maietime

Introduction and Contents Descendant: A. Maie We left Elizabeth and Anthony at the end of 1789 when everyone in the new colony was feeling abandoned and desperately in need of supplies from Britain. Growing despair . The New Year did not fulfil their wishes.   It was now two years since the First Fleet entered Port Jackson and almost three years since it left the homeland.   In that time not a word had reached them directly from England.   The feeling of isolation experienced when the transports had returned to England the previous year deepened. The supplies which had been brought out with the transports were coming to an end.   Everyone was feeling abandoned and dejected with a growing concern about the lack of food.   As Capt. Tench expressed it, ‘Famine besides was approaching with gigantic strides’.   Phillip did not expect the provisions to last beyond May.   Marines had no shoes, the convicts clothing was in tatters, and the settlement was beginning to look like a g

Introduction and Contents Photo: descendant A. Maie from performance series, 'Centre of the Storm', 1998-2000 The previous instalment,  1788 – Elizabeth Pulley’s first year , finished in December 1788 at the time of  Ar-ab-anoo’s  capture.   Ar-ab-anoo  was probably from the  Kayimai   of the  Guringai  nation who were living around North Sydney/Manly/ Kayoo-may . The second year of settlement began with New Year celebrations, which included the usual hoisting of the flag, suspension of work, and the Governor’s dinner at w hich Ar-ab-an-noo was in attendance.   The band played, a singer sang, but Ar-ab-an-noo was not impressed and went to sleep. Ar-ab-a-noo ’s abduction had led to a few months of relative peace.   The Traditional Owners, understandably, kept their distance, as the little trust they may have had in the British would have evaporated.   Ar-ab-a-noo, Nān-bar-ee and Ab-ar-óo/Boorong Ar-ab-a-noo was quick to learn the English language and customs, and w