Historical Records Of Victoria V6 - Tapa dura

The determined occupation of the Port Phillip locality by pioneers mostly from Van Diemen s Land began in 1835 and led to one of the most rapid and successful settlements of little-known lands ever seen in the history of European colonization. Illegal though it was, the influx of people and livestock was regarded at first with indecision by Government. Then, recognizing that the tide of settlement was unstoppable, attempts were made to accommodate and regularize it. The revenue generated by land sales, depasturing licences and customs duties at Port Phillip soon exceeded the wildest estimates, enabling further government surveys and a growing public service infrastructure. The effects of exploration and settlement on local Aborigines escaped official notice except in extreme cases.

Michael Cannon is the Founding Editor of Historical Records of Victoria and an experienced journalist, newspaper editor and historian. Among many books on history he is author of The Land Boomers. Ian MacFarlane is a former journalist, author, radio broadcaster and public relations consultant. He has published much source material for the Public Records Office.