Majors Grose and Paterson – 1792-1795

                                                                                    Colonel William Paterson
                                                                               Courtesy Wikimedia Commons

Introduction – Grose and Paterson Administration

1792-1795

The Administration of Arthur Phillip was followed by a 1792-1795 combined administration by Majors Grose and Paterson.

Arthur Phillip was one of the last officials of the First Fleet to leave the colony having helped the colony survive five unbelievably difficult and precarious years. With Phillip were two Aboriginals, Bennelong and Yemmerrawanne who were to be introduced to English society. A survey completed just before Phillip left the colony reported that less than 1,700 acres was under cultivation about 1,000 acres being public farm, the remainder being use by settlers and ex-convicts who had been given small grants of land. Almost all the farming was now around Parramatta and Toongabbie. Phillip always maintained that the lack of progress was due to the lack of convict motivation.

By 1792 a potential crisis had been averted and through the policies of Paterson and Grosse a 53 km track had been cleared between Sydney and the Hawkesbury River where, by mid 1795 there were 546 farms growing maize and wheat in a band of 50 km along both Banks of the river. Governor Hunter was aware that this was land where the wild daisy yam was a staple food of the Darug.[Flood 2006 p.52]

During the three-year period before the appointment of John Hunter as Governor the colony was administered by Majors Francis Grose and William Paterson who had arrived in 1791 with the New South Wales Corps, a permanent regiment of the British army sent out to relieve the marines. No coinage had been provided by Britain to the settlers, it being assumed that the colony would become self-sufficient, but the soldiers were paid in pounds sterling and could bargain with visiting traders before selling goods within the colony at huge profit. The NSW Corps flourished by establishing various trading monopolies (using convicts as middlemen as they were not permitted to trade themselves) importing goods from round the Pacific and exploiting the whaling and sealing industries and cornering the rum market. Convicts were encouraged to earn a living themselves, Grose providing land grants to officers and emancipists (freed convicts) who now had a strong incentive to make the land ‘pay’. Early freedom and land grants were given to convicts if they proved themselves, thus relieving the administration of its compulsory food ration and other legal obligations while the remaining convicts were cajoled into work by paying them with rum.

Between 1793 and 1796 momentum increased as land was granted to serving officers and settlers now worked the land on the rich Hawksbury River floodplains. (Frost p. 64)

Surgeon White’s journal provided a detailed account of the new settlement, especially its natural history which was later illustrated by a convict Thomas Watling.

By 1792 confident American whalers from the whaling hub of Nantucket were bringing cargoes to Port Jackson, helping convicts escape, ruthlessly slaughtering seals and taking native women and by the mid-1790s both British and American whalers were quite common in the Pacific.(Frst 66)

History

During the administration of Australia by Majors Grose and Paterson from 1792 to 1795, agriculture, horticulture, gardening, forestry, and everything to do with plants played a crucial role in the development and sustainability of the colony. These two men oversaw a period of growth and progress in terms of agricultural practices and the cultivation of plants that were essential for the survival and prosperity of the early settlers.

In the early years of the colony, food shortages were a constant concern, and the need for efficient agricultural practices was paramount. Majors Grose and Paterson understood the importance of sustainable food production and worked diligently to improve farming techniques and increase crop yields. They encouraged settlers to experiment with new crops and farming methods, leading to a diversification of agricultural practices and a more reliable food supply.

One of the key agricultural practices that Grose and Paterson promoted was the cultivation of wheat. Wheat was a staple crop for the early settlers, providing a valuable source of carbohydrates in their diet. The officers encouraged settlers to plant wheat in large quantities, and provided them with the necessary tools and resources to do so. This led to an increase in wheat production and a more stable food supply for the colony.

In addition to wheat, Grose and Paterson also encouraged the cultivation of other crops such as maize, potatoes, and vegetables. These crops provided much-needed variety in the settlers’ diet and helped to ensure that they were receiving a balanced and nutritious meal. The officers promoted the use of crop rotation and soil enrichment techniques to improve the fertility of the land and increase crop yields.

Horticulture also played a significant role in the development of the colony during this period. Grose and Paterson recognized the importance of ornamental plants and gardens in maintaining morale and creating a sense of beauty and order in the settlement. They encouraged settlers to plant flowers, shrubs, and trees around their homes and public spaces, creating a more pleasant and inviting environment for all who lived there.

One of the most notable horticultural achievements during this period was the establishment of the first botanical garden in Australia. In 1793, Major Grose set aside a plot of land in Sydney for the cultivation of plants for scientific study and experimentation. The garden quickly became a center of botanical research and education, with a diverse collection of plants from around the world. It was a place where settlers could learn about different plant species, their uses, and cultivation techniques.

Forestry also played a vital role in the early years of the colony, providing much-needed timber for construction, fuel, and other essential purposes. Grose and Paterson recognized the importance of sustainable forestry practices and implemented measures to ensure the responsible management of the colony’s forests. They encouraged settlers to plant trees for future harvest, and to practice selective logging to minimize the impact on the environment.

Overall, the administration of Australia by Majors Grose and Paterson from 1792 to 1795 saw significant advancements in agriculture, horticulture, gardening, and forestry. Their efforts to promote sustainable agricultural practices, diversify crop production, and establish botanical gardens helped to improve the food security and quality of life for the early settlers. Their focus on responsible forestry practices also ensured the long-term sustainability of the colony’s natural resources.

In conclusion, the administration of Australia by Majors Grose and Paterson from 1792 to 1795 was a period of growth and progress in the fields of agriculture, horticulture, gardening, and forestry. Their efforts to promote sustainable farming practices, diversify crop production, and establish botanical gardens had a lasting impact on the development of the colony. Their focus on responsible forestry practices also ensured the long-term sustainability of the colony’s natural resources. Thanks to their efforts, the early settlers were able to establish a solid foundation for future agricultural and botanical achievements in Australia (AI-GPT-4o – June 2024)

Timeline – Majors Grose and Paterson

• 1792:
  • Majors Grose and Paterson assume administration of Australia.
  • Emphasis placed on improving agricultural practices to address food shortages.
  • Settlers encouraged to experiment with new crops and farming methods.
• 1793:
  • Major Grose sets aside land in Sydney for the first botanical garden in Australia.
  • The botanical garden becomes a center for botanical research and education.
  • Horticulture promoted with the planting of ornamental plants and trees in public spaces.
• 1794:
  • Wheat cultivation promoted as a staple crop for the early settlers.
  • Diversification of crops such as maize, potatoes, and vegetables encouraged.
  • Crop rotation and soil enrichment techniques introduced to improve fertility.
• 1795:
  • Forestry practices emphasized for sustainable timber production.
  • Selective logging promoted to minimize environmental impact.
  • Continued focus on responsible management of natural resources for long-term sustainability.

First published on the internet – 1 March 2019
. . . 20 June 2024 – added AI history