Postmarked Farina: Letters From Arno Nietz, an Outback Schoolteacher, 1918-19 edited by Rob Olston and Marie Walkom

Book Description

Secondhand. Very good condition. Minor wear to book corners and edges.

Arno Nietz, a young teacher fresh from training, was appointed to be the Headteacher of Farina in far north South Australia in 1918.

This posting to a struggling railway town of iron and stone houses and a mix of aboriginals, Afghans, itinerant bush workers and Government officers came as 'something of a shock' to Arno. He found solace in sending and receiving letters.

As a window on life in an outback settlement at the end of the First War, the letters of Arno are a priceless resource to those interested in the nitty-gritty of daily life and the 'everlasting battle' with the elements of heat, dust, floods and isolation.

These letters are from the heart, untainted by a desire to please or self-censorship. They reflect the emotions that many a young teacher ‘sent to the bush’ has experienced. Their very rawness gives integrity to Arno’s voice. (back cover)