minutes 14 seconds west of Fort Macquarie.

DROUGHT AT SYDNEY.

Everything was still suffering from one of those fearful droughts that
occasionally visit this colony, but are as yet unknown in Western
Australia, where the seasons are certain, although available land is
scarce. An idea may be formed of the nature of this visitation, when I
say, that for some time previous to our former departure from Sydney,
during the whole of our absence, and for several months subsequent to our
return, not a drop of rain fell. The consequence of this was, that the
whole country was dried up, and the dust lay on the roads, especially
towards Parramatta, at least a foot thick. Whoever attempted to travel,
therefore, seemed, if the wind blew, as though he had been passing
through a mill. It will readily be imagined that so long a succession of
dry seasons, did prodigious injury to the stock, and utterly ruined the
wheat crops. To add to the distress then occasioned, the people of
Tasmania seizing on the opportunity, raised the price of grain, expecting
to make a large profit. But their avidity in this instance over-reached
itself. Instead of sending to them for corn, the people of Sydney
despatched vessels to South America, and as the early cargoes that
arrived sold to advantage, a great deal of money was embarked in the
speculation. Soon, however, the natural consequence ensued. The market
became glutted, cargo after cargo came in, the purchasers held back,
prices fell, and in many instances the importers were glad to dispose of
their wheat at a rate far inferior to what it had been shipped at. I have
no doubt that the financial derangement caused by so large an amount of
bullion going out of the country (for all these cargoes were bought with
ready money) had much to do with the subsequent depression.

I may here take an opportunity of remarking that, as a general rule, it
is the labouring classes that thrive best at Sydney. They can in
tolerably prosperous times, earn sufficient in three or four days, to
support themselves throughout the week. During the remainder of the time,
the sober and industrious man employs himself in building a house; but I
am sorry to say that the generality repair to the vast number of public
houses that swarm on every side, and get drunk. This is evident from the
annual revenue derived from rum, which in 1839 was 190,000 pounds,
amounting to more than seven gallons for every individual in the colony.

M