fulfilment have not been lost sight of on the one hand, nor faithlessly abandoned on the other. There has been no meretricious subordination of intrinsic attractiveness to extrinsic, mercenary profit. Though large numbers of persons are named, their doings and sayings duly treated of, and in many instances their biographies sketched, the dominant blemish of fee or reward being obtained as the only plea for their presence, has been studiously avoided. Therefore, " The Chronicles" come before the world in a new phase, relying solely on their own worthiness for the success which they undoubtedly merit; and, unique in their individuality, as a Historical Book of Reference suitable for all conditions of men, and for all time.
Although the ground covered by "The Chronicles of Early Melbourne" embraces a comparatively short period of seventeen years only, they are fraught with some of the most interesting and important events that occurred in the Colony, from a date anterior to the partition of Port Phillip from New South Wales, to the beginning of the Golden Era, an epoch which has proved to be a turning point in the fortunes of Victoria—a departure from old things to new — a line of demarcation sufficiently distinct to constitute it the border-line between Early and Later Melbourne.
There are many, doubtless, w h o wonder what can be written in an interesting, not to say instructive manner, of a period of time so contracted, and in a style so comprehensive. But the answer is at hand in the fact that " Garryowen" has treated, more or less interestingly, on upwards of a thousand different subjects, each with its subsidiary and attendant annotations.
During the early days of a young settlement, personal individuality is more recognizable, even if less conspicuous, and the actions of men come more immediately under the notice of their fellows, than in big cities in after years. Hence it is matter for surprise, not that "Garryowen" has found sufficient material, but that he has been able to compress selections from his abundant MSS. that will prove most edifying to the general reader. And it may be emphatically prophesied that, prodigious as is the material wealth of "Marvellous Melbourne" in 1888; important as is her influence among the Nations of the Earth; enviable as is her phenomenal prosperity; enterprising as are her public men; and philanthropic as are her private citizens: the events of to-day will not be read in the Chronicles of fifty years hence, with more interest than those which now commence half a century in the past, and which are here submitted from the pen of " Garryowen."
December 31st, 1888.
