So what was important to the average civic minded person in
1893? Assuming you were on the right side of the law, that is. The Wealth and progress of 1893 gives us a
good idea. Social, agricultural, political, meteorological statistics,
religion, insanity and public libraries all get a mention. A cross between an
almanac and statistical record, there is a great deal worth reading especially
if you are looking for accurate historical detail.
New South Wales was still referred to by its inhabitants as
a colony, mail still mostly came in envelopes and packages, and language was
used very differently to how it is now. This almanac reads more like a literary
novel than a straight out statistical report and is therefore easier to read. 
Other items of note include: some information from the census of 1891; land
holdings, foodstuffs of all kinds (manufacture of bacon and ham gets two pages
to itself, of course), how society dealt with destitute children, the insane,
and oddly, an epigrammatic end to the “social conditions and charities” section
with a paragraph on the “Intellectual progress” of New South Wales. Libraries
and reading rooms get a mention as a major part of the progress of the state in
this regard: “The State, conscious of the value of literature in softening the
minds and manners of the people, encourages with great liberality the
establishment of libraries and reading rooms.” (p.561 The Wealth and progress
of New South Wales 1893)
The local studies collection at Wagga Wagga City Library has
many more gems for you to discover. Come into the library or peruse the
catalogue online – go to the library homepage and click on the catalogue button
Have fun researching!
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