Andrew Barton Paterson (later to use the pseudonym of "The Banjo" for his magazine writings; an alias derived from the name of a racehorse the family owned) was born of pioneering stock, near Orange in New South Wales, on 17 February 1864.
He excelled not only in his studies but was an all-round sportsman. He had a deep affection for horses, being a natural horseman, winning note as an amateur rider, and, not surprisingly, many of his works have a "horse theme". Paterson was caught up in colonial Australia's commitment to the unfortunate Boer War, becoming a war correspondent. He was also a correspondent in the tragic First World War, providing a particular flavour and record of the participation and sacrifices of the Australian forces. As a freelance writer he contributed to various newspapers and magazines. In some of his articles he warned Australians that the threat of Asianisation to the Northern Territory was not being effectively challenged. He attacked the demands of some employers for cheap Asian labour (particularly those in the Northern Territory), and told of the consequences for our nation of Asian immigration.
