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LION OF THE BUSH

Year Nineteen Twenty Six in a town remote a son was born to the outback and little was known of the destiny set for this child born to Else and Jack. In Blackwell he grew until the age of four when the family pulled up stakes to travel throughout the northern terrain in the Queensland State of cattle fame.

The years roll by and the depression had come this young lad of eleven now schooling put aside is working as a stockman for his family to provide He works hard and strong as he learns the trade of Bushmen and Cattlemen at stations vast; and a fine young horseman and drover he became for this youthful heart of determination and pride achieved, at only seventeen years of age The title “Head Stockman” on a property unnamed for the man called Sir Sidney Kidman. Not all his days are all work and no play for the outback was his playground Rodeo, horse riding and boxing his way of cooling his heels in those long harsh days.

Now there came a day when he saw a new vision towards the Oxley Mounted Police Division. This “Stock Squad” looked neat, now that’s the treat! Sworn in on the 21^st day of October, Nineteen Forty Seven In full dress and helmet ceremonial he sits on his steed proud and regal; fresh faced, his strong jaw set; beguiling eyes so gentle and the photo snapped on this day to capture this young mans dream in a timeless chapter. And so began another trek for this fine young man of rugged stock now riding the plains to a different beat for “Cattle Duffing” is very sweet to some men of the outback. Out to remote stations they creep daring a venture to steal a herd of cows with calves to keep. But the “Stock Squad” is always at their heels and one of them be; Mervyn Henry Stevenson

Now finding the culprits red-handed well that went as it should but now there was the quandary of how to keep the goods. For it weren’t just the men that needed to be impounded and the Constabulary found themselves quite a battle to hold on to thirty head of cattle! And it is said that it wasn’t uncommon for persons then unknown; to wait for a time most appropriate to steal the herd from the yard. With stealth in the dark they did away with brand and ear mark for now there be no evidence!

Still early into this noble career now a young man of twenty three years; he’s called upon to track across this vast and remote beat for a group of suspected murderers to seek. Fifty hours in the saddle, seventy miles they will travel across a land of wind and rain. One Policeman and a tracker. No provisions, shelter or time to rest for the quarry was still yet ahead but finally the moment had come to set upon the twelve. And they were escorted back to Coen regardless of the peril.

With his life now on steady ground he’s thinking it’s time to settle down and amongst the garden of ladies to choose he finds his Rose; Bridie. And as they build their future four children they will nurture; John, Sheila, Mary and Paul.

Much to the shouts of protest and claim in Seventy Four a transfer came, to C.I.B Brisbane and the local folk where he’d been stationed say “Don’t take our Beat Cop of the Graziers”. But progress won’t stand still for this wise and weathered soul and off to Brisbane he did go.

Now thirty four years have past since the day he sat proud on Police steed and throughout his career of compliments he receives many awards for his accomplishments and by the year Nineteen Eighty One Superintendent, Grade Three, he’s become…but the time to retire must be and he spends these days on a cattle farm

It was a day in Two Thousand and One when a great honour was put upon this man of a dwindling breed. For he was accepted into the “Stockman’s Hall of Fame” and there’s a certificate, number Six Eighty Eight that proudly bears his name titled “Honour Roll of Unsung Heroes”

Not long after this day, the great man passed away and the haunting sound of bagpipes playing spanned across this sombre place; the tune floating Amazing Grace.

It is not fitting to end this tale with such sadness for this man leaves a legacy of so much gladness. To the Squad for whom he served he represents all those in saddle who battled the harsh and lonely trail of a Police Officers lot. To his children; a fine strength of character a simple philosophy, take care of those who matter and his grandchildren, now seven all told are left with a rich and full account of a grandfathers life of determination and clout a befitting lesson to leave to his pride this Lion of the Bush

(Mervyn Henry Stevenson 31.03.1926 – 16.12.2001)

To Paul and Jennah Stevenson

(Son and Granddaughter of Mervyn Henry Stevenson)

April, 2004