Home and Social Life 173 



Briton does his. It is an airier home, not so 

 crowded with cherished pieces of furniture, and 

 not regarded so much as a refuge from the 

 rigours of the world outside. It is a home of 

 open doors and windows, with a wide veranda, 

 where indoor life meets the open air existence on 

 terms of happy compromise. By imperceptible 

 degrees, the Australian home is adjusting itself 

 to the Australian climate. 



The belief in the absence of class distinctions 

 in Australia is cherished by the masses in the face 

 of an existing class. But the man who rises 

 from the masses is quickly made aware of an 

 exclusive circle of people " in society," and of the 

 efforts made to reserve such privileges as this 

 circle may enjoy. Australian society and the 

 struggle made to maintain class distinctions have 

 furnished the theme for many satires. It is, in- 

 deed, easier to ridicule than to adequately describe 

 the basis of Australian society. I^et it be pre- 

 mised that the most important, if not the most 

 exclusive, social entertainments are those offered 

 by the Australian Governors in their capacity as 

 representatives of the Crown. At such entertain- 

 ments, the most prominent people are those who 

 have made their way to the front in politics, pro- 

 fessional life, commerce, or pastoral pursuits. 

 Many of them, by their education and upbring- 

 ing, or by their natural qualities, are well fitted 

 to adorn any society, but there are some of whom 

 it may be said, without any unkindness, that 



