IN the history of the Outer Light Arthur Murdoch has become somewhat of a legendary character.

His book “Sheer Grit” is an outstanding record of his achievements, lifestyle and experiences written in a style which is a reflection of the man – uncomplicated, informative and fascinating.

I have read the book on more than one occasion and each time more of the jigsaw pieces, that make up the final picture of life in the time, fall into place.

A former miner from Kurri Kurri and a more than capable boxer, Arthur’s history and pathway to the Outer Light is a fascinating journey.

Reading media reports of the running aground of the 518 ton steamship Pappinbarra off Fingal Island in 1929, Arthur noted that there was continual mention of a small bay, near the wreck, referred to as Shelley.

Out of work and searching for some means of support in tough times, Arthur knew that there was money to be made shovelling shell grit.

He was already aware that bagging shell grit was an industry of the times, particularly during the Depression years when a steady but meagre income could be made by shovelling crushed shell into bags to sell to chicken sheds.

Arthur’s prior knowledge of the value of shell grit was gathered during a previous experience in Sydney shovelling shell grit in the Port Hacking River.

Returning to his home in Newcastle and looking out for any work available he started searching for payable quantities of shell grit deposits on the coast nearer to home.

During the Depression he noted that many “turned to poultry farming to keep the wolf from the door”.

“Then, poor as they were, they still had to buy shell grit or their eggs would be too fragile to sell.”

Bagging shell grit was considered a “sure thing” because, Depression or no Depression, chooks need shell grit.

Based on what he had learned in Port Hacking he assumed that “Shelley” may be a site where shell grit could be found.

After having ridden his bicycle from Newcastle, Arthur arrived on Fingal Island where he searched for the wreck of the Pappinbarra and discovered, to his delight, an ample supply of shell grit in the small secluded bay mentioned in the media reports.

This bay was referred to by the fishermen as Shelley or in later years – the Grit Hole.

On 16 September 1930 Arthur and his brother Bill arrived at Nelson Bay by hired lorry with all the gear necessary to make a start digging grit.

Arthur was fortunate, on the wharf in Nelson Bay, to have met with local fisherman Jack Lund.

Jack was very knowledgeable of local conditions and had a launch which was soon loaded with bags, shovels and camping gear and within an hour Arthur was on his way to his new home.

By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE