VI - LAND POLICY

Summary

A scheme for converting emancipated convicts into useful members of society, by giving them grants of land to cultivate, was clearly outlined before the First Fleet sailed, and Phillip was instructed to give farms to all convicts whose industry and good conduct showed them to be deserving of such consideration. The regulations embodying this scheme were laid down without any knowledge of the special circumstances in which the colony might be placed, and were such as English agricultural conditions suggested, combined with the practice in the settled colonies of America. Each man was to receive 30 acres if single, if married 50 acres, and 10 acres in addition for each child living with him at the time of the grant. These grants were to be free from any payments whatsoever for ten years, but after that time a quit-rent was reserved to the Crown, the amount of this rent being left undetermined. Circumstances prevented Phillip from making any grants of land during the first year he was in New South Wales, although in order to stimulate the clearing and cultivation of land he permitted the civil and military officers to occupy small areas for their private use. In August 1789 the Governor received additional instructions permitting him to grant, without payment, portions of land to free settlers, as well as to non-commissioned officers and privates of the marines who should retire from the service and desire to remain in the colony.