PREFACE ix 



unreformed, his children, even those of the first generation, were 

 creditable to the British stock from which they were descended. 

 Between iSioto 1821 this first generation of Australians reached 

 the age of men and women. They bore no sign of a convict 

 taint, no heritage of vice or weakness, and this strange method 

 of colonisation which gave to the country a fast-increasing 

 population, brought with it no penalty of physical or moral 

 degeneration. 



One other aspect of New South Wales history may be in- 

 dicated here the relation of the Home Government and the 

 Imperial Parliament towards this infant Colony. By a study 

 of Parliamentary Papers and Debates, as well as periodical 

 literature and newspapers, an attempt has been made to set 

 forth the attitude of English politicians towards New South 

 Wales, and the result of that attitude as embodied in the work 

 of inquiry and legislation. 



The author cannot let this opportunity pass of recording 

 her grateful thanks to Mr. Graham Wallas and Mr. Sidney 

 Webb. Mr. Graham Wallas supervised her work in his 

 official capacity, but he took a very generous view of his 

 duties, and the author can scarcely measure the extent to 

 which she benefited by his advice, admonition and criticism. 

 To Mr. Sidney Webb her debt is also great, for he read this 

 thesis in manuscript and made invaluable suggestions. She 

 owes much too to the School of Economics, for no seat of 

 learning could with finer generosity have welcomed the 

 stranger within the gates. 



MARION PHILLIPS. 



LONDON, July, 1909. 



