Cirrus@Austlit

'I am honoured that your Committee of Management has arranged this evening for me. The last time I spoke at the Opera House was in the election last May. I was in the company of Patrick White. So you will see that I have always had some success in getting writers on side. Now that authors are receiving public funds, now you are all on the government payroll, I expect an even bigger turnout at our next Opera House meeting, whenever that may be. In the meantime it is a pleasure to meet so many of you personally. Names familiar from innumerable dustjackets and title pages, from countless airport bookstalls and library shelves, are now fleshed out in living form. It is good to be among you.'  (Introduction)