Story: Rural workers

The swagman

The swagman

Swaggers were a common sight on the roads in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Read a 1908 newspaper article written by a swagger about his lifestyle (PDF, 34 KB).

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library
Reference: A-182-127
Ink, crayon and watercolour sketch by William Mathew Hodgkins

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Carl Walrond, 'Rural workers - On the road', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/document/17217/the-swagman (accessed 26 April 2024)

Story by Carl Walrond, published 24 Nov 2008