FLYNN OF THE INLAND By Ion L. Idriess
Even the hyper-ecstatic style of Mr. Ion L. Idriess" Flynn of the Inland (Angus and Robertson, Os.) cannot conceal the importance of the work achieved by Mr. John Flynn of the Australian Inland Mission. It was and is to cover the great Dead Heart of Inland Australia with a mesh of lines of communication, nursing-homes at various strategic points, and an Aerial Medical Ambulance Service to connect with each, the first base having been established at Cloncurry in Queensland. Medical aid thus comes on the wings of the wind to the pioneer of the Outback, and the Patrol Padre brings him the spiritual food he may want or need. First the camel and then all the resources of modern scientific transport and communication are winning the victory over the illimitable wastes of spinifex and sand. Once it was said mockingly of much of Inland Australia that it was a land of sin, sand, sorrow and sore eyes.- -The sand remains, but the other reproaches are being strenuously attacked by the splendid movement set on foot by the vision and never- ceasing drive of .John Flynn. Mr. Idriess presents a strongly coloured picture of the resources, scenery and bitter-hard conditions of life in the interior of the Island-Continent, but it is curious, • in view of the persistent cry for. an All- White Australia, that he should even admit the possibility that its centre will soon be populated " if not by our own race Ilan by another."
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