The Connaught Journal – Galway
17th November 1823
Extract of a Letter from a Lady, dated Hobart Town, June 2, 1823
“We arrived there a little more than a fortnight since. I believe we were all heartily glad to find our feet once more press the earth. The town is infinitely larger than I expected to find it; the streets are very broad, but the houses are separated from each other by gardens, and courts or yards. Those recently built and building are of brick. We are now in Macquarrie-street, and in a very good house. ____has a grant of 400 acres (which he asked for) and will be allowed two men from the Government stores, with rations for six months. Women servants are scarce here; I dispair (sic.) of finding a good one. Men are employed in houses instead of women; your property is more secure with them, and they are not enticed away as the women are. The country is beautiful. It is now the rainy season, but quite mild. The rigour of an English winter is here unknown. Snow rests on the hills, but does not stay in the valleys. The summer must be delightful. Here are wood, coal, and lime. Coal is used in the interior; wood is more generally burned in the town.
“Settlers, after a time, make their own candles, soap and beer, if they choose. I have paid 1s. 6d. for moulds, four to the pound; some charge still higher. Colonial soap 10d., and very good for whitening. Mutton is 9d. 8d. and 7d. People complain of a scarcity of wood this winter, and even meat at times, is not to be procured from the butchers. I shall be uncommonly happy to be in my own house once more. We must be satisfied with a rough concern at first, but we shall soon be able to build a better dwelling. Here is excellent free-stone; and the ceder wood from New South Wales is very similar to mahogany and does admirably for doors, shelves, windows, &c. without paint. It is much used. The Huon River has on its banks fine pine, which is in softness and beauty equal to deal. It will light as a candle, & makes a good torch for a short time. Building now is considered as the most secure speculation; but tradesmen of every description do well if they are industrious and steady. It will be his own fault if every shop-keeper, or, as he is termed, store-keeper, does not make a rapid fortune. This place is most rapidly improving. People are quite as smartly dressed as in many parts of England. I have been told lace is exceedingly dear, English silks, &c. I think from the little I have heard, this is an uncomfortable residence for a bachelor. Servants are scarce, and lodgings are not so convenient or comfortable as in England; rooms are not carpeted. Many of the luxuries of life are wanting. If a person comes here he must make up his mind to find every thing in its infancy, and he will not be disappointed. In the room I have now I burn wood, but I have no fire-irons found me; I have no fender, nor hearth brush, nor carpet. If I choose these things I must purchase them; they come here under the head of luxuries. I have not been out, except to change lodgings, since I came. Milk, butter, and cheese, are uncommonly dear; very little of either is used- Sugar and tea are cheap. Good green at 4s. 6d. to 5s. Lump sugar is dear; moist sugar very good, at 6d or 7d. Work people are very idle. Wages are high, so they earn sufficient in three or four days to support them the remainder of the week, which they pass in idle enjoyment. Tortoishell combs are not to be got readily, and are enormously dear. Porter sells well; so does good wine. I wish we had brought a pipe or two out with us from Madeira and England. Paper is dear, I am told; for the tradesman is not willing to pack our goods in paper; he wants you to send some convenience for it. Government will only give 4s. for the dollar, which has injured many people greatly; but in trade you mostly pay and receive the dollar at 5s. Paper money abounds here.- Tradesmen issue notes payable in dollars at 5s.; notes are for 2s. 6d. and 1s. 6d. We look forward to comfort and independence here; and I think with reason. The soil is deep and rich; sheep produce lambs three times in two years; cows are not good for the dairy; horses are very dear; cattle equally so; ardent spirits are very high, and not well supplied to this town.”
The Burren and Beyond 