Utes (short for utility vehicles) are the mainstay of tradesfolk, rural workers and others who have a need to transport themselves, others and equipment from one place to another. Deniliquin in New South Wales celebrates the humble ute with a muster each year. In “A Baby Denied”, the fan belt of Dee’s ute fails her at one point and Nash uses one of Dee’s stockings to jury-rig a replacement fan-belt to get her home. My brains trust (Jay, on this occasion) told me this was possible and my research confirmed it. Then I just needed to find out how to fit it and the internet coughed up that information too. Interesting trivia to have at the back of my mind.

Haiku:

Utes with patina of age
or shiny new skin
serve as humble workhorses.