MEMORIES OF LINDSAY GORDON.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 864, 9 July 1910, Page 11

MEMORIES OF LINDSAY GORDON.

Juno 25 was tho fortieth anniversary of.the death of tho Australian, poet, Adam Lindsay Gordon. In connection with this fact it is interesting to note (says tho Melbourne "Argus") that an old colonist, Mrs. Lauder, residing at 3 Division Place, South Melbourne,-.is tho possessor of a stockwhip which Gordon Jielped to make, and used, over 60 years ago. . Ho was assisted in tho making of the whip by John and Edward Bright, brothers of Mrs. Lauder, upon whoso father's station in the Long Desert, South Australia, Gordon was employed, ho being then auout 19 years of ago. The whip is still in an excellent state of preservation. It was', made from the raw liido obtained from a wild bullock. Miss Bright (Mrs. Lauder) was always the custodian of tho whip, as Gordon more frequently used a. heavier one. To tho Bright family Gordon confided why ho came to leave Cotswold, England. Ho was attending a military college-, and often took part in amateur race meetings. On ono occasion his mount was made first favourite, and his fellow ■ students, or many of them, had backed his horse. As the day ot tho Taces drew nigh, the animal's 'owner issued instructions that it was not to bo taken out of the stable. Young Gordon was disappointed, and, listening to unwise counsel, took tho horse from the stable, rode, and won tho race. As he. dismounted tho'owner and a policeman were waiting for him. The incident- ended in Gordon being sent out to South Australia. That Gordon considered that ho was harshly treated is seen in these lines to his sister:— "Jly parents bade me cross the flood, My, kindred frowned at me'; . They say I have belied my blood, And stained my pedigree. _ But I must learn from those who chide, And laugh at those who frown; I cannot quench my stubborn pride, ■ Nor keep my spirit down."