Historical Records of Australia is a basic and vital source for early Australian history. The publication of Volume VIII of this series is of relevance in recently developed historical areas such as Aboriginal Studies and of continuing relevance to legal, administrative and social history. The project began in 1914 with 33 volumes being published up until 1925 but was then discontinued. In 1997 the project was recommenced and number VII of the third series was published. The current Volume VIII opens in 1828 when the colony of Van Dieman's Land was entering a period of its development that was to be of great significance in the wider history of Australia. This was particularly true in regard to Aboriginal people, as it was the period immediately before the 'Black Line' of 1830. This period is also characterised by the development of educational and religious institutions, the maturation of Governor Arthur's convict system, and emergence of the issues of trail by jury, a free press, and representative government. The Historical Records are drawn from the complete original despatches of the period which were sent by the Governor of the Colony to London as reports on, and requests for assistance with, the administration of the colony. The continuation of this series in scholarly edited and indexed form is a boon for researchers and scholars.