Development of whaling and sealing

Question 1

From what year was local whaling able to make serious money for the colony?

Answer 1

from 1805

Question 2

What was the name of the Scottish merchant who broke the East India Company’s monopoly on trade, and how did he do this?

Answer 2

Robert Campbell sailed for England carrying 260 tons of oil and the skins of 13,700 seals. The East India Company attempted to seize his cargo, but Campbell was successful in establishing the free trade of skins and oil between the colony and England.

Question 3

Why was trade established cheaply and easily?

Answer 3

Because Sydney harbour and the estuary in Van Diemans Land were teeming with whales, therefore allowing the use of open-bottom dories (-light weight boats) these were cheaper to make and run than ocean going ships

Question 4

Until the 1830s, what was the second most important source of income for the colony?

Answer 4

Wool

Question 5

By 1805, the colony grew enough grain to feed itself, positively impacting agriculture. What had sheep numbers risen to?

Answer 5

around 20,000

Question 6

By 1830, what were exports of wool valued at?

Answer 6

£2m