i 79 6.] OF NEW SOUTH WALES. m 



In confequence of the order iffued refpecting a reduction in the 

 price of wheat, the fettlers, having confulted among themfelves, deputed 

 a certain number from the different diflricts to ftate to the Governor the 

 hardfhips they mould be fubjected to by a reduction in the price of 

 grain, at leaft for that feafon. He therefore confented to purchafe 

 their crops of wheat at ten (hillings per bufhel ; but at the fame time 

 affured them, that a reduction would be made in the en filing feafon, 

 unlefs fome unforefeen and unavoidable circumftances fhould occur to 

 render it unneceffary. 



The officers who held ground offered to give up two of the number 

 of men that the Governor had allowed them, and to take two others 

 off the provifion flore ; which propofal was directed to be carried 

 into execution. 



Some of the more decent clafs of prifoners, male and female, having 

 a fhort time fmce obtained permiffion to prepare a playhoufe at Sydney^ 

 it was opened on the 16th, with the play of The Revenge, and the 

 entertainment of The Hotel. They had fitted up the houfe with 

 more theatrical propriety than could have been expected, and their 

 performance was far above contempt. Their motto w r as modefl and 

 well chofen — " We cannot command fuccefs ; but we will endeavour 

 to deferve it." Of their dreffes the greater part was made by them- 

 felves ; but it was underftood that fome veteran articles from the York 

 theatre were among the beft that made their appearance. 



At the licenfing of this exhibition they were informed, that the 

 flighted impropriety would be noticed, and a repetition punifhed by 

 the banifhment of their company to the other fettlements ; there was, 

 however, more danger of improprieties being committed by fome of 

 the audience than by the players themfelves. A feat in their gallery, 

 which was by far the largeft part of the houfe, as likely to be the moll 

 reforted to, was to be procured for one (hilling ; and, as much flour, 

 or as much meat or fpirits, as the manager would take for that fum, 

 was often paid at the gallery door. It was feared that this, like gam- 

 bling, would furnifh another inducement to rob ; and fome of the 



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