Dunnies in the Lane

Originally, before the sewer was connected, back lanes were used by the Sanitary Cart. To simplify the collection process, toilets (often in Australia referred to as dunnies and many other names as well) were located just inside the back gate. Geoffrey Blainey, in his fascinating book, "Black Kettle and Full Moon" highlights the fact then when folk made the journey out the back before bedtime they were able to see the brilliance of the night sky.
Today, with light pollution and inside toilets, most of us city dwellers don't see the stars. Personally, I feel that if we frequently look at the magnificence of the stars, plus get our hands in the soil, it helps us keep our perspective on life. On a recent radio program a couple of elderly women phoned in to say they still enjoyed their outside toilet and had no intention of replacing with one in the house.

This is not the best example of Dunnies in the Lane but it is the best I can do for now. I will be on the look out. The interesting thing is that they all look the same; same size, made out of brick with a vent above the door.