Australian History: John Macarthur
John Macarthur is regarded as being a man of influence in bringing the wool industry to Australia. Because he was the paymaster of the New South Wales Corps and an inspector of public works, he controlled the army and used convicts to wor his land. Macarthur was the most powerful officer in the Corps. However after a dispute with his senior officer he was sent to England for trial. He resigned form the army so that he would not be severly punished for his actions. He took samples of wool from his farm at Parramatta and showed London officials who were impressed with what they saw. In 1805, Macarthur was granted an extra 200 hectares when he returned to the colony to graze sheep. There he developed merino sheep that were well suited to the conditions. When the new governor arrived, he returned to England where he spent his time learning about sheep and wool and convinced the government in England that Australia could could become an important producer of fine wool. John Macarthur was commemorated by appearing on Australia’s old two dollar note.