Invercargill author Daphne Coats’ research and writing journey began in 2001 when her father-in-law suggested his long life of good times, hard times, tragedy, love and laughter might might offer readers an interesting stroll through 20th-century New Zealand.
Episodes of George Burnby’s 91 years were spent in and around South Otago, where his brother Charlie lived and worked.
In 1928, 15-year-old George finished school and spent Christmas holidays in Warepa with Charlie, rabbiting to supply the Balclutha rabbit factory.
A couple of years later, George was back to work for Charlie’s horse stud by transporting three stallions around the district.
One was a large Shire stallion, and the other two were competitive trotters — Royal Seal and the notable Desert Star, who had great success in southern racing despite being heavily handicapped, up to 120 yards.
After some years in North Canterbury, George was back in Clutha helping Charlie with breaking and training horses, followed by another stint on a rabbiting block in Owaka with Bill Conway, who had recently arrived from Ireland.
George eventually turned back north to work on the Kaikoura rail line, then served with the army and air force during World War 2.
After the war he teamed up again with Charlie, transporting the now senior stallions around Balclutha, Kaka Point, Owaka, Katea Valley, Clinton and back to Warepa.
Again he turned his skilled hand to a rabbiting block at the Thompson’s property in Warepa, and sent the rabbits to the Mataura freezing works.
George and Billy Lamb, of Balclutha, went deer-stalking with their friend Mac West, of Christchurch, whose brother Lyn was a wool and skin buyer in Balclutha.
Charlie remained in Clutha while George ventured to other regions of the mainland, ending up in Te Anau.
His biography, Tales Of A Storyteller, is an odyssey of rugged individuality in simpler, earthier times, and is available from local booksellers.
