Pearly was considered the achiever of the family by most people, including himself. Richie had no university degree, no sporting achievement of note, no formal position of influence within his community, but increasingly Pearly was aware of the quiet satisfaction his brother took in life, his marriage, his daughter, his farm and the son who was coming home to inherit it. Pearly couldn’t repress a slight chagrin that Richie didn’t ask him more about his doings and responsibilities, seemed to regard his own life as an equal achievement.

‘We’ve got a big issue coming up concerning the port development,’ Pearly said. ‘I’ve been flat out. I’ve even got the regional development minister coming down.’

‘Good luck with it. Anything that gives the place a bit of a boost.’ Richie was leaning on the trough looking at the sloping land, the pine windbreaks, the sheds and yards, the far harrier hawk scouting for roadkill.

‘Helen thinks I should pull back a bit.’

‘Well, she usually talks good sense. You’re no spring chicken.’

‘I don’t know that I’ll run for a third term,’ said Pearly.

‘No one can say that you haven’t done your bit.’

‘I’ll decide for sure in the next month or so.’

The brothers stood leaning on the concrete trough with full sun harsh on them. Richie wore a cap with a big brim, and his long, bleached hair formed a ruff below it. Pearly felt the heat on his face, and held up a hand as a shield. He could feel sweat on his forehead although he wasn’t doing anything. Richie’s brown arms were marked with long muscles even at rest, and he had no swell of belly at his belt. Pearly was aware of his own slight paunch and a lack of fitness. He must get back to having regular exercise. He knew the satisfaction, almost exhilaration, of being fit, and wanted that again. He didn’t want to become just another soft bugger.

‘What’ve you been doing lately around the place?’

‘I’ve planted a double line of poplars on the road frontage,’ Richie answered. ‘I want more trees and a greater variety. I like the upward shape of them and the autumn colours. They do damn well in Central, so I don’t see why they can’t handle it here. And stock need the shade and shelter. Do you want to walk over and take a look?’