Alex M'Kinley, Melb Alex M'Kinley, Melb i(A53218 works by) (Organisation) assertion
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2 2 y separately published work icon A Priest's Secret : Under Seal of Confession Edmund Finn , Melbourne : Alex M'Kinley, Melb , 1888 Z503072 1888 single work novel crime
2 10 The Happy Land Marcus Clarke , Melbourne : 1880 Z814001 1880 single work musical theatre burlesque satire fantasy humour
— Appears in: The Star , 3 March 1880; (p. 3)

Adapted by Marcus Clarke from W. S. Gilbert and Gilbert A' Beckett's burlesque of the same name (1873), The Happy Land is a two act satire in blank verse and prose, which targets a tinder-dry political subject - the row between Graham Berry's Liberal government and the Legislative Council. Clarke's text, which adheres fairly closely to the English play in all but the local detail, contains explicit and controversial references to Melbourne politics, personalities and issues, was not surprisingly banned in Melbourne by the government censor.

The story begins with reports being brought to Fairyland from Melbourne which indicate that Victoria must be the Eldorado as claimed in the press. The fairies send Victoria three of their most popular 'statesmen' to teach the government the principles of 'Popular Government.' The fairy statesmen form into government and opposition and examine the former's suitability for office by distributing portfolios to the most venal and incompetent. The opposition grow discontented and determine to strike a blow for liberty. In the end the Fairies decide that Popular Government is too expensive a luxury.


[Source: Australian Variety Theatre Archive]

1 y separately published work icon Der Eggsberiences ov Hans Schwartz: (with Humorous Interleaves) Edmund Finn , Melbourne : Alex M'Kinley, Melb , 1878 Z1027238 1878 single work short story humour
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