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 40 and served nine years as midshipman and mate, and five and a half years as lieutenant. In the year previous to joining the civil establishment of Western Australia he was engaged in the Admiralty in writing sailing directions. His charts, compiled on various places he had visited, won for him testimonials and thanks from several high dignitaries, including the Lord High Admiral. Mr. Roe was appointed Surveyor-General on 28th December, 1828. A naval officer of long experience was appointed Harbour Master—Commander M. J. Currie, R.N.; Dr. Chas. Simmons was awarded the office of Surgeon; Mr. James Morgan that of Storekeeper; and Mr. James Drummond as appointed and did the colony very substantial service as Agriculturist, Botanist, and naturalist. While interesting gentlemen to take official positions, Captain Stirling had to order the requisite stores, such as food supplies, &c., for his people. On the 13th January, 1829, he wrote to Mr. Hay, Under Secretary of the Colonial Office, asking that provision be made of funds for the payment of civil officers, military, and artificers, and for other expenses. He suggested that authority be given the Storekeeper to draw bills on the Treasury, which should be approved by the Lieutenant-Governor, failing which he advised that specie be put in H.M.S. Sulphur for that purpose. Both courses were to a certain extent adopted. The officers and artificers were engaged at rates of wages approved of by Sir George Murray, the Home Secretary. Some difficulty was experienced in employing artificers, and only three were obtained in time to sail by the Parmelia. The remainder, it was arranged, should proceed by the transport Calista, which was to sail a little later.

On the 3rd February, 1829, the Parmelia weighed anchor at Portsmouth, and made sail for Cowes Roads. After tacking occasionally she grounded on Peal Bank at three in the afternoon. Two hours later she floated and stood towards Spithead, where she anchored. During following days Captain Stirling, the officers and artificers embarked for the passage to Swan River. The baggage and stores were got on board, and at 3 o'clock in the afternoon of February 6th the first band of pioneers sailed from Spithead to found the present colony of Western Australia. Their leave-taking had been made in tears, and the heartiest good wishes were hailed to them as they slowly moved off. Captain J. H. Luscombe was the master of the Parmelia, a barque of 443 tons burden. The following is a list of the passengers who embarked on board this vessel :—


 * Drowned in Table Bay (Cape of Good Hope) on 25th April, 1829.

The Eddystone Lighthouse was sighted on Sunday, February 8, and next day H.M.S. Sulphur joined company from Plymouth. The Parmelia hove to and sent a boat containing specie, &c., on board the Sulphur, after which sail was made. The detachment of the 63rd on the latter vessel comprised three subalterns, one staff officer, two sergeants, three corporals, one bugler, and 46 men, under Captain F. C. Irwin. The first day on the Parmelia was spent by sailors in preparing for the long passage, and by passengers in getting used to the motions of the ship. All eyes eagerly sought for the last glimpse of England, and when that was gone comfort was to be had in the presence of the Sulphur, which, with its white sails leaning to the wind, made a handsome consort vessel. For two days she kept on the lapboard beam, and then she followed astern. Sometimes she stood up boldly to their gaze, and the passengers could watch her prow dashing the water into glistening foam, or else her hull dipping in the distance. They thus continued for some days, and as they held on their south-west course, with all sails set, emerging into the great Atlantic, they were an inspiring picture. After the first difficulties were over the passengers employed the time in little games and quiet communion, while Captain Stirling moved among them, or anxiously meditated on the course to be taken when the destination was reached. Dances were organised for their evening entertainment, but on no account would Captain Stirling permit card-playing. Fine weather was experienced until the following Saturday, February 14, when a heavy swell came up from the south. The ship