ROUGHLY 130 years ago a war of words erupted between Henry Lawson and Banjo Paterson over which was best; the city's creature comforts, or the delights and challenges of country life.
Lawson started the controversy with seven pessimistic stanzas entitled Up The Country published in 1892. Paterson was quick to respond, saying " ... the bush hath moods and changes, as the seasons rise and fall, and the men who know the bushland - they are loyal through it all".
