10. William Bligh arrived with orders to end the corrupt business practices in New South Wales
In March 1805, William Bligh, of Bounty fame, was appointed Governor of New South Wales following the strong recommendation of Sir Joseph Banks. Before departing London Bligh was given instructions by the Colonial Office to stop the illegal activities of the members of the colony’s developing aristocracy, and the officers of the New South Wales Corps. Of particular concern to the Colonial Office was the illegal rum trade, which was supported by the Corps in Australia and the East India Company in India. Noth profited handsomely through the untaxed practice. Bligh was a man who followed orders to the letter.
He immediately received communications from Hawkesbury settlers which informed him that Macarthur and other shepherds were deliberately withholding sheep from the market in order to artificially increase the price of lamb and mutton. He also learned of the plight of the settlers following the flooding. Bligh ordered the release of sheep and other supplies from the herds and storehouses owned by the colony. His action gained the support of the settlers and the enmity of Macarthur and the wealthier landowners. Bligh also took steps to end the illegal trade in rum, advising the Colonial Office in a letter that such steps would be resisted.