Curio

State Library of New South Wales
New South Wales general standing orders …, 1802

New South Wales general standing orders …, 1802

New South Wales general standing orders …, 1802

Safe 1 / 17a

David Scott Mitchell bequest, 1907


'The New South Wales general standing orders', 1802, was the first book published in Australia. Early governors of New South Wales issued daily orders which formed the legislation of the colony. The orders were circulated throughout the colony by such means as having them read in church. Some orders and proclamations were printed as broadsides, but only a few examples survive. In 1802 a book of orders was published as 'The New South Wales General Standing Orders'. Printed at the Government Press by George Howe, it was the first book published in Australia. From 5 March 1803 orders and proclamations were printed in the newly established newspaper the 'Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser'


Early governors of NSW

By Record Group NG: the Governor, 1787-1935, Archives Authority of NSW, 1969

Early governors of New South Wales issued daily orders which formed the legislation of the colony. The orders were circulated throughout the colony by such means as having them read in church. Some orders and proclamations were printed as broadsides, but only a few examples survive. In 1802 a book of orders was published as 'The New South Wales General Standing Orders'. Printed at the Government Press by George Howe, it was the first book published in Australia. From 5 March 1803 orders and proclamations were printed in the newly established newspaper the 'Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser'.