[5] According to academic Richard Fotheringham the term "colonial experience" was originally a requirement for farm labour stipulated in advertisements; but by the 1860s it had become associated ironically with young well-bred Englishmen coming to Australasia and going bush to learn self-reliance and useful skills.
Often they were the sons of the absentee owners of grazing properties, finding out at first hand about the nature of their family's investments.
[7] According to the Sydney Morning Herald this "has shown the playgoing public that the talent necessary to the production of a good play is not confined to the mother country and a number of gentlemen, anxious to recognise Mr. Cooper's ability, have tendered him a benefit.
"[8] Sydney Punch said "his comedy bears abundant evidence of his ability to hit off the more stirring features of these characteristics with ease and dramatic wit and effect.
[12] Reviewing the published edition, Leonard Radic of The Age called it "a lively piece.