad gives a moral lecture on the benefits of honesty, using George Washington as an example, Dave thinks it safe to admit guilt, but is mistaken.
(p. 40)
That Mutiny on the Bounty, Jack O'Connor , single work short story adventure
The story presents an account of the events leading up to the mutiny on the Bounty, and the aftermath of the mutiny.
(p. 41-52)
More Dad and Dave, Jack O'Connor , single work short story humour
Dave and his Dad have a bit to learn about city life, as their story of the search for drinking water shows. Meanwhile, Dave's sweetheart, Mabel does not quite understand Dave's lustful overtures.
(p. 53)
Another Bush Character, Jack O'Connor , single work short story humour
A mate of a colourful old character, Ted Redfern, tells stories of Ted's strengths and weaknesses.
(p. 54-56)
The School Fire, Jack O'Connor , single work short story
Nobody in the little coastal town could understand how their beloved school, the repository of so many fond memories, could be razed to the ground. Nobody, that is, except the self-serving teacher and the philandering, debt-ridden father of two of her pupils.
(p. 57-70)
Butcher's Picnic, Jack O'Connor , single work short story humour
The local pastor of a country town is perplexed by having met several women of his parish who are all expecting babies at the same time, and then meeting one woman whose baby is due two months after all the others. Her explanation sheds light on the social activities of the town.
(p. 71-72)
Cheap Job, Jack O'Connor , single work short story humour
A Chinese man who owns a horse and dray inadvertently provides some laughter when his invoice for work done is read by a contractor.
(p. 72)
A Strange Accident, Jack O'Connor , single work short story humour
When two-year-old twin boys find an old twin-tub washing machine to play in, one of them finds getting out is much harder than getting in.
(p. 73-74)
Slippery Sam, Jack O'Connor , single work short story
Sam Thompson has little regard for anyone's welfare but his own, and happily exploits people's affections and trust to achieve his ends. Eventually he goes too far and the law catches up with him. However, luck is on his side and he is acquitted for lack of evidence, but this doesn't stop one of his long-suffering girlfriends from meting out justice with a whip.
(p. 75-97)
All the Best of Luck, Now!, Jack O'Connor , single work short story humour
A flight en route to Paris is beset by problems that necessitate a landing at sea. The pilot's response to the situation is not reassuring.
(p. 98)

Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of

Last amended 25 Nov 2009 17:11:31
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