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[Page 17]
on the part of government a saving* has been aimed at, and carried to a base and avaricious degree.
People are better clothed now than they were when I first landed, owing to the large investments that have been sent by government, and brought by private traders. The former upon an average are cheaper vended, but if the loss of time and trouble be reckoned before they are delivered, it will much increase the price. After having made a list of such articles as one wants, one must apply to the governor, who looks over the list; if it meets with his approbation, he signs it. Then one must go to the Commissary for him to sign it. After that one goes to the Stores, and perhaps may wait a long time before one can get served. I have heard people say that they have come from Hawkesbury, and been obliged to stop three days before they could get their articles. Though the goods are vended retail, yet they are not exposed for sale the same as in a shop, but high in a large store house, with a sentinel placed at the foot of the step ladder, where the people often times form
* In the time of Gov. Hunter fresh pork was often served, and when Gov. King lowered the price, only one person turned any into the store, which was said for the sake of gaining indulgences. The Governor gave him a cow. But as larger greater rations are given of fresh meat, it lay for a short time in salt previously to it being issued.
A79-1