MR. USBORNE LEAVES. 309 



fell, and in many instances the importers were glad 

 to dispose of their wheat at a rate far inferior to 

 what it had been shipped at. 1 have no doubt that 

 the financial derangement caused by so large an 

 amount of bullion going out of the country, (for all 

 these cargoes were bought with ready money), had 

 much to do with the subsequent depression. 



I may here take an opportunity of remarking 

 that, as a general rule, it is the labouring classes 

 that thrive best at Sydney. They can in tolerably 

 prosperous times, earn sufficient in three or four 

 days, to support themselves throughout the week. 

 During the remainder of the time, the sober and 

 industrious man employs himself in building a 

 house ; but I am sorry to say that the generality 

 repair to the vast number of public houses that 

 swarm on every side, and get drunk. This is evi- 

 dent from the annual revenue derived from rum, 

 which in 1839 was £190,000, amounting to more 

 than seven gallons for every individual in the colony. 



It caused us extreme regret that before our de- 

 parture from Sydney, we were deprived of Mr. 

 Usborne's valuable services. He was compelled to 

 return home in consequence of the dreadful wound 

 he had received from a musket ball, which, as has 

 already been related, passed through his body. In 

 him the expedition sustained a great loss ; his 

 presence and society were missed by all ; and his 

 departure was generally felt. It may easily be con- 



