AustLit

'In the beginning of South Australia, Literature and Science were not forgotten, as on the 29th August, 1834, exactly a fortnight after the King had assented to the measure erecting South Australia into a British Province, well over two years before the Colony was proclaimed, a few 'gentlemen intending to emigrate' met in London and formed 'The South Australian Literary Association', having for its objects 'the cultivation and diffusion of knowledge throughout the Colony'. This was planning with a vengeance, yet if we reflect upon it, quite in keeping with the character of the Colonists and the peculiar form of colonization they were they were supporting.' (Author's introduction)