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Preface.

The Romance of Lake Wakatipu was written with the view of placing on record reminiscences of a period which ranks as one of the most eventful in colonial history—namely, the early days of the Otago goldfields.

It was designed as a contribution to the periodical literature of the day, but, upon further consideration, it was thought advisable to make it available for bringing certain traits in the romantic scenery of the colony, combined with their historical romance, more pointedly under notice of the travelling public.

Other circumstances and events connected with the progress and prosperity of the place have been imported into the narrative, so as to render the whole useful for purposes of general information.

That information is largely supplemented by the explanatory notes, added in the form of an appendix, and to which reference is made at corresponding points in the development of the plot.

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