OF NEW SOUTH WALES. 207 



correctness of his charts and sailing directions, which I have on seve- 

 ral occasions been called upon to verify and trust to in navigating the 

 squadron. 



The difficulties encountered by Mr. Dawson, were chiefly owing 

 to the excessive droughts that occurred in the years 1827, 1828, and 

 1829. In these years there was in some districts an entire, and in 

 others a partial failure of the crops, while the pasture-grounds were 

 all dried up. 



At other times, continued rains would cause great floods ; whole 

 districts of country were overflowed ; and along the rivers, not only 

 stacks of grain, but the buildings, were swept away. From this it 

 may be easily understood what difficulties the settlers of this country 

 have to contend with. To these also are to be added the contests 

 between the two parties, as to whether this shall remain a penal 

 colony or become a free one. 



It is only to be wondered that it should have continued to flourish, 

 notwithstanding all the impediments it has met with from misrule and 

 anarchy, growing out of a neglect to establish any well-combined 

 system of policy in its early stages. The governors, for want of any 

 positive enactments, were left free to adopt such measures as circum- 

 stances might dictate, and having their attention engrossed by the 

 difficulties with which they were continually surrounded, were com- 

 pelled to neglect the improvement of society, and took no pains to 

 frame prospective regulations for the well-being of the colony. 



In 1831, Governor Darling was superseded by Sir Richard Bourke. 

 The country had, during the administration of his two predecessors, 

 improved rapidly by the aid of convict labour. When the latter gen- 

 tleman came into office, the policy of selling lands, instead of making 

 free grants, was adopted ; this was considered an important change 

 for the colony. 



The money arising from the sales of land was set apart by the home 

 government, to be applied to the immigration of free settlers ; but great 

 complaints have been made that this fund has been diverted from the 

 original object, or that a surplus remained in the government coffers 

 unexpended. Labour is, in consequence, in the greatest demand in 

 all parts of the colony, and the inconveniences of convict labour begin 

 to show themselves. From what I could understand, the assignment 

 system is getting into disrepute, and all the respectable settlers are 

 now turning their attention to the moral condition of the colony. 

 Strong representations have been made to the home government, and 

 an act has been passed, by which New South Wales is no longer to 

 be a penal settlement, and transportation thither is to cease. The 



