The Proclamation Of A Colony - 7th February 1788

The Procalmation Of A Colony - 7th February 1788 - Arthur Phillips Insrtructions - 

“The 7th February 1788 was a memorable day which established a regular form of Government for the coast of New South Wales. For obvious reasons, all possible solemnity was given to the proceedings necessary on the occasion. On a space previously cleared… The whole colony numbering 1030, was assembled. 
The military drawn up, & under arms, the convicts stationed apart….The convicts seated in a half circle, the Maribnes paraded in front of them, and the officers grouped in the centre.

& near the person of the Governor, those who were to hold the principal office under him. 

The Royal Commission from George III was then read by David Collins, the Judge Advocate, & then he read the Commision of the other Officers, also the Act establishing the colony, and other formal documents.

By this instrument Arthur Phillip was constituted & appointed

Lieutenant General and Commander in Chief, in & over the territory called New South Wales 

The Marines fired 3 Volleys, & the first Governor of New South Wales, after thanking his officers and soldiers for their behaviour so far, addressed the convicts, promising rewards to those who conducted themselves well;unsparing severity to offenders. 

& the Colony of New South Wales was Consumated. The residence of the Governor, what he quaintly called his "Canvas House", & the tents of the officers were pitched on the east side of the little creek, with the flagstaff reared in front of them, and closeby were planted the various fruit trees procured from Rio De Janeiro & The Cape Of Good Hope. 

It’s such a shame that we, as 6th, 7th & 8th generation Australians don’t appreciate the struggles, trials & tribulations our forefathers went through & sacrificed way before World War 1. It’s now not in living memory 

What sort of Australia are we creating in the 21st Century? 

Australians used to be well respected & had resilience that was related to them. The Constitution in 1901 brought all the Colonies together under a Commonwealth. But over time the party system and the Constitution & other related documents have changed. 

A generation of New Puritans has arisen through the wealth of this country, which will ultimately be our undoing. Freedom doesn't come for nothing. We know nothing of the things our forebears fought 

George III, 

By the Grace of God, 

King of Great Britain, France & Ireland, 

Defender of The Faith;

To our Trusty & well beloved Arthur Phillip Esq

We, reposing Special trust & Confidence in the prudence, courage & loyalty of you; 

the said Arthur Phillip, of our Special Grace;

Have thought fit to Constitute & Appoint you 

to be our Governor General  & Governor In Chief,

In, & over our territory called New South Wales,

Extending from the northern cape, 

or extremity of the coast called Cape York, 

in Latitude 10 degrees 37 minutes; 

to the southern extremity 

in Latitude 43 degrees 39 minutes South

& all the country westward, 

to the 135th degree of East Longitude, 

including all the islands adjacent in the Pacific Ocean, within the Latitude name. 

Our will and pleasure is that you take the oath

 for the due execution of the Office & Trust 

of our Governor General & Governor In Chief, 

for the due & impartial administration of justice. 

& we do hereby authorize & empower you 

to keep & use the Public Seal, 

for sealing all things whatsoever; 

that shall pass the Great Seal 

of our said Territory & its dependencies. 

We further give & grant unto you 

Full Power & Authority to administer & give Oaths 

To any such person or persons, as you shall see fit.

To Constitute & Appoint Justices Of The Peace, 

Coroners, Constables, & other such necessary officers 

For the better administration of justice. 

To pardon offenses & remit fines & forfeitures. 

To levy, arm, muster & command; 

& employ all persons whatsoever 

Residing within the said Territory And its dependencies;

For the resisting of all enemies

Pirates & Rebels; Both at sea & land. 

To execute Martial Law in time of invasion, 

& at other times when by law, it may be executed. 

To erect, raise & build as many forts & platforms, 

Castles & cities, burrow, towns 

& fortifications as you shall judge necessary.

To Constitute & Appoint Captains, Lieutenants, 

Master Of Ships, & other commanders and officers. 

To Punish convicts, & execute Offenders at sea,

or during their time of  abode at Ports Harbors And Bays

We likewise give & grant you 

full power and authority to grant land & control commerce, to Appoint fair Marts and Markets. 

And we require & command all officers & members, 

civil & military, & all other inhabitants 

to be obedient, aiding & assisting to you, 

the said Arthur Phillip, 

in the execution of this our Commission, 

& in case of your death or absence out of the said Territory, to be obedient, aiding and assisting to such person Appointed by us 

to be Lieutenant Governor or Commander In Chief. 

Witnessed ourselves at Westminster, 

on the 2nd Day Of April 

in the 27th Year of Our Reign, 

By Writ of Privy Seal. 

And for so doing, 

this shall be your Warrant

Given At our Court of St James 

On the 26th Day Of March 1787 

In the 27th Years Our Reign 

GOD SAVE THE KING