Miles Franklin

Northern Standard, Darwin

18 November 1954

"Tis The Moinde That Matters"

Miles Franklin, one of Australia's foremost literary figures, died recently at the age of 71. In typical fashion, most of Australia's daily Press ignored the fact of her death or dismissed it summarily in a few curt, unimaginative lines.  

And yet for thousands of Australians scattered throughout the far-flung reaches of the continent her death meant the passing of a rare personality whose life and work had enriched our Australian heritage.

From her writings emerge little pictures of a young woman whose circle of friends extended from beyond her immediate personal contacts.

That bond of friendship was created by her books, creations so genuinely Australian that their pages seemed capable of giving off the scents and aromas of gum-studded country.

"My Brilliant Career", "Old Blastus of Bandicoot", "All That Swagger", "Pioneers on Parade", and her biography, "Joseph Furphy", comprise the main ones listed under her name.

Then there is the famous "Brent of Bin Bin" series - six novels, five of which have been published - which, in the judgment of most Australian critics, are indelibly associated with the Franklin style and personality.

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Miles Franklin will always remain as the creator of the most lovable, most appealing and, in many respects, most colourful character in Australian literature - to wit, one Danny Delacy, who struts so gloriously through the crowded, glowing pages of "All That Swagger.' '

Miles Franklin had one fault. She could never handle the modern scene very well. Her characters were stilted, cardboard creations. But when she dealt with our pioneering squattocracy she was magnificent.

She was completely at home with the era. Her characters, crowned by the unforgettable Danny, come out of the pages as live, flesh and blood, muscle and bone men and women.

Miles Franklin was born and reared on her father's small cattle station near Tumut. At a precocious eighteen years she produced her first novel, "My Brilliant Career."

It was not until 1937 that "All That Swagger" appeared-rich, mature, heart warming.

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Anyone who hasn't already done so should make the acquaintance of Danny Delacy, as soon as possible.

Meet lovable Celtic Danny with his lifelong philosophy summed up in his oft-repeated phrase, "Tis the moinde that matters", and I'll be surprised if you don't experience a warm glow of appreciation and friendship.