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In addition to the serialised fiction works noted below, the Leisure Hour also included many 'factual' articles and short news items on life in the Australian colonies, often with accompanying fanciful illustrations. Many of these articles were undoubtedly intended for would-be emigrants.
These included: 'Australia' - 5 part series (1852); 'Life in Australia', by Rev. J.B. Owen - 4 part series (1853); 'Incidents of Australian Travel' - 3 part series (1853); 'A Night in the Bush' (1860).
Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of
'Frank Layton, the eponymous young hero, left without an inheritance after his father's death, has emigrated to make his way by working on a station. Initially he finds it hard to accommodate the rough bush conveniences with his own 'cultivated taste of a highly polished life', however, he proves to be made of stern stuff and can therefore express no genuine feeling for the plight of 'poor Cousin Bessie', caught in Canvas Town and likely to be there for perpuity. Not such a model of british manhood as Frank, Bessie's husband is untried and untested in the bush and 'has no aptitude nor determination ... energy or perseverance.' (373).' (Pam Macintyre 'From Canvas Town to Marvellous Melbourne: Melbourne in Colonial Children's Novels' La Trobe Library Journal 60 (Spring 1997): 74-83).
The story begins in rural England and centres on the Squire Oakley who acquires surrounding properties to increase the size of his estate. One of the property owners, Franklin, refuses to sell, despite financial problems. There is an incident where the two men have an argument and Franklin's gun is discharged. A lengthy description of the court trial is given and Franklin is found guilty of attempted murder and for punishment is sent to Australia for 20 years. Squire Oakley subsequently purchases the Franklins' farm. Franklin's wife escapes to Australia with the help of her maid, leaving the son, William, behind in the care of the Oakleys and he becomes a part of the family. When he is old enough, Squire Oakley finds William a position onboard a ship and the story describes his adventures at sea. Eventually, William is reunited with his parents and takes up life on the land in Australia. However, he returns to England to restore the rift that has grown between the Oakleys and their own son, and remains there, marrying his childhood friend.
