Primarily literary essays and fragments, with Part II containing two plays: 'Anniversary Day; or Helen's Betrothal : an Australian Drama in Three Acts : Scene-Sydney' and 'A Home Country Sketch : The Two Lovers, or The Ghosts in the Churchyard'. The Annotated Calendar of Plays Premiered in Australia 1850-1869 compiled by Veronica Kelly (1995) indicates 'Anniversary Day' was performed in 1868. The Annotated Calendar of Plays Premiered in Australia 1870-1890 compiled by Veronica Kelly (1997) states 'The Two Lovers' was staged in 1870. Several short essays on contemporary figures and events are also included in the volume. (Ferguson 12311)
'Because of her dying mother's wish Helen is engaged to her cousin Thornton, whom she dislikes. Charles rescues her from drowning in Sydney Harbour and they fall in love. To meet his debts Thornton forges his uncle's signature; Marion his cast-off mistress threatens his exposure and dies of remorse over her past. When Uncle and Charles confront Thornton over his forgeries the latter shoots Charles who dies in Helen's arms, and is himself killed by one of his old victims, an ex-convict. Some local colour and topical discussion of Australia's wealth and future political role, advantages of monarchical over republican government, and the visit of the Duke of Edinburgh in the Galatea. Advertised in Empire 18680611.'
Source: Kelly, Veronica (ed.) Annotated Calendar of Plays Premiered in Australia 1850-1869 (1995).
