Sweet And Simple Pleasures: Brian McKinlay

As the First Fleet swung south of the Australian continent on 25 December 1787, the miserable passengers on the leaky unsanitary vessel tried to conjure up the spirit of Christmas as best they could - beginning the tradition and the entertainment that has lasted into modern times. This is a look at the sweet and simple pleasures that eased the boredom and burdens of colonial life in Australia, from the earliest recreations of the home, the formal function, the theatre, the racetack, the hunt and the great displays and exhibitions of the 19th century. It's how Australians of the time enjoyed themselves - from the gentry to the ordinary people. With illustrations taken from the press of the period.