NEW  ZEALAND
FOLK * SONG
James McKenzie
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McKenzie's Ghost, by Kath Tait, 1973

McKenzie, McKenzie was that you I saw,
Roaming them backhills just up from Benmore
With 50 odd sheep and a good shepherd's dog.
Was it your ghost in the morning fog?...

The Old Mackenzie Trail, by Bob Edwards, 1950s

There's a story that you're bound to hear
if you're down Otago way
about an outlaw and his dog that bought him fame...

McKenzie and his Dog, Traditional

John McKenzie stood in the Mataura store,
And looked at the yokes and chains.
'Twas not too dear - good bullocking gear

For transporting across the plains...

A letter in the "Otago Witness" by Mr. L. Langlands, Highfield, Burke's Pass, 1880s

On several occasions sheep in large numbers were missed from the Levels station. Mr. Rhodes came to Dunedin in the hope of hearing something about them. He told me he felt convinced they were brought into Otago, but no traces were left, was at a loss to conceive how, and had to return no wiser than when he came...

Article in "Canterbury, Old and New" by Mr. E.W. Seager, Inspector of Police, 1900

Mackenzie was a Highland shepherd, born in Ross-shire, Scotland. About the year 1845 he emigrated to Australia, and two years later arrived in New Zealand, and landed in Nelson. At first he earned a living by sheep driving, and in that way became acquainted with sheep stations in Otago and Canterbury...

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