The Probation System" describing mismanagement and waste, in "The True Colonist; Van Diemen's Land Political Despatch and Agricultural and Commercial Advertiser

Hobart Town, Van Diemen's Land: Gilbert Robertson, 1843. Very good condition. A long article in the January 17, 1843 issue, with detailed description of the poor planning and administration of the Probation System in Van Diemen's Land, an experiment in penal discipline instituted in 1839 and finally abandoned in 1853, after much waste and misery, both for the convicts and the colonists.

A specific example of the station at Flinder's Bay is cited: "About 18 months ago there was a station formed at Flinder's Bay -- with a youth of the name of Smith, about 19 years of age, without any experience or capacity for such an office, as superintendent: his qualification was that he was the son of an ex-Police Magistrate. ... The gang was composed of 350 men ... we have in 18 months 10,500 pounds for the expenses of this gang. We enquire what was the value of their labours? Nothing! What have they been doing? Nothing! (p3).

The writer appeals to Sir John Franklin, Lord Stanley and Mr. Hume to make a thorough enquiry into the system, and into the "accounts and returns that go from this colony". Also with an article "The Season and the Crops", describing the excellent season, with oats, barley, corn, and wheat flourishing. Includes discussion of the Governor and the Caveat Board and "the decisions of the judges subverting titles improperly granted ... having made the monied men suspicious and afraid to lend their money...". (p3). With postscript describing the failure of the wheat crop in New South Wales.

Newspaper approx. 17.5 x 22", 4pp, 24 column inches (Probation System); 19 col. inches (The Season & the Crops). Vol. XI, No. 32. Very good condition.