"From the earliest days of the colony, the decision and actions of government officials affected the daily lives of both the original inhabitants and the white settlers in New South Wales. Whether it was a convict requesting mitigation of his sentence, a settler applying for a grant of land, or a destitute widow seeking seeking help for her family, the Government created records of its involvement in these areas, and in many cases they have survived to the present day......The exhibition features letters, maps, plans and photographs which shed light on the convict system, immigration, the administration of justice, treatment of Aborigines, and many other important aspects of life during the first two hundred years of European settlement" (from the preface) 50 pages, illustrated. Neat ownership inscription on title page.