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94
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

necessary repairs to the "Sulphur" were effected, the expedition left that port on April 30 for the Swan River. The warship, possessing poorer sailing qualities, was unable to keep up with the "Parmelia," which proceeded on her course as rapidly as circumstances allowed in order to reach her destination before the wet season was too far advanced. During this latter part of the voyage the Lieutenant-Governor made all necessary arrangements for the administration and control of the settlement, so that as little time as possible might be lost after arrival in the organization of the Government. Instructions were issued to the Civil officers, giving in detail the necessary directions for the management of their departments. On May 16 a document was issued constituting, without salary, a 'Board of Counsel and Audit in the management of the property of the Crown, and of public property within the settlement." The members of the Board were Commander Currie, Lieutenant Roe, and Mr. William Stirling. Among the other duties assigned to this Board was that of valuing the stock and other property brought by colonists, so that the proper amount of land might be allotted to them. On the same date Mr. James Drummond was appointed as Superintendent (honorary) of Government farms and gardens, Mr. G. W. Mangles as Superintendent of Government Stock, Mr. H. W. Reveley as Civil Engineer, Mr. William Stirling as Registrar, and Mr. H. C. Sutherland as Assistant Surveyor. In most cases no salary was attached to the appointment; a lack that was afterwards remedied. On the first of June land was sighted, and on the following day the "Parmelia" moved toward an anchorage in Cockburn Sound. In doing so she grounded on a bank between Carnac Island and the mainland, and was extricated only after considerable difficulty and no little damage by the exertions of the crew of H.M.S. "Challenger," which had remained at Swan River to protect the flag until the settlers arrived. The winter season having commenced, and the weather being boisterous and stormy, Captain Stirling decided to land on Garden Island and there erect necessary buildings to protect the stores. On June 8 H.M.S. "Sulphur" put in an appearance, but it was not until the 17th that the detachment could disembark on the mainland and relieve the crew of the "Challenger." This ship then determined to sail for India, but was prevented from doing so through the services of her artificers being required for the purpose of repairing the "Parmelia," which had been rendered unseaworthy through grounding on Parmelia Bank. It was not until August 28 that H.M.S. "Challenger" finally departed, leaving H.M.S. "Sulphur" as protection for the settlement.

On June 18 Captain Stirling and party landed on the mainland at Rous Head and issued the following proclamation, thus effecting the actual settlement of Western Australia:

PROCLAMATION.

By His Excellency James Stirling, Esquire, Captain in the Royal Navy and Lieutenant-Governor of His Majesty's Settlement in Western Australia:

Whereas His Majesty having been pleased to Command that a Settlement should forthwith be formed within the Territory of "Western Australia," and whereas with a view of effecting that Object an Expedition having been prepared and sent forth, and in Accordance with His Majesty's Pleasure the Direction of the Expedition and the Government of the proposed Settlement having been confided to me, and whereas in Pursuance of the Premises Possession of the Territory having been taken, and the Settlement therein being now actually effected, I do hereby make the same known to all Persons whom it may concern, willing, and requesting them duly to regulate their conduct with reference to His Majesty's Authority, represented in me, as good and loyal subjects ought to do, and to obey all such Legal Commands and Regulations, as 1 may from time to time see fit to enact, as they shall answer the contrary to their Peril.

And whereas by the Establishment of His Majesty's Authority in the Territory aforesaid, the Laws of the United Kingdom as far as they are applicable to the Circumstances of the Case, do therein immediately prevail and become security for the Rights, Privileges, and Immunities of all His Majesty's Subjects found or residing in such Territory, I do hereby caution all to abstain from the commission of Offences against the King's Peace or the Laws of the Realm upon pain of being arrested, prosecuted, convicted, and punished in the same manner and to all Intents and Purposes as is usual in similar offences committed in any other Part or Parts of His Majesty's Dominions subject to British Law.

And whereas for the aids of Justice and the preservation of Peace F may hereafter see Occasion to nominate and appoint a properly qualified Person to execute the Office of Sheriff of the Territory, having under his direction responsible individuals filling the Offices of High Constable, Constables, Bailiffs, and Surveyors of High Ways. And whereas 1 may hereafter see occasion to issue a Commission to .certain discreet Persons to proceed to the Cognizance of Offences against the Laws; to hear and determine Complaints of Injury; to commit Offenders for further trial to the Custody of the Sheriff; and to conduct themselves in the execution of their Office according to such mode of proceeding as Justices of the Peace may lawfully adopt; I here command and require that due obedience and respect" be shewn to all such Persons in their several Places and Jurisdictions.

And whereas the Protection of Law doth of Right belong to all people whatsoever who may come or be found within the Territory aforesaid, 1 do hereby give Notice that if any Person or Persons shall be convicted of behaving in a fraudulent, cruel, or felonious Manner towards the Aborigines of the Country, such Person or Persons will be liable to be prosecuted and tried for the Offence, as if the same had been committed against any other of His Majesty's subjects.

And whereas the safety of the territory from invasion and from the attack of hostile native tribes may require the establishment of a Militia Force which on emergency may be depended on to assist His Majesty's regular troops in the defence of the laws and property of the inhabitants of the Territory, and moreover the Efficiency of such an armed body, depending wholly on its Organization, Discipline, and Preparation for service, all male persons whatsoever, between the ages of 15 and 50, are hereby required to enrol themselves in the Muster roll of the Militia of the Country in which they may reside, and to observe that the days for Muster and Exercise, and the Names of the Officers whom