Evidence Type: Newspaper Report
20 April 1838
To the Editor of The Australian
SIR,—Can you be so good as to inform me, if in the assignment regulations of prisoners from ships, “kissing goes by favour?” my reason for asking is, the last two vessels which have arrived with females, I have had an application in both times and have been disappointed; it was not that I did not apply in time, for my application, duly signed by a Magistrate, was in the day after the Diamond arrived, and in the other as soon as notified in the official prints; nor is it that any prohibition against my having any servants exists, for my applications are immediately attended to; but of course you are well aware that it is useless in getting one from that well conducted establishment the Factory, for I verily believe, every change of Matrons from MRS GORDON has been worse for the public—as you may calculate with a degree of certainty upon a fresh face weekly, that sink of vice acting as a premium, for insolence and insubordination, for they tell you candidly soon after they enter your house “that the place will not suit them.” The last one I had when desired to do something, told the mistress to go and do it herself, for she was not come to do that yet!
I trust the Governor’s promise to those ladies will be speedily realised, as it will in the present scarcity of labour confer a great public benefit.
I am, Sir,
Your most obedient servant,
AN OLD SUBSCRIBER.
Sydney, 17th April, 1838
See Original: “To the Editor of The Australian,” The Australian (Sydney, NSW : 1824 – 1848), Friday 20 April 1838, p.2
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