Pacifique

1897 — Manuscript Signed Letter, dated 21 January 1897, discussing matters pertaining to the settlement era of Perth, Western Australia. 8vo. Two double-leafs, 5 pages. Very good condition. Fascinating content such as a poverty, drought, general health issues in Perth from the conditions, problems of the homeless, and in contrast the increase in land values, and prospects for youngsters, The writer also talks of the Music Society and of singing the Messiah at Christmas. Written by M. Barigh of Havelock Street, her home located on a hill above the central town, who may have been a relative of Richard Henry Barigh, an immigrant to Australia, possibly originally as a convict. Excerpts from the letter: "Lately we have had a water famine and all day long the water is cut off but we fill a tank and so it does not cause us much inconvenience... We do not like W.A. half so much as N.Z. it is too hot and dry and this town is not healthy." "The place must have grown half since we came and building is going on all the time and the values of property increasing - our land cost about four pounds a foot and a lady has just bought this piece adjoining ours and given over eleven pounds for it and thinks she has got it cheap." "There are scores of people here with nothing who a little while since in Melbourne were living in luxury." End Excerpts. Perth had only been established since 1829. In 1850, Western Australia was opened to convicts at the request of farming and business people looking for cheap labour. Queen Victoria announced the city status of Perth in 1856.