Circular to the Magistracy of Van Diemen's Land from His Excellency Sir William Denison, with a view to obtain an expression of the views of the colonists on the subject of transportation to that colony from the Private Secretary's Office, Government House, March, 1847 - addressed to Frederick A Downing, with draft reply.

Abstract

Circular from His Excellency Sir William Denison, addressed to the Magistracy of Van Diemen's Land, with a view to obtain an expression of the views of the colonists on the subject of transportation to that colony. His Excellency has thought it desirable to take this mode of ascertaining the views of the inhabitants of the colony on this very important question, in order that he may be in the position to lay before the Secretary of State, a clear statement of the views and wishes of the colonists. The questions asked were: 1. Do you consider it desirable that the transportation of convicts to this country should cease altogether? 2. If you think it desirable that convicts should still continue to be transported to this colony, but in reduced numbers, what number should you consider would be adequate to the wants of the country, in order to keep up a proper supply of labour ? and 3. You are requested to state what alterations in the regulations respecting the hiring of passholders are desirable, with a view to rendering the labour of the convict of more benefit to his employer, keeping in view at the same time the necessity of encouraging habits of industry, steadiness, and regularity of conduct in the convicts. Reply to (Sir R Denison, Governor)the circular questions is written by Captain C Stanley, (Private Secretary) on behalf of Frederick A Downing Esq., Hobart Town, 10th May 1847. RS.131/