What metaphors are used in A Town Like Alice by Nevil Shute?

Wollara Station is a metaphor for information and misinformation. A cattle station 110 miles southwest of Alice Spring, Wollara is 2,700 square miles supporting 18,000 head, easily run before the war by Tommy Duveen and thirteen ringers. Sgt Joe Harman describes it in detail to Jean Paget while both are POWs in Malaya. When she learns he survives his crucifixion, she begins her inquiries at Wollara. Harman, however, reclaims his old job for only six months after being repatriated before disappearing. There is no telephone in Wollara, but every morning and evening the radio network operator passes gossip among 50 stations.