HOUR OF RECKONING
In 1890, the northern New South Wales backblocks bush property of Wirra Warra was devastated by floods. The lessee, William Saunders, sought considerable loans but faced foreclosure and destitution, so he moved his family and furniture in a horse-drawn cart to the small town of Moree.
His son, Albert, at 16 an experienced bushman and expert horse rider, found a job selling bicycles. He also discovered a hitherto unsuspected musical talent – he could play piano and had a gift for teaching it to others. He also developed a growing interest in composing. In the early 1900s, Albert Saunders married, moved to Sydney and was supplementing his income by selling tunes he’d composed to a music publisher.
It was the era when piano music was socially popular. Singalongs around the piano or “thematic” solo performances were a cornerstone of home entertainment. Publishers encouraged self-inspired composers to submit piano tunes – for which a maximum fee of £2 2s was paid,
