Researching and writing the history of the sleeper cutting industry between Orbost and Bermagui from 1900 has been a 22-year-long labour of love for retired Eden carpenter Robert Whiter.
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‘When the Chips are Down’ will be launched at 3pm on Saturday, September 2, at the Eden Killer Whale Museum, Imlay Street, Eden.
Much of Mr Whiter’s meticulous research was based on interviews with sleeper cutters and their wives, including Joe Rixon in Bombala, as well as historical documents.
The 109-page book includes the remarkable story of Irene King, the only known licensed female sleeper cutter among 40,000 registered cutters in NSW, as well details of the tools they used.
Based on shipping records, 750,000 sleepers were loaded at Eden wharf between 1947-55 alone.
