It is better to give our own idea than to get a merely superficial effect,
which is apt to be a repetition of what others have done before us,
and may shelter us in a safe mediocrity,
which, while it will not attract condemnation,
could never help towards the development of what we believe will be a great school of painting in Australia. 

Charles Conder, Tom Roberts, and Arthur Streeton
September 1889
The Argus

See the letter in Trove and read about the 9 by 5 exhibition