PREFACE.
His Excellency the Governor of South Australia, Lord Tennyson, at a meeting of the South Australian Branch of the Royal Geographical Society held in June, 1899, expressed regret at the "non-existence of any proper history of South Australia." Anticipating such a complaint the publishers had arranged at an earlier date for issuing a work, entitled "Adelaide and Vicinity," which they believe will supply the want referred to by His Excellency.
The compilation of a history involves much reading and patient research in order that the statements made may be based upon well-attested authorities and not mere hearsay; and, further, the opinions expressed by the (editor must be void of personal bias and prejudice. In both these essentials "Adelaide and Vicinity" will be found un fait accompli, and as such may be taken as an authentic record of the early endeavors, sturdy struggles, and patient perseverance of the pioneers of the Province during its childhood; of the agricultural achievements, commercial courage, exploring enterprise, legislative labors, and pastoral progress during its youth; and of the indefatigable industry, great generosity, financial failures, rapid recoveries, and enduring energy of its early manhood.
An apology is due to the subscribers for the length of time that has elapsed since their support was promised to the work; but the delay is due to a combination of circumstances over which the publishers had no control. The character of the work has not suffered, inasmuch as it has been brought up to date, and appropriately describes the period of South Australian history from its birth as a British province under King William IV., and its gradual growth under the benign reign of Queen Victoria, to its entrance as a State into the Commonwealth of Australia under King Edward VII.
An acknowledgment is due to those who so willingly afforded means for procuring, as well as in giving, information, and for the loan of pictures and photographs for purposes of illustration. Besides those named in the List of Illustrations on pages xi-xv., special mention is made of the Government Statist, Mr. L. H. Sholl, and his officers; the Surveyor-General, Mr. W. Strawbridge, and his officers; the Under-Treasurer, Mr. T. Gill; the town clerks of the city and suburban municipalities, the board of Governors of the Public Library and Art Gallery; and the proprietors of the Register and Advertiser.
- Adelaide,
- July, 1901.
