'The States of a Nation' traces a part of Australian history not previously well documented ... a part of Australian history that we have taken for granted ... the Australian state borders.
The story of the Australian state borders as documented in this work, relates the story not only of the politics that created the position of the borders but also the work of the 'quiet achievers' - the surveyors. These professional and dedicated people traditionally preferred to get on with the job as hand rather than worrying or expecting public accolades. They traversed this great continent, endured the same hardships and tribulations as many of the famed and well documented explorers, but with few exceptions, received little or no recognition at the time. This is their story.
What was Captain Arthur Phillip's role in the border matters? Why was John Dunmore Lang upset at the placement of the Queensland-New South Wales border? Why are the state boundaries placed where they are today? Who were the surveyors involved in each of the border surveys? Written in an easy-to-ready style, the author have provided answers to the above questions and and many more intriguing ones.
Whether you are interested in Australian history, a surveyor tracing the contribution of the profession or surveying to the development of our nation, a student or teacher, or simply a person interested in learning about the men and women who shaped this great country - this is a book for you.
Contents:
Map Index
Foreword
Message of Support from Bruce Campbell AM MBE
Message of Support from The Hon. Barry O'Keefe AM QC
1. About the Author
2. Acknowledgements
3. Introduction
4. New South Wales
5. Van Diemen's Land
6. Norfolk Island
7. New Zealand
8. Western Australia
9. South Australia
10. Victoria
11. Queensland
12. Northern Territory
13. Australian Capital Territory
14. Papua New Guinea
15. New States with Australia
- Introduction
- Historical Stirrings!
- Riverina Agitation (1851-1866)
- New England Agitation (1840-1970s)
- Agitation in Queensland (1852-1970s)
- The Constitution of Australia
- The Royal Commission on the 'New States' Issue
- 'Princeland' Secession Movement in Victoria and South Australia (1861-1865)
- 'Albert' A New State in Queensland at the Northern Territory (1840-1862)
- 'Auralia' (1899-1901)
- Hutt River Providence: Western Australia (1969-Present)
16. Names, Awards and Titles
17. Abbreviations Used
18. Glossary of Terms
19. Photographs Used and their Sources
20. Index
