THEY'RE A WEIRD MOB

It's not beatniks -- it's Australians and their ways that make up this committee of one's report on the language barrier, tribal customs and strange patterns of the working men of New South Wales. An Italian and a Piedmontese, Nino's curiosity about other people links him to trouble, and his assignment to Australia for articles on that country and its people gets off the ground with his departure from Naples and brawling with the Neapolitans (he hits people on the top of the head). Safely (in his cabin -- there are Meridionali aboard) arrived in Sydney, confusion is immediate with his book-learned English, but his determination to get a job there -- to know Australians -- along with his willingness to be a ""builder's labourer"" uncomplainingly, brings him the offhand acceptance of Joe and Jimmy, "" builders"". With the bucks' party before Jim's marriage, the earned communication with Dennis, the shooting (hunting) party later, Nino comes to love the new life. His decision to get married, his courting of an Australian girl (and her acceptance -- by his mates) winds up a very likable, very favorable story about the ""few free men left on earth"". Many years ago the Papashvilys had a love affair with the United States -- here's another -- humorous and affectionate -- from down under -- and it's ""Orright"".