Notes on the currency of early Tasmania (1803-25)

The economic history of Tasmania has yet to be written.<br>This paper is offered as an introduction to that section of the subject which embraces the currency and the exchange relations of the early colonists. The period covers the years of governmental dependence of Tasmania upon New South Wales. These years stand out distinctly when we survey the growth of the State. Two reasons sufficiently account for this fact. Firstly, the young Colony was ultimately ruled by the Governors of New South Wales, who, with one exception, were little acquainted with the island's affairs. Secondly, the local Lieut.-Governors were responsible only to their superiors at Sydney, often a fortnight's sail away.<br>On 3rd December, 1825, the Government of Tasmania was separated from New South Wales. Although the currency was not in a state which we could term satisfactory to-day, when the period ended, the worst days were passed, and the forces were working which were to wipe out for ever the troubles of the earlier years.