In the delving into the history of the Clearys many questions have been left unanswered. However the information that has been collected makes interesting and diverse reading.

In collating this information the interest shown by many of the younger generation has been indeed gratifying. To me Thomas and Harriet Cleary and their eleven children lived through a marvellously exciting stage in Australia's history. Their contributions to this history are considerable. I feel sure these marvellous warriors are watching over us today and having a quiet chuckle.

This is a fascinating story from the infant days of Melbourne, to the eagerness of the Rushworth Goldfields, to the excitement an despair of World War I, to the strange mixture of heartbreak and love of the Mallee Wheatlands to an Australia of which Thomas and Harriet would not have dreamed.

I thank all who have helped so generously with contributions to the collation of this history.

olin leary