The following article, which gives an historic account of Fremantle in 1866, appeared in The Australian News for Home Readers on the 27 June 1866: —
Western Australia was constituted a free colony in 1829, but as the small number of laborers who came out speedily became proprietors, labor grew scarce and dear, and besides there was no market found for the produce raised. To supply the demand for labor the colonists petitioned the British Government to constitute the colony a penal settlement. The home authorities gladly acceded to their wishes, and, in 1850, sent out the first batch of convicts Fremantle, at the mouth, of the Swan River, offering the advantage of a shorter sea passage than any other available place of debarkation in the colony, and being besides within a few miles of the capital, Perth, which is situated on the same river, was chosen as the head quarters of the depot. The country around Fremantle is sandy and barren, but when subjected to cultivation, becomes very productive in vegetables, fruits, and tropical produce. The town itself is of very limited extent, containing a population of only 3000. Uninviting as is its appearance from the sea, it possesses considerable picturesqueness from most of the dwelling houses, which are generally of one story, and built on separate allotments, being surrounded with gardens. There, are a number of churches belonging to different denominations, and several good schools. On Arthur's Head, the termination of a promontory, extending from the site of the town, are erected the gaol and a lighthouse, in connection with which there is a flagstaff for signalling vessels. The most prominent public building, however, is the convict prison, which is situated to the north of the town. It is very substantially built of stone and durable timber. The only shipping accommodation at present is a jetty between 200 and 300 feet long, extending out into the river, but it is only useful for small craft, or as a landing-place for boats. Agricultural produce, fruits, salt, &c, are exported, and copper and lead ores, but these not nearly to the extent they would be it there were better roads between Fremantle and the mines. The climate is not unhealthy to Europeans, and in the case of some invalids it has proved highly beneficial.
Source: Fremantle, Western Australia (1866, June 27). The Australian News for Home Readers (Vic. : 1864 - 1867), p. 13.
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