surveyor. Most of these appointments were purely honorary, and bore no salary. They were confirmed on the 8th of June, after landing.
By this time the destination was neared, and it was with eager interested glances that all strained their eyes over the water when the lookout called, "Land ahead." The log book of Lieutenant Roe, R.N., from which the narrative of the voyage is taken, strangely concludes on the 12th May, and no record is to hand stating the exact date when land was sighted. It was apparently in the last week of May. All the pioneers were struck by the first glimpse caught of Rottnest Island and the mainland. Dark bands of trees clothed the hills in park-like shapes, while near the shore lines of bright white sand were seen. The feelings of the pioneers may well be imagined as they drew nearer to the shore, for before them lay the promised land for whose wealth and attractions they had left their homes. There was no view of homesteads embowered in bright gardens, of waving' cornfields. Indeed the prospect was a barren one, but behind the sand dunes the goodly country lay. As Cockburn Sound was entered the passengers congregated on deck. Surviving members of the pioneer band state that Captain Stirling was asked by Captain Luscombe to take the helm on entering port, in order to guide the vessel among the reefs and banks which were known to exist. Captain Stirling therefore took command, and before much way had been made the Challenger, under Captain Fremantle, was observed and saluted. After going up some distance, the Parmelia struck on a sandbank, which was thereupon named the Parmelia bank. Twice did the Parmelia strike, and it was only by excellent seamanship that she was saved. The passengers were immediately landed, in boats from the Challenger and Parmelia, on Garden Island. The stores were put on shore there. It was wintry weather, and while waiting to be taken on the mainland the passengers erected tents and brushwood houses in a sheltered spot. Mr. Drummond immediately occupied himself in planting a garden, and as botanist searched in every nook and corner for specimens, and managed to secure a good collection. The rest of the band made final preparations for beginning their new work. Two days after the arrival of the Parmelia, her consort, the Sulphur, anchored in Cockburn Sound.
A detachment of soldiers was eventually placed on Garden Island, to protect the stores and the main body of passengers, and on 1st June Captain Stirling, his staff, and a bodyguard put off for the Swan River. They preceded the others to pave the way. Slowly the boat approached the north shore of the Swan River—Rous Head—and the moment that Captain Stirling stepped on shore the history of the colony of Western Australia began. Captain Irwin was instructed by the Lieutenant-Governor to take formal possession of the British flag, and relieve the marines stationed there by Captain Fremantle. Then, in the name of His Majesty, Captain Stirling took control of the whole of the land extending before them.
The first order was issued proclaiming the Colony of Western Australia on 18th June, 1829, and read:
"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 being 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 promises possession having been taken of the territory aforesaid, and the segment wherein being now actually effected.
"I do hereby make the same known to all persons whom it may concern, willing and requiring them duly to regulate their conduct with reference to His Majesty's Authority represented in me as good and loyal subjects may and ought to do, and to obey all such legal commands and regulations as I may from time to time see fit to enact, as they shall answer the contrary at their peril.
"And whereas by the establishment of His Majesty's Authority in the territory aforesaid, and 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 the case of similar offences committed in any other part or parts of His Majesty's dominions subject to British law.
"And whereas, for the ends of justice and the preservation of peace, I may hereafter see occasion to nominate and to 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 highways, and whereas I may hereafter see occasion to issue a commission to certain deserved 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 that due obedience and respect be shown to all such persons in their several places and jurisdiction.
"And whereas the protection of law doth of right belong to all people whatsoever who may come or be found within the territory aforesaid, I do hereby give notice that if any person or persons shall be convicted of behaving in a fraudulent, cruel, or felonious manner towards the aboriginal race of inhabitants of this 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 others of His Majesty's subjects.
"And whereas the safety of the territory from invasion and from the attacks 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 lives and property of the inhabitants of the territory, and moreover the efficiency of such an armed body depending wholly on its organisation, discipline, and preparation for service, all male persons whatsoever between the ages of fifteen and fifty years are hereby required to enrol themselves in the muster roll of the militia of the county in which they may reside, and to observe that the days for muster and exercise and the names of the officers whom I may see fit to appoint to command them will be duly notified, and that on proof of their disobedience to such officers or of negligent performance of the duties required of them they will be subject in the absence of martial law to a pecuniary fine, and to imprisonment until the same shall be liquidated.
"And whereas His Majesty having been graciously pleased to confide to me the power to make all necessary locations and to grant unoccupied land within the aforesaid territory under such restrictions as are or may be contained in the several instructions issued or to be issued to me by authority of His Majesty's Government: I do hereby give notice that the conditions and existing regulations under which Crown lands will be granted will be exhibited to public inspection at the offices of the Secretary to Government and of the Surveyor of the territory, subject to such alterations and amendments as may from time to time be ordered, and all persons desirous of obtaining lands or of becoming settlers for any other purpose in this territory are as soon as may be practicable after their arrival in this settlement to appear at the office of the Secretary to Government and there to make application for permission to reside in the settlement, and all persons found at large without having obtained such permission will render themselves liable to be committed to custody; and all persons in like manner who may intend to quit the territory are to give a week's notice of their intentions to depart, upon pain of being liable to be apprehended and detained and of rendering the master of the ship in which they may be about to depart subject to a fine as set forth in the Government regulations.
"God Save the King."
