PREFACE.

Little did I think many years ago, when reading Bonwick’s “Sketch of Boroondara,” that it would fall to my lot to follow in his footsteps, and continue the story as far as Kew is concerned.

The task has been in many ways a pleasant one, but I fear the result will fall short of what many expect. It must be borne in mind that many events, important in themselves at the time they occur, soon loose their individuality, and their significance is lost in the whirl of everyday life.

However, if my little volume serves for nothing else than to revive, in the minds of its readers, memories of persons and events in which they were interested or even took part years ago, then my self imposed task will not have been attempted in vain.

In some cases records have not been easily available, but I have endeavoured as far as possible, where there was any doubt about the information, to check the question by evidence from several sources.

Had the time been available, many more interesting facts might have been gathered from a more complete Search of the newspapers, so thoughtfully preserved at the Melbourne Public Library, awaiting the discriminating eye of the future historian.

Nearly all to whom I have applied for information on the various questions raised readily responded to my request, and I take this opportunity of thanking them, on behalf of my fellow townsmen, for assisting to place on record the principal facts connected with sixty years’ development of Kew, in which as a life-long resident I take the deepest interest.

My thanks are also due to the Calvert Engraving Company for the excellent blocks they have prepared, in some cases from very indifferent photographs.

F. G. A. BARNARD.

Kew, November, 1910