54 A COLONIAL AUTOCRACY. 



voyage to New South Wales must at all times interfere with a 

 very regular communication V In this case Macquarie's com- 

 plaint had been made before the answers could have reached 

 him, for his previous despatches had been very much delayed. 2 



With the progress of the trade of New South Wales and the 

 increasing frequency of convict transports from 1816 onwards, 

 the difficulties of communication were lessened. But it did not 

 become less difficult to ensure that attention should be directed 

 to each important detail, either by Macquarie or by the officials 

 at Downing Street, who were occupied with matters of more 

 varied interest. The need of such intercourse was urgent be- 

 cause of the Governor's extensive powers. While the greater 

 share of colonial patronage remained in the hands of Ministers 3 

 the Governor administered the oaths of office, might suspend 

 or dismiss officials, appoint justices of the peace, coroners and 

 all minor judicial and executive officers. He had power to 

 pardon all offences save wilful murder or treason. He had the 

 custody of lunatics and administration of the estates of minors. 

 He might raise troops or declare martial law. He could alien- 

 ate crown lands, appoint fairs and markets, ports and harbours. 

 He could make regulations for shipping and trade. By his 

 warrant alone could public money be issued. 4 He sat as a 

 Court of Appeal in civil cases. Over the discipline, distribution 

 and labour of the convicts he had complete control, and over 

 the whole Colony a general power to " pursue such measures as 

 are necessary " for its peace and security. Over the navy he 

 had no jurisdiction, save that its members when on shore were 

 amenable to the Colonial Courts for all breaches of the peace or 

 of colonial regulations. 5 



Instructions under the sign-manual or simply transmitted 

 by the Secretary of State might at any time modify these 

 powers. In practice the Governor was expected to refer all 



1 D., 30th January, 1817. C.O., MS. 



3 Ibid. 



8 i.e., the appointment of the officers on the colonial staff, judicial, adminis- 

 trative and medical. 



4 But it must be disposed of by him " for the support of the Government, or 

 for such other purposes as shall be particularly directed and not otherwise". He 

 had no power to raise money. See H.R., VII., p. 131, Commission, 8th May, 

 1809, and also Chapter X. later. 



8 Ibid. 



