Louie and his ‘hard case buggers’

WHEN WELL-KNOWN CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND LOGGER, LANCE DUNCAN, retired from the industry he sat down to write a book about his life.

It’s a great yarn about his years in the bush, both logging and hunting, and many of the people he encountered.

Allied Publications Ltd, the publishers of NZ Logger, liked his story-telling so much it has helped Lance publish his book.

Allied’s Managing Director, Trevor Woolston, explains: “When Lance came to us we tried to get professional book publishers involved but they weren’t interested so we decided to do it ourselves.

“His book is full of great stories. It had our proof reader in stitches as she went through the manuscript and there are some poignant moments, too. It’s a no-holds-barred account and it certainly isn’t politically correct, so if you are easily offended its probably not for you, but it is a great read.”

Life wasn’t easy for Lance, who recounts one particular story about growing up in the Waikato and coming home from a few days of pig hunting at 13 years of age to find his solo mum had been buried while he was away, leaving him an orphan.

Pig hunting and his love for the outdoors and his pig dogs are a recurring theme in the book.

“Lance has had a colourful life and his story takes the reader on an entertaining journey, meeting some equally colourful people along way who help shape his future,” says Woolston.

A book launch and signing will take place at the Putaruru Timber Museum on Saturday July 15, from 11am. Louie and his ‘hard case buggers’ is also available through NZ Logger, see page 65 for details.

NZL