h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I must query your statement that Adelaide is "the only city in Australia that did not begin as a penal settlement".
As a prime example, Melbourne (Australia's second largest city) was in fact the product of John Batman's forsight that the mouth of the Yarra River "would be a good site for a village" and was established as an outpost for trade, shipping and farming well before any prison settlement was established. Added to this are numerous others - Darwin, Newcastle and Canberra spring to mind.

Also, having friends who were directly involved, I can assure you that JAS had little or nothing to do with the relocation of the Australian Grand Prix to Melbourne. The "behind closed doors" deals took place primarily between Bernie Ecclestone and Ron Walker (who acted on behalf of then Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett).

Hi there, thanks for your comments. I've decided to take the footnote out of the entry, that which refers to JAS's involvement, in the light of your posting.

Also, in response to another thread, I changed the wording with regard to Adelaide being the 'only' city to start life not as a penal colony, to 'the only one of Australia's original cities'.

What do you think?

Sam.

How about "....the first of Australia's cities...."?
Australia had such a rapid evolution compared to other industrialised countries that "original" covers maybe a 50 year period at most.

I should have mentioned, that apart from my quibbles I liked the article.

Good point. I've changed the article to say the 'first of Australia's cities'. Thanks for your help.