BY WAY OF INTRODUCTION

“With the passing of John Broadbanks, I myself must pass.

  It is just about a quarter of a century since, with my heart in my mouth, I daringly submitted the first of these manuscripts to a publisher. Since then, one by one, thirty volumes have trickled from my incontinent pen.

  In writing thirty volumes a man has, or has not, delivered his message. If he has, why linger? If not, it is time that he recognized his failure and abandoned the futile adventure.

  Were I to devote another thirty volumes to the task, I could not adequately express to my publishers, my critics and my readers my deep sense of obligation.

  This Australian study of min has sometimes oppressed me by its severe aloofness. And yet, as the years have come and gone, I have sensed the constant flow towards me of tides of generous friendliness emanating from away beyond the far horizon.

  To that greta host of kindred spirits with which I can never hope to mingle I wave my hand to-day in affectionate farewell.”

FRANK W. BOREHAM.

Kew, Victoria, Australia.
Easter 1936

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