Gordon Bennett

This topical and concise report on one commune in China’s innovative commune system is designed to present key features of the system as a whole. The range of source materials—collected as a project of the Texas China Council and the University of Texas Center for Asian Studies—includes official Chinese documents, criticisms of a prominent regional leader published during the Cultural Revolution, official statements to foreign visitors at Huadong, observations about the commune by foreign visitors and journalists, and recollections by local emigrés. The author emphasizes the personal views of commune residents, and calls attention to important changes over the last few years. The sixty-five photographs included in the book give a vivid sense of everyday life at Huadong. An introductory essay on the concept of the commune in Chinese Communist Party policy is followed by chapters covering Huadong’s government and politics, economy, society, and culture. The conclusion points to likely developments in the future.

First published in newspapers of the 1920's, now revised and edited for a modern audience, The Boomerang Of Destiny tells of Jack, a spoiled city boy who is forced by circumstance to find work in the bush. The country is just being opened up for sheep, wheat, timber and gold. Jack discovers that, as harsh as the environment can be, the treachery of men can be far more dangerous. Swagmen, stockmen, shearers, jockeys, thieves and miners are among the cast of colourful characters Jack encounters on his journey from despair and betrayal to redemption and love.Gordon Bennett was a bushman and journalist himself, contemporary and friend to Henry Lawson. He shared Lawson's knowledge of, and love for, the ways of life on the land.

This concise report on one commune in China's innovative commune system is designed to present key features of the system as a whole. It focuses on the concept of the commune in Chinese Communist Party policy and covers Huadong's government and politics, economy, society, and culture.

This is a story of new beginnings, adapting to a new culture, and triumph over adversity. This is not a tourist guide, and the author sets out to explain what it's like to live and work in the 'real' Thailand. In Part One of this book, the author explains the background of how and why he and his wife got to Thailand. In Part Two he describes the reality of living on a working farm in Thailand. Through his own experiences the author tells how to employ builders and farm labourers and how to get the best workers, how to be wise to con tricks, how to avoid poisonous insects and reptiles, and how to watch out for unscrupulous people who are more than happy to 'relieve' you of your money. This book really is a must read for anyone considering living or spending time in rural or village Thailand.