Catherine Helen Spence

I had learned what wealth was, and a great deal about production and exchange for myself in the early history of South Australia - of the value of machinery, of roads and bridges, and of ports for transport and export. ”

I had seen Adelaide the dearest and the cheapest place to live in. ”

Even before the discovery of copper South Australia had turned the corner. ”

As we grew to love South Australia, we felt that we were in an expanding society, still feeling the bond to the motherland, but eager to develop a perfect society, in the land of our adoption. ”

I had only two offers of marriage in my life, and I refused both. ”

Probably my mother's life was prolonged beyond that of a long-lived family by her coming to Australia in middle life; and if I ever had any tendency to consumption, the climate must have helped me. ”

South Australia was the first community to give the secret ballot for political elections. ”

Nothing is insignificant in the history of a young community, and - above all - nothing seems impossible. ”

I look back to a happy childhood. ”

I think I was well brought up, for my father and mother were of one mind regarding the care of the family. ”