Introductory Note: No. 20, January 1977 - Railway Issue

The features of the current issue are the changed cover and the cluster of articles and notes on the nineteenth century railway expansion into New England, officially styled the 'Great Northern Railway'. It is hoped that these both appeal to our widening readership, now drawn from areas far beyond the northern third of the state. The article by the Hon. Mr. A.J. Grassby reminds us of the congress, Ethnic Australia, - 2000, which was held in Armidale in August, 1976, the papers from which are currently at press. It helps to underscore the fact that Australia is not a homogeneous society. Future Journals will explore a number of regional illustrations of the districtive new communities which are emerging.