'To liw on in the hearts and minds of jfellotu~btp Descendants is never to die!" of 1788A.D. jftr~t jfleeter~ j}etu~letter )" I ( v======--====~-=~ JOURNAL OF THE FELLOWSHIP OF FIRST FLEETERS INC. NSW 1988 PRICE SOc Registered by Australia Post Publication No. NBH 1271 ~,1:~~ His Excellency Rear Admiral Peter Sinclair, AO, Governor of New South Wales ~ OFFICE ADDRESS: First Fleet House 105 Cathedral Street, Woolloomooloo, N.S.W. 2011 r . TELEPHONE: (02)360-3788,360-3988 '--- .. January / February 1992 Volume 23 N0.1 PRESIDENT'S REPORT AUSTRALIA I hope everyone had a very The Fellowship's annual dinner enjoyable Australia Day this year. was held at Sydney University DAY, 1992 From my observations this was the again and was successful. Our The Australia Day Eve Dinner on most active one that I have seen special guest was Dr Carol Liston, 25th January marked the beginning since 1988. I think we Australians President of the Royal Australian of the Fellowship's Australia Day are truly showing signs of national Historical Society. Dr Liston is celebrations. A most enjoyable pride and sensitivity about our Senior Lecturer in Australian evening it was, from predinner modern national heritage. History at the University of drinks on the terrace of the Western Sydney. She addressed the I have noticed that the Australian Wentworth Building to the excellent dinner on the theme of new fare, meeting old friends and Aborigines have declared Australia thoughts on the background to the Day '1nvasion Day." Despite we making new friendships, and First Fleet and the need for culminating in the Address by Dr later Australians' sentiment, that historical researchers to challenge term from their viewpoint would Carol Liston, President of the Royal r some of the myths and established Australian Historical Society. be quite fairly appropriate. The history assertions as to our modern First Fleet was in fact an invasion nation's origins and early Life Membership badges were force. Whilst the Letters Patent development. presented by President James authorised Governor Phillip to seek Donohoe to Wynne Anderson and the cooperation of the indigenous I attended the New South Wales Norma Dawson, for their services people, it made no mention of official function at the Sydney to the Fellowship over many years. purchasing the land addressed in Opera House on Australia Day and Hazel Liebau, unable to attend due the document to be granted or to later the Premier's Reception. to ill-health, will receive her badge, seek some means of transferring it I am most delighted to announce privately, from Vice-President Peter to the Crown for distribution that my wife, Sandra, and I, as Christian. among the settlers. President of the Fellowship, have The Fellowship was The solution to the Aborigines' been invited to attend a function at well-represented at the official dilemma is too big for my mind to New South Wales Government Australia Day ceremony in the suggest a resolve, but we should be House with Her Majesty Queen forecourt of the Opera House. It fair enough to respect the stand Efuabeth II. Sandra and I are most was good to see such a large crowd they have taken and to encourage honoured at this privilege to of people of all ages and all nations some form of accommodation represent the Fellowship at this join in the celebration of the between both peoples so that both function. foundation of our nation; to see the will live in harmony, each making Yours in Fellawship huge Australian flag borne by a progress for the whole nation's sake James Hugh Donohoe in their own ways. Continued next page page one Australia Day Continued Governor, Captain Arthur Phillip, Open Letter to Members on 26 January 1788, seemed so On Saturday 25th January I had a parachutist floating overhead and profound. wonderful evening at the · the number of much smaller flags In the afternoon, Fellowship of Fll'St Fellowship of First Heeters being waved by the crowd below. Heet members attended the "Story Australia Day Eve Dinner. The The ceremony began with the of Sydney'' celebration for light venue was superb, it was so reading of Governor Arthur refreshments, then joined in the pleasant sipping our pre-dinner Phillip's Commission from King Parade for the re-enactment of the drinks in the fresh air on the George ill by compere Ross Rum Rebellion, and the arrest of balcony. The meal was delicious Symonds followed by the raising of Governor Bligh. Bernice Smart and and served in air-conditioned the Jack of Queen Anne, and God June Broomhead, as well as others, comfort. Dr Carol Liston our Guest Save the Queen. in Colonial Dress added to the of Honour proved to be and colour and pageantry. From George interesting speaker, a delight to After the Prayer for the Nation was Street, the parade, led by the listen to. But most of all I enjoyed said by Archbishop Robinson, we Sydney Town Crier (mounted on the fellowship of meeting and all joined in the Bicentennial Hymn. his thoroughbred), Lieutenant mixing with so many members and Addresses by the Lord Mayor of George Johnston in his carriage and their friends. This was the 23rd Sydney, Alderman Fran'' Sartor, pair, and a large detachment of consecutive dinner held to and the Premier, the hon. Nick Marines, followed by a large celebrate "Our Day'' and truly Greiner, M.P., the Sydney number of the populace turned fulfills the third of our Aims and Children's Choir sang "Bound for into Bridge Street and continued to Objects as specified in our Botany Bay," accompanied by the the site of the First Government Constitution. Congratulations to all Naval Support Command Band. House. Governor Bligh, concerned, especially Alice Clarke The Australian of the Year and courageous and indomitable, stood and Peter Christian. those who won Achievers Awards and faced his accusers; - and was were acknowledged. Were you there? If not you missed a delivered into "safe custody" wonderful function. Start saving The Australia Day Addres.5 was Our Governor, Rear Admiral Peter for next year - it will be our Silver given by the Governor of New South Sinclair AO, then unveiled a plaque Jubilee (1%8-1993) -$1 a week will Wales Rear Admiral Peter Sinclair to commemorate the 150th AO. All in singing "Advance more than pay for it - don't "just pined anniversary of Local Government Australia Fair" and a Hy Past by belong," come and join us. in New South Wales. Australian Navy helicopters marked the conclusion of the ceremony. During afternoon tea, which was Bery/Lewis provided courtesy the Hotel Past President and Life Member Standing on the forecourt steps and Intercontinental, the Governor and #709 gazing at our beautiful harbour, - Mrs Sinclair moved among the "the finest harbour in the World, in guests speaking to all in turn. MEMBERSHIP REPORT which a thousand sail of the line may ride in the most perfect -Alice Clarke, 27th November 1991 to 7th January security" - the words of our first Social Convenor. 1992 We extend a warm welcome to new members joining during this JAMES SHEERS/MARY SMITH period, seven adults, one junior and one spouse associate. A Commemorative Plaque Dedication Seruice by the Felluwship ofFir st Fleeters has been arranged for . THOMAS ARNDELL ELIZABE1H BURLEY: Mr Adam Sunday, 7th June 1992, Andrew Arndell (jun). at WILLIAM BAKER - SUSANNAH HUFFNELL: Mrs Anne Maree Holy Thnity Church, Simon-Mayer; Miss Jeni Lee Kelso (just outside of Bathurst) Horniman. The Dedication Service will take place after the 10 o'clock Morning Service. ANDREW FISHBURN: Mrs Joan Lillian Edwards (sp. Mr James A Piper Family reunion is planned for the afternoon. Henry Edwards); Mr Gregory I Outhred Edwards. Interested descendants please communicate with:­ PETER HIBBS: Mrs Betty Warn. J Mrs 'Zona Maguire, I DANIEL STANFIELD - ALICE 1 Kethel Road, HARMSWORTH: Mr Kevin Vmce ·I Cheltenham NSW2119. Stanfield. i Telephone (02) 8698635 JOHN SUMMERS: Mrs Angela Jane Dillon. page two -1 l DAYTIME SOME FIRST FLEETER FELLOWSHIP Prior to the closure of the office for - ABORIGINAL INTERACTIONS the holiday period, 39 members There is no doubt that the arrival of Arabanoo. Because the aborigines and friends attended our Christmas the Frrst Fleet meant the disintegration kept away from the settlement at the luncheon at the NS.W. Bowlers of the society of the prior inhabitants. end of 1788, Phillip ordered Oub in the City, where once again To acknowledge that this process was Lieutenants Ball and Johnson to bring we were well-looked after with inevitable and inexorable is not to some in by fon.-e. With some difficulty good food and service. Raffle minimise nor condone the injustice they captured a young man at :Manly winners on the d ay were Mrs that was done to these people; any and took him to the Governor's Marge Raven and Mr Bert Weston. more than to acknowledge that house. Here he was washed, clothed As the Daytime Fellowship was poverty and social conditions were a and fed and kept shackled until it was reconstituted in March 1991, our cause of aime is to condone the clear that he would not escape. next meeting on 5th March 1992 crimes of many of the First fleeters; or Arabanoo became a favourite of the will be the Annual General Meeting to acknowledge that the attitudes of officers but contributed little to the and there will be an election of the social class from which judges knowledge or understanding of his office bearers. New financial came influenced their judgments, is to people. In April 1789, smallpox broke arrangements suggested by the condone the harsh sentences that out among the aborigines and some Executive will necessitate the were handed down.