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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
A great many people had a hand in the development of this thesis. But the
influences and the background which made the work possible are the
outcome of associations which go back many years, and which involve an
even wider range of people, many of whom are no longer with us. Thanks are
due to all of them, for introducing me to old mines, derelict and obsolete
machinery, to abandoned townships, and to the Australian bush, long before
Historical Archaeology had been invented...
Then in 1984 a visit was made to the far west of New South Wales, - looking
around before everything changed I suppose. We stopped in at Milparinka, a
town which was mentioned in a book by George Farwell called "Ghost Towns
of Australia" - 'a handbook for exploration' my brother had called that book.
And so began the major task of evaluating the Chinese at Milparinka...
Firstly, thanks must go to Linda, Tiffany and Chris, for their forebearance,
company, and field assistance, for cups of coffee, and for keeping track of
things over a very long period of time.
Then there are many people at the University of Sydney, who encouraged,
shared their knowledge, offered advice and coached. Especially are thanks
due to Dr. Roland Fletcher, Associate Professor Judy Birmingham, Dr. Aideen
Cremin and Associate Professor tan Jack. Without their encouragement,
nothing would have happened. Thanks also to the late Dr. Brian Davey, who
would have loved to help identify the boundaries of the waterhole and dam at
Milparinka.
Another special thanks is due to Denis Gojak, of the New South Wales
National Parks and Wildlife Service, who shared the interest, who loaned on
several occasions his copy of Or Neville Ritchie's thesis on the Chinese in
New Zealand, and who provided a heap of other information.
Other people across the length and breadth of Australia had direct input to the
original research which was required. Thanks to Helen Barlow and Nel Baker,
to Bill and Sue Kirchner, and Evelyn Kuerschner, Harry Blore, and the late
'Btuey' Adams for their input. All either grew up at Milparinka or on stations in
the vicinity, or had an extensive local knOWledge. All Willingly shared their
memories, their experiences, and that local knowledge. Raylene Ogilvey, now
of Lyndon Station, was a source of considerable information and
encouragement, and provided several introductions which were irreplaceable.