4. New South Wales quickly established the machinery of government
Under Phillip, the government of New South Wales was quickly operational, with magistrates, constables, and the other bureaucratic offices needed to administer the colony. Food was controlled by the government, and as supplies dwindled it was strictly rationed. Convicts had many positions of authority and responsibility, based on the need of the colony for the skills they offered. Experience in the building trades was valuable. So were seamanship and fishing skills. The more experienced of the latter were by necessity put in charge of the fishing boats, earning the resentment of other convicts not as impressed by their skipper’s talent.
Stocks and a prison within the prison which was the colony were erected, as well as a whipping post and the gallows. The magistrates were kept busy through hearing the charges of crimes, in particular theft and escape attempts. There were, not surprisingly, crimes of violence as well. Lesser crimes such as theft of tools were punished by whipping, or banishment to hard labor under guard. More serious crimes, including recidivism regarding the theft of food, led to death by hanging. As more and more convicts arrived, as well as free settlers, the colony began to grow and explorers ventured forth from Port Jackson to explore other sites for settlement in New South Wales.