Item 10 - Notes by R.L. Parker on the Cressy Co.

Archibald Lawrence Meston (1890-1951), educationist, historian and anthropologist, was born on 5 June 1890 at Launceston, Tasmania. His most important anthropological work was the discovery and description of the rock carvings at Mount Cameron West in 1933. Another major addition to the study of Tasmanian prehistory was his initiation of large-scale excavation in the shell midden at the South Cave, Rocky Cape. Meston's collection of implements and other Aboriginal relics is now housed in the Museum of Victoria; his library is the property of the City of Launceston. For more information see entry in Australian Dictionary of Biography http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/meston-archibald-lawrence-7563

The Cressy Company, or New South Wales and Van Diemen's Land Establishment, was a private partnership of seven members, formed in London in 1825. It was initiated by Bartholomew Thomas, whose brother was the Colonial Treasurer of Van Diemen's Land. Encouraged to think they would receive large land grants in Van Diemen's Land and New South Wales and exclusive rights to supply both governments with horses, the Company hastily organised an impressive expedition which contained Cleveland and Flemish horses, Shorthorn and Hereford cattle, Merino, Leicester and Southdown sheep and 'necessary implements'. They engaged 'scientific farmers', grooms and shepherds, chartered a ship, and arrived in Hobart in 1826. More than half their animals had died on the voyage.
For more information see : https://www.utas.edu.au/library/companion_to_tasmanian_history/C/Cressy%20Company.htm