Content to Lie in the Sun

Published in 1958, this book looks back to the authors adventures of youth - starting in 1903, with childhood, when his father was a gold prospector seeking gold in the Northern Territory (Australia) already worked spoil, and Harney's inevitable introduction to the Aboriginal, Malay and mixed race children.
It was to be the start of a long involvement with Australia's indigenous people, who Harney shows at their best with an obvious respect and affection. Harney has led an interesting life, clearly unafraid of giving things a go. His stories include his work as a drover, as a wanderer and just generally exploring the way of life of the Aboriginals.

After World War I, which he doesn't really discuss, along with another mate, sets up his own cattle station northwest of Burketown near the northern coast, where they worked hard establishing things, before ending up in some trouble with the law. Once cleared of wrongdoing, Harney sells up his shares in the station, and buys a sailing ship, the Iolanthe, and works along the coast as a trader. He then explains his job maintaining long distance roads in the Northern Territory, and his work as a Patrol Officer, looking after the interests of Aborigines, and then (present time 1958) as ranger at Uluru (Ayer's Rock).

Over half the book however is written about Aboriginal life, tribal law, and perhaps more, their interactions with Harney and other white Australians. His knowledge is wide an varied, and always backed up with a story to demonstrate the situation. There are also stories on Trapanging (sea cucumbers for the Japanese market), Aboriginal art, and crocodile hunting.

Great read, worth seeking out. 4 stars.