The pages are tanned, else immacuate. "A fascinating presentation of 140 years of Australian social history as seen through women's eyes, The Labourers' Friend documents the work of The Sisters of Mercy in Perth from 1846, moving to Melbourne in 1857 (then in the throes of gold manai and subsequently spreading throughout Victoria and tasmania. Though it focuses on the pioneer years, the book brings a perspective to the present day:" (front flap) xiv, 242 pages.