i8o 
SIR JOSEPH BASKS. 
of transportation. Sir Joseph Banks spoke strongly in favour of Botany 
Bay as a field of operations, arguing that its soil and climate were 
such as would soon enable a settlement to become self-supporting. 
His evidence is quoted by Barton.* * * § 
In James Maria Matra’s proposal in 1783 — “ For estabUshing a 
settlement in New South Walesf ” he does not omit to say, “Sir Joseph 
Banks’ high approbation of the scheme, which I have here proposed, 
deserves the most respectful attention of every sensible, hberal, and 
spirited individual amongst his countrymen.” He proceeds to pay 
him even greater comphments. 
Banks’ relations with British Ministers concerned with the adminis- 
tration of the Colony of New South Wales were, as a very general 
rule, influential, and it is a matter for congratulation that a man of 
such sterling worth took an interest in New South Wales, as it is 
difficult to find any Minister or British statesman for whom the 
subject of New Holland appeared to have any attraction. 
Banks advised the Governors of New South Wales on matters of 
penal administration, e.y.. Governor King enlisted Banks’ sympathy 
when efforts were being made to evacuate Norfolk IslandJ ; gently 
found fault, § or praised as he saw necessity. One cannot but be 
struck with the robust common sense and the high tone which per- 
meates his deliverances. 
All the Governors — from Phillip to Bligh — continuously corres- 
ponded with him, and while rendering official reports to the Secretary 
of State, wrote chatty letters, full of news and suggestions, to Sir 
Joseph Banks. And not only the Governors, but many of the military 
and civil officers wrote to him. He was like a father of a big family — 
indeed his position was as unique as it was beneficial to the young 
colony. He was the only man of eminence who had visited New 
South Wales; he held a unique position as President of the Royal 
Society and personal friend of the King; he thus had commanding 
scientific influence, while his wealth and social position lifted him 
from any suggestion of self-seeking in colonial affairs. 
He was indeed a sort of general adviser of everybody concerning the 
welfare of the colony — the referee on matters of all kinds. 
In June, 1806, he prepared “ Some remarks on the present state of 
the colony of Sydney, in New South Wales ; and on the means most 
likely to render it a productive, instead of an expensive settlement,” 1| 
• Historu ni ir. jrom the Records, i, xlv. 
t Hist. Rec., i (2), 1. 
t lb., V. 44S. 
§ E.g., His advice to King on convict management, Ib, v, 460. 
II Hist. Rec., vi, 86. 
