The Condition and Capabilities of Van Diemen's Land, as a Place of Emigration Being the Practical Experience of Nearly Ten Years Residence in the Colony

Maker John Dixon

Date1839

Object number00005615

NameBook

MediumInk on paper

DimensionsOverall: 6 x 191 x 119 mm, 0.1 kg

ClassificationsBooks and journals

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionBook by John Dixon titled "The Condition and Capabilities of Van Diemen's Land, as a Place of Emigration Being the Practical Experience of Nearly Ten Years Residence in the Colony." Paper, ink. Book contains nine chapters. Smith Elder & Co: London, England. 1839.HistoryLittle is known about John Dixon. He describes himself as having been involved in agriculture and trade in Van Diemen's Land and at some point "among every order of the society, and into every department of their affairs". Arriving in the late 1820s, Dixon would have seen the British colony at its relative infancy and his disappointment in what he experienced there is evident in his writings. Even from a safe distance back home in the 'mother country', Dixon with "free judgement and an unbiased mind, as respects its present condition and future prospects, - resolved never to return to its shores again". The ultimate aim of his guide was for Dixon to be as honest as he could about the present situation in Van Diemen’s Land and what he felt should be done for its improvement. While Dixson felt his honesty in his guide was essential to prevent readers for making a '"silly" mistake and immigrating to colonies where they will be unsuited, some found his account of Van Diemen’s Land harsh and at times "absurd". A lengthy article appearing in the Hobart Town Courier and Van Diemen’s Land Gazette the following year reviewing Dixson's book resorts to accusing him of falsehoods, twaddle, contradictions and absurdity. However, there is no doubt that some of Dixson’s concerns for the colony are valid and his prediction for the wellbeing and survival of Tasmanian First Nation People proved devastatingly correct. His careful warning for emigrants seeking to improve their lives and gain their fortunes away from home is also one that is based on firsthand experience and the hardships he warns about were no doubt true. SignificanceGuides to potential emigrants were essential reading for those thinking of upending their lives and move across the world. This guide by John Dixon is surprisingly candid in its warnings about moving to Van Diemen’s Land. Although his admiration for its natural beauty is clear, the state of affairs in the colony leaves much wanting, as does the class of people residing there.