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This is an enormously readable book, and also one which is tantalizing at many points and almost impossible for references to the regional historian. The work lacks page numbers, source references, any form of map or area location, and it is probably fair to indicate that the tale just stops, rather than that it is rounded out. One gathers elsewhere that many of the written sources were lost in a fire, and that much matter was oral and that the line of communication of fact to the author was often a very short one, with seldom more than one or two intermediaries. For these reasons, and because the omissions must be remedied, it is hoped that there may be a fuller second edition, or other publications to supplement this one. Perhaps understandably, the outside reader will find the account of Richard Craig and his line, the aboriginal-settler relations, the original settler family details, and personalities up to 1914 - of major interest. From then on, there is a lack of perspective and the material probably needed more grouping and focus. Certainly relations with both Armidale and Grafton deserved much better than they got. Contact with Sydney is omitted entirely. The glory of the book is the reproduction of the tone photographs of the rain forest, many of which are splendidly done from glass and other plates. Many of the pen sketches, too, are worthy of comment, for a certain wry relevance to the text. No acknowledgement is made to any individuals for this art work. |
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