Cover image for Report of Alexander Machonochie on Convict Discipline, and associated Papers.
Series:
Report of Alexander Machonochie on Convict Discipline, and associated Papers.
Series Number:
Access:
Open
Start Date:
01 May 1837
End Date:
30 Jun 1837
Creating Agency:
01 Jan 1825
Series notes:
Maconochie came to the Colony in 1837 as Private Secretary to Lieutenant-Governor Franklin. He had been commissioned by the English Society for the Improvement of Prison Discipline to report on the colonial aspects of transportation; the report resulted in his dismissal by Franklin because, without his knowledge and authority, it reached the Secretary of State and the British press as a forthright condemnation of the Assignment System of convict discipline. This volume contains, in addition to the report, the replies to the Principal Superintendent of Convicts, the Chief Police Magistrate and the Director-General of Roads to a sixty-nine point questionnaire on the conditions of convicts and the working of the Assignment System; various documents intended to illustrate the report, such as specimens of tickets-of-leave, pass forms, conduct records, scales of rations, regulations and legislation. There is also some correspondence from the officials concerned and the Colonial Secretary commenting on each other's remarks and making additional observations. The University of Tasmania holds a MS volume containing a copy of Maconochie's reports and additional commentary by George Washington Walker and James Backhouse.

These records are part of the holdings of the Tasmanian Archives
Items: