The three Peter M’Laughlan stories are interconnected through their focus on a Bushman and lay-preacher, who, through personal experience, knows the suffering, misery, and sense of hopelessness felt by the people of the Outback during the late 19th century. Peter M’Laughlan’s plainspoken wisdom and practical support helps ease the hardship of those trying to survive amidst the harsh realities of life in the Bush, which includes the despair and anguish brought on by drought, alcoholism, and personal loss. Through Peter M’Laughlan, the life-and-soul-saving role—the ‘beauty’—of mateship is personified. The stories of Peter M’Laughlan initially appeared in 1902 in England in the book, Children of the Bush, before being republished in Australia in 1907 in The Romance of the Swag.

Lawson works referred to in the episode:

The Christ of the ‘Never’. Originally published in The Bulletin 16 July 1898. Collected in Verses Popular and Humorous (December 1900).

“Shall We Gather at the River.” Originally published in Children of the Bush (July 1902).

His Brother’s Keeper. Originally published in Children of the Bush (July 1902).

The Story of ‘Gentleman Once.’ Originally published in Children of the Bush (July 1902).