Rather rowdy,
Dingy, cloudy,
Dusty, dirty, dim and dowdy,
Thirsty throats to mock.
Can’t mistake her,
Good drought slaker,
Six pubs to the bloomin’ acre,
Weary hummers,
Beery bummers,
Cadging ‘deeners’, ‘zacks’ and ‘thrummers’,
Mooching in a flock,
Frontispieces hard and chilly,
Sparring pots off ‘Dick’ and ‘Billy’
(‘Nough to drive a barman silly)
On the Boulder Block.
Sulphur frying,
Kinchins crying
Cyanide from sand dumps flying,
Senses reel and rock.
Whistles squealing,
Black smoke reeling,
Bingie gets a curious feeling
On the Boulder Block.
Drunks all fighting,
Crowd delighting,
Grimy derelicts exciting
Sympathy from mugs;
‘Have-beens’ viewing
Past with rueing
(Watching for the chance of chewing
Ears of tender ‘lugs’).
Miners drinking,
Crib-cans clinking –
Just off shift and no one shrinking
(Never mind the clock!)
Ragged shirt, gleaming collar,
Empty ‘kick’ and mighty dollar;
Health, and wealth, and grief, and squalor –
That’s the Boulder Block.
Boulder Block Hotel (towards the centre of the bottom of this ariel photograph)
Leave a Tip!
If you would like to support my work sharing stories of the Western Australian Goldfields, a small tip – starting at just $2 – would mean a great deal. You're welcome to give more if you feel inclined.
Every contribution, no matter the amount, helps me continue researching and preserving these important stories for future generations. Your generosity supports the ongoing costs of running the website. Thank you so much.
Visit our Why Donate page for more information and to make a donation.
The following two tabs change content below.
Moya Sharp
Owner at Outback Family History
My name is Moya Sharp, I live in Kalgoorlie Western Australia and have worked most of my adult life in the history/museum industry. I have been passionate about history for as long as I can remember and in particular the history of my adopted home the Eastern Goldfields of Western Australia. Through my website I am committed to providing as many records and photographs free to any one who is interested in the family and local history of the region.
Latest posts by Moya Sharp (see all)
- The Piccadilly Police Station – - 12/04/2025
- Devil’s Luck by J.N. - 12/04/2025
- Yerilla – from gold to gems - 12/04/2025
Do you have any photos of the Boulder Block Hotel from the 70s era