Assignment

The women were sent to all parts of the colony on assignment. The experience varied according to the master or mistress involved. For some women the factory was a better alternative than assignment where much more was subject to the whims and character of the master and mistress. 

The range of assignment work was related directly to the people they were assigned to. Mostly it was domestic service, agricultural labour duties or assistance with business activities such as Inn work.

Generally at the factory was a guarantee of regular food, clothing and familiar work in familiar surroundings.

Regulations for the factory were not always adhered to. Corruption was identified over the factory period. Life could be difficult. For example William Tuckwell reported issues with food rations in 1826. The record of the rations was not verifiable and the women did not appear to be getting enough to eat. The Matron Elizabeth Falloon and her husband were implicated. This came to a head with the death of a prisoner, Mary Ann Hamilton. The findings were that she died of hunger and hard treatment.