4.
and a still further one in 1845 of 19,7761-if it be found practicable to effect them. The land-sales have fallen off in the following ratio :-
5
By the latest accounts the total number of convicts was,——
OLD CONVICTS.
1840
1841
1842
1843
1844 to 30th June
£
58,443
64,070
21,986
24,989
3,537
and there does not appear the slightest prospect at present of any income being derived from that source.
These results are of course altogether irrespective of the convict expenditure, which is borne by this country; but it is to be observed that while this depression has been going on, the charge upon the colo- nial funds for gaols and police has increased from about 12,0001. in 1834, to 36,7371, in 1845, exclusive of 30001. for paupers who have been convicts, treated in the convict hospitals. It is impossible to deny that a large portion of this expense is caused by the nature of the annual swarms which are added to the population.
This is the state of things in which it becomes urgently necessary to consider some means of relief alike to the colony and to the constantly increasing convicts. If they are unable, in the more advanced stages, or after having attained to a pardon, to provide for their own support, they will be thrown back on the Government for support at a ruinous expense; but far worse, they and we shall be disappointed in the expect. ations held out, that the prospect of gaining an honest livelihood after emancipation might be at once the stimulus and the reward of good conduct during the term of the sentence.
In September, 1843, there were of old convicts (by which I mean .convicts transported before the alteration in 1840),—
Males
11,697
Females
3,585
Males
9,690
New Convicts.
Females.
152
Total
25,124
In the employ of Government
In gaol
In hospital
In service on wages
Ticket-of-leave men
At large
In factories
Males.
2,734
105
119
1,887
4,826
453
10,124
Females.
802
In hospital
65
+
Hiring depôt
157
In service on wages Married women
663
843
809
83
3,422
Tickets-of-leave At large
In gangs
PROBATIONERS.
Males.
7,569
In barracks
169
In hospital
64
In hiring depôts
1,282
In service on wages
3,529
Ticket-of-leave
312
At large
29
12,954
It is right to observe, that in this paper I contine myself exclusively to the male convicts. The case of the females is not less deserving of attention, and it has not been overlooked by the Colonial Department, but the numbers are much smaller, and it is on many accounts much more manageable.
Females.
On board the " Anson" Hulk
362
In service on wages
110
472
26,972
B
PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE
Reference :-
C.O.885
PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON
ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC- COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH-NOT TO