In 1892 Henry Lawson came up with the idea of engaging in a poetry battle with Andrew Barton Paterson. Lawson would argue that life in the Bush was an endless struggle, while Banjo Paterson would adopt the position that the Bush was wonderfully idyllic and enticing. The two created so much interest with their debate in the pages of the Bulletin that other poets soon joined in and shared their opinions.

     Reflecting on the poetry duel many years later, Paterson said he considered it to have been “an undignified affair,” but one that was necessitated by a need for he and Lawson to find ways to make money. Paterson conceded that Lawson did a better job of arguing his case, but he maintained that he was the one who was actually on the right side of the argument. At the time, however, Lawson insisted, “I was right, and Banjo wrong.”

     In 1939, Lawson’s widowed wife, Bertha, responded angrily to Paterson’s claim that the poetry duel was an orchestrated, mock battle. Bertha insisted that her former husband was too concerned about the struggles of the people of the Bush to have staged such a battle for a little extra money.

Lawson and Paterson Bush battle poems referred to in the episode:

Borderland (Henry Lawson). Originally published in the Bulletin 9 July 1892. Later republished as Up the Country.

In Defence of the Bush (Banjo Paterson). Originally published in the Bulletin 23 July 1892.

In Answer to ‘Banjo’ and Otherwise (Henry Lawson). Originally published in the Bulletin 6 August 1892. Later republished as The City Bushman.

In Answer to Various Bards (Banjo Paterson). Originally published in the Bulletin 1 October 1892.

The Poets of the Tomb (Henry Lawson). Originally published in the Bulletin 8 October 1892.