William Tainsh


William Alexander Tainsh was a Scots-born Australian storyteller and writer of popular verse.

History

Tainsh was born in Perthshire, Scotland and emigrated to Melbourne sometime around 1905 as Melbourne agent of the firm of John Dewar & Sons; His first mention in the Melbourne newspapers was in 1913 as singing at the Warrawee Club, hosted by Scots contralto Jessie Cromb. He sang to good effect at other concerts, but seemingly only in Scottish contexts. He later gained a reputation as congenial raconteur and repository of Scottish and Irish folklore.
He was a member of the Melbourne Savage Club and its secretary in 1916.
He was a popular lecturer and frequent broadcaster: his New Year's Eve programme on 3LO, redolent of Scottish customs and traditions, became a longstanding appointment.
He became known Australia-wide: his talk on Glasgow humor, the Clyde Band and Broomielaw, was the subject of a national relay broadcast.
Eventually he published some of his own songs and poems, which were praised for their clarity of thought and expression.
He wrote a piece that the Prime Minister of Australia, J. A. Lyons read to George V on the occasion of his Jubilee as monarch.
Australia — To His Majesty King George V.
Far carried o'er a world of troubled dawnings,
The loyal acclaim that pours today full-throated
Though majesty and might and proud dominion
Enwoven warp and woof within its fabric
Our Sovereign Lord, the years of your high labors
So, for your splendid bearing in the shadows
Head of our close-held family of nations.
Across the seas that bind, but cannot sever

Selected works

  • William Tainsh, James Brash, "Port o' Sydney": song for baritone; Chappell & Co., Sydney
  • William Tainsh, Louis Drakeford, "The Invincibles": song; Allan & Co., Melbourne
  • William Tainsh Special Occasions, Melbourne; poems, with foreword by Alec Chisholm
  • William Tainsh The Visitor, Melbourne; "An inspiring poem with a message for everyone"

Family

Tainsh married photographer Mina Moore on 20 December 1916. Their family includes:
They had a home at 12 Northcote Ave, Caulfield in 1942.