Review.

Southern Cross, Volume 7, Issue 9, 11 June 1898, Page 9

Review.

MEMORIES OF EARLY GOLD DISCOVERIES IN VICTORIA.

Several years ago a series of sketches bearing the above title were published in this journal. They excited widespread interest, more especially among those of our readers acquainted with the scenes, and, in some cases, the persons depicted. There was no straining after effect, no attempt at fine writing. The reader felt that the author’s only aim was to recall, with absolute fidelity, the wild, free life of the time, and in this be succeeded admirably. Incident after incident, stirring, sad, or droll, followed in quick succession. The writer was no less happy in his pourtrayal of the persons introduced. They formed a motley band —good, bad, and indifferent, as varied in character as in nationality, and all described with Defoe-like minuteness. The arch-villain, Dan Burns—one of the most repulsive and powerfully drawn personalities with whom the force of circumstances brought the writer into contact —the jovial Mike Conolly, Bristol John, and many others stood out prominently in the portrait gallery. As we have said, the sketches excited great interest. It was recognised that they formed a valuable addition to the storehouse of information from which the historian will draw when he comes to write the story of the goldfields era in the colonies, and a wish was expressed in many quarters that they should be given to the world in a more permanent form. With this desire, the author —Mr William Craig, of this town—has, to some extent, complied. He has published the articles in book form, after having carefully revised, added to, and in some instances recast the original chapters. The series makes a very presentable volume of nearly 300 pages, its appearance being enhanced by the addition of a number of illustrations descriptive of mining life. The edition under notice is only intended for private circulation, but we understand that it is proposed to issue another at Home for general use. In doing this the author is well advised, for the book will undoubtedly commend itself to all who wish to possess a genuine presentation of life ‘ip the days when the world was wide.’