Long Mason, the first overseer of Woodside Station, took over a cargo
of fat cattle to Hobarton for his brother. After receiving the cash
for the cattle he proceeded to enjoy himself after the fashion of the
day. The shepherd knocked down his cheque at the nearest groggery
and then returned to his sheep full of misery. Long Mason had nearly
300 pounds, and he acted the part of the prodigal brother. He soon
made troops of friends, dear brethren and sisters, on whom he
lavished his coin; he hired a band of wandering minstrels to play his
favourite music, and invited the beauty an chivalry of the convict
capital to join him in his revels. When his money was expended he
was put on board a schooner bound for Port Albert, on which Davis (of
Yarram) and his family were passengers. For two days he lay in his
bunk sick and suffering. As the vessel approached the shore his
misery was intense. He demanded drink, but no one would give him
any. He began to search his pockets for coin, but of the 300 pounds
only one solitary sixpence was left. With this he tried to bribe the
cabin boy to find for him one last taste of rum; but the boy said,
"All the grog is locked up, and the captain would welt me if I gave
you a single drop."
So Long Mason landed at the Port with his sixpence, was dismissed by
his brother from Woodside Station, and became a wandering swagman.
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