It has been objected that in the above epitome no mention is made of
the great mineral wealth of Australia. The reason is that minerals,
exceedingly useful as they are in the arts, are not absolutely
necessary (with the exception perhaps of iron) to the feeding,
clothing, and housing of mankind. Vast multitudes have lived without
them; but it may be remarked that Australia is a country very rich in
minerals; some hold it the richest in the world. It possesses immense
deposits of iron not yet utilised, and the most extensive gold-fields
yet discovered. Australia and Tasmania have, according to the latest
estimate of our Commonwealth Statistician, produced minerals to the
value of L660,252,694--comprising in round numbers, Gold
L474,000,000; Tin L24,000,000; and other kinds L8,000,000. The bulk
of the above has been produced during the last 60 years, in a
population rising from about 300,000 to 4,000,000 and it forecasts
how vast the mineral-producing future of Australia is likely to be.
Altogether Australia is a country as highly favoured by nature as any
other of equal size upon earth, for the bountiful production of
useful animals, vegetables, minerals, and men.