1

A Perpetual Summer

Transcribed by Caroline Chisholm

A transported convict writes home to England urging his wife to join him as soon as possible.

2

Everyone Has His Part

By William Dampier

William Dampier describes the hand-to-mouth existence of the aborigines of northwest Australia, and reveals a people far advanced in charity.

3

An Ideal Location

By Sir Ernest Scott

Many of Australia’s first cities were planned by British bureaucrats who had never been there, which may explain why they put them in the wrong places.

4

One Man and his Dog

By Edmund Lockyer

English explorer Major Edmund Lockyer tries to buy a puppy in Queensland, but ends up paying the owner to keep him.

5

The Crimson Thread

By Sir Henry Parkes

In 1890, Sir Henry Parkes reminded Australians that they had a natural kinship and declared them ready to manage their own affairs.

6

Mischievous Interference

By The Council of New South Wales

In 1852 the Council of New South Wales sent a strongly-worded petition to London, demanding the right of self-government.