Page:The three colonies of Australia.djvu/223

 and the absence of an expensive local government has enabled the colonists to escape a local debt like that which so long weighed down South Australia.

In fact the brief history of Port Phillip proves how much more safely, successfully, and inexpensively colonies may be planted by colonists than by enthusiastic amateurs and speculating companies.

In 1852 the assembling of the first Legislative Council of Victoria marked the commencement of a new era of independence and prosperity, crowned by the golden discoveries at Ballarat and Mount Alexander.

BUNYNONG HILL, NEAR BALLARAT.