[TITLE PAGE]
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RAMBLES AT THE ANTIPODES:
A SERIES OF SKETCHES
OF
MORETON BAY, NEW ZEALAND, THE MURRAY
RIVER AND SOUTH AUSTRALIA,
AND
THE OVERLAND ROUTE.
With Two Maps;
AND
Twelve Tinted Lithographs, illustrative of Australian Life, by S. T. Gill.
LONDON:
PUBLISHED BY W. H. SMITH AND SON,
186, STRAND.
1859.
[PREFACE]
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PREFACE.
THE following little Sketches of Tours in some parts of Australia, New Zealand, &c., were originally prepared for publication in a Melbourne newspaper. The very kind reception they met with in Australia has led to their being put into a form at once more permanent, and accessible to British readers.
It is perfectly surprising to any one travelling in England, to find how many of the persons with whom he comes in contact have some reason for taking interest in those distant colonies, which, within the last few years have sprung up into such interesting dimensions. Either some friend is there, or has been there; or there may be some lurking inclination to emigrate. Certainly the fact is very impressive, that while a great deal of ignorance prevails with regard to the countries spoken of, a considerable desire is exhibited to obtain information respecting them.
With a hope of furnishing some such information in a cursory and popular style, these few pages have been thrown together. Prepared by a colonist, for the
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PREFACE.
amusement or information of colonists, no attempt was made to adapt these Sketches to the taste of British readers;--they are but little fit to cope with British criticism.
To others than those resident in the Colonies some apology is, perhaps, due for the extreme tone adopted with reference to the treatment of the aboriginal populations. The remarks were specially designed to attract attention to the wrongs of the native races, and to stimulate legislation in their behalf. And, whilst acknowledging that some of the expressions used are very strong, if addressed to English people generally, it must be confessed by all who have had opportunities of personal observation, that, in her treatment of the inferior races subjected to her sway, Britain has little indeed to boast of.
The illustrations characteristic of Australian life, are the work of Mr. S. T. Gill, some time resident in Australia; and no one acquainted with the colonies, will hesitate to bear testimony to the singular vigour and fidelity here, as ever, associated with his pencil.
