From the Archives - Ben Hall Book - Fuller versions of several established songs.

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Origins for some of these songs couldn't be located.


1. Cover - Ben Hall Book is probably the original title.  The label is in Bob Bolton's handwriting.

2.   The Morning of the Fray, sometimes attributed to Frank Gardiner.  "Come on boys, "says the Darkie, with the devil in his eye;

3.  My Name is Ben Hall. My name is Ben Hall, from Murrurundi I come: The cause of my turn-out you all know the same

4.  Ballad of Ben Hall's Gang (anon)  Come all you wild colonials and listen to my tale

5.  Frank Gardiner - Oh Frank Gardiner he is caught at last, He lies in Sydney gaol.  This version was collected by John Meredith and Nancy Keesing from the singing of Mrs Popplewell. The tune seems to be a variant of 'The Shan Van Vocht'.

6.  The Maids of the Mountains  (anon)  In the wild Weddin mountains there live two young dames

7.  The Death of Ben Hall - Will  H. Ogilvie, page 1.

8.  The Death of Ben Hall - Will  H. Ogilvie, page 2

9.  Death of Ben Hall  Come all Australian sons with me For a hero has been slain

10.  Streets of Forbes.  Come all you Lachlan men And a sorrowful tale I'll tell  Collected by John Manifold from Mrs Ewell of Bathurst.

11.  Death of Ben Hall. Come all you young Australians and everone (sic) besides, I'll sing to you a ditty that will fill you with surprise   Collected from Sally Sloane by John Meredith

12.  The Diverting History of John Gilbert  (anon)  John Gilbert was a bushranger of terrible renown For sticking lots of people up, and shooting others down.  Author - Banjo Paterson

13.  Ballad of Fred Lowry. Come all you young maids and gentlemen and listen to me, While I relate the cruel fate of one both bold and free  - Probably a draft for publication. This song has not been found in any of our early songsheets.
Handwriting - top left - TITLE  BALLAD OF FRED LOWRY  COLLECTED  TUNE
bottom right - Tom byrnes of parramatta     Johns

Ballad of Fred Lowry is not included in this recording - Tom Byrnes, Mary Byrnes and Alf Fuller interviewed by John Meredith for the John Meredith folklore field recordings, 1953-1961 [sound recording]

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