George Hampton

In 1866 he was holding the offices of private secretary to his father, clerk of council and member of the Finance Board, when he was in addition appointed acting Comptroller General of Convicts.

The Perth Gazette sarcastically commented that Hampton could not apply the money to the purpose for which it was granted "unless His Excellency intends to charge him rent for the rooms he occupies in his residence, in which case, of course, the amount will be placed to the credit of the colonial revenue.

Under George Hampton, convict discipline became extremely harsh; floggings became commonplace and solitary confinement was reintroduced.

When Moondyne Joe effected his famous escape of 7 March 1867, the public in general felt that a good joke had been played on the Governor and his son, and much pleasure was taken in ridiculing them.

A week later the appointment of Henry Wakefield was announced, and in November 1868 he accompanied his father in departing the colony on the Emily Smith.