A reviewer in Mount Gambier's Border Watch newspaper saw a new direction for the poet emerging, finding that the poem "...is conceived in a spirit of singular power.

It is an absolute study of a phase of Australian forest life.

It is characterised by both genius and truth, and had not Kendall died shortly after he discovered his adaptability for this style of composition, we should doubtless have had some superlative studies of a peculiarly Australian type.

As it is, we must recognise, without stint, the authentic mission of this poet to portray phenomenal phases of bush life.

They then go on to note that while the poet "applauds the sturdy independence and easygoing nature of the teamster, he also subtly criticises his parochialism and insensitivity to the natural wonders that surround him.