THIRTY YEARS IN AUSTRALIA.
Thirty Years in Australia. By Ada Cambridge (Mrs. Cross). (Methuen and Co. 7s. 6d.)—Mrs. Cross's book is a specially difficult one for a reviewer to deal with. There is much in it about her private sorrows, troubles, and cares. Of this we can say nothing, not because we think that it should not have been written, but because no comment beyond the expression of a respectful sym- pathy is possible. Then there are many things about social con- ditions in Australia. About these, or some of them, as strikes and the Labour question generally, it would be possible to express an, opinion. One thing makes itself tolerably plain, that the "un- employed" are much about the same there as they are here. Here is an instance. A vineyard proprietor wanted twenty men for the vintage, and went to the Labour Bureau. One hundred and fifty applicants were there, not fit for heavy work, they explained, but ready for light labour. He offered good quarters and food, with 9s. a week. Only eight accepted, and of the eight only four turned up. Of course there are two sides to this as to every matter. Let this experience go for what it is worth. On the whole, we must be content to leave the volume with a very warm commendation. We are very far from identifying our- selves with all Mrs. Cross's views, but we have no hesitation in saying that the book is one which most readers will find interesting, and which any one meditating a move to Australia ought to make a point of reading.
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