Landy, a mail contractor, and Bentley, owner of the Glenbar station used to be best mates. Now they are bitter enemies, and their years of quarrelling has left its mark on both men, their families and the local community. This tit for tat feud began when Bentley accused Landy of putting his own brand on some Glenbar calves. It is a claim that Landy has long denied, and the long stand-off has seen no sign of resolution. Things change, however, when Bentley's estranged son, Con, returns home. His departure brought about by enmity between himself and his father's new wife.
With the town split between those who one support Bentley or Landy, Con's arrival is the subject of much gossip. The situation may not be as black and white as it seems, however. In refusing to blame Con for a quarrel that started after he left home, Landy's youngest daughter, Nora, is on the outer with her parents. Similarly Bentley is unhappy with his son's blossoming friendship with Nora. A lot will have to change, then if each is to once again become a happy family.
The characters in the play are: Pat Landy, Mrs Landy, Norah Landy, Etty Landy, Dave Watson (bushman, engaged to Ettie), Chris Bentley, Con Bentley, Macy Duncan (Glenbar overseer), Mrs Duncan (his wife), Sway (agent for the coach), Sergeant (policeman).
The play is set in a cattle-raising district sometime around 1910.
The scenes are:
Act 1: Interior of a shanty - the changing place for the coach
Act 2: Dining-room of the Glenbar station
Act 3: Office of Sway
Act 4. The Shanty.
Palmer intended that the play include several songs - suggesting 'The Overlander' and 'There was a Merry Swagman." Several dances are also indicated.
1922: Temperance Hall, Melbourne; 21 September - [world premiere]
1926: Theatre Royal, Brisbane; 22-23 October
