AustLit

Club narrative of a gentleman's early adventures in NSW after several years on the Ballarat goldfields. Finding a job as shepherd on a Murray River station he hears of the dangers from Aboriginal attacks, saves a neighbouring station owner from being axed, and together they survive being burnt out by blacks. Pioneer action narrative; untroubled account of Aboriginal deaths - survival/battle approach. (PB)

A younger brother incarcerates his older brother - their father's heir - for thirty years in order to gain his inheritance and marry his beautiful fiancee. Set in London and Camperdown, England. Competent. (PB)

A timid wife discovers her rival is a dog. Predictable. (PB)

Excellent study of a Methodist minister - first love of the narrator's aunt - who is good, learned, honest and useful but without tenderness or sensitivity towards his loving neglected wife. Tale of the aunt's visit to their married home and her conviction that it is best most women don't marry their first love. (PB)

Australian tale of farming family tyrannised by a harsh father but his son's departure, his wife's illness and his daugher's unhappiness at his refusal to allow her to marry combine to change his heart. Unconvincingly neat. (PB)

Domestic setting for a pater familias decision to write a tale for the Australian Journal - includes his children's attitudes, his wife's change of heart when she desires to attend the Melbourne Cup, and a comparison between an editor's dealings with contributors to an MP's dealings with his constituents. More style than substance. (PB)

A sergeant at a country station is repaid for his masquerade as a priest to wring information from a dying man by the murder of his favourite little daughter and then his own. A woman helping his wife with housework and a wandering tramp conspire ... [Horrible; interesting, re: the sergeant's domestic situation and Catholic taboos.] (PB)