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y separately published work icon Out in the Great North West selected work   short story  
Issue Details: First known date: 1980... 1980 Out in the Great North West
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Contents

* Contents derived from the Mount Isa, Far North Queensland, Queensland,:Bill Aplin , 1980 version. Please note that other versions/publications may contain different contents. See the Publication Details.
Powell's Revenge, Bill Aplin , single work short story
Aplin recounts the story of a settler speared by Aborigines, and the subsequent investigation into the incident.
 (p. 5)
The Hanging Tree, Bill Aplin , single work short story
A shearer is found speared and an investigation results in two Aborigines being hanged, but two more die in an unexpected consequence.
 (p. 6)
The Reluctant Gardener, Bill Aplin , single work short story
A policeman newly posted to a country town enlists the help of a reluctant local Aboriginal man to create a vegetable garden and lawn.
 (p. 6-8)
Tommy the Tracker, Bill Aplin , single work short story
Aplin recounts the tale of Aboriginal man, Tommy, and his relationships with the local policeman and his uncle, as well as reflecting on the effects of Government policies regarding Aborigines.
 (p. 8-12)
Long Rides and Australian Horsemen, Bill Aplin , single work short story
Aplin recounts the feats of skill and endurance of some of northern Australia's early explorers and local characters.
 (p. 13-15)
Advance Friend and Declare Yourself, Bill Aplin , single work short story humour
During World War II a branch of the Volunteer Defence Corps. was formed in Mount Isa, peopled by a mix of amusing local characters.
 (p. 16)
In the Name of the Queen, Bill Aplin , single work short story
Sent to track down a man wanted for murder, an Aboriginal trackers confuses the order in which his instructions were to be carried out.
 (p. 16)
Rough British Justice : Aboriginal Style, Bill Aplin , single work short story
Arrested by Native Police for murder, in the absence of a 'white boss', an Aboriginal man is given the choice between hanging or traditional killing.
 (p. 17)
A Well Marked Road, Bill Aplin , single work short story humour
After celebrating a successful day at the race track rather too enthusiastically, two bookmakers decide to drive home along what they consider a well-made road. However, despite driving for hours, they seem to be getting no closer to home.
 (p. 17)
Corroboree!, Bill Aplin , single work short story humour

At the request of visitors from Victoria, local Aboriginal people agree to perform a corroboree. However, one visitor accidentally causes everybody to panic and flee in his determination to get a photo despite having no flash. All eventually resettle and the ceremony resumes to the absolute delight of all.

 (p. 18-19)
A Team of Fast Trotters, Bill Aplin , single work short story
Aplin describes an old time coach driver renowned for entertaining his passengers by 'pulling their legs'
 (p. 20)
An Outsized Damper, Bill Aplin , single work short story humour
An old bushman tells how his efforts at making damper resulted in nine men being required to lift it.
 (p. 20)
Brown's Circus, Bill Aplin , single work short story humour
When a teamster unwittingly offends the rather large wife of another teamster, he receives a swift punishment from her that sends her husband scurrying for safety.
 (p. 21-23)
The Making of an Australian Knight, Bill Aplin , single work short story humour
A coachman relays a tale of the ceremony at which an Australian received a knighthood.
 (p. 24)
What I Be Now?, Bill Aplin , single work short story
Aplin reflects upon the ever-changing nature of Australian society since colonisation, and of the traits that are peculiar to Australians.
 (p. 24-27)
Death Adders, Bill Aplin , single work short story
Whilst most bushmen are happy-go-lucky types, says Aplin, occasionally there will be one who is so difficult and sore-tempered that they earn the nick-name of 'Death Adder'.
 (p. 28-31)
Jackaroos, Bill Aplin , single work short story humour
Aplin discusses what constitutes a 'Jackaroo', by looking at the work they do, the personalities attracted to the role, and the general attitudes towards them, and recounts some humorous adventures of young jackaroos.
 (p. 32-39)
Shearers' Cooks, Bill Aplin , single work short story humour
At first, a group of shearers are very appreciative of their French cook's fine fare, but then begin to complain. Offended, the chef leaves, but not before proving his talents by serving up a delicious meal that the shearers later discover consists of old boots.
 (p. 40-41)
A Study in Black and White, Bill Aplin , single work short story
Aplin describes the making of a gentlemen.
 (p. 42-43)
If You Treat Me Like a Dog, Bill Aplin , single work short story
There was no gaol in a small outback town, so the Irish constable settled for chaining a prisoner on a dog chain. The prisoner volubly and incessantly expresses his resentment by continuously barking and howling.
 (p. 44-45)
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