Here is a poem about the early days, which I wrote a few years ago! I hope you like it as I am not very good with stories.

                                            Men In Grey

                          In days gone by when tall ships sailed

                          And men in red worked men in grey

                     There were those amongst the favoured few

                           Who little did, but much did say.

 

                           Said they " These convicts are a useless lot

                           They cannot live a decent life,

                           Will never build a thing worthwhile,

                            Can bring naught else but future strife!"

 

                             " And hark you well" they said to all,

                             "For this poor land can never be

                               A home for those of higher birth,

                               It has no claim to quality!"

 

                              " Tis nothing else but dust and heat

                                 To which these men in grey are damned

                                  So make your fortunes while you may

                                  Then leave this God forsaken land."

 

                                  Return to Englands fairer shores

                                  Where all is beauty soft and green

                                   And live like gentle persons should

                                   As if this time had never been!"

      

                                    But there were some, a very few

                                    With greater faith than those who left,

                                     They saw the men in grey would be

                                     The back-bone of the settlement.

 

                                      And there would rise a nation built

                                      From all their pain, their sweat and tears,

                                      And freedom would a birthright be

                                      For those who came in future years.

 

                                      And a time would surely come when they

                                       Would celebrate their Nations Birth

                                       Recognised by all the world

                                       As a land of beauty, peace and worth.

 

                                       This time did come, as well we know,

                                        For thus was born Australia Day,

                                        When we remember those with faith,

                                         But especially The Men in Grey.

                             

                                                                B. Patterson  1999