Green’s Dictionary of Slang

(Aus./N.Z.) an itinerant.

1898		Bulletin (Sydney) 31 Dec. 14/3: The broken-down old drummer, grown cranky from the sun.
1941		Baker Popular Dict. Aus. Sl. 26: drummer: A tramp or swagman.
1988		McGill Dict. of Kiwi Sl. 40/2: drummer swagman or tramp.
2003		McGill Reed Dict. of N.Z. Sl. [as cit. 1988].