A History Of The Colony Of Victoria

This passage discusses the history of the colony of Victoria, which is now a state in Australia. It mentions the first attempt at settlement in 1803 and the founding of Melbourne in 1835. The discovery of gold in 1851 led to Victoria becoming the financial center of Australia. The history is based on parliamentary records and information from prominent political figures known personally by the author, Henry Gyles Turner. The first volume of the two-volume history covers Victoria's development from early settlement to its establishment as an independent colony and the discovery of gold. It also discusses the challenges faced during the gold rush, including overpopulation, high living costs, and mining disputes. The book provides first-hand insights into a time of significant political, social, and economic change.

The first attempt by Europeans to settle in the area that eventually became the state of Victoria, Australia, was led by Colonel David Collins in 1803. Melbourne was founded in 1835, and after the discovery of gold in 1851 became the financial centre of Australia. This authoritative two-volume history of the state's first century, published in 1904 by the banker Henry Gyles Turner (1831-1920), is based on parliamentary records and information from leading political figures with whom the author was personally acquainted. Volume 1 traces Victoria's development from its early settlement to its establishment as an independent colony and the discovery of gold. It explores the region's progress and the challenges it faced as the gold rush led to overpopulation, high living costs, and mining disputes. The book gives first-hand insights into a time of rapid political, social and economic change.