A flash flood caused by the cloudburst upstream catches them all in the river and Keiran is drowned.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 29des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Refusing to risk bloodshed in a clash with the police, O'Day decides to swim all the cattle back to N.S.W. before the storm breaks. He and Erin are the last to enter the water. Before they do so he reaches out for her, asks her to marry him, and kisses her fiercely before the horses plunge apart.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 28des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Erin swims the river when she finds herself too late to reach the drovers before their crossing; and amazes O'Day and Keiran when she arrives with the news that the police have them cut off. Behind her a major storm up river is causing the water to rise.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 27des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Erin O'Hara is buying material at Rosenthal's store in Overton when she learns that a special police party has come off the afternoon train to trap Daylight and Keiran with the mob of cattle they are bringing across the river that day. Margaret Wehner as Miss. Rosenthal.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 26des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Without knowing anything about the ring-in O'Day turns up at the races. Discovering a hidden brand on Smokey that could only have been burnt into Grapeshot's hide, and holding no belief for the crook administration at Nuggety Flat, he canters smartly down to the home of an old Chinese whose life his father saved during the Lambing Flat riots. Chin lends him 500 sovereigns. Waiting till O'Hara and Co. are "set" O'Day cleans up for himself and Chin, and quietly heads for home. Later he corners young O'Hara who confesses to the job, says Grapeshot is safely back in his paddock, and that Smokey has been sold to a Sydney show team owner and is well out of the district. O'Hara takes his money to the Camoola banker Redfern, who has befriended him, and clears up all his financial affairs. W.O. Tom Foster as Redfern.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 25des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

One of the big things in their plan is the fact that Keiran knows about an old cattle duffers' track through the ranges. When the time comes the conspirators swim Grapeshot out and O'Hara leads him on over the ranges to hide him at a friend's home near the Nuggety Flat racecourse.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 24des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Keiran, Artie Klinberg, and an old horse trainer named Tim Byrne combine to make friends with Grapeshot. Nightly they row across the river, feed him on oats, and train him. Their intention is to ring Grapeshot in for Smokey at the Nuggety Flat meeting where Klinberg will punt him well. Des Martin as Byrne. Lt. Col. Tony Hammett as Klinberg.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 23des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Sometime later Clarrie Rickards rides the noted outlaw, Brin Bandit, to a standstill at the annual Camoola horse sale. Keiran O'Hara spots a horse that is the living image of Deakin's imported stallion Grapeshot, now spelling in Barmagulla's back paddock, and buys him. Naming this horse Smokey he enters him for the coming miner's meeting at Nuggety Flat goldfield. Les Mann as Rickards.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 22des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

But O'Day, the general, has chosen this particular time to ride up river and meet a mob of cattle that Charlie Clowes is bringing down for him from Camoola. In the first of many such successful operations the cattle are swum across to Victoria at the point where O'Day's run, Brightons, comes down to the river.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 21des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Though Keiran, as winning rider, brings Susan Bundy forward to receive her trophy at the Picnic Race Ball that night, O'Day, who won the Cup on Oliver's horse, is conspicuous by his absence, though few people other than Oliver give much thought to the matter. Heather Jervies as Susan.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 20des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

In the jockey room after weight is declared correct an infuriated Nugent accuses O'Day and O'Hara of deliberately "taking him on" for no obvious reason. Calm as ever O'Day prevents action between the other two, and the three of them are called before the steward. Nobody "splits", and, though he declares himself dissatisfied with the explanation that Nugent tried to get through where there was no room and just had to pull out and go round, the stipendiary steward closes the incident. All of which adds fuel to a fast growing feud between Nugent and the O'Haras.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 19des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

During the running of the classic weight for age race, the Bracelet, that afternoon Keiran seems a chance to "have a go" at Nugent. Moving out a trifle at the home turn he lets Crobe think a split is opening. When Nugent tries to come through O'Hara squeezes him in behind O'Day, who is leading on the rails, and then goes on to win in good style. Jim McGrath as Nugent.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 18des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

On the morning of the Piney Creek Picnic Race Club's annual meeting Squire Pilkington of Piney Creek Homestead, President of the Club, draws the Calcutta Sweep. Graeme Oliver nominates his horse for the Ladies' Bracelet in the name of Elaine Montieth and O'Day, as Manager for MacLough gives his nomination to her friend Penny Sefton whom Reg Apperton is sparking. With Keiran O'Hara for his rider, Squire Pilkington nominates in the name of his pretty niece, Susan Bundy. Harry MacLean as Squire Pilkington. Bill Tenteye as the Hon. Secretary Jim McGrath as the Hon. Treasurer.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 17des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Klinberg and his men stand trial in Overton in a courtroom packed with sympathisers. Both Justices of the Peace assisting the Police Magistrate are members of the Cattlemen's Association, and manage to keep the sentence down to a heavy fine. Henry MacLean as the Police Magistrate Maj. Hardwick and James McGrath as the Justices of the Peace Bill Tenteye as Klinberg.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 16des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Half an hour later her brother Keiran gallops up with the news that Artie Klinberg's mob has been ambushed by police. All the cattlemen other than he had been caught. Keiran escaped by jumping fences and coming home across country. Soon after Sergeant. Baker and Trooper Ryan arrive, and are refused entry by the widowed Mrs. Ellen O'Hara whose husband, some years previously, had been shot by police in mistake for a wanted bushranger. As he is acting mainly on presumption the chagrined Sergeant has to leave, warning O'Day to watch his company. Realising someone has "dobbed them in", Keiran decides it has to be George, "Microbe" Nugent, an unpopular fellow - traveller at loggerheads with Klinberg, and vows vengance. Maj. John Hardwick as Sgt. Baker. Mrs. Kerry Hardwick as Mrs. O'Hara. Bill Tenteye as Keiran.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 15des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Daylight O'Day swims the river alone and, instead of going straight back to Gooloora, rides up-river a little to call at O'Hara's slab homestead where he is given a very warm welcome by young Erin O'Hara. Ellen Tenteye as Erin O'Hara.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 14des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Through his position as a stockagent's clerk Billy, a proper dingo if ever there was one, is able to learn that some of the cattlemen intend to beat the duty by swimming their newly bought cattle back to Victoria. Sneaking down the back alley to the Police Station he sells this information to the authorities. Only Lennie, the halfwit roustabout from the store, follows and observes him, and, by riding O'Day's horse out of town, prevents his friend from travelling with the drovers who get caught in the police trap. W.O. Tom Foster as a N.S.W. trooper.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 13des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Meantime back at Camoola "Top Or Nothing" Price, known to stockmen as "Old Stop At Nothing", and his shifty ex-jockey clerk Billy Matthews, have been stunned by the Victorian customs duty of 30 shillings per head on cattle, and 50 shillings per head on horses, suddenly promulgated just prior to a very important sale. Caught with a lot of cattle he cannot unload, and a property sale that has gone astray, Price accepts offers for both from O'Day, who thus sets himself up cheaply with a good holding that runs down Barmagulla's back boundary to the Murray River at the point where he often swims across.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 12des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Down at the horseyards Edmund Montieth introduces his overseer, Arthur Lark, to his guest, statesman Alfred Deakin. Deakin is having a short holiday at Barmagulla before the pre-Federation conference of 1892. Jim Lempriere as Deakin Lt. Col. Tony Hammett as Lark Alan Hayes as Montieth.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 11des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

A short time later Elaine and Graeme Oliver, a young station owner, prepare to ride from Barmagula homestead down to the horse yards to assist in bringing in the "grasseaters". These are racehorses that have all been paddocked together for some weeks prior to the forthcoming Piney Creek Amateur Picnic Race Club's annual meeting. Paddocking ensures that every horse has the same training period before the private meeting at which members only may race or ride a horse, and attendance is by invitation. Tony Conway as Oliver.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 10des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Resting in the shade above the river after he has brought his cattle over it, O'Day is disturbed by voices, and rolls over to discover Montieth's daughter Elaine, and her aboriginal companion, Ruby, enjoying themselves in the river. This first encounter with Elaine makes an impression on the young manager that is to last throughout his lifetime.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 9 Resting in the shade above the river after he has brought his cattle over it, O'Day is disturbed by voices, and rolls over to discover Montieth's daughter Elaine, and her aboriginal companion, Ruby, enjoying themselves in the river. This first encounter with Elaine makes an impression on the young manager that is to last throughout his lifetime. Geni Dynon as Ruby and Joan Lehmann as Elaine.des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Pushing his mob along the back boundary of Barmagulla Station, whose owner, Edmund Montieth, a wealthy, well educated, and forward thinking gentleman accepted as a leader of the N.S.W. pastoralists "just across the border", O'Day hears the shrill whinny of a stallion. On riding over to investigate he finds that, in the practise of the day, a superb thoroughbred horse has been turned out on the river flats to acclimatise. Later he learns that this is Grapeshot, a classic winner just imported from England.The albums and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 8des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

O'Day, however, is a very smart operator indeed. After selling all his surplus cattle to the buyers whose market he has thus cornered, he heads for home with all of his bargain purchases that he needs for MacLough's annual restocking.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 7des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Big Gun auctioneer Bernard Price makes the mistake of his life when he knocks the first pen of Boondangies down to O'Day at a minimal price, thinking him to be a kid "buying a few for mother". O'Day promptly takes up the option of the whole draft of 4000 head of top class stores. His telegram to this effect leads MacLough to believe his new manager will ruin him.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 6des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Baldies! Baldies! Baldies!. Thousands of Queensland cattle fill the yards at Camoola for the great store sale to which all the big Victorian buyers will come. Clients may purchase one pen with the option of the whole draft concerned, and the best of these cattle is the mob Danny Knowles has walked down from Boondangie Station in the Gulf Country.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 5des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Back at the station MacLough announces to the assembled men that O'Day is now manager of Gooloora, with absolute power to hire, fire, buy, or sell, until he personally decides otherwise. He then has O'Day drive him to Overton where he repeats this to the bank manager, and arranges ample credit for the 20 year old executive before catching his train to the city.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 4 Back at the station MacLough announces to the assembled men that O'Day is now manager of Gooloora, with absolute power to hire, fire, buy, or sell, until he personally decides otherwise. He then has O'Day drive him to Overton where he repeats this to the bank manager, and arranges ample credit for the 20 year old executive before catching his train to the city.des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

O'Day is just finishing the job when his boss and the jackeroo arrive. MacLough orders Apperton to complete the work and ride O'Day's horse home while the young horse boy-cum-stockman drives him back to the homestead. On the way he says to O'Day, "You told me yesterday that you would be manager of Gooloora today." Sean replies that, as MacLough well knew, that was just a joke. "No joke to me O'Day," says MacLough. "I've sacked Neilson and you are now my manager on this property."The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 3 des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

MacLough surprises Neilson, erstwile manager of "Gooloora", breakfasting off a bottle of whisky and a cup of black tea, and sacks him on the spot. Ordering the hands to be called together he looks them over and queries the absence of young O'Day. Jackeroo Reg Apperton tells him O'Day is out mending a fence at the back of the stud paddock, and MacLough commands that Apperton drive him out there forthwith. D. Hartsman as Neilson.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 2des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

On a summer's day in 1891 Sean O'Day, Horse Breaker on James MacLough's "Gooloora" Station, is driving the Scots pastoralist in to the railhead at Overton after his annual inspection of that property. Silent and mature for his age, Sean was born in a dray while it was crossing the river during a flood, and has remained at home in it. Because he is always moving by dawn he is known in the borderland as Daylight O'Day. When MacLough asks him what he will be doing on the morrow O'Day replies that he will be manager. Questioned, he suggests that MacLough realises the background to his joke in that the station hands will, that night, celebrate the passing of the Boss's inspection. As they will have hangovers tomorrow all the work will naturally fall to himself, a teetotaller. MacLough nods assent, but, instead of leaving on the train, books a room for the night and a livery gig for the morrow, and drives himself to Gooloora early next morning. D.J. Martin as O'Day, H.S. Diffey as MacLough.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 1des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Des Martin lived all his life in Wodonga, except for his years of service during World War Two. He was raised on the family property Aherlo in the Huon Creek Valley. In 1937 he joined the 8th Light Horse Regiment but in May 1940 led his Wodonga Troop into the 2/2nd Australian Pioneer Battalion, which saw service in Syria, Java, New Guinea and Borneo. After the war, Des returned to Aherlo and his horses. He was granted permission by the Victorian Racing Club to participate as an amateur “gentleman” rider. He was a founder of the Victorian Amateur Riders Association and also the Murray Valley Hunt Club, for which he was Master for 21 years. He was a prolific writer, cartoonist, photographer and poet, contributing to The Border Morning Mail, The Age, and the Herald and Weekly Times amongst other publications. Des Martin’s other literary works included Australia Astride (1959), A Tale of Twin Cities, Part One (1981) and Backing up the Boys (1998). In 1976, Des wrote an historical novel, “Many a Mile”, based on a fictional region which highly resembled the Albury-Wodonga and Upper Murray area of Victoria. It was set in the last 10 years leading up to Federation. Throughout this period tensions (caused by fluctuating border duties, including an infamous impost on cattle and horses) occasioned the intermittent posting of heavily armed police detachments along the River Murray. Des also wrote eight 50-minute scripts from “Many a Mile” as a television series and were presented to Michael Pate, one of Australia’s leading actors and producers. Also, funding was sought through the Australian Broadcasting Commission ... unfortunately the series never came to fruition. This album is a pictorial precis, including photos and scene descriptions, created to promote the concept of the series and have it produced locally in North Eastern Victoria featuring local settings, skilled horsemen and actors. It was to be called “Ringer’s River” ... Ringer being the title accorded to either a top cattle hand, or the fastest shearer in the wool shed. Des Martin died on 12th April 1995.These albums and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Documents written to introduce the concept of "Ringer's River" to gain interest for the development of a television seriesdes martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories