Convict Guide - published 2006 - Manual / Resource - Page 161
Guide to New South Wales State archives relating to convicts and convict administration
Report and
recommendations
into administration
of Cockatoo Island
Following complaints about the administration of the Island a Board of
Inquiry looked into the management of Cockatoo Island. Its report
issued in 1858 concluded that the Island was not satisfactorily
combining its twin objectives of acting as a place of punishment and a
means of employment for convicts.
The report also recommended that Superintendent Thomas Ormsby be
replaced, as he had disregarded regulations and had made improper use
of convict labour. (Votes and Proceedings of NSW Legislative Assembly
1858, vol. 2, p.243). As a result Gother Kerr Mann, who was the Civil
Engineer at Cockatoo Island, was appointed Engineer-in-Chief, and
Superintendent of Cockatoo Island. By 1865 only those convicts
sentenced to the roads or public works were imprisoned on the Island.
Closure of Cockatoo
Island penal
settlement 1869
In July 1869 the Executive Council approved the breaking up of the
penal and engineering establishment on Cockatoo Island and the
transfer of the prisoners to Darlinghurst Gaol. On 21 October 1869 all
the prisoners remaining on Cockatoo Island were removed to the gaol.
Other settlements
The short-lived settlements of Melville Island (Fort Dundas), 18241829; Western Port, 1826-1828, and King George's Sound Settlement,
1826-31 were each established for strategic reasons but were reliant on
convict labour while in operation.
For Moreton Bay, Norfolk Island and Van Diemen's Land see separate
chapters in this Guide.
13.2
13.3
Indexes to the records
Index to the Colonial Secretary's Papers, 1788–1825 *ARK and is
available on State Records' website
Colonial Secretary's Correspondence: Index to convicts and others,
1826–77 and ongoing. Compiled by Joan Reese
Colonial Secretary's Correspondence: Index to letters sent re
convicts, 1826–May 1855. Compiled by Joan Reese
Colonial Secretary's Correspondence: Index to letters sent to the
Sheriff, 1828-50. Compiled by Convict Connections
Contemporary Colonial Secretary's Indexes and Registers, 1826–
1900, NRS 922 available in State Records' reading rooms
Index to Colonial Convict Movements, 1827-1853. Compiled by the
Descendants of Convicts Group Inc.
Penal Settlements
See also under the names of the various settlements
Colonial Secretary's
records
Special bundles, 1826–1982
NRS 906
Penal Settlement Regulations, 1829
[4/7088.1-.2]
Includes papers relating to Code of General
Regulations for the conduct and discipline of
Penal Settlements
Supreme Court's
records
158
Miscellaneous papers and documents —
Proclamations re establishment of Penal
Settlements, 15 Aug 1826
NRS 13693
Copies: Reel 600,
CODs 262A & B,
[5/1159 no.23]
State Records Authority of New South Wales