If you didn’t spend time in the bush
during the middle of the last century,
you wouldn’t understand the significance
of the ‘outside dunny.’
They weren’t particular to Australia, however,
we had the legendary variety consisting of:
1. A hole dug in the ground with a wooden
bench atop, and a roughly hewn hole for
sitting or squatting on, used by both sexes.
Plus the mandatory five billion blow-flies to
keep you company.
2. A similar building that always leaned but
more sophisticated with a door, and a bucket
below needing emptying frequently.
Generally at the base of the cirtus trees that
grew close to the house.
Revolting? Absolutely!
So during my sojourn in the bush of south-west
Western Australia, I preferred not to participate
in this ‘outside dunny’ mystique.
A kindly tree for # one, or a heel-hole kicked
in the earth for # two became the norm.
