Australian History: The Early Years
Governor Phillip left Sydney in December 1792. By then the settlement had survived its first and worst five years. Sydney was a rough place but it was still there and growing. Between the period of Governor Phillip’s departure until 1821, there were four governors, John Hunter 1795-1800, Phillip King (1800-06), William Bligh (1806-08) and Lachlan Macquarie (1810-21). Corruption was rife among the officers and government officials who would order in cargo including rum from overseas and have them sent to New South Wales where they’d keep the food in storage until people in the colony were desparate to buy. Then they would sell it at a higher price. Two governors, John Hunter and Phillip King, did not like this, however they failed to stop the corruption and subsequently replaced.
Running Low on Food
Just after landing the food situationi n the colony became scarce as the land wasn't fertile enough to produce any food yet. As a precaution, Governor Phillip sent the Sirius to the Cape of Good Hope where flour and other food were availbale. The Sirius had to travel with the winds that took them south of New Zealand then below Soth America and on to South Africa. THe ship left Sydney Cove on 2 October 1788 and returned on 6 May 1789 covering 36000 kilometres.
John Macarthur - There were eleven ships in the First Fleet. They were all small ships that included two naval ships, six convict ships and three storeships for supplies.
Lachlan Macquarie - The Lady Juliana was the first ship of the Second Fleet to arrive tat Sydney Cove. By the end of June 1790, four more ships had arrived.
Arthur Phillip - When Cook returned home, England was going through some tough times. The country life was changing. Small, poor farmers were losing their land.
Castlehill Rebellion - When Cook returned home, England was going through some tough times. The country life was changing. Small, poor farmers were losing their land.
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