Captain Philip Gidley King 1758-1808

His naval career had included early service in the American War of Independence, and later under Arthur Philip, who selected him as an officer for the Sirius. On arrival in NSW he was sent to Norfolk Island to establish a station and examine the prospects of ships masts and flax as a source of naval stores.

After being sent home by Philip to explain the difficulties experienced in the new colony, he returned to Norfolk Island and faced difficulties in keeping order amongst mutinous soldiers, clashing with Acting Governor Grose. However he made the station self-sufficient, with excess for export to Sydney. Ill health forced his return to England, and when he returned in 1800 it was to replace Governor Hunter.

King attempted to control the rum trade and controlled prices by setting profit margins on imports, using the Commissariat as the agent. He encouraged government and private production of foodstuffs, and allowed ex-convicts to progress in the community. The part of the population ‘on the stores’ was halved. However his successes were minimised by his Rum Corps opponents who stood to lose from his changes, and he was replaced by Bligh in 1806.