Page:History of New South Wales from the records, Volume 2.djvu/318

 270 THE TRAFFIC IN SPIRITS. 1791-2 Considering the materials of which the community was rtimdArdof ^^^^^7 composed — convicts of both sexes, but principally morality, male, and soldiers who were no better than the bulk of the British army as it existed a hundred years ago — a high standard of morality was not to be expected ; but the course pursued by Grose, in more than one direction, was not calculated to produce the best results. One of the grarest faults of his administration was the removal of the restric- o?riritft^^° tions on the introduction and consumption of spirits which existed under the rule of his predecessor. Foreseeing the consequences that would follow if strong drink in consider- able quantities became accessible to the people, Phillip did his best to prevent its importation. In a despatch of 18th November, 1791, he informed Nepean that "the landing of spirits without having a permit has been prohibited in the port orders, in order to prevent the convicts procuring Pbiii^J*' any "; but he suggested that a duty would more effectually answer the purpose. To this communication he received the reply that the port orders were considered sufficient to meet the case. Probably, it was thought that the settlement was not ripe for the establishment of Customs duties. Ten years went by before a duty was placed upon spirits, and by that time the evils Phillip apprehended had come to pass. SpoBition S^ strongly did he feel on the subject that he would have J^*£^ liked to retain the whole liquor supply in the hands of the Government. Replying, on the 11th of October, 1792, to a despatch, in which he was informed that " an allowance of rum for the non-commissioned officers and privates'* was