The Imperial Era- part the second.

Dixon and The Mercury remained at Tamba- Tamba whilst The Columbine, carrying the islanders' petitions and Dixon's report, returned to England.
Six months later the special committee commissioned by Pitt arrived at Tamba- Tamba aboard HMAV Dauntless.
Their remit was to assess the strategic value of Tamba- Tamba and also to survey the island's resources. This onerous task was undertaken by a team under the direction of the geologist Sir Surtees Gough, a fellow of the Royal Society.

Sir Surtees Gough

A garrison was established in Cocktown, manned by The Royal Marines. The Mercury was assigned to maintain British dominance throughout the archipelago.
Gough's work was completed in April 1795. He could find no natural resources that warranted further development on Tamba- Tamba, but from a military point of view it was decided to retain a British presence on the island.

Cpt Bentall

The Commandant of the garrison, Captain Maurice Bentall, effectively became the Governor of Tamba- Tamba.
Citizen Rowley Rowley was elected Peoples' Representative, and theoretically liaised between the islanders and the British Governors. In effect there was very little for them to talk about.