ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

Hi,

I recently had a discussion with some-one about 'Secret Swaggie Symbols.'
I asked my Dad about it. He actually had a lot to do with these gents at the time.
He said that it was really an urban myth and that none of the CJ/Henry/Banjo etc
crowd ever mentioned it. Surely if it was a wide-spread thing they would have told about it?
Their writings are so descriptive and detailed on all other counts.
Has anyone read anything on the subject?

Love to know more,
Wen

I have heard that stones placed on a gatepost indicated whether the property owners were good for a feed or some work, but I dare say there were some secret signs that were used as I know the gypsies in UK used a similar system and likewise the American hobos

Hi Maureen,
yes, Dad told me about the stones but it seems that the symbols were more of a European and American thing as you said. Maybe used a bit here but it seems to me certainly not widely enough to be noteworthy. Thankyou for replying.

I found this Wendy - claims it is what Australian swaggies used - https://au.pinterest.com/pin/555279829027207978/

I've seen these too Maureen but I don't think they are Australian.
I think they are European and someone has put an Aussie label on them.

I haven't found any anecdotes at all from the actual time.
I have heard frequently though of the 'stone on the gatepost'.

Mystery