THE PAMINE OP 1789-90, 25 tlian the parent colony, and the people who were sent there ^^^ would, of conrse, have to receive from the store at Sydney their proportion of the provisions, but the soil at Norfolk Island was so productive that the change was expected to be of much benefit.* The necessary orders were given, and on the 6th March the Sirius and Supply sailed for Norfolk Island, having on board 65 officers and men, with 5 women and children from the marine detachment and the civil department, 116 male and 67 female convicts, with 27 children, in all 280. Major Ross, who received a Com- Rom mission from Phillip as Commandant, and went in that King, capacity to relieve Lieutenant King, was in charge of the marines ; Captain Hunter commanded the Sirius, and Lieutenant Ball the Supply. These vessels took away from Sydney nearly one-third of the population. The numbers Population, of the people in the respective settlements, after this change was made, were as follows : — '^ Norfolk Island, 418 ; Sydney (including Eose Hill), 691. "t Phillip's reasons for taking this decisive step are given in his despatch of 11th April, 1790 :— "The advantages I expected by sending away such a number of people was from the little garden-ground they would leave, and Food which would assist those who remained, and the fish which might at^o^ik be caught in the winter would go the further. At the same time ^■**°^' those sent to Norfolk Island would have resources in the great abundance of vegetables raised there, and in fish and birds, which this settlement could not afford them. "J The idea was undoubtedly a good one. The settlement, if not in danger of immediate starvation, was yet in a precarious condition, and it was important not only to Condiuon conserve the salt provisions, but to make the products of south waies the soil, moderate enough in quantity, go as far as possible.
- Sarly in Januaiy the Sapplj had taken a small namber of conricts to
Norfolk Island (twen^-four), lulng haying intimated that he could easily find employment for more people. t Historical Becords, vol. i, part 2, p. 826. Jib.
