a species of labourer employedon a station; applied to a man of all work on a station. Like Rouseabout (q.v.).
1876. W. Harcus, `Southern Australia,' p. 275:
«Knockabout hands, 17s. to 20S. per week.»
1881. A. C. Grant, `Bush Life in Queensland,' vol. i. p. 80:
«They were composed chiefly of what is called in the bush`knockabout men' – – that is, men who are willing to undertakeany work, sometimes shepherding, sometimes making yards ordriving.»
1884. Rolf Boldrewood, `Melbourne Memories,' xvi. p. 118:
«I watched his development through various stages of colonialexperience – – into dairyman, knockabout man, bullock-driver,and finally stock-rider.»