THE FURPHY WATER CART
The most distinctive product to carry the Furphy brand would certainly be the "Water Cart". The presence of the cart in military camps in Australia and overseas during the First World War led to the name of Furphy becoming an indelible part of our language. It was used extensively in Europe and the Middle East to carry water to the troops. The drivers of the carts were notorious sources of information and gossip for the men as they moved from camp to camp. As could be expected, not all their news was reliable and so it was that the word Furphy rapidly became a synonym for suspect information or rumour.
The water cart was in itself a complete invention of John Furphy. No similar article was at that time used in Australia or overseas. The method of carting water in those days was confined to horse drawn arrangements of wooden casks or barrels placed on a skid or sled. Water had to be transported for stock and domestic use. Few homes in those times were designed to collect rain water from the roof and water had to be taken to horses working in the field.
The first carts were available in 180 and 250 gallon capacities. The 180 gallon unit proved most popular because when filled, it weighed about a ton and was a fair load for a good horse. The tank was carefully balanced over the axle to give good weight distribution for the horse whether the tank was empty or full.
The first end castings had the simple inscription "Furphy" in a small square at the top end of the casting and in 1890 this was changed to read "J Furphy, maker, Shepparton", the value of advertising was recognised and raised lettering listing the products of John Furphy was added. In 1895, John added a short rhyme with a strong message. It read: "Good, better, best - never let it rest - till your good is better - and your better, best.
Shelters Book
