Cirrus@Austlit

'In the newspapers of Australia, amongst much that can only be called twaddle, are frequently to be found short and pithy sketches, well written, and really good; but when a full-blown novel, on an Australian subject, and by an Australian writer, whether by birth or residence, is attempted, the result is, as a rule, a miserable failure. ... If you have a story to tell of Australia and Australian life, oh, writer! tell it by all means, tell it in a good straightforward manner; but don't explain. Give you readers credit for knowing something about the country they live in; do not think that everything that was strange to you must of necessity be new and strange to them. Tell your tale. If it is any good no explanation is wanted; if it is bad any explanation will make it worse.'