001 - Hunter Valley Manuscript - July 1833

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DescriptionImage - 001.jpg Transcription Cap II (4) (i) Recto The usual distinction in all new countries exists in New South Wales between those who have come from the mother country and those who are born in the Colony - like the monkey who had seen the world the Emigrant asserts his superiority and denominates himself Sterling whilst those who first see the light in the bush are called currency. But never were terms more misapplied - a [pronounceable portion] of the Sterling population consist of those who have left home in consequence of the unhealthiness of the climate in the neighbourhood of the old Bailey and Newgate, whilst many of their progeny who are designated Currency have been brought up with a degree of morality that does credit to their parents whether it is that there is no scope for the extreme immorality and laxity of principle possessed by their fathers in this new country, or however depraved an individual may be in himself, he still retains so much feeling as not to communicate his evil principles to his offspring or from that other cause of not easy to determine. But the currency lads and lasses possess many of the best qualities of human nature, and would do credit to a community that has arisen from less exceptionable sources. They are generally open hearted, honest and above all things hospitable. The men are shrewd and intelligent although uneducated and have a restless activity which stimulates to enterprise, their inclination leads them to the sea and our whale fisheries are likely to have a great accession of strength from our Australian youths. The females are generally handsome, chiefly with fair complexions and dark hair, and there are forms to be met with in the bush that Canova would not have distained to study. It has been said that chastity is not one of the chief of their virtues - this must be taken with considerable modification. They have constantly dissolute manners before their eyes, without much religion or morality to check their propensities, they are naturally [mild] tractable and like most ladies in a warm climate inclined to luxurious habits - Therefore failings are as frequent with them no doubt as with others SubjectSterlingCurrencyfemalesNSWHunter ValleySettlerAustralian historyMaitlandNew South WalesAustraliaDatenot specifiedSourcehttps://www.flickr.com/photos/uon/2666315028/

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