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Sydney Harbour Trust official handbook for the Port of Sydney, 1924
Sydney Harbour Trust official handbook for the Port of Sydney, 1924

Sydney Harbour Trust official handbook for the Port of Sydney, 1924

Publisher
Date1924
Object number00046065
NameHandbook
MediumInk on paper, fabric covered boards
DimensionsOverall: 230 x 150 x 18 mm, 395.6 g
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program by Gaye Hart AM in memory of JJ Wood
HistoryJohn Hunter was the second Governor of the colony of New South Wales and when Matthew Flinders sailed to Australia in HMS RELIANCE during 1795 he was a passenger on board- about to take up his position as Governor in the colony. Hunter was impressed with the enthusiasm of Flinders and George Bass, and later offered support for their explorations while he was Governor. Hunter was born in Scotland in 1737 and established a career in the Royal Navy, becoming a midshipman in 1755 and a lieutenant in 1780. Hunter was on board HMS SIRIUS when it sailed to the colony of New South Wales as part of the First Fleet. After returning to England in 1793 he applied for the position of Governor after Arthur Phillip resigned and was appointed in 1794. Hunter only arrived in the colony on 7 September 1795. Hunter's arrival was met with difficult challenges. In the two years since Governor Phillip's resignation and Hunter's appointment the colonial military had exercised ruling control and used their authority to exploit trade, convict labour, land sales and the court system. Hunter faced serious opposition when he attempted to challenge the military’s power. The British Government recalled him from the position in November 1799 and on return to England Hunter was required to defend his character and actions. He was eventually cleared of any fault. The 1924 Official Handbook of the Port Of Sydney was published by the Sydney Harbour Trust Commissioners. Illustrated with coloured panoramas of Sydney Harbour, it provides a unique record of the development of the harbour 136 years after the first arrival of Europeans.