AUSTRALIA,
TASMANIA, & NEW ZEALAND.
FOURTH EDITION.
By HER MAJESTY' S gracious command y
{conveyed to the Author through the Hon. Major General
Grey) a Copy of this Worl- has been placed in the
ROTAL LIBRARY.
THE EISE AND PEOGEESS
OP
AUSTRALIA, TASMANIA,
AND
NEW ZEALAND,
IN ATHICH ■WILL BE FOUND
INCREASE AND HABITS OF POPULATION;
TABLES OF REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE;
COMMERCIAL GROWTH AND PRESENT POSITION OF EACH
DEPENDENCY;
INTELLECTUAL, SOCIAL & MORAL CONDITION OF THE PEOPLE, &c.,
GATHERED FKOM
AUTHENTIC SOURCES, OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS,
AND PERSONAL OBSERVATION,
IN EACH OF
THE COLONIES, CITIES, AND PEOYINCES
ENUMERATED.
BY
D. PUSELEY.
AUTHOR OF " COMMERCIAL BEFORE MILITARY GLORY," " SKETCHES
OF ENGLISH AND SCOTTISH SCENERY," " A TRAVELLER'S
DIARY," "FIVE DRAMAS," ETC., ETC.
LONDON:
WAEREN HALL & CO., CAMDEN TOWN.
1858.
ADVERTISEMENT TO FOURTH EDITION.
The general favor xvith ivhich this work has
been received hath hy the 23uhlic and the press, renders it
unnecessary that the JLuthor should longer preserve the
incognito of " An' Englishman," under which his former
productions have leen published.
D. PUSELEY.
Jammrg, 1858.
The Statistical matter in this volume has
been compiled from Official documents furnished by the
respectire Governments ; and the following copy of a
letter from the Colonial Office will satisfy the reader that
the Author of the xoorh had every facility for obtaining
correct information, during his recent progress through the
various Colonies: —
Downing Street, 29th Dec, 1854.
Sm,
I am directed by Sir George Grey to forward
you tlie enclosed letters of introduction to the Govei'nors
of Victoria, New South. "Wales, Van Dieman's Land, and
New Zealand, in compliance with the request contained in
your letter of the 19th instant.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
{Signed) SAM. WHITBREAD.
To D. PusELET, Esq.
loz
VICTORIA.
riEST IMPRESSIONS
VICTORIA.
Port Philip was separated from New Soiith
Wales and created and proclaimed an independent
Colony, mider tlie title of " Victoria, " on the 1st
July 1851, — the period from which our observa-
tions on the progress of the colony commence.
Early impressions from works of art are gene-
rally considered of higher value than subsequent
copies, because they represent the originals with
greater fidelity, and in a stronger and more favor-
able light. Not so with the various works of
nature, in which beauties, imseen at first, present
themselves at each succeeding review, and prove
to the hiunan imderstanding that their primitive
object and value are only gradually, and then only
partially discovered by time, study, and experience.
Our first impression of Victoria was not a favor-
able one. But we take it to be the dutj' of those
who would direct public attention to the position
VICTOKIA.
or important events of a country, not to advance
opinions from a hasty or superficial view of the
subject, nor to judge harshly of persons or places
by their glaring habits or defects, but rather to
trace, if possible, the source from whence the evil
currents s^^ring, so that a remedy may be apj^lied
in the proper quarter. While, therefore, we be-
lieve our first impression from the surface of society
in Victoria to be substantially correct, a little
penetration into the causes which gave rise to the
social disorder of tlie country has subsequently
lessened the surprise produced by the demoralised
state of a people in a yoimg and wealthy colony.
But, without further preface, we wiU describe, or
attempt to describe, the state of the colony, and a
few of the sensations produced on our arrival.
In 1852-3, speculation, crime, excitement, and
disorder in Victoria had probably attained their
greatest height ; the yield of gold and the price of
land had touched their highest points up to that
period ; robbers and murderers commanded exten-
sive trades, which they prosecuted with impunity,
and mostly without detection ; land jobbers, many of
whom were magistrates and the millionaires of the
colony, made their thousands of poimds per diem,
and were too much engaged in their profitable
trafiic to attend to the arrest or pimishment of law-
breakers ; merchants and storekeepers had too
many additions to make on the profit side of their
ledgers either to thinlc of, or care about anything
VICTORIA.
else ; STvdndlers, grog-sellers, and gamblers were
reaping an abundant harvest, and were too busily
employed in gathering and storing the same, even
to di'eam of anji:hing like scarcity elsewhere ;
while agents, great and small, of every country
and denomination, were growing rich at the ex-
j)ense of that sanguine but deluded class of friends
or creditors at home, who forwarded their various
wares with a view to those golden and long wished
for remittances, which — we can vouch for — in a
great many instances, have either miscarried, or
have not reached their 2»'oj)er destination.
Diu'ing this scene of excitement, crime, and
confusion, in the year 1853, we first visited Mel-
bourne. To describe Melboiu-ne, as it appeared to
us at that period, we will copy, in a few lines, a
sketch we published elsewhere, and which has been
generally acknowledged to be a correct one.
Melbourne, we said, as it appears to us, is a kind
of modern Babel — a little hell upon earth — a city
of rioters, gamblers, and drimkards — a crowded
den of himian iniquity — where, from the highest
merchant downward, there appears to be but one
object in view — where the very facilities of mind,
body, and soid, are employed and directed to one
worldly end — where thousands are anxiously and
almost exclusively bent towards the consummation
of their own selfish and ambitious desires — where
delusive schemes are the pickpockets of honesty,
and where the abuse of usefid invention is too often
6 VICTORIA.
the bane of its own utility — where calm reflection
and all the liigher attributes of the mind lose their
proper influence in artificial excitement — where
the ties of friendship, domestic duties, kindred
obligations, intellectual study, and the immortal
spirit of true religion are often neglected, if not
entirely forgotten in the busy work of self-aggran-
dizement — where, in fine, the priceless possessions
of health, together with all those sweet enjojonents
which constitute the real happiness of Kfe, fall a
sacrifice to an insatiable thirst for gain.
There are, of course, a few among the many
whose thoughts and actions entii'ely difier from
the mvdtitude — citizens equal in every respect to
any in the mother country — ^men who are entirely
free from the colonial taint, and whose minds are
not influenced by mercenary motives — men who
are indebted for their position to the purity of their
own character — who inherit their wealth not from
their ancestors, but throvigh their own merit — men
whose unadorned and manly vii'tues woidd, by
comparison, leave the gilded titles of our proud
aristocracy completely in the shade — men whose
benevolence of heart and integrity of principle set
a noble example to the world. But while there
are such, a few such men, can any one, except the
busy actors themselves, whose thoughts are carried
with the restless stream on which they are laimched
— can any one stand for a few moments in the
centre of this newly populated and agitated colony
VICTORIA. 7
without being sensibly impressed witli the reckless
impetuosity of the wayward current — the infinite
diversity of the busy scene — the varied and innu-
merable tricks and disguises of the dissembling
actors, and the universal and ceaseless struggle to
pass each other in their daily race towards that
great and fathomless ocean — selfish ambition —
to which there are coiuitless rivulets, but in which
there is no permanent safety — no security against
the fickle elements of fortime — no fixed and solid
termination, save in the entombment of those mortal
spirits which for a season play upon its waters, or
in the midnight calm or death-bed quiet which
alternately succeed its own convulsions.
By comparing the above with the description of
Melbourne on our second visit, it will be seen that
in the interval of only two years considerable
progress has been made in that city in the right
direction. But, before proceeding to describe the
rise and progress of the colony, of which Mel-
bourne is the head, or giving figures of population,
revenue and expenditure, which will be found under
their respective heads, we will — in order to justify
GUI' previous remarks on the state of the colony at
the period of oui first visit — supply from our log-
book a few specimens which were taken at the time
from the extraordinary fleet of events that in a
few months passed imder our own immediate notice.
The sudden announcement and immediate con-
firmation of the internal wealth of the colony
8 VICTORIA.
created a social revolution — for the like of wliicli
history may be searched in vain. It may be truly
said that the recorded presence of gold and its
magnetic influence, both on the minds of settlers
and others, had within two years from the dis-
covery of the precious metal entirely changed the
commercial, social and moral condition of the
country — although, eo far as morality is concerned,
the colony never stood high in that respect. But
the little of that virtue it previously possessed soon
became less. Husbands and parents left their
homes and families ; junior officers, clerks, and
numerous officials attached to the Government
quitted their avocations ; mechanics and husband-
men flew from their labor, while from other lands
a whole fleet of adventurers of every profession
and denomination hastened to the golden region —
each and all anxious to become shareholders in the
distant prize.
With a change so sudden and complete, no
wonder that the quiet and almost dormant state of
the country was succeeded by convidsions. The
influx of himian beings was so great, and the house
accommodation in a thinly popidated district so
small, that in most cases the grasping inhabitants
would not dispose of, or part with anything either
in the shape of merchandize, provisions, or shelter
at treble their value — ^believing, as they did, that
the cause which led to, and surprised them with
such extravagant offers might, in a little while.
VICTORIA. 9
surprise and please tliem still more. But, in a
greater or lesser degree, the ovei joyed nierchants,
storekeepers, householders, or those who had any-
thing for sale in the colony, were in a state of
temporary madness. Bewildered, as it were, from
the effects of the innumerable jets of fortmie that
suddenly blazed around them, and fearing that any
picture with promises so dazzling and romantic in
appearance might, after all, prove an optical delu-
sion, they became the unhappy victims of instant
success, and cursed themselves for any and every
engagement, sale, or transaction entered into, or
effected, at exorbitant profits — simply because,
subsequent transactions jDroduced, or might have
produced them more. Like an obscure or lucky
individual recei^^Lng favorable overtui'cs for some
work of art that had long been deemed valueless,
even by its owner, the resident colonists at this
moment frequently declined extravagant sums for
articles of trifling value — on the vague hj^Dothesis
that the value of the article required must neces-
sarily be greater than the amovmt tendered, or
that a large offer might lead to one still larger.
While all alike, from the merchant to the mechanic
— from the landowner to the laborer — were puzzled
how to determine the maximum either of land,
merchandize, or manual labor, each and aU were
desirous — however high and artificial might be the
existing rate — to force the quotation for their com-
modities still higher. The merchant who woidd
10 VICTORIA.
have readily disj)osed of his wares at a profit of
twenty per cent., would now demand double, and,
in a little while, treble that per centage, and so on
— while the mechanic and laborer required more
for one day's work than they had previously earned
in six. Indeed, no one could determine, or even
guess what on the morrow might be the sum
offered, demanded, or exacted either for labor, or
for anytliing else.
With a colony and its inhabitants in such a
state of fomentation — with evidence both of the
vast scope for labour and, to all appearance, the
inexhaustible riches of the country, and "with li^dng
and increasing proofs of the rapid tide of immigra-
tion which had already set in, no wonder that every-
thing was suddenly forced to, and maintained for
a time, an artificial value. But the figiu-es of
fact, which rejDresent some of the incidents of the
period, appear so much like those of fiction, that —
although registered at the moment when the events
to which they relate happened — we ahnost hesitate
to transcribe them from our note book, for fear
they might be deemed altogether fabidous.
Of one, out of a multitude of speculations which
this eventful period gave rise to, most of our
readers have probably either read or heard some-
thing about the great land mania, which at this
time more particularly engaged the attention
of capitalists and the fertile wits of colonial
gamblers. When therefore we state that land in
VICTORIA. 11
Melbourne was publicly sold in our presence at
£160, £180, £200, and £210 per foot— prices
which are probably five or six times higher than
could be obtained for the choicest spots in London ;
— when these, and other things equally wild and
excessive took place in a country where land is
almost of imlimited extent, and only partially ex-
plored, — it needed not the predictions of a prophet,
nor the profo\md reasoning of a Greek philosopher,
either to prove the delusive height to which spe-
culation had carried its votaries, or to premise how
great and certain would idtimately be the fall
thereof. The resident sharpers were themselves
aware of the coming reaction, although it would
not accord with their interests to have admitted
the same. No. The colonial bears, like the bulls
on 'Change, knew well enough what woidd be
the residt of the operations which, by personally
promoting, they publicly enlarged — they clearly
foresaw the fate of the prey they decoyed to the
mart; but, with the sagacity pecvdiar to their
race, — while they kept the field so long as their
game was in the ascendant, they, of course, retired
with the spoil in time to avoid the consequences of
a reverse. Of our own knowledge, we can state
that one of these land jobbers left the colony with
£150,000 — the whole of which he had amassed in
the space of six months ; and, incredible as it may
appear, in one instance, this individual bought a
plot of land and re-sold it within the same hour of
12 VICTORIA.
tlie piircliase, at a clear profit of £10,000, which
siun was handed over to him merely for withdraw-
ing his name from the undertaking in favour of
another, and without a shilling having been pre-
viously employed in the transaction.
The knowledge of these extensive and, for a
time, profitable speculations, produced immediate
and immense excitement, both in the minds of
those who had not yet ventured, but were now
anxious to embark in the game, and likewise with
others, whose palates had only been slightly sharp-
ened by the flavor of success. The effect of this on
a population already ripe for any new or promising
adventiire that might offer, soon became apparent.
It gave birth to that unconquerable spirit for
gambling, which manifested itself even in the ordi-
nary occupations of hfe. More. The evils engen-
dered and strengthened by its stimulating influence
had a still more obstructive and banefid tendency.
It not only increased a taste for gambling in the
various grades and avocations of society, but it was
likewise instrumental in arresting the progress of
civilisation and art — by unsettling the minds of
the people, and by driving thousands of artisans
and others from those useful works of labor and
skill, by which alone the resources of a country can
be beneficially developed, or the tastes, habits, and
morals of the inhabitants gradually and perma-
nently improved.
That the sudden acquirement of wealth has an
I
VICTORIA. 13
injurious effect on tlie minds of many persons we
verily believe. Several striking illustrations of the
same presented themselves during our stay in the
Australian colonies. Men who rapidly rise from
penury to affluence — that is, before time has pre-
pared or matured their tastes and habits for the
change — generally become either the slaves of in-
temperance or avarice. Drink is their snare, or gold
their idol. It is difficult to determine which indi-
vidual of the two is the more revolting — the miser
or the drimkard. We have both seen and heard of
men who in their lowly or middle stations of Kfe
in England have been regarded as kind husbands,
affectionate brothers, or faithful friends — but who,
imder a colonial atmosphere, have in the space of a
few months forfeited their claim to the character of
either. Perpetual excitement and gold keeps the
spendthrift poor, and makes the ignorant selfish and
proud. The one has never had of drink enough,
the other has never made of gold enough ; the one
degrades his friends, the other disowns them.
So soon as fortune lends her book to man,
So soon does he forget where he began ;
Each rising page conceals what he has seen,
Shows where he is and not where he has been ;
The scenes of yesterday are but a mass,
Like something seen obscurely through a glass ;
The friends of yesterday are now forgot,
He knew them then, but now he knows them not.
While gold distracts the mind and fires the hand.
And care drives love and duty from command.
The heart forgets its home and fatherland.
14 VICTORIA.
The increased and still increasing numbers tliat
thronged the auction marts on each occasion of a
government " Land Sale," and the feverish anxiety
manifested by the attendants to huy at any price,
showed how great and immediate was the efiect
produced on the multitude by the temporary suc-
cesses of the few. Men with capital, and others
without capital ; men with brains, and others with-
out brains — all alike rushed to the arena, with the
hope of improving or making their position ; while
the pennyless and unprincipled owner of mental
stock would generally outstep his monied com-
petitor in the race — frequently at the expense yet
momentary satisfaction of the capitalist, to whom
he would transfer his bargains, although in a man-
ner which has proved, or will prove to his future
chagrin.
But wherever the scene, or whatever the cause
of artificial excitement and speculation, unscru-
pulous and talented adventm^ers are certain to
participate in the spoil or plunder that may spring
from the event. We would fain hope, however,
that in no country but Australia, where no incon-
siderable portion of the population are convicted
felons, could there be found specimens of humanity
prone to, or guilty of the innumerable and diver-
sified forms of trickery, dishonesty, and villany
that, in the space of a few months, appeared under
our immediate notice — but with more than an allu-
sion to which we will not shock our readers.
VICTORIA. 15
To any lover of literature and tlie fine arts, the
colony of Victoria, as it appeared to lis during our
first visit, would prove one of the most unattractive
places — short of an miinhabited desert — that coidd
well be imagined. Unless carried with the stream,
and prostituted for the purpose of gain, the mind
had nothing whatever to feed on, much less to be
edified with.
For this unintellectual and half civilized state,
more than one reason may justly be assigned —
although the leading one is embodied in the pre-
ceding remarks, by which it will be found that
all grades of society were at this excited period
rather bent on improving the pocket than the
intellect. Still, there was no lack of well educated
and well informed men in the colony, the majority
of whom however had but recently arrived ; and
these were too much devoted to the object of their
mission — gain — to apply the faculties to any other
purpose. Then, as regards the old colonists and
their ofispriug, — they were, for the most part,
illiterate and ignorant in the extreme. Uneducated
adventurers, most of the former left the mother
country at an early age, and their colonial issue
grew up, of course, in the unintellectual path of
parental obscurity — except, indeed, in those rare
instances in which the self-sufiicient root evinced a
natm^al desire to enrich the branches. In such
cases the children were generally sent to be edu-
cated in England ; and, on the return of these
16 VICTORIA.
marks of fortime's favor, the parents themselves
caught the first glimpses of their own deficiency ;
and then, and only then, did they discover and
appreciate the value of the boon they bestowed ;
for, by the improved and cidtivated shoots of their
own nature, they became gradually convinced that
avarice, arrogance, and dishonesty were merely the
overgrown and pernicious weeds of ignorance, and
that, with the expansion and culture of the mind,
generosity, modesty, and honesty supplied their
place.
With the few exceptions to which we have al-
luded, the old and wealthy settlers seem to consider
the higher branches of education to be entirely
beyond the requirements either of their children,
or their adopted country. They seldom, however,
think or converse about an}i:hing so wide from
what they pronounce the grand object of Kfe ; or
when by chance they do touch on the subject of
education, classical attainments are at once con-
demned as merely useless and extravagant appen-
dages ; because the cost of insuring their possession
would involve an expenditure for which there is no
certainty of a profitable return. Besides, they —
the parents — had made money without the assist-
ance of such mental finery; and, with the same
amount of physical energy, what was to prevent
the like success on the part of their children.
These unlettered and much to be pitied individuals,
consider the best lesson, and indeed the only one
VICTORIA. 17
necessary for a cliild's welfare, to be one after the
parent's o^vn convictions, viz. : — " tliat all the ener-
gies of man, both mental and physical, are intended
and required merely for the acquisition of gold, as
its possession woidd insure, in the highest degree,
the consmnmation of all worldly happiness." But,
to give the reader a correct idea of these ministers
of the " golden calf," we will fvu'nish a momentary
but luiexaggerated sketch from the life and conver-
sation of one of these idolaters of lucre.
During our short stay in a well known town in
the colony, a literary gentleman was solicited by a
few of his friends to give one of those lectures on
the "beauties of the poets," which had been given
by him with considerable success in the mother
country. He at once assented, with the hope —
vain illusory hope ! — of conveying to the inhabit-
ants a slight, if only a slight relish for intellectual
food, by contributing the first morsel from his o^ti
mental garner. To this entertainment one of the
wealthiest, and at the same time one of the most
ignorant and most influential men — who was like-
wise a magistrate and an ex-mayor of the town —
had, with some difficulty, been prevailed on to im-
part, by his presence, an importance to the occa-
sion. The multitude, however, were not attracted
even by the presence of this important pubKc
functionary, who was himself evidently ill at ease
and totally out of place in the midst of the very
small but select few by whom he was surroimded.
c
18 VICTORIA.
During the lecture, and after tlie lecturer had re-
cited " Wolsey's farewell to the world," the levia-
than of wealth and power previously alluded to —
the hero of the jDresent sketch — the magistrate and
ex-mayor of the town, innocently remarked to a
gentleman sitting near him, that "Mr. Wolsey
appeared to have been very badly used ; but," he
continued, " who was this Wolsey ? /never heard
of him before, — did you ? — who, or what was he ? "
Our informant added considerably to our amuse-
ment on sapng that he replied to his inquisitor by
telling him that " Mr. Wolsey formerly held a
commission in a large and important establishment
at the West-end of London." " I thought so," re-
joined the colonial millionaire; — "a commercial
traveller, I suppose ? But," he continued, " what
did he mean by ' the tender leaves of hope ? ' I
suppose he travelled for the tirm of IIoj)e in the tea
trade ? " The closing supposition proved too much
for the gravity of his respondent, whose ingenuity
was suddenly taxed to find some other than the
real cause for a burst of laughter that followed an
inquiry of so serious but stimulating a nature.
It were neither just nor generous to hold up to
ridicule a mind whose lack of kno"«'ledge or wisdom
might have originated in the neglect or poverty of
those who were its guardians in youth. Unfortu-
nately, ignorance is generally the parent of so many
bad qualities of our natiu'c, that it becomes the
bounden duty — although by no means a pleasing
I
VICTORIA. 19
one — of every faithful expositor of the hxiinan race
to descant on and dissect such failings, simply for
the consideration and benefit of the rising genera-
tion. We need no other than the case just men-
tioned to illustrate the sad effects of ignorance in
an opulent and self-sufficient individvial. Here we
have a man who obtained the highest mvmicijDal
honor his to"\vn coidd bestow — a man possessing
almost monarchal influence in his locality — in
wealth and power, a very prince ; in knowledge,
benevolence, and grace, a very pauper. Arrogant,
selfish, and mean to the very verge of contempt,
he was at the same time capricious, overbearing,
envious, and malicious. Miserable, irritable, and
unhappy himself, he neither sjonpathised with, nor
delighted in the ease and happiness of others. As
a patron, he was courted by many, but respected
by none. When his hand reluctantly tendered a
gift it failed to inspire the recipient with gratitude
for the favor. Without one virtue to secure the
notoriety to which his vanity aspired — like the loss
of his O'wn blood was the sacrifice of that gold which
alone could purchase his desire. True, an occa-
sional handful was drawn from his immense store
toward the erection of some public edifice that
might emblazon the initials of the donor ; but alas !
while these ungenial and ostentatious gifts may
possibly preserve and perpetuate the name of the
giver, they want the imperishable qualities which
can alone add a mark of respect to his memory.
20 VICTORIA.
It is said tliis liiunan t^^e of wealth, ignorance, and
power — this self-created and imperious monarch
and owner of half a million sterling, intends to
return to the mother country and the scenes of his
youth, for the purpose of "lording it above his
betters." When there, will his wealth alone be a
passport to the select society for which he is in
other respects unfitted ? We think not. But time
will furnish his colonial Highness with an answer.
Those of oiu' readers who are unacquainted with
the cause, may reasonably inquii-e tchy such men
were appointed to the magistracy? The local
government had no alternative in the matter. On
the discovery of gold and the sudden increase of
population in the colony, a large number of magis-
trates were immediately required ; and, although a
little more care might have been evinced in the
selection, men of property, who felt a desire for
the honour, were of necessity commissioned. As
for municipal distinction, our great City of London
may with equal propriety be required to answer
^L'hy her first class merchants invariably decline the
gingerbread decorations which are eagerly sought
after by those Tom Tits of importance, whose
puny pretensions to greatness would otherwise
pass through their own circumscribed demesne
unknown and unnoticed. Like their great proto-
t;\q3e, therefore, are the tovnis and cities of our
colonies ; and those who aspire to ci\dc honours
therein are, for the most part, men with little
VICTORIA. 21
minds, large pockets, and capacious stomachs. It
is perliaps well that it is so. All things, however
small, have their prescribed uses. The painted
butterfly in its place and brief season may be as
needfid and useful to the creation as objects of
greater magnitude ; and were it not for the exist-
ence of common councilmen, aldermen, and lord
mayors, England might lose the high rank and
notoriety Avhich — above other nations — she has
long maintained, and still maintains, for civic dis-
play and its material adjuncts — turtle and venison.
Without a lord mayor, what would become of our
fat-bellied "diner out" — of ministerial city ban-
quets — of political re-unions, elocutionary sky-
rockets, and harmless emblematic crackers — of
cabinet toastmaking, personal whitewashings, and
internal ablutions — of splendid fetes to foreign
allies, and sumptuous entertainments, in turn, to
the celebrities of all comitries and of all orders?
But, of greater importance than all these, what —
without a chairman — woxdd become of the nimie-
rous anniversary dinners, which have the double
object of providing something of a substantial
nature both for the patrons and the institutions
mtli which they are connected. Unable, then, to
solve propositions that involve matter of so mvich
moment and consideration to the personal comfort
of the parties more immediately concerned, we
conclude, in the absence of contrary e^ddence, that
lord mavors, aldermen, and common councilmen
22 VICTORIA.
are useful as well as ornamental appendages to
national greatness.
Selfishness is the natural ally of ignorance.
Ignorant men are generally selfish men — at least
our observations in the colonies lead us to that
conclusion. All mankind are no doubt more or
less selfish, but the uneducated portion — especially
those on whom fortune has smiled — are unques-
tionably more selfish than their better informed
or more intellectual kinsmen. Sensible men are
averse to, and turn in silent disgust from that
public show, empty ostentation, or private display
wliich little minds alone delight in. Let a well
informed man provoke a discussion with the best
of our city sho"v\Tiien on any subject but those of
feasting, self-importance, wealth, or those branches
of commerce with which they may happen to be
connected, and the argimient vnR be brief indeed,
for the mover would alone be equal to its continu-
ance. If these men, however, were less vain of
their little knowledge and great wealth ; if thej^
e\Tnced a stronger desire to do good with what
they possess, and displayed a little more modesty
in publishing their own pretentions to greatness,
but few persons, we thinlc, woidd be disposed to
find faidt with them. But when some lilliputian
tea or sugar merchant fills two or three columns
of a newspaper with after-dinner small talk, bad
grammar, or fidsome praise of some noble of whom
he expects a favour, the public may well complain
of the want of something better in its place.
VICTORIA. 23
But in spirit, as in act, selfislmcss, above all
other features, may be seen at every age and every
stage in bunian nature. From childliood to man-
hood — from the cradle to tlie grave — from the
ambitious monarch to the meanest serf — from the
oppressive landlord to the iniprincipled tenant —
from the grasping politician to the cruel privateer
— from the heartless profligate, Tvho for personal
gratification robs his family, to the wretched miser,
who for love of gain robs himself — in every scene,
as in every station — in every tribe, as in every
nation — in the remote as in the immediate grades
and stations of life — from the rude savage to the
polished courtier, and from the Hebrew bagman
to the Christian bishop, self is the great globular
monster — the concealed or visible human spring
that impels, guides, and regulates the movements
of the world. ^Yhile the majority of maiddnd
are wholly or partially under its control, none are
entirely exempt from its influence. Are not most
of our thoughts and actions influenced by selfish
motives ? If all were to furnish an honest answer
to the foregoing question the affirmatives we ima-
gine would display a vast majority. Modelled as
we are — or rather as we re-model ourselves, with
earth oiu- idol and its pleasures oui' chief dehght —
the result of such an inquiry woidd create no
siu-prise in a reflective mind, although it might
cause some regret. We cannot help thinking, how-
ever, if the himiaii heart contained less of the
24 VICTORIA.
stimulating nitre of selfisliness it wovild possess more
of real happiness. A very selfish man can never be
a ver}^ happy man ; for, as he ever pines for some-
thing more than he commands, his present state,
whatever that state may be, is a discontented one,
consequently an unhappy one.
But there is one social evil caused by unre-
strained selfishness that is greater than aU, for it
merges from a natural failing into a positive crime.
By the concentrated love of self vre lose om- afiec-
tion for friends, and forget om' duty to others.
Selfishness, in fine, is not only the bane of our
love and duty to others, but it likewise proves a
blast to present enjojinent, and a barrier to future
happiness. At the sacrifice of honor, of peace of
mind, and of honesty of pui'j)ose, it incites the
owners to an imcontrolable desire for personal
aggrandizement. The opulent but selfish mer-
chant, who has risen from some humble rank,
forgets his former position and his present duty,
when he declares himself cursed by the existence
of his less fortunate and jyoor relations.
The humble peasant, while he ranks no higher,
Will mix with others in the same attire ;
Eut, raised by fortune to the wealthy squire,
You'll see how station regulates desire :
His rustic joys by regal ones look dim,
To whom he stoop' d, he'd now see stoop to him ;
So low do past to present friends appear,
That each must keep his own and proper sphere.
VICTORIA. 25
By twenty steps, and then by twenty more,
The selfish squire attains the second floor ; —
The summit gain'd, the wish at length draws near
That covers twenty thousand pounds a year;
And this secured, ambition makes him try
To raise his mansion nearer to the sky ;
But as the bubble lets his pride ascend,
Death shows him the beginning as the end.
In continuation, and before the conclusion of
our "first impressions of Victoria," we will make
a few general but brief observations concerning
Melbourne, Geelong, tlie cKmate, &c., as noted by
us in tbe year 1853. But these and other subjects
will be foiuid reviewed at greater length in the
accoimt of our subsequent visit to the colony.
On the discovery of gold in Victoria, Melbovirne
was not much larger than an EngKsh village, or
small market town ; and we were somewhat sur-
prised to find that during a period of little more
than two years it had grown to, and covered that
immense space — the extent of which may be ga-
thered from our comparative population tables.
The site of the town — had it been for a moment
anticipated by the founders at the time of selection,
that it would idtimately become the seat of govern-
ment and a great commercial city — is ill chosen.
It lies low, and without any of the natural advan-
tages possessed by places not far distant. All
merchant ships, except those of very small tonnage
are compelled to anchor in Hobson's Bay, a dis-
tance of about seven miles from the town, there
26 VICTORIA.
not being a sufficient deptli of water in tlie narrow
winding river, Yarra Yarra, to take them to the
wharves. The e\als arising from this necessity are
many. All goods have to be taken from the bay
to the town in barges or lighters ; and this labor
is not only attended T\dth additional expense to the
importer, but the delay occasioned thereby often
entails a loss of a much more serious nature. It
not unfrequently happens that after a ship has
reached her destitiation, four, six, and even eight
weeks elapse before the merchant can obtain the
cargo of which he has received ad^dces. In perish-
able articles, or goods suited to particular seasons,
these delays often occasion heavy losses — while the
immediate delivery of the articles in demand in
the market might have insured handsome profits.
Besides, a serious inconvenience that arises from
the number of lighters required for the trans-ship-
ment of cargo is, the great impediment to passenger
traffic, produced by the crowded state of a narrow
river. Steamers and other passage boats are in-
variably delayed, more or less, — in addition to
frequent damage to life and jsroperty — in the
narrow and intricate stream leading to or from
Melboui'ne. If the reader woidd become more
familiar with the personal inconvenience occasioned
bv the confused and overcrowded state of the Yarra
Yarra, let him, on a busy day at noon, suppose
Cheapside a river, and himself in an omnibus, or
cab — steam, or ferry-boat — charged vdih some
VICTORIA. 27
important and immediate dispatcli, and anxious to
leave town by the lialf-past twelve o'clock " express
train " from Euston-square station ; when, to his
utter astonishment and dismay, he suddenly dis-
covers the entire stream of conveyances perfectly
motionless, and that every inlet, or rather outlet,
is closed up with craft of all sizes and description,
and therefore impassable. When a detention of
half-an-hour, or more, has convinced him that he
must fail in his mission and lose his " train," and
that to calcidate distance by time in a crowded
thoroughfare is a dangerous practice, he will then
have a tolerably correct idea of a scene daily pre-
sented on the Yarra Yarra, and painfidly expe-
rienced by the actors who are compelled to appear
therein.
Most of the streets of Melbourne are narrow.
There are a few, however, of a good width and
well arranged ; for, being formed at right angles,
they are easily found or regained. Of public
edifices there are but few, a description of which
we leave for our second visit, the buildings them-
selves and the purposes for which they are intended
being alike incomplete. There are numerous large
and excellent warehouses and store-rooms in dif-
ferent parts of the town. The substantial and
extensive exterior of these invest the locality in
which they stand with an appearance not unlike
that of some parts of Manchester. But, with
regard to dwelling houses, shops, &c., there is not
28 VICTORIA.
tlirougliotit the entire to^ni tlie slightest approach
to uniformity, either in class, elevation, or design.
It would he a difficiilt matter to twin any out of
the immense miscellaneous collection of the town-
ship, as two houses alike are but seldom, if ever,
seen, either jointly or separately. As a colonial
wit remarked to us, "Australian builders, like
glovers, pair their articles by making odd ims " —
with this diiference, he might have continued, that
while the latter assort and classify the sizes of what
they make, the fonner mix all together, from adults
down to infants. In one place we find a handsome
foui' or five storied building, having on the right a
miserable looking edifice of half its dimensions,
and on the left an iron or wooden shed standing
not more than ten or twelve feet above its base.
In another leading street and thoroughfare, we
find a lofty and magnificent building, "v\dth shop
and frontage of the Regent-street school, having
for its neighbom" either a single storied hut, or
some dii'ty clothes shop that would disgrace old
St. Giles, or oui' present Holywell- street.
To a stranger, and one accustomed to see some-
thing like uniformity in the design and elevation
of English buildings, the appearance of the streets
and houses in Melbourne presents a singidar, al-
though by no means an agreeable appearance.
TVliether the fault originated with the government,
in not binding the original purchasers of land in a
township to certain conditions, is a question we
VICTORIA. 29
cannot at tliis moment decide. It is well kno■\^^^
that when a man leases or purchases a piece of land
in England for building piu'poses, he is compelled
by articles in the lease or transfer from the original
owner, or ground landlord, to erect buildings of a
certain class or elevation — the violation of such
articles invalidating the proprietor's claim to the
property. In England the articles are even of a
more stringent character on cro-svn than on other
lands. In Australia, however, a man may build
how, or what he please — so long as he does so on
his own property.
Such a Kcense offers facilities for, and often
causes social annoyances as well as public evils ;
for it cannot be an agreeable thing for the respect-
able proprietor of a handsome building to have the
double annoyance of a dirty shed and its low un-
washed owner for neighbom^s ; neither are such
approximate inequalities in person and property
likely to improve or benefit society, or to add to
the pleasiu'es or beauties of the to\^Ti or city in
which they arise.
We have heard it stated that, prior to the dis-
covery of gold, when the colony was but thinly
popidated, the government avoided any restrictions
in the erection of buildings, for the purpose of
inducing the — then j)oor — immigrants to build
places in accordance with their means. But we will
not vouch for the accuracy of this imtil we have
better and official authority for its confirmation.
30 VICTORIA.
Geelong has been endowed by nature with ad-
vantages which could not be secured by art, and
which Melbourne can never possess — advantages
that in every respect woidd have entitled her to
rank as the first city in Victoria, had Melbourne
not been at the time of proclaiming the separation
of the colony from New South Wales the more im-
portant place of the two, and consequently fixed
on as the seat of government. In place of the
narrow intricate river of Melbourne, Geelong is
fronted by a fine expansive bay, of sufficient width
and depth for the formation of docks that would
equal in extent, and excel in their local proximity
to the town, any in the United Kingdom. As a
London jom-nal justly observed, " Geelong will
some day be the Liverpool of Australia." The
situation is also vastly superior to that of Mel-
bourne. There is a gradual ascent from the mouth
of the bay to the summit of the town, the whole of
which is refreshed, and the atmosphere purified,
by the morning and evening sea breeze ; and this,
after a semi-tropical day, or a sufibcating hot
wand, is a luxury, that may easily be imagined —
independently of the benefit to health which the
inhabitants derive therefrom.
At present, however, there is a temporary
impediment to the conunercial progress of this
improving town, No ships, except those of small
tonnage, can approach within five or six miles of
the wharves, owing to the existence of a small
VICTORIA. 31
shoal or sand bank — tlie removal of wliicli would
at once allow of five hundred ships to lie at anchor
within as many yards of the towai. That such an
obstacle — admitted even by the ruling powers to
be capable of removal at a trifling expense, com-
pared with the benefits to be derived therefrom —
should have been allowed to remain so long, is a
positive disgrace to those who have the power to
secure the accomplishment of an object of such
immense importance to the colony.
This, and other evils of equal magnitude, mil
fail to exist so soon as the press and public opinion
shall have acquired their legitimate corrective
power, and are capable of exercising that whole-
some influence over men and matter that has
raised England to her present independent position,
and made the freedom and liberties of her jjeople
the admiration and envy of other nations.
The streets of Geelong are well laid out and of
good width ; but the houses have the same sin-
gular appearance and are equall}'^ objectionable
with those of Melbourne, OAving to their want of
uniformity in elevation and design. There are,
however, some good substantial buildings ; and so
soon as the miserable sheds that adjoin or sui'round
them shall be removed — a work which time and
the requirements of the inhabitants TvaU no doubt
accomplish — Geelong will be superior in every-
thing but the number of her inhabitants to her
sister town. The market square — or rather the
32 VICTORIA.
large oj)en space assigned and left for the pui'pose
of a square — for neither the place nor the siuTound-
ing houses haye at present any claim to the title —
might he made a really useful as well as an orna-
mental spot, for being situated in the centre of the
town, a tasteful enclosure, in place of the few
stumps of old trees that peep just above the sur-
face, woidd not only have a pleasing effect and
greatly improve the aspect of the localit}^, but
woidd likewise benefit the fine open streets abutting
therefrom. Altogether, the outhne for a fine city
has been supplied, and when time, taste, and labor
shall have perfected the details — and the present
obstruction to the shipping is removed — Geelong
will not suffer by a comparison with any commer-
cial town of equal size in the United Kingdom.
Of the public institutions we defer our notice to a
future period.
It is by no means an agreeable thing for public
writers to find themselves oj^posed to public opinion.
Public opinion on important subjects is generally
the correct one. Occasional instances are recorded
in which future generations of jurors quash the
judgments of their forefathers, and, by reversing
the verdicts given antecedent to their own time,
pronounce former minorities to be right. These
cases are of rare occurrence ; still they go to prove
that majorities are not always right. In addition
to this the subject in question is not exactly a home-
made one ; for the opinion on which we suppose
VICTORIA. 33
ourselves at issue with the British public is one
founded by the latter on report only — and that
from an opposite land.
By T\Titers great and small, public and private,
at home and abroad — from the prince to the peasant,
and from the historian to the penny-a-liner — Aus-
traha has been pronounced, " the finest climate iu
the world." Unable to speak of all other climates
from our own experience, but having traversed a
larger portion of the globe than those whose pens
— not persons — ^have compassed it, truth compels
us to say, if Austraha be the finest climate in the
world, there are other climates — including those of
Van Diemen's Land and New Zealand, of which
we shall speak at a futui'e period — that, in our
opinion, belong to a better world. But, in speaking
of the climate of Austraha, our remarks are not
exclusively confined to Victoria, but also to New
South Wales, &c. Considered altogether, — having
ourselves experienced the alternate seasons in each
locality — we pronounce Austraha, for reasons we
shall assign, not only to be not the finest climate
in the world, but to be inferior to any other with
which we are personally acquainted. We are there-
fore totally at a loss to account for those favorable
sketches and highly colored pictures of the coimtry
which not only impressed us with opinions contrary
to our present conviction, but which, dm-ing om-
residence in the Colonies, prevented us for some
time from arriving at conclusions directly opposed
34 VICTORIA.
to fonner impressions. No doubt many of the
extravagant eulogiums that have been written and
circidated, either originated with, or were penned
by private and interested persons. Some of the
more prominent and influential accounts probably
originated with a higher motive — that of populating
a uxalthy and extensive colontj, by holding out every
kind of temptation, real and imaginary, that would he
lilxely to draw the surplus and unemployed pojnilation
of the United Kingdom to a land in which they might
benefit themselves as well as distant branches of the
mother country. That writers in such a cause might
successfidly plead in justification of their praises,
is not a question for us to decide. We have simply
to record the truth, according to our belief; and
this we will do, to the best of our ability, whatever
opinions may prevad to the contrary. "While
speaking calmly and impartially of the Colonies
and their inhabitants, or exposing the failings or
defects of either, we do not for a moment wish nor
intend to check emigration. On the contrary, it
will probably be found that we are even stronger
advocates for its extension than those whose un-
measured praises woidd rather tend to retard than
advance it. God forbid that we should so forget
our duty and neglect our advice to thousands of
ovir half paid and half starved laborers and me-
chanics, as to say anything that woidd stay them
from a country where they will not onl}^ find full
employment, but where they will receive that
VTCTORIA. 35
handsome remuneration for their labor whicli, with
industry and sobriety, would enable them to live
in present comfort and futiu-e ease. No. We will
merely sketch the groundwork and objects of tlie
vast and unfinished surface as we find them, so that
our readers, or the future spectators of the scene
may not be disappointed with the picture.
In pronoimcing Australia an imgenial climate,
we do not declare it to be positively imhealthy.
On the contrary, we believe it conducive to health
for a season, only that the season is of short
duration. The excessive heat of the summer
months, and the want of atmospheric hmnidity are
the holy stones that imperceptibly wear out the
machine of life, although they may not produce
any organic disease in the machinery so long as it
lasts. Great age is but seldom attained either by
the native or the settler. As for the early shoots
of human nature which arrive from the mother
country — they become like hot-house plants that
are forced to maturity at an early age ; but they
appear deficient in that natural stamina which can
alone preserve their beauty and prolong their exist-
ence. Colonel Miinday justly observes that " the
females attain maturity with a degree of j)recocity
which is sure to react in after life. The fair, fresh
rose-bud of fifteen or sixteen will be full blo>\Ti next
summer ; but, alas ! often shows the first sjonptoms
of decay at an age when the English girl will
scarcely have reached perfection. Doubtless a
36 VICTORIA.
certain degree of atmospheric liiunidity is necessary
fos the preservation of the human skin ; for where
is to be seen such brilliancy of complexion as in
our o^Ti misty native islands ? — and it is a bril-
liancy that wears well, not a mere coruscation gone
almost as soon as seen. But in a sultry and dry
climate beauty and bloom are not so evergreen."
The frequent ruinous disasters that befal the squat-
ters, owing to the heat of the climate, want of
water, and destructive bush-fires are so truthfully
described by the same writer, who never fails to
praise the country when he can, that a quotation
will furnish our own evidence and opinion on the
subject : —
"Of all the featiu-es of Australian climatology,
di'ought is the most prominent and forbidding. I
find in my diaries several jDoriods of four and five
months without one drop of rain ; live stock and
grain crops ruined ; the country like tinder, sus-
ceptible to the smallest spark, and, at the back of
every puff of high wind, blazing in all directions ;
well if the bush-fire encroach not on the faims,
as is too often the case, consuming stacks, fences,
standing crops, out-houses, cattle, and even human
beings."
* " In April 1849, the sun set at Sydney for several
weeks successively in a lurid haze of smoke. During
his last two hours above the horizon, the weakest
eye might gaze un^n'uking at his rayless disk.
The whole West was either in flames or smouldering.
VICTORIA. 37
In January 1850, during a lengthened drought,
the north shore of the harbour was on fire for ten
or twelve days. At night it looked like a line of
twenty or thirty huge furnaces, extending over
some fifteen miles. The city was shrouded in smoke,
and the air was pervaded with the aromatic odour
of the burning gum-trees. Many poor settlers
would have been ruined but for a liberal subscrip-
tion raised for the sufferers. In 1851, hundreds of
miles of country in the district of Port Philip were
included in one vast conflagration, and as many
families brought to destitution by the destruction
of their property. The heavens were obscured for
a long period by a canopy of smoke, the soot falling
on board vessels at sea one hundred and fifty miles
distant from the land. When the rain does come
it comes with a vengeance, sometimes carrjdng
away, in its torrents, roads, gardens, walls, palings,
and bridges, which had proved invulnerable to the
preceding bush-fires. Every highway becomes a
river, every by-way a brook, every bank a cataract.
The thmider cracks right over head like the report
of a gun. Hailstones come rattling down an inch
long, knocking over young live-stock and domestic
poultry, levelling orange orchards and vineyards,
breaking windows and hiunan heads ; still, in
twenty-four hours, or less, the dust is blowing
about as bad as ever. No one who has not lived
in a comitry liable to drought can appreciate the
eagerness with which every assemblage of clouds
38 VICTOKIA.
is watched ; with what feelings of disappointment
their breaking up without yielding a drop is accom-
panied ; with what thankfulness the boon of mo-
derate rain and showers is received when it does
come. ' My word/ cries the inland squatter, * this
will fill the water-holes rarely, and save me a thou-
sand or two head of stock, which would otherwise
have died for want of water.' He is delighted
with the gift, though he may possibly lose two or
three horses, if not his own life, in attempting to
cross the bottom, where yesterday there was nothing
to be seen moister than a glaring white sand, hot
enough to boil a retort."
But the long droughts, excessive heat, hot winds,
bush-fires, &c., which are peculiar to Australia, are
more serious and destructive to the agricultural
interests and squatters stock, and have a more in-
jurious efiect on the landed proprietor's pui'se than
his person. Although attended with considerable
personal inconvenience and occasional injurj', these
atmospheric excesses and transitions tend rather
to cripple or retard the progress of agriculture
than to inflict any serious or immediate danger on
the himran frame. We entirely agree with the
subsequent observations of the writer we have just
quoted, who ha\TJig truthftdly described some of
the inconveniences which arise from a semi-tropical
summer, goes on to state that "the Australian
autumn and winter will be fovmd altogether de-
lightful." These expressions are in imison with
VICTORIA. 39
oiir own feelings and opinion on the subject. An
Australian autumn is equal in all respects, if not
superior to an English one ; while an English
winter is colder and altogether less agreeable than
an antipodal one.
We have already described the causes which
prevent the creation of a refined or intellectual
taste on the part of the illiterate residents in the
colony, as also the immediate and monetary object
that retards the cidtivation or advancement of any
of the higher facidties of the mind on the part of
those — although but a small minority of the poj)u-
lation — by whom the fruit of useful knowledge had
been tasted before leaving the mother country, and
who are convinced of the superior advantages of
what they nevertheless neglect for — gain. But the
great cause, above all others, of the unintellectual
as well as the immoral state of society in Australia
may be found in the fact that a very large majority
of her inhabitants are composed — partly of those
who have been either bred in vice or contaminated
by their association -vsath it, and others whose minds
have been abused or pointed before leaving their
native land. Pointed by what, or by whom ? — By
the dregs of tJte press !
A large proportion of the inhabitants, as we have
already stated, comprise those whose ignorance is
their leading characteristic, and others who prove
that "little knowledge is a dangerous thing,"
and that total ignorance were better than the
40 VICTORIA.
unripened and bitter friiit produced by the early
seeds of democratic and revolutionary doctrines,
and the pernicious influence exercised by those who
entertain them. But we advise those who question
the permanent evils arising from trashy and im-
moral literature, and who require striking demon-
stration to dissipate their doubts, to traverse, as we
have, the length and breadth of the popidated parts
of the Australian colonies ; they will then discover
from actual observation the demoralising eiFects
produced on the minds and habits of the working
classes, and the growing evils arising through
having at an early age imbibed the intoxicating
poisons dispensed and disseminated by low and un-
principled publications ; — they will then discover
that thousands of the youthful branches of their
own countrjTnen and of the present generation
have had their minds polluted, their morals cor-
rupted, and their talents partially, if not wholly
perverted, by a mass of impure matter which dur-
ing the greater part of the last thirty years has
been vomited from the disorganised bowels of an
unhealthy press, as icholesome food for an enlightened
j^eople ! From the tent to the city — from the
squatter's station to the storekeeper's cupboard —
from the digger's hut to the merchant's drawing-
room, they will find that the RejTiolds or the
Eugene Sue class of fables, and Lloyd's Sunday
NewsjDaper, form the chief, and in many cases, the
only literary feature of the resident's habitation.
VICTORIA. 41
Yes ; such is tlie principal mental stock of these
rich and extensive Colonies. One would suppose
them to be the receptacle for all the accumulated
literary sweepings of the United Kingdom. And
such woidd appear to be the fact ; for but little
else is either imported or inquired for. Let the
blame, however, for this depraved literary taste rest
with the originators — the writers, not the readers.
The mischievous effects produced by the venal
portion of the British press might naturally sug-
gest the following question, \dz. : — Did not the
respectable part of the EngKsh press and people
prove and exercise a superior power over the baser
and poorer half, what at present would be the state
of Great Britain ? Instead of being above, would
she not be on a level with, or below other nations ?
There may be found in England both writers, pro-
fessors, readers, and pupils of democratic principles
and revolutionary doctrines — to which low and
immoral literature of any description has a direct
tendency. But, fortimately for the v security and
welfare of the British empire, these persons form
but a small minority of her population; and al-
though the reduced ranks of this once rather for-
midable body still retain the names of a few influ-
ential individuals — influential with the poor and
uneducated — and some public characters of the
rabble creation, they judiciously disguise or conceal
the inflammable side of their doctrines in order
to avoid the fate of many of their predecessors —
42 VICTORIA.
a total extinction in tlie tide of popular indig-
nation. In ambush, there are doubtless some
descendants of the O'Connell or O'Connor school ;
and there ever will be, so long as env^^ unscrupu-
lous selfishness, and great but prostituted talents
conspire to make mob orators the deceived and the
deceivers. The better the form of existing govern-
ments, the more abusive and malignant wiU be
found those fiery demagogues who en\y in others
the honesty they want themselves, and who merely
aspire to place for emolument ; and to power with
a view to create or perpetuate on an extended
scale the abuses they decry. But these political
mountebanks who study to delude the ignorant
and imwary — these oratorical aeronauts and occa-
sional disturbers of the peace woidd have but a
short public existence, and would soon fall into
merited insignificance and obscurity, if they were
dependent on themselves alone for their popidarity.
Deprived of their paid trumpeters — writers to
publish and defend their doctrines — the ringleaders
in any and every imprincipled scheme — whether
political, social, or commercial — woidd prove as
harmless as butterflies, and lose their transient
position and showy complexion at the close of
their own brief season. Unfortunately, the leaders
of any cause however dark, or the teachers of any
theory however fallacious — the advocates of any
practice, however base, will not fail in their de-
signs for the want of literary organs to espouse
VICTORIA. 43
their cause, so long as the consideration bo equal
to the importance of the matter in hand. Un-
assisted by the prostituted talents of his paid
agents, O'Connell would not have inflicted such
lasting misery on his coimtry ; nor would he for
so many years have di-awn the hard-earned pence
from his starving countrymen whom he professed
to benefit. Alas ! for his departed greatness !
^Yhere shall we look for a single relic of his glory ?
Let the millions whom he deceived and plmidered
answer ; — let the undefiled consciences of his be-
loved and time-ser\'ing priests reply ; — or above
all, let those mortal meteors of the age who coui't
popularity in order to obtain some selfish end — let
them pause for a reply. The masked demagogues
of the present day would find no difiiculty — did
the time favor their designs — in obtaining writers
who, for a consideration, wovJd not hesitate to direct
their weapons against the constitution under which
they hold theii' liberties, or even to malign the
character or question the purity of one of the most
amiable and %drtuous monarchs that ever graced
the English throne.
The lovers of notoriety and power whose merits
may be unequal to their desii'es, and who may fail
to realize their wishes by legitimate and honorable
means, will not scruple to pursue any course by
which their vanity may be gratified or their selfish-
ness feasted. And in the by-lanes and corners of
literature there may always be foimd certain small
44
VICTOEIA.
groups of Kterary cads or lookers out, ready on the
shortest notice to do any little job that may be
required of them. Englishmen would not be so
often disgusted with the inflammable doctrines and
trashy harangues of some low popidarity hunter,
were it not for the marketable services of those
mercenary scribblers who would readily sacrifice a
people's morals or a coimtry's good for personal
gain. The seed of the honest husbandman might
take root and multiply without danger from ab-
straction, were it not for the existence of that black-
feathered tribe who are ever watching a favorable
opportunity to povmce upon and destroy the hopes
of the unguarded. So would the noble standard
of our ancient literature retain and add to its
former glory, were it not endangered by those
literary crows whose polluted quills are ever ready
to pander to a vitiated taste.
In none of the British dependencies — probably
in no part of Great Britain — are the demoralizing
fruits arising from the early seeds sown by the
degraded portion of om- press so painfully apparent
as in the AustraKan colonies — more especially in
the colony of Victoria. This proves that even the
greatest blessings are open to the greatest abuses.
"While the daily and principal portion of the
weekly newspaper press of this coimtry may re-
spectively and tridy be termed the chief justice
and the guardian of society, its unworthy followers
the Simday newspapers, with but few exceptions,
VICTORIA. 45
tend rather to demoralize tlian improve it. If,
witli the respectable part of the press, tliey were
more frequently to pietui^e the foibles of their ovm
readers, instead of for ever painting in the blackest
dye their many persecutions, and the remorseless
tyranny of their proud persecutors, it woidd then
be but fair and reasonable to suppose that their
columns were not tainted by sinister motives. But
no ; this would not be palatable to their patrons —
the working classes. Equality ! fraternity ! toge-
ther with every other revolutionary howl, or social
or political delusion, are much more likely to accord
with the feelings of their readers than anji;hing of
a more rational character ; and the writers have a
greater respect for their propertj^ than to lessen its
value by a more exalted course — although they
must be quite aware that their wholesale denuncia-
tions and fiery compositions are constantly sowing
the seed of discontent and disaflPection in the minds
of those who, being too illiterate to form correct
opinions of theii' own, are unfortunately too ready
to receive and adopt the fallacious doctrines of
others. In a word, the Sunday newspapers, with
the exceptions alluded to, are a curse to society.
They not only destroy, in many noble minds,
loyalty to the throne, proper respect to superiors,
and a brotherly love for each other ; but they also
turn them from their duty to God, by creating an
improper feeling towards his creatures, and a total
disregard for a proper observance of the Sabbath
day.
46 VICTORIA.
If tlie principal part of those connected vnth the
low Sunday newspapers are not absolute infidels,
their own writings wotdd lead an impartial reader
to consider them but one remove from the title, —
while such writers cannot fail to draw their deluded
patrons to the lamentable and hopeless condition
consequent on their profession, Nevertheless, some
of these men are popular. Popidar ! — with whom ?
Popularity in its unrestricted and proper sense is
not merely /at'or with any particular class of indivi-
duals, imless that class should happen to represent
a majority of the entire country or nation to which
it belongs. And with whom are the editors alluded
to popular ? With those only whose favor is more
readily and securely won by pandering to the
passions than by appealing to the intellect. And
although such "WTiters cause mischief enough in
their own immediate circle, and create most of the
evils which tend to unsettle the minds of their
poor subscribers, with no other class are their pub-
lications either read or recognised. Neither the
papers nor the proprietors are either known or
respected beyond their own circumscribed sphere.
True ; literary men of acknowledged talent occa-
sionally connect themselves with, or are induced
for a handsome consideration to prostitute their
abilities in editing these low papers and trashy
periodicals — a recent instance of which may be
within the knowledge of some of our readers — but
men who thus sacrifice the small claim to respect-
VICTORIA. 47
ability tliat they may have previously acquired,
are mostly those who are indebted for their public
position rather to some prize in the fortimes of
chance than to the exercise of genius ; for — like a
gorgeous stage spectacle that owes its success to
the decorator's art — the transitory fame of these
writers may generally be traced to circumstances
apart from real merit.
Such strong and unqualified expressions on the
part of those so hmnble and miaspiring as oiu'selves,
will, no doubt, arouse the indignation of that part
of the press to which our observations appl3^ We
cannot help this. The certainty of provoking the
imited censiu'e of the entire body would neither
prevent us from publishing the effects produced by
their perverted talents, nor induce us to modify in
the slightest degree the tone of our honest opinion.
Independent alike of fiarty, party purpose, or
place, our pen is not influenced by either ; and we
seek no higher return for our labor than that which
is usually awarded to those who work for the public,
and use only the materials of truth.
Having reverted chiefly to the pernicious ten-
dency the venal portion of a newspaper press has
on the minds of the imeducated part of the com-
munity, it may not be considered irrelevant to one
of the leading objects of our work — that of ten-
dering any suggestion by which the condition of
the working and middle classes may be improved —
to refer to another kind of literature which, with
48 VICTORIA.
more refined and intellectual readers, may not pro-
duce evils of equal magnitude witli tlie former,
but wMcli wiU nevertheless be found to exercise a
demoralising, tbougb indirect influence over the
feelings and babits of its readers. Let it be under-
stood, before we proceed, that we are not advocates
for the total extinction of all works of fiction. On
the contrary we consider that the better class of
such productions which have no immoral tendency,
may contribute to the welfare while they meet the
requirements of the community, and that they are
as necessary to the wants and enjoyments of a
people, and add more to the amusements, if not to
the comforts of life, than a course of fanciful
tartlets and jellies, or a siunptuous dessert, after a
substantial meal. Our remarks are intended to
apply only to the large and increasing number of
trashy novels which at present find a ready sale,
and are eagerly sought after by persons in every
grade of society — especially by the junior branches.
^Vho can at present reflect with unalloyed pleasure
on the rapid strides of invention of the nineteenth
century — what literary man of the present day,
who feels an interest in the intellectual progress of
society beyond mere personal gain, can view with
classic pride England's daily advances in science,
while some beardless youth can readily command
for a few sheets of fulsome romance a larger sum
than the inmiortal Milton obtained for his " Para-
dise Lost ? " While a host of romantic young
VICTORIA, 49
ladies and "fast" young gentlemen dive with
avidity into the "Mysteries of Paris," and feast
freely, and with increased relish, on the revolting
horrors and accumulated filth to be found in such
productions, surely the most sensible part of the
community cannot but feel bitter regret for the
degenerate taste of the other half; and while so
many of the senior branches — men of years and
station — parents, guardians, employers, and others
in good society — pronounce history " dry," and
poetry " a bore," and declare that our best periodi-
cals and first-class magazines are uninteresting,
no wonder one of our best modern writers should
declare that — " there is no country in the world
the inhabitants of which know so little of the
institutions, the laws, and the government under
which they live as the English." The same writer
goes on to observe that — " when the popular nature
of the constitution is considered the ignorance of
the people on this subject — and indeed on all other
subjects but that of money-making — is almost
miraculous. It is not confined to classes which are
supposed to be ignorant and uneducated, but it
extends to those in whom such ignorance is not
only disgraceful but criminal. It is impossible to
go into middle class society without hearing the
strangest falsehoods propounded as facts, and the
most absurd inferences drawn from them, whenever
the conversation turns upon history or politics.
A manufacturer, a wholesale dealer, a surgeon, or
E
50 VICTORIA.
any other person giving employment to others,
might be pardoned for kno^\"ing less of his own
coimtry and its institutions than a German or a
Frenchman, were not his ignorance contagious,
and sometimes fatal in its consequences." We
will simply add to these remarks, which emanated
from the editorial pen of one connected with a
leading journal, our belief — for the consideration
of those who neglect substantial literary food and
useful knowledge for unwholesome garbage — ^that
the majority of romantic adventures, uneven and
unhappy love matches, elopements, seductions, and
even suicides, which occasionally cause so much
misery to parents and families, have their origin
in, or are precij)itated by the intoxicating but
odious vapours inhaled from the imnatural and
heated tales of the fulsome pubKcations to which
we have allvided.
By speaking in condemnatory terms of fidsome
romances and trashy pubHcations, let it not be
supposed that our observations apply to all litera-
ture of a low price. We intend the word trashy
to include imwholesome and immoral works of
any and every description or price. Many of om'
cheapest rank with many of our best publications,
because they have a moral tendency, and because
they not only amuse but improve the mind — and,
more than all, because they are within the reach
of the poor and those with whom an increase of
knowledge would be both a social blessing and a
VICTOIITA. 51
national boon. It would be unfair and invidious
in us to particularise any periodical or periodicals,
either for the purpose of praise or censure, although
we coidd name several cheap and valuable publica-
tions which are largely patronised by the middle
classes — jjublications which, if extensively kno'^Ti
and read by the poor in place of low and scurrilous
Simday newspapers, covJd not fail to produce social
and mental benefits where they are mostly needed.
Half the grievances in the world are sentimental
grievances ; and half the virtues and vices in the
world are either ancestral or parental ones. The
youthfid or junior part of a generation are the
inheritors, rather than the originators. Example
is better than precept ; and a good example will
insure a larger nimiber of faithful followers than
can be secured by a . good sermon. Yii'tue being
the cidtivated vine, or conservatory shoot and
household gem, rather than a wild and growing
instinct of nature, we are more likely to foUow
good qualities than to generate them, although
they may in some instances be neglected or aban-
doned in matm^ity. The taste, the habits, the
manners, the failings — indeed the good or evil
qualities of any class or complexion, which adorn
or disfigure the human race, may — like some en-
tailed inheritance — generally be traced to a former
and relative owner, as the first step to or groimd-
work of their title but seldom originate with the
immediate possessor.
52 VICTORIA.
Who can doubt tliat tlie knavery, immorality,
and all other social, commercial, and political evils
wliicli are to be foim.d in Australia — not only in
Australia, but in any and every other land — are
the offshoots or after-crops which spring either
from early association, bad example, or want of
moral training ? The history of an Australian
murderer will generally prove the cvdprit to have
entered on the highway to his awful goal at an
early date — probably before he had left, or been
expelled, the mother country. The rogue or gam-
bler in a foreign land, had no doubt been one or
the other, or perhaps both, in his owm. Social
serpents and political agitators at home will not
be found family protectors or public peace-makers
when abroad. No. The actors and the acts have,
each and all, some antecedent to wliich they are
related in a greater or lesser degree, and the first
connecting link may generally be traced to the
want of good or the influence of bad example at
an early age.
Those who feel an interest in the future welfare
of their children and their country should remem-
ber that the liberal education of the former or an
extravagant outlay in the latter will not — alone —
accomphsh what they desire. " By good moral
training," says a modern writer, " by kindly actions
which shim the guise of ostentation — ^by words of
sympathy, genuine and unaffected — ^parents, mas-
ters, and employers may make those around and
VICTORIA. 53
below them not only more diligent and faitlifid in
their respective duties, but thej will also make
them better men and better subjects." Parents
often regard others as the originators of any im-
perfections which may present themselves in their
children ; and they frequently attribute to the
monitor or commercial instructor of such children
not only the discovery of any bad quality, but
they also lay the cause entirely at the master's
door, although it might have merely opened a
stronger light on growing e^dls created or neglected
under their o"svn paternal roof. The earliest im-
pressions on the mind are generally the most per-
manent ; and although they may for a time be
partially obscured, or even perverted by the changes
and allurements of life, their effect is but seldom,
if ever, wholly effaced. The sacred injimction of
"Train up a child in the way he should go, and
he wall not depart from it " has been so fully and
frequently exempKfied by proof, that it will merely
be necessary to refer our readers to our own simple
and — to the best of our ability and belief — faithfid
account of the Australian population for a further
illustration of the moral precejDt.
There are many, however, with whom the pre-
ceding remarks may suggest the following question
— How does it happen that a prodigal or dis-
obedient son frequently descends from the most
affectionate and irreproachable parent ? The ex-
ception or exceptions to every rule must, of course,
54 VICTORIA.
yield an affirmative to such an interrogation ; but
it may be fairly assumed that the subjects of pro-
digality or disobedience are more numerous, in the
proportion of at least five to one, in those gay or
tinsel-minded circles in wliich the jxmior branches
find no moral principle propoimded, and have no
good example to follow. Then let it be borne in
mind by that parent who would shelter or doubt
the appearance of any bad quality in his child, by
attributing its discovery to the caprice of his tutor,
that an impartial observer may possibly regard it
as the ripening fruit of his o^\ti garden, or the
growing weeds produced by neglect or mismanage-
ment. Shoidd a parent forget, at an early period,
to prepare in his son's mind the way to a substan-
tial foundation, or omit to cvdtivate the path by
the force of good example, there will be but faint
hope of its subsequent formation. If the proper
principles be not instilled before the youth enters
on his commercial or scientific career, the chance
of their future installation will be but small indeed;
for although, in the spring of life, opportunities
occur for beautifying the intellect and increasing
the amount of useful knowledge, they are but
seldom, if ever, embraced, if a foretaste of their
utility has not been previously acquired. Without
the vital spirit of true morality be imparted by
the parent in a child's progress through life, the
chances are at least two to one in favor of the
enemy.
VICTORIA. 55
Those parents, masters, and employers wlio are
anxious to see om- Colonies peopled with a better —
that is, a more upright and honest class of men —
should endeavour to infuse into the minds of their
dependants that which woidd prove a mental barrier
— to stay them from those schools of vice with which
the great English metropolis abomid. Such j)laces
not only lead the mechanic, the young tradesman,
the professional pupil, or the scholar from the
sacred paths of wtue, but likewise pervert the
mental faculties, prostrate the physical energies,
and increase the distance and fortify the difRcidties
on the way to every great and honorable distinction
in the drama of life. Such places deter and hold
back the frequenters from noble aspirations — as-
pirations more wholesome, more legitimate, and in
all respects more beneficial in their residts both to
mind, body, and soul ; for the frequenters of such
places not only waste their time and money, but
they waste everything that can impart a bloom to
the intelligence of youth, or vigour to the years of
manhood. What are these saloons and casinos,
which annually spring up in the metropolis in
sorae new form, but the originators and harbin-
gers of the very worst description of vice and
immorality — where thousands of respectable youths
are deprived of their honorable title, seduced by
the allurements of the scene, and finally made the
victims of dishonest and abandoned practitioners
— the first step, in too many cases, to their total
56 VICTORIA.
ruin. It must be a matter of regret to all morally
disposed persons that there is no legislative enact-
ment in which the authorities can arm themselves
with power to close such dens of dissipation and
obscenity. The mischief caused to youth by visiting
these places — the nightly resorts of pickpockets
and prostitutes — is incalcidable. With young men
and citizens — especially with those who have no
protecting power, beyond the dictates of their own
inclinations, to guide or govern them after the
business of the day — such places generally lead to
extravagance ; and extravagance is often the pre-
cursor of dishonesty ; and dishonesty, it is well
known, is the parent of ruin.
"We woidd briefly refer to another custom which
tends to impair the morality, if not to weaken the
probity of the practitioners — a custom which, within
the last few years, has been gaining ground with
many of our specidative young men. We allude
to the practice of "making betting books." True,
the working and middle classes may plead, in
justification of such a practice, that they are only
following the track of many of their betters — men
of rank and station. We can only regret the
existence of that fashionable species of gambling
which will admit of such a plea being placed on
record; and we regret still more that the recent
legislative measiu-e, which placed a temporary
check on low betting houses, did not also apply to
betting in general, without reference either to
VICTORIA. 57
station or denomination. Can anything be more
absurd — we might almost say dishonest, for such
practices are a near approach to dishonesty — than
a young man in a situation of fifty, seventy, or
eighty pounds a year, making bets on a single race
to the amount of several hundreds of pounds ! We
have kno-uai not only of one or two such cases, but
of many. But apart from the general result of
such folly, kt us weigh the subject — as all such
matters should be weighed — ^by moral principle.
We woidd ask employers whether such jvivenile
trading without ccqjital is not only wrong in prin-
ciple, but whether it is not an absolute infringe-
ment of duty on the part of their servants ? The
individual disposition to serve oneself first is but
natural, and when the servant becomes a secret
trader on his own account, the master must be the
sufferer — even if it be but in loss of time or labor.
The youth whose whole facidties are at fever heat,
in the hope of "winning fifty or a hundred poimds
on a single race, which the brief space of a few
minutes will decide, will not — nay, cannot give his
undivided attention to one whom he is pledged to
serve faithfully at so much per annum. We would
advise all employers who have a regard to their
own interest, as well as for the welfare of their
assistants, to look to this. Out of one e\aL spring
many. And than this practice of betting nothing
can have a more dangerous tendency on the mind
of youth.
58 VICTORIA.
Yet how are such, evils prevented and opposite
results accomplislied ? It can hardly be expected
that the junior part of a communitj^ should benefit
by the force of good example, honest principles,
upright dealing, and moral training, while so many
parents, masters, and employers stand in need of
these things themselves. It would be imreason-
able to expect of a profligate or dishonest parent
or master a well trained child, or a faithful and
upright servant. Dependants take their tone from
those above them ; and the child who has vice for
his father — to be virtuous, must be disobedient.
And how many parents and employers are there
in the commercial arena — some of whom stand
high, very high with the world — who, deeming
dishonesty the surest way to advancement, embrace
it rather as a virtue than a vice. Mark, for in-
stance, the innimierable tricks, puifs, and wilful
falsehood practised by some of the modern trades-
men or bubble-blowers of the day — men who pro-
fessing to vend their goods at ten, fifteen, or twenty
per cent, less than their value, are in reality study-
ing the most deceptive means for securing thirty,
forty, or fifty more, or so much more than unpre-
tending but more respectable neighbours. But,
apart from every honest principle, we would ask,
what does such a system efiect ? Does it not more
frequently defeat than attain the object of the
party adopting it ? The liar at once sacrifices his
own honor, and when detected, he also sacrifices
VICTORIA. 59
the faith of his customer. Suspicion is, in most
cases, attended with fear ; and to suspect those
with whom we wish to do business, is frequently
to deter us from doing it. Even in the most
trivial matters, exaggeration and falsehood are now
so frequently resorted to, that their pernicious
fruits seem almost to grow imperceptibly in men's
nature. Dissimidation at its present pace will soon
become habitual ; for even in the ordinary discus-
sions of social life — although there be no personal
motive to serve — the speakers constantly employ
falsehood, without even being aware of it. Yet
many will note in others what they unconsciously,
or willingly practise themselves. So much again
for the influence of example. It proves that the
want of moral resolution, as a riding principle of
action, is one of the greatest defects in human
nature. Most of us know what is right — many
feel disposed to do what is right — but, through the
want of a little moral courage, there are but few
indeed with whom wdsdoni and strength of mind
are proof against temptation, and who are not
sometimes induced to act contrary to what they
know to be right. This proceeds not from a want
of knowledge of a duty we owe ourselves, but from
the abuse of it — originating in the neglect of oiu'
early obKgations to our Creator. Why not a suffi-
cient restraint on oiu- actions to bridle our inclina-
tions, or to resist the temptation of others ? The
influence of pernicious example, and the want of
60 VICTORIA.
instant courage to resist it prepare the way to th.e
ruin of thousands. Nor is this frailty in hiunan
nature a feature less prominent in manhood than
in youth.
In concluding our "first impressions" of the
colony of Victoria, it is necessary to remind those
of our readers who may consider the gist of our
observations to apply rather to the habits and
character of the inhabitants than to the progress
and position of the country, that it is usual to
regard with greater interest the character than the
habitation of a newly made acquaintance, and that
visitors generally note the manners or sketch the
vices or virtues of their host, before they proceed
to review the style of his residence or the peculiar
features of his domain. Besides which, the moral,
social, political, and commercial greatness of a
country spring from the people themselves, not
from the land they inhabit — even though the re-
gion be a golden one. No covmtry can arrive at,
or maintain permanent commercial prosperity,
imless the inhabitants possess and properly apply
the elements of success. And to hold a high posi-
tion with kindred states or spirits, nations, like
individuals, must command and merit a character
for honesty, not only in profession, but also in
action. That an unprincii^led and profligate com-
munity — however wealthy — can take a high rank
in the scale of nations, we believe as impossible
as that the World would consider an individual who
VICTORIA. 61
had lost his cliaracter for integrity to be a person
worthy of trust. The colony of Victoria has all
the elements of greatness, but will never become
great, so long as her inhabitants continue in
their present course, and embrace and practice dis-
honesty rather as a virtue than a vice. Strong in
this belief, we have in our preceding remarks dwelt
at greater length on the barriers which impede the
greatness of the colony than on the colony itself;
and we shall only be too hapj)y, after the abate-
ment of the present excited and reckless state of
the people, to note a favorable change in the
settlers themselves — without which the comitry
will remain an imcidtivated, though not a barren
land, and its residents nothing but imscrupulous
gamblers.
SECOND IMPEESSIONS
YICTOEIA.
In newly populated countries or colonies a little
time lias been known to effect great changes.
Even so witli Australia — more especially with the
colony of Yictoria, of which we now speak. During
the short sjDace that divides the first from our
present visit — a period of less than two years — ^not
only great changes, but great and visible improve-
ments have taken place both in persons and places.
Indeed there has been a perceptible move in the
right direction with regard to almost everything
and everybody. From the digger in his tent to
the merchant in his store ; — from the governor and
his attendants to the council and its members ; —
from the administrative to the executive, and from
the highest in authority to the meanest ofiicial, a
marked advance has been made toward the general
interests of the colony and its inhabitants. In all
— except the climate itself — a striking improve-
ment is observable. True ; the country has not
64 VICTORIA.
been re-modelled, nor its peojjle replaced, but the
aspect of both, are more inviting than formerly.
The elements of vice and immorality are still
here, although they appear to have been somewhat
checked — let us hope reduced. Instead of a curse,
— misfortune sometimes proves a blessing ; for it
enables the sufferers to reflect on their present
state and serves as a wholesome lesson in the
future. The commercial crisis which we previ-
ously predicted, and which has now arrived and
brought with it the fall of thousands of adven-
turers who speculated without capital and without
principle, has been and will continue to be of great
benefit to the colony, although it may produce a
temporary pressure even with those whose means
enable them to withstand the shock. A more
healthy state of the country is already visible.
Though colonial rogues have not grown upright,
nor sabbath-breakers turned saints, nor profligates
become pure, honesty and good conduct appear to
be a little more respected. Swindling, dissij)ation,
and other relative ^^ces are not so openly and im-
pudently practised and encoiu-aged, nor allowed
to remain so entirely unnoticed as heretofore.
Travellers may now venture in many, or rather
in most parts of the colony, and pursue their course
without the fear of being "stuck up" (robbed) or
murdered ; and even a storekeeper on the diggings
is permitted to take his rest at night without being
compelled, as a necessary guard to his person and
VICTORIA. 65
pocket, to fortify liis pillow with a revolver. Per-
sonal and social comforts — formerl}' unattainable —
are occasionally within the reach of those who
have the monetary means to secure them. A
gentleman has not at all times to submit to the
indignity of sleeping, or rather lying, in a room
with some half dozen liimian strang^ers together
with countless living things of a smaller but
not less objectionable species. The requirements
of the people may at present be satisfied with
something at least approaching to civilization,
Now that the condition of the colony has been
calmly considered, and affairs have assumed a
more settled state, that great leveller of monopoly,
that commercial and social standard-bearer and
public benefactor — competition — has at length
apjjeared, and satisfied masses as well as individuals
that to secui-e a profitable and permanent position
for themselves they must study the iuterests and
contribute to the comforts of their customers.
People have not, as formerly, to beg for accom-
modation anywhere at any price ; neither have
they so frequently to submit to such daring and
unheard-of extortion, or be compelled at a mo-
ment's notice to leave their hotels, because some
bull-headed and ignorant landlord chooses to tell
them they " don't spend money enough."
There is lOvCwise a perceptible, if not a consi-
derable diminution of another monster evil — an
evil the existence of which will seriously affect the
66 VICTORIA.
■well-bemg of any commimitv. Tlian tlie love and
excessive use of ardent and intoxicating drinks
notMng impedes tlie progress of science and art
and everything connected -^th the march of
civilization more — ^while nothing can impair the
health and corrupt the morals of a people so much.
Intemperance in this respect has hitherto been and
still is the self- generated curse that afflicts the
Australian colonies. Like some pestilential and
contagious disease, it seems to affect all classes and
all ages. The -working part of the popidation —
that includes nearly all, for the aristocratic portion
is confined to the several governors, their respective
suites and a fe\r others — aj)pear to breathe the air
or to be influenced more or less by the noxious
vapour of the prevailing malady. The colony of
Victoria, as \vill be seen by our comparative table
on the consumption of spirits, is more largely im-
pregnated with the deadly poison than either of
the others. This, no doubt, is owing to her being
the mistress of the great gold fields, on which the
scum of EngKsh society, and a portion of American
are located. The more respectable and educated
class of persons who have within the last few years
settled in the country are, of course, not so easily
affected by the contagion ; but these persons are
represented by simple imits tmder very large num-
bers, and which, if deducted therefrom, would not
materially reduce the total. Indeed, it may be
fairly assumed that two-thirds of the entire popu-
VICTORIA. 67
lation eitlier drink freely or excessively of intoxi-
cating liquors. A very large proportion of the
squatters and old settlers are great and habitual
drinkers ; and as di'ink is one of the great elements
of, and is invariably associated -with crime, all
those who have either been expelled their coimtry
or selected self-banishment as a lenient punishment
for some criminal or unlawful act, are drimkards
by aid of their calling.
The persons in Australia more seriously affected
than others by intemperance, and who enlist oiu'
pity, if not our sjonpathy, are those honest and
hardworking artizans and naturally temperate men
who want the moral courage or strength of mind
to avoid " doing as others do," and who gradually
become the victims of intemperance, not from the
absolute love of drink, but through the seductive
and pernicious influence of evil association. For
the puqDOse of improving their position, hundreds
of steady industrious mechanics have left the
mother country for one in which — did they but
continue in their former temperate career — their
object might be easily and at once secured ; but in
the majority of cases the ser^dces of these useful
adventurers are partially if not wholly lost to the
Colony ; and the men themselves will be foimd to
have derived less profit in person and pocket from
extravagant wages and dissolute habits abroad
than they did by moderate wages and sobriety at
home. For the good opinion of those indolent
68 ^^CTORIA.
and drunken companions, whose good opinion is
worse tlian worthless, many honest but weak-
minded men become their o\^ai executioners ; for
to obtain the applause and win the smile of some
old and hardened cidprit, they enter the path on
which they not onh^ destroy their hopes in life
but in too many cases come to an imtimely and
unhajDpy end. If such persons at the outset were
only to consider or weigh for a moment the good
opinion of intemperate workmen against that
matchless blessing — health — the value of whose
presence is never known till needed, they would
surely perceive that the empty gain of the one
would not repay them for the irreparable loss of
the other.
AYe seldom venture more than a passing opinion
on political subjects, and then an\.y so far as the
matter referred to has some bearing on the work
in hand. Had we however the good or ill fortmie
to belong to that class of politicians who advocate
universal suffrage, equality, fraternity, §t., our ex-
perience in the Colonies would have been more
than sufficient to convince us of the frailty of the
materials on which such principles are formed.
England woidd indeed be in a dej)lorable con-
dition, were the respectable and well-educated
portion of her people reduced to a level \ni]i those
who fiu'nish the most direct and unanswerable
evidence of theii' incapacity to take care either of
themselves or anything intrusted to their care.
VICTORIA. 69
The man who cannot protect his own would be
but a feeble guardian for the property of others ;
and if unfit to guard private rights, he would
hardly be qualified for a public trust. ^VTiether
his protection be required for a political priAdlege,
or a pound, the residt woidd be identical ; for
although the coin might be more convertible than
the vote, the incapacity of the holder with respect
to the application wovdd be the same in either
case — for the influence of associates would prove a
sufficient leading-string for any purpose or any
point. On political questions, which contribute
so much either to national greatness or national
weakness, a man's capacity shoidd be equal to
his power ; and while the poorer classes have not
the power to comprehend and appreciate, nor
the moral courage to protect political privileges,
even absolutism with its attendant evils would, in
our opinion, be preferable to universal suffrage.
Returning to the point that proA^oked the pre-
ceding remarks, we come to an important question :
— when does a nation benefit most by the me-
chanical part of her popidation and working classes
generally — when the return for their labor will
supply them with all the necessaries and a few of
the luxuries of life, or at a period when they can
command wages sufficient either for accumidation
or extravagance ? Oiu* experience enables us to
supply something more than a speculative answer
in favor of the lower scale ; for we are satisfied
70
VICTORIA.
that not only a nation or colony benefits by mode-
rate rates but likemse the recipients or laborers
tbemselves. With, moderate wages the artizan
devotes his services to his country or his employer,
while his absence from the pot-house or gin-shop
is one of the best guarantees for the preservation
of his health. But with inordinate wages not
only two-thirds of the mechanic's labor is entirely
lost, but his constitution generally becomes a prey
to intemperance, while the accumulated evils
arising from indolence, ^dce, sickness, and misery
follow. A man who can earn two pounds in one
day, which he squanders in idleness and dissipa-
tion during the rest of the week would of course
benefit both his employer and himself by having
to work six days for the amount which he receives
in one. The same ride appKes alike to workmen
and servants of either sex, and of any profession
or denomination. The female domestic in Aus-
tralia who receives fifty or sixty pounds a year is
more indolent, impudent, extravagant, or dissi-
pated, and regards the security of her situation
with greater indifference than when she was in
receipt of one-third of the amomit. Still she is
not richer at the end of the year than formerly.
She spends the surplus in finery, while her male
companion takes his to the public-house. The
sailor who receives fifty pounds instead of ten for
his services on the voyage to England will not be
found to be a richer, but — in health and strength
■\aCTORIA. 71
— a poorer man iu less tlian a montli after reacliiiig
his destination. Indeed, we mig-lit fm-nisli cases
to an indefinite number witli the same residts.
Everything tends to strengthen our behef, that
moderate but fair wages for the servant, the me-
chanic, and the laborer, contribute more to the
"welfare of themselves, their employers, and their
country, than high or excessive rates.
By a singular coincidence, our remarks on the
above head appear somewhat confirmed on (this
16th of April, 1855,) the day on which they were
written, by a leading article in " The Melbourne
Morning Herald," which we subjoin without
abridgement — less on account of its following our
view of the subject, than for the purpose — at some
futui'e page of our work — of contrasting the elastic
and conflicting doctrines of a colonial press, and
of showing how impulsive and accommodating
writers, — ^like rash and unsubstantial speculators,
— change, in the time of adversity, the cheerfid
tmie or consequential air they are wont to play in
a season of prosperity. " The Melbourne Morning
Herald," from which the following article is taken,
is perhaps one of the most consistent newspapers
in the colony : —
''WHAT HAVE WE GAINED BX GAMBLING
PRICES ?
" WitMn our brief career, as a separate colony, we have
some experiences worth, noting for futui'e remembrance.
The chief of these lessons from the past may be derived
72 VICTORIA.
from the events produced by the gold discoveries, as in-
fluencing prices of real and personal property, labor, &c.
With very few exceptions, the extraordinary prices of 1852
and the two succeeding years, have given way to fair and
moderate rates, for all descriptions of property; and we
may now look around, and ascertain what has been the
actual advantage gained, either by individuals or the com-
mvinity, from the excited and highly artificial state of affairs
that lately prevailed here.
' ' We commence ^ndth the Executive ; and we find that,
during the above period, they obtained for Cro^Ti lands
rates which could scarcely have been realised even in the
Great Metropolis of London. Building allotments went ofl'
at the rate of five to ten thousand pounds per acre, and
suburban and country lands at ten to fifty times the upset
prices, — rendering their profitable cultivation absolutely
impracticable. At the same time, the general revenue of
the colony advanced, — ^not at the rate of thousands only, —
but of millions, diu'ing the three years in question. It is,
therefore, evident that the Government had their full share
of the golden gains of the period. Yet what is its present
position ? Has it, Uke the Executive of the United States,
an overflowing ti'easiuy, — a reserved capital from the ple-
thora of the golden era of revenue, prudently husbanded
to meet the reaction which every man of common sense must
have foreseen? The answer to these questions must be
sought in the present bankrupt position of the public
finances, with heavy debts unliquidated, and prospective
wants far beyond prospective means.
"The mercantile body came in for the lion's share, in
these unwonted sources of rapid wealth. Commerce was
suddenly quadrupled, and commercial gains were increased
in a still greater ratio. Established houses counted their
profits by thousands, where hundi-eds had before represented
them ; and mushroom traders sprung up, to tui-n immense
AaCTORIA. 73
sxims weekly, "witlioiit a shilling of capital to commence
■with. If figures possess any value, in enabling us to
estimate results, -we should now look for a large class of
capitalists amongst the merchants and traders, possessed of
sui'plus wealth sufficient to carry on most of the great public
works required in the colony, by investments of capital,
such as we find in the mother country. Yet what has been
the result of all this rapid money-maldng iu commerce?
Not only have the mushroom class wholly disappeared,
lea\-ing in most instances an ugly record in the Insolvent
Court, but houses have been di-agged do^^^l with them,
which had previously stood on a firm foundation, and had
ample capital to support theii' operations. About a score of
this body, more selfish or far-seeing than their compeers,
have indeed realised their gains, and carried them off to
spend, amongst a more sober community on the other side
of the globe ; but these exceptions only increase the general
loss sustaLaed bj' the colony.
' ' The speculators in real propeiij" have been generally
considered a leading class of gainers by the extravagancies
of the golden era. They bought laud at four times its
value, to re- sell at twelve-fold that value ; and they buUt
hoiises at three -fold the average cost, to let them at rents
which represented two and thi'ee years' pxu'chase. Yet in
this class we also look in vain for surplus capital, — for any
number of men able and willing to expend extravagant
gains in reproductive works, permanently beneficial to
themselves and the colony. Their land investments are
now wholly unproductive in many instances, and houses
which xjost three-fold their actual value to raise, now pro-
duce far less to their o'ftTiers than the ciu'rent rate of interest
for money on loan ; although, -ndth rents reduced one-half,
we still find tenements that would be considered exorbi-
tantly high at £10 per year at home, have a rental affixed
to them of £50 to £80 per annum. In this class, therefore,
74 VICTORIA.
th.e general public are even now laboring under a disad-
vantage, whicb has, in a great measui-e, disappeared from
current prices, while no counterbalancing advantages remain
to any one.
*'The laboring man, it will be said, surely profited by
the enormous rate of wages which prevailed. But here,
also, we fail to trace out any endui-ing evidence of that
profit. Much of these unusual gains we know went into
the tills of the publicans, and thereby created a temporary
value in tavern property, which has since landed many of
the latest speculators in the Insolvent Com-t. But where
are we to seek the results of the sui-plus wages of the
laboring class? Do we find the vicinity of Melbom-ne
dotted with farms and market-gardens, — ^the natiu-al chan-
nels for investment by this class ? No such provident habit
has been encouraged amongst them; and so blind to the
future have the mass shown themselves, that a few days
lack of employment plunges them in difficulty.
" Our late Governor, Mr. La Trobe, (of whom it is easier
to speak with pity than anger,) plainly confessed his in-
ability to stem the tide of improvidence which set in from
the year 1852, and met every argument for ameliorating it
by a plea of helplessness, on the part of the Executive, to
control the tendency of the public to overlook the future, in
dealing with their exorbitant gains. A statesman woidd
have pursued a very different course. We have now very
dear-bought experience to guide us in the struggle we have
entered upon, to acquire anew the opportunities of progress
that we have lost ; and a statesman we must have to govern
Victoria, and initiate for her population measures for her
real advancement, and to set examples of prudence and
patriotism to the community."
As tlie writer of the foregoing article justly
observes, liigh. wages failed to make the working
VICTORIA. 75
classes in the colony of Victoria "provident." He
might hare added that moderate "wages comj)els
them — if not to be proyident, to be less extrava-
gant, thereby insming theii" longer absence from
the j)ot-house, and the consequent benefit to their
health if not to their pocket. There is not half
so much dissipation, di'imkenness and riot, vnth
the working classes at present as we found in the
colony during our first visit. Wli}^ ? Simply
because the working classes cannot at present earn
half so much as formerly, consequently have not
half so much to spend. The decline of intemper-
ance arises from no social advance in the habits
and tastes of the people themselves. Their in-
cKnation and desire for drink are the same now as
then, and only lie dormant for want of the means
to indidge them. We occasionally recognise at
the bar of our hotel, quietly taking a glass of ale,
some familiar form whom we remember to have
seen during our last visit shouting for "nobblers
roimd," and with oaths and clamoiu" spending five
or ten shillings on a lot of strangers, instead — as
at present — of calmly dispensing sixpence or a
shilling on himself.
But great gains, suddenly acquii'ed by the
middle classes, appear to be as improvidently
wasted, or at least to be quite as difficult to hus-
band as the inordinate wages of the laborer or
mechanic. Only two years since we had oitr at-
tention directed to numerous fortimate land or
76 VICTORIA.
mercantile speculators, wlio were worth some
forty, fifty, or a hundred thousand poimds per
man, many of whom at this present writing —
instead of repairing to tlieir native land with the
substantial weight of their former sport, have
their names entered for a passage through the
Insolvent Court. One gentleman whom we had
the honor — or rather misfortune, for he was a low
person — to meet in 1853, and who then proceeded
to England for the purpose, as he supposed, of
enjoying a permanent income of £10,000 a year,
has just returned to find that he is not worth as
many shillings. Those to whom he had either
sold or let his property having failed, he discovers
that his land is not worth the twentieth part of its
former imaginary value. All — from the governor
to the humblest mechanic — ^mistook and calculated
on that revenue for an age which lasted only for a
season; and the mistake has surprised, misled, or
embarrassed one and all in a greater or lesser
degree. Sudden and miheard-of successes drove
the people mad, and in that state they were either
miable or mi willing to anticipate a reaction ; but
by equally sudden reverses their senses have been
partially restored — though not without a severe
shock even to those whose means and credit have
enabled them to maintain their position.
Notwithstanding the reaction which has taken
place, the various branches of commerce in Victoria
have at present the appearance of approaching a
VICTORIA. i 7
more healthy state. It TV"ill of course take some
time before they continue periodically to yield the
substantial fruit arising from prudence and care ;
for after the reckless specidation of merchants,
companies, and private individuals during the last
two years, it is scarcely possible for regular traders
to ascertain what the actual reqidrements of the
colony have been — what they are, or what they
are likely to be. Such immense shipments of
unsuitable merchandise from England and other
parts of the globe have been daily, almost hourly,
forced into the markets and sold or sacrificed
without reservation, that large quantities both of
unseasonable and unsuitable goods have been pur-
chased by the inhabitants at one half their original
cost, in place of others wliich they required. The
extravagant price of almost everything for a short
time after the discovery of gold, together with the
flaming accoimts which were inmiediately and
extensively cii'culated throughout Europe, created
that prodigious appetite for speculation, for the
imprudent indulgence in which the actors have
already paid a severe penalty. .Almost everybody
in England had heard that by sending goods to
Australia a fortune was to be made ; ahnost every-
body tried to make it ; and almost everybodj^ has
been disappointed with the residt. Anything
woidd do for Australia where everything was
wanted — although but few have received anything
in retm^n. But an improvement is now observable
78 VICTORIA.
— not witli reference to commercial prosperity but
with regard to tlie manner commercial matters are
conducted in the colony. True ; large fortunes
have not been made dm-ing the last two years ; on
the contrary — through excessive trading, caused
by former successes, a considerable portion, and in
some cases all the profits previously acquired, have
been lost to the original holders. But these
reverses have already produced beneficial results.
Reckless speculation has partially if not wholly
ceased ; trade has reached a more settled and
healthy state ; while anything which is likely to
prove of real service to the coimtry — either with
regard to persons or things — meets with more
attention and encouragement than heretofore.
Of greater benefit to the colony than all — in a
commercial point of view — is the diminution of
that swarm of ephemeral or transitory class of
speculators who, like summer flies, are blown into
existence during the heat of great commercial
excitement. These trading nondescripts being of
a migratory nature, no wonder that so many of
them should have been found in Yictoria. They
are nothing more nor less than human bubbles that
start without capital and end without character.
Their antipodal season is now over, although the
mischief caused during theii' presence remains.
Fortunately, however, the persons on whom it
chiefly falls are able to bear the burden. Rich
merchants should remember that mites would not
VICTORIA. 79
exist -witlioiit matter ; and when they lend their
support to that which takes from theii' own sub-
stance, they have only themselves to blame.
Colonial banking houses are entitled even to less
commiseration — indeed, to none at all; for had
thej'^ not, during a brief period of commercial ex-
citement and speculation, afforded assistance to
persons without discrimination, and discounted
paper at enormous rates without care or inquiry,
the evil would have been nipped in the bud.
For the benefit of colonists generally, and for
the information of those persons in the TInited
Kingdom who are commercially connected with
them, we here make mention of a system which is
frequently complained of, not only in the colony
of Victoria but in all the colonies we have visited.
The custom has long existed, and although not so
universally adopted as in former years, it still
continues, and is often practised by English mer-
chants at home to the great inconvenience, and
sometimes at the serious cost of their colonial
customers. The practice we refer to is one that is
common with many of the manufacturing, com-
mercial, and export houses, viz., — inattention to,
or want of proper care in the execution of foreign
orders. In some cases, the e\'idence would go to
prove that inattention and carelessness are not the
only things to be complained of, but that gross
deception, or downright dishonesty are more ap-
propriate terms for the evil. " Anji-hing will do
80 VICTORIA.
to go abroad," cries some Bread-street or Milk-
street warehouseman, as lie selects tlie damaged,
imfashionable, or dirty j)ortioii of his stock for
shipment. " Here's an order from Australia," says
a Birmingham manufacturer to his foreman, as he
instructs him to send some lacquered rings, ten-
penny brooches and unsaleable wares and charge
them double jjyice- That anything is often sent,
but that anything will not do, those who are ac-
quainted with, or have "\asited the colonial markets
will at once confirm. No greater mistake can be
made than to suppose that some woi .hless article
at home can acquii'e a value by being sent abroad,
or that the distance of a few thousands of miles
will prevent our own comitrymen or others from
laiowing what is or what is not worthless. And
no greater mistake can be made by those English
merchants who value their foreign connexion than
to imagine that distance "wdll prevent the detection
of unfair or dishonest dealing, or that the discovery
would not be the means of stopping "future orders."
Some of our first-class houses appear to be aware
of this, and devote as much care and attention in
the execution of foreign as home orders. As may
be supposed, such upright deahng leads to an in-
crease in the number of customers on the part of
those who practise it.
With regard to the principal towns in the colony
of Victoria — Melboui'ne and Geelong — we may
observe that the improvements which have taken
VICTORIA. 81
place since 1853 correspond T\dth the favorable
change manifested in the tastes and habits of
the population. Melbourne can now boast of its
University — with, at present, sixteen students — its
Chamber of Commerce, and other Institutions that
fui'nish evidence of the social and mental progress
of the place and the people. The town is now
partially, and will shortly be entirely lighted with
gas, while the improved state of the streets, as well
as the buildings, public and private, prove that
neither the local authorities nor private individuals
have been insensible to the advantages to be de-
rived from the abolition of public nuisances and
private hovels. The improvements in Geelong,
although not quite so striking and extensive as
those in the caj)ital, have steadily and substantially
progressed; and while Melboiu-ne, as the seat of
government, is likely to maintain the lead in a
commercial as well as political point of view, the
situation and salubrity of Geelong are infinitely
superior, and may well cause all those connected
with the government and its administration to
regret that "head quarters" was not originally
fixed in a place — the natm'al advantages of which
are so superior to those of the capital.
In reference to the climate — either with regard
to health, pasture, or agricultural pursuits, all the
information we have gathered from others '^and oiu'
own experience dm'ing our present visit merely
tends to the confirmation of our previous remarks
G
82 VICTORIA.
on the same subject. Long drouglits, and tte want
of inland lakes and rivers are the chief drawbacks
to this and indeed to all the Australian colonies.
Although many parts of the country are very
beautiful, so far as scenery is concerned, they
woidd be still more beautiful if the creeks and
valleys were undidated by streams and running
brooks. During the summer months one may
traverse a space of fifty or one hundred miles
without seeing anything of a nearer approach to
crystal fluid than that which may be found in some
stagnant pool or gully hole. Indeed the want of
water is one of the greatest wants in a semi-tropical
climate, and one that is more severely felt than
any other. During the six months antecedent to
this present writing there has not been in many
parts of the colony more than twenty-four hours
rain, while in other parts there has not been a
drop ; and the sight of a piece of fat beef or mutton
woidd at present be as great and as rare a dish on
a colonial table as a basket of strawberries wotdd
be considered in England on Christmas-day. In
a long dry season the squatters lose thousands of
their sheep entirely through the want of water,
and consequent absence of pasture.
There are many other drawbacks arising from
the same and similar causes ; but to the personal
inconveniences produced by a warm climate,
through hot winds, dust, flies, mosquitoes, together
with myriads of insects of various sorts and sizes
VICTORIA. 83
y\-e consider It unnecessary to do more than refer —
as sucli things are known to exist and are periodi-
cally looked for by old settlers, however unexpected
or unpleasant they may appear to new comers.
The newspaper press in Victoria is neither im-
partially nor ably conducted — a truth that applies
more especially to the leading organ, which is ever
ready to pander to popular opinions, however ex-
travagant or erroneous, without having either the
influence to guide or govern them, or the ability
to disguise its own subser\dency. The editors
mistake impudent assurance for power, and per-
sonal abuse for satire. After heading the cry of
speculators and gamblers during two years of arti-
ficial success and predicting the most absurd and
visionary pictures of Victorian glory, and after
havirig assisted, by its advocacy of useless and ex-
travagant outlays, to precipitate the colony and
its inhabitants toward their present state of insol-
vency, the Melbourne "Argus" — the government
organ for the present moment^ — displays the full
extent of its power and its spleen in articles like
the following — simply because a proposition ema-
nates from a more respectable source, that the
government of Victoria ought to seek the advice
and assistance of the Ofiicer at the head of the
Australian Colonies, who is invested by her Majesty
with special powers for supervision at any time
his services may be required.
84 VICTORIA.
"HO! DEXISON, TO THE RESCUE!
' ' An idea has been set on foot by some sagacious gentle-
men, that the condition of tliis Colony is so critical that it
is necessary to caU in extraneous assistance ; and that the
best course to be adopted is to send for Sir "William Denison
to come down, and endeavour to put us all to rights by a
coup ile main.
" Whatever we may think of the wisdom of this proposal,
or of its efficacy, if adopted, there can be no doubt of the
perfect originality of the suggestion; and those who have
stumbled upon such a clew to lead us out of the labyrinth
of our misfoi'tunes, deserve credit for the fertility of their
invention, at aU events, be those who proceed to adopt their
idea many or few.
' ' For ourselves, we must confess that, supposing any such
step as that suggested to be consistent with the duties of a
Governor-General, or at all compatible with the position
of the Lieutenant-Governor of an independent colony, we
demur to any such proceeding on several grounds.
" In the first place, we do not think it necessary. It is
the fashion to rejiresent affairs in the colony in a very
desperate condition : and there is much, certainly, which
requires prompt and energetic attention; but of all the
prognostications which are likely to lead to their own veri-
fication, few are so likely as those of people who run about,
incessantly proclaiming the advent of a crisis. Lead men's
thoughts continuously to dwell upon the expectation of
great and exciting events, and they begin to look for and
insist upon them. The humdrum routine of every-day life
becomes insipid, and they demand the gratification of the
excited spirit in which they have been taught to exist. But
national crises have rarely a beneficial tendency. They may
sometimes be necessary to clear the political atmosphere, as
a thunder-storm does that of the natural world; but if a
VICTORIA. 85
cotmtry can get on "udthout all the thunder and lightning,
and earthquake and volcano, depend upon it that it is better
for it in the end ; and that "the calm health of nations" is
much greater, more reliable, more satisfactory in every way,
without the occui'rence of such paroxysms at all. It is not
the part of good citizenship to precipitate such crises, and
therefore it is not good citizenship to constantly predict
them. Men may run about, and urge their neighbor to
look out instantly for great events ; but, by doing so, they
confer no benefits on such neighbor, or on the community of
which they each constitute a part.
"For our own part, we do not believe that any crisis is
necessarily impending. We are inclined rather to hope that
a considerable progress towards a better condition of things
is perceptible ; and we feel as indignant with those who
would recklessly interfere with that progress, as we should
feel with the man who should intercept a railway train, or
blow one of our Liverpool cKppers into the air, because she
was not a mail steamer carrjoag us our letters in something
under fifty days. The great and most imminent difficulty
in the colony lately has been the management of the gold-
fields. The license-fee is done away with, — the obnoxious
commissioner system is immediately to follow ; an amoimt
of representation as adequate as local legislation can secure,
will be brought into operation without any delay ; the land
in the neighbourhood of the gold-fields must be brought
more freely into the market ; and any other reform which
may be energetically and temperately lu'ged will receive
prompt attention. Meantime the yield from the gold-fields
is increasing, as the rain comes. Quartz-crushing promises
very great results indeed. Wages of various kinds are
rising, and people are becoming more generally employed.
The inhabitants of the towns and their suburbs are betaking
themselves to the country — placing themselves in the way
of becoming producers, instead of mere distributors ; the
86 VICTORIA.
plough passes merrily tkrougli many a sod — never yet turned
up before ; and genuine colonisation is going on more rapidly,
and with, a more promising aspect, than has ever yet been
the case. The public is officially told that the revenue is
increasing; and several large measures of retrenchment
have been forced upon the Government, and still further
economy is inculcated for the future. Already a feeling of
greater confidence is prevailing amongst our trading classes ;
and many articles are, one after another, reaching a highly
remunerative rate, and affording promises of adequate profit
to aU concerned in their introduction.
" These are hopeful features ; and although there is still
much to regret, and much to blame, there is nothing that
necessitates a crisis. "We may aU set to work to treat our-
selves to " a bit of row," if we choose ; but it would scarcely
be the act of an intelligent or civilised people ; and we,
therefore, think it would be better to postpone such an event
till we cannot do without it ; and, in the meantime, try to
shame those who would bring it about, and those who too
readily prophecy it, into the adoption of a more reasonable
course of policy.
"But, however unsatisfactory, or even desperate, our
condition might be thought, even by the least sanguine, we
protest against the invitation to Sir William Denison, as
one of the most preposterous suggestions we ever heard of.
We are suffering from the want of Yictorian experience of
one governor, and we are to remedy the evil by appealing to
the want of experience of another! We are complaining
of mismanagement upon the part of one of ouj colonial
representatives of Royalty, and one whom most people still
believe to mean well to the colony, and we are to call in the
assistance of another, whose whole Australian career has
stamped him a reckless and unscrupulous tyrant. Nay, the
very evils of an impoverished exchequer, and extravagantly
expensive estabHslmients, under which we are groaning, are
VICTORIA. 87
more immediately traceable to Mm, and his detestable con-
vict policy, than to any other man or any other cause in
existence. Our gaol penal and police expenditure last year
amounted to £1,000,000 ; and oue-thii'd of this woidd have
been sufficient, but for Victoria having been deluged vnth.
the felonry, introduced into the Australian colonies by the
aid of his artifices and intrigues. And this is the man to
■whom "we are to appeal for assistance! Are "we mad, or
blind, or sinking into a condition of fatuity, even to listen
to such a piece of flagrant inconsistency ?
* ' Ho'n^ever, let us suppose the improbable case — that Sir
William Denison should be asked to come, and "would assent
to that request. What could he do ? Could he be expected
to tell at a glance what was right and what "was "svrong ?
Could he select our good officials from our bad ones, by in-
tuition? Woiild he, rimning do"wn here for a fortnight,
hang Smith, and promote Bro"wn ; elevate to honor the chief
butler, and give the chief baker to the fowls of the air?
By "what peculiar art coiild all this be done ? And what
confidence can any man place in Sir William Denison, to
intrust in his hands this sort of "vdce-regal Lynch la"w ? He
might possibly come, see, and conquer; he might "visit us
"with all the authority of the prophet ; ' ' strike his hand over
the place," and at once cm-e us of our leprosy. But we do
not believe in the possibility of all this. The evils we suffer
from are chronic ills. They have groAvn up under long
years of the most abominable misgovernment and oppres-
sion; and it is simply absurd to fancy that they can be
removed by any more ready process than that of patient and
continuous reform. It "would be a thing unprecedented, for
the national diseases of years to be ciu'ed by the operations
of a day. We must "wade laboriously and persevei-ingly out
of the mire of our difficulties, as we waded fooUshly into it ;
and "we must apply oiu' o"wn shoulders to the "wheel instead
of prajTug to such a very questionable Hercules as Sir
William Denison.
OO VICTORIA.
"In sober truth, that gentleman is, even in point of
talent, one of the most over-estimated men in the Austra-
lian Colonies. His whole career in Tasmania was a great
mistake ; and the condition in which he left it was as Kttle
creditable to his capacity, as his vile pandering to convictism
was creditable to his honor. That entire country is at this
moment in a state of collapse ! The dearth of labor is only
equalled by the incapacity of the inhabitants to offer rates
of wages which shall supply it. Commerce is stagnant : and
the landowner, the householder, and the capitalist, look
blankly at one another, and ask whether things are always
to be so dull ; whether the exhaustion consequent upon the
rapid suspension of expenditure of imperial funds, is or is
not to dwindle into an incui-able disease ? The attractions
of the gold-fields of Victoria have, in their overflow, helped
to populate every one of the adjacent colonies, except Deni-
son-cursed Van Diemen's Land. New South "Wales has
greatly increased her popidation ; that of South Australia
has greatly increased ; that of New Zealand has increased.
Van Diemen's Land alone has retrograded ; and her gaoler-
governor most beautifully illustrated the effects of his
benignant rule, by informing the people, a short time pre-
vious to his lea\ang, that, since the discovery of gold, the
population had decreased to the extent of about ten thousand
souls ! A noble patriot, indeed, to put vs in order !
"But, besides all this, what woiild there be in even the
successful rule of such a colony as Tasmania, to justify
expectation in dealing with the affairs of such a colony as
tliis ? The whole population of that island amounts to little
more than that of the city of Melbourne. And is there
anything in the control of such a number of people as that,
to lead to very high hopes in our much greater affairs?
Why, Mr, Town-Clerk Kerr rules all Melboiu-ne with a rod
of iron, and his subjects do not raise barricades, hoist
standards, or otherwise rebel! But does anybody suggest
VICTORIA. 89
that Mr. Kerr shall, therefore, be constituted Dictator-
General of Victoria, to supersede the Lieutenant-Governor,
and cut and carve oiu* establishments at his pleasure ?
"No! good people of Yictoria! your true remedy lies
with 110 one man ! Look not to England ! look not to
Sydney, for redi-ess ! If you cannot reform yoiu' own
abuses, rest assiu'ed that no one will reform them for you.
But you lean xxpon a broken reed if you trust to individual
zeal, individual vigilance, individual integrity. The remedy
for what is wrong amongst you rests with yourselves alone ;
and you are not true to yourselves if you do not tiu-n with
a stout heart to the labor before yoii, and succeed in working
out yom- own redemption."
Tlie writer of tlie above article reminds us of
the timid patient, who on the approach of the
physician, declares himself free from disease, yet
with the next breath proposes to cure himself. If
the colonists are in the healthy state the wi'iter
would lead them to suppose, why desire them to
work out their redemption? This is but a mild
specimen of the tone and inconsistency of " The
Argus," compared with the majority of its leaders,
some of which propose measures and propound
doctrines in one issue which are utterly denied or
repudiated in the next. It is a newspaper that
may be trxily termed the colonial weathercock ;
for it will join the rabble in any popidar cry on
any subject, however extravagant ; but should the
more intelligent part of the commmiity, by the
force of reason and common sense, turn the cur-
rent in an opposite direction, it will immediately
90 VICTORIA.
point its arrows against its former friends. For
instance, — the large influx of Chinese immigrants
during the last few months has created some alarm
in the minds of the indolent, dissipated, and illi-
terate part of the inhabitants, lest those whose
peaceful and industrious habits prove them to be
a superior class of persons should reap the friut of
their own labor in a foreign land — a liberty and a
right which in England are granted to raen of
any and every nation, so long as they respect and
obey the laws of the country. Thinking, however,
that popular opinion was with them, the editors
and contributors to this liberal and enlightened
newspaper were highly indignant at the increase
in the number of persons from the Celestial Empire,
and endeavoured to impress on the Government
the necessity of at once introducing a measure for
the total exclusion of any and all from the same
region — or they, the writers, woidd not be respon-
sible for the peaceful behavior of the diggers.
After the columns of a largely circulated news-
paper had been daily filled with articles and letters
of so inflanunatory a natiu^e, it is not surprising to
find that a body of emancipated felons, robbers,
and diggers did actually, and without provocation
on the part of the defendants, turn round on these
inofiensive and miprotected individuals and vio-
lently drive them from the diggings. Fortunately
however for the progress of civilization, and as a
check to the public buzz and infectious blasts of
VICTORIA. 91
literary blue-bottles, Melboiu'ne bas a Cbamber of
Commerce — wbose members on this occasion have,
by tbe influential expression of tbeir opinion, put
a stop to that monstrous and retrogressive step by
wbich the rabble, and the leading newspaper of
Victoria, proposed to check the intercourse and
social improvement of nations. The following will
explain the subject in all its bearings which the
members were summoned to consider : —
"CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.— THE CHINESE
aUESTION.
*' A special general meeting of tlie Chamber of Commerce
was held yesterday afternoon, at tlie Exchange R-ooms,
Collins-street, for the purpose, according to the cu'cular
issued, of considering the following questions : — •
"1st. Whether under the treaty with China any British
colony has power to exclude the natives of China. 2nd. To
consider whether the government of Victoria can impose
any restrictions on the passenger intercoiu-se between China
and this colony. 3rd. In case of passing any exclusive law
relative to the Chinese, to what extent the lives and property
of British subjects in China would thereby be affected.
4th. What effect such interference would have upon the
commercial interests of Great Britain and the Australian
colonies in connection with China. 5th. What measiu-es
might be beneficially adopted by this colony, with the view
of securing peace and harmony between the Chinese and the
inhabitants."
And to the lasting credit of the body, the fol-
lowing resolution, after full discussion, was carried
by a very large majority :^
92 VICTORIA.
"That, in the opinion of this Chamher, it is contrary to
the spirit of the age, opposed to the interests of this colony,
and opposed to the treaty with China, to pass any laAV
peculiarly applicable to the prevention of the Chinese from
landing in this colony."
Now let tlie reader observe, in tlie following
leader, how an important Colonial newspaper,
wliich had done all in its power to excite popular
indignation against the Chinese, immediately turns
round to compliment those by whom its doctrines
have been defeated. Well may such tergiversation
arouse the pity and disgust of the small body of
sensible and thoughtful men in the colony : —
"CHII^ESE IMMIGRATION.
"The council in Collins-street has anticipated that in
Bourke-street, and declared its opinion on the subject of
Chinese immigration. It is a good omen for the country
that a body like the Melboiu'ne Chamber of Commerce should
at last have begun to display such energy as has of late
characterised their proceedings, although their discretion
may sometimes appear questionable. It is satisfactory to
find our merchants deliberating on the important points
which from time to time arise, and expressing their views
in reference to them. Often and often we have regretted
the apathy in reference to public questions of vital import-
ance which was displayed by the members of the mercantile
community, and we rejoice in the proofs they are now giving
of a somewhat livelier interest in matters which concern
them as much, at least, as any other class. We are con-
\dnced that serious evils would have been averted had this
energy been earlier displayed.
VICTORIA. 93
"But it strikes us tliat in considering tlie Chinese ques-
tion the Chamber have looked at it too exclusively in its
commercial aspect. There is something rather remarkable
in the almost unanimous decision of this body being in
direct opposition to the also almost unanimous decision of
the public meeting of the citizens, which was held the
other day.
" The question, it is true, has great importance in a com-
mercial point of view. The opening of a new stream of
immigration into the colony, broader and more rapid, in all
probability, than has hitherto flowed into it, would have an
influence immediate, direct, and of the most decided kind
on the commercial condition of Melboui-ne. Our Chinese
visitors are not, it is admitted, by any means such good
customers as those who come to Victoria from the United
Kingdom, America, or the Continent of Em-ope. But, on
the other hand, they are all customers, — not competitors.
They do require supplies, and though they may not be as
great consimiers, even by two-thii-ds, as other immigrants
are, yet, if they come in numbers thi-ee times as great, the
effect upon trade will be the same. The Chinese may not
be good customers to the importers of wines and spirits, and
furniture, and ladies' di'esses, and ornaments ; but food they
must have, and they have of late displayed a ready appre-
ciation of British clothing, in preference to the rough cotton
in which they reached our shores."
The following speech, (translated) was written by
one of the leading men among the Chinese immi-
grants, who hearing of the intended or threatened
expulsion of his coimtrymen, felt anxious both on
their account and his own to arrest the colonial j)er-
secution. The address is pregnant with such good
feehng, common sense, and gentle forbearance,
94 VICTORIA.
tliat we subjoin it without abridgment ; and if our
expectations were only equal to our hope, some of
our bigotted and despotic colonists, and popularity-
bunting scribblers, would not fail to profit by the
kindly expressions and manly sentences of those
whom they so hastily and cruelly condemn : —
"SPEECH OF aUANG CHEW,
" LATELY AEEIVED, A JIAIf, BErNG GOOD IK HIS HEASON
AJfD AEEECTIONS, AND FIFTH COUSIN OE THE MAJS^DAMJiT
TA QTTANG TSING LOO, WHO POSSESSES MAIfY GAEDENS
NEAR IIACAO.
"Kind people of the Gold-enticing Country! — ^I, a man
of some years beyond tlie rest of us CMnese who have
recently disembarked upon the hospitable shores of your
yellow fields ; also a man, wishing very humbly to express
the gratitude of his heart, and of all those who accompany
him, or who have gone before us, and not forgetting all
those who are humbly on the way ; I, being, moreover, a
man of moderation and cautioiis judgment, even after
looking on both sides of the bridge, according to the wise
laws and advice of Cimg Foo T'see, and Lao Shang, cannot
but give words to my surprise at some of the roughly- spUt
and knotty bamboos which, as we are informed by the
tongue of GUI' interpreter, Atchai, have been swung threat-
eningly above the shoulders of aU the golden sea-crossing
people of the Central Flowery Empire, our much- distant
native land.
" Man being subject to many changes and dark clouds,
must submit with resignation. Man must be j)atient ; and
likewise exceedingly respectful. All good laws teach this ;
and all dutiful Chinese reverence the laws, because they are
the finest fiowers and fruits which the heavenly sun extracts
VICTORIA. 95
from tlie roots of wisdom. Therefore man must always bow
before bis governors and superiors, because they are tbe
roots of wisdom. With all becoming ceremonies we wish
to approach and bow before the governor of this town.
' ' Eut in what thing have we, the Chinese, humbly landing
on yoiu' delightful shores, given just cause of offence ? That
is what I am desirous to know. "We wish to be made sen-
sible. Man at all times needs instruction, and particularly
when he arrives in a foreign land. Our interpreter Atchai
would not deceive us. Atchai is a respectable young man,
formerly one of the agents of Howqua and Mowqua, mer-
chants ia tea ; but Atchai may have made some mistakes in
your words, and in the characters he places before us as
representing your words. This is my opinion. It is also
the opinion of Ayung Fi, a man of extensive judgment, and
one of the principal tailors of Canton. I will say more.
All the oldest men among us think the same as I think, and
Ayung thinks Atchai has made a bad looking glass.
" Understanding, by the assurances of many respectable
people in our own coimtry, and additionally convinced by
others who had voyaged to this land, and retiu'ned to the
Central Flowery Empire, that, not only do the people of
England come here, but the people of India, and Japan, and
America, and also from French lands, and other places ; and
having been informed that there were no people of any
country who were excluded, and that all those people were
even welcomed with both hands, and the sound of triangles
and kettles [meaning drums], who came from civilised
places, where the arts and other useful labors were studied
from the wisest and most ancient traditions, and were in-
dusti'iously cultivated ; now, therefore, in all reverence, and
with every proper ceremony, I, the speaker of this, Quang
Chew, a very humble man, but having reason, do not think
it will justly balance in your wise governor's hand, when
bitter and unfruitfid counsellors [more literally, mandarins
made of orange-peel] propose that all nations shall be
96 YKJTORIA.
welcomed here, excepting the Cliinese. I appeal to you aU,
diversified people of the gold-enticing country, if this woxdd
not be a hard-grained and distorted proceeding ? At the
thought of being sent home with disgrace, and for no ^vTong
done, we blush, though innocent, we tremble excessively,
though free from guUt.
" Among oui' numbers we have men well skilled in gar-
dening, and the cultivation of all sorts of fruits and flowers ;
likewise cai*penters, and workers in fine wood, and in ivory,
which we hear abounds in your forests ; also cunning agri-
cultiu'ists, who know how to manage the worst as well as
the best soUs, particularly Leu Lee, and his five nephews ;
also two men accustomed to make ornamental bridges, and
a skiKul man named Taw, who can make the best kites,
having wings and gi'eat glass eyes, not to be surpassed;
likewise Tin, who understands the breeding of fish, and
birds, and dogs, and cats; also many excellent cooks who
would allow nothing to be wasted ; and, moreover, we have
lockmakers, and toy makers, and many umbrella makers,
greatly needed, and inventors of piizzles and fii'eworks, and
carvers of fans and chessmen, and some who make musical
instriunents, which others can play. "Why should all these
things be sent back with disgrace ?
"If it has, unfortunately, happened that any among our
people, through ignorance of your laws, have committed
any offences, let them suffer the punishment awarded, and
due to ignorance. Man must be insti'ucted, either by wise
precepts, or by punishment. That is aU I'shaU say on this
matter. But it is necessary that I should speak about gold,
"Thinking very considerably on the subject, I can see
very siu'ely that it is not every man who can find much
gold. Some indeed will find none at all. These poor men
will need to live upon the labor of others, who will not be
pleased with that arrangement. Therefore, these poor men
will return to this town, and to all your smaller towns, and
■vdllages, and villas, and farms, and sell theii' skill and their
VICTORIA. 97
services in their several waj's for a little money, and
perhaps rice. Why should aU our gardeners, and cooks,
and fish and bii-d breeders, and conjurors, be driven away
in scorn, when they might be of great nse to many others,
if allowed to remain here ? Should it be deemed prudent
not to allow above ten or twenty thousand more Chinese to
come here, it surely would be a harsh proceeding to send
away any of those who have already come so far, and are
all full of respect.
" I will propose one thing in particular. Being aware
that the governors of this place are always chosen as being
most eminent in wisdom ; also being well informed of the
great extent of lands in the distant regions beyond the
town, and that the greatest part of those lands have never
been cultivated ; I, the speaker of this, Quang Chew, a
hxmible man, but having some little sense, feel very certain
that most of those men of different countries who have
foimd much gold, have purchased land from the governor of
the soil. Man delights in having land, and also in orchards
and gardens, and prosperous farms. If, then, these places
have not been cultivated, it is because those who have
bought, or perhaps been presented with aU these small farms
and fields, for good conduct, by your generous and rational
governor, are men accustomed only to dig for gold, and not
to till the soU, or else not numerous enough for the work
of cultivation. Perhaps, also, not being cunning in those
labors.
' ' If this speech have any reason in it, I know it will be
heard with a close ear, and the head leaning on one side ;
and I most anxiously hope that the governor of this town,
and all the towns and lands beyond, will condescend to
weigh and measure, and refiect a little upon my words ; in
the belief of which, with all humbleness of heart, and
respectful ceremonies, we await, in silence, the vermilion-
coloured reply."
H
98 VICTORIA.
We have before observed tbat a marked im-
provement has taken place within the last two
years in this colony with regard to the inhabitants
— from the governor down to the meanest official.
But this improvement is to be attributed more to
the subdued and settled state of the times than to
anything else. During the brief season of specu-
lation, riot, and confusion, that preceded this, each
one was too busily engaged in the general scramble
for gain either to think of his own social progress,
or of the mischief caused to society by the irnre-
strained acts and dishonest practices of his neigh-
bor or his superior. But the calm that has now
succeeded this disorder affords sensible men time for
reflection — and a social improvement is the result.
It is the powerfid voice of such thoughtful men —
a small minority of the entii^e popidation — not the
popidar cry of the rabble and their organs, by
which recent public benefits have been achieved
and by which futiu-e ones may be accomplished.
It is by such men and by such means that the
press in this colony will discover its present sandy
foimdation ; if it would hold that independent
position it has not yet attained, or be invested
with that power and influence becoming its high
office writers must be employed who will mark out
and pursue an honest com^se, without the influence
either of party purpose or private intrigue.
The governor of Victoria, Sir C. Hotham, is not
at present very popular, although about twelve
VICTOIIIA. 99
montlis since — in the middle of 1854 — the entire
popidation of the colony pronounced him nothing
less than a modern Caesar, or a colonial Washing-
ton, not from their knowledge either of the man
or his deeds — ^for they knew but little of either —
but simply from the great things they predicted
and expected him to achieve. Amid the roar of
cannon and the strains of martial music, the new
Governor first stepped on the land he was destined
for a time to govern. Beneath triumphal arches,
festoons of laurels, flags of all nations, but that
of Russia, and surrounded by flowers of every
hue, both natural and artificial, the Knight Com-
mander of the Bath traversed his semi-province,
and was welcomed alike both in the capital and in
the bush — in the township and on the diggings,
and by all persons and all ages, with loj'al ad-
dresses, emblematic devices and demonstrations,
popidar ensigns, complimentary ovations, together
with every imaginable mark of private attention
and public favor. Like some Bonian monarch or
ancient warrior, he was led to the helm of state —
although the majority of those by whom he was
conducted had not previously heard even of the
name of their hero. But, alas ! for the brief exist-
ence of such popidar and unsubstantial greatness !
Our modern heroes and public idols might surely
profit by the fate of their great forefathers — those
whose noble deeds " live after them " — and not
place much reliance on what too often proves
100 VICTORIA.
merely the frotli of popular feeling that disappears
with the momentary blast by which it is created.
The very men who applauded Caesar's assassin —
when addressed by another orator — vowed the
next hour to be avenged for Caesar's death. And
those in the present day whose musical voices and
sweet caps rend the air as tributes of admiration
on the advent of any great official " star " are no
more to be depended on for the sincerity of their
ovations than their rude and shppery ancestors.
We are inclined to think that the majority of
public characters, in the spring of their career,
and during the exhilirating but treacherous ray of
a little popularity, are apt at the moment to forget
the compliments usually conveyed to persons
selected for exalted stations, and to mistake the
respect due to their position for personal honors,
or private esteem. Undeserved praise is often
followed by immeritted censure. The one provokes
the other ; and many men have been imjustly con-
demned through the mistaken kindness of those
who in attempting to render them a service adopt
the surest means of securing their downfall. " Be
not deceived by the applause of false friends," says
the honest critic to some new candidate for public
favor, whom the lovers of novelty will applaud to-
day, and as readily condemn to-morrow. Such
advice may with j)ropriety be applied to political
no less than to any other public or professional
actors — to the young statesman no less than to the
VICTORIA. 101
young tragedian ; for eacli alike are too ready to
mistake empty salutations for substantial favor,
and are often led by such mistake to say or do
something which, on reflection, they wish unsaid
or undone. Old stagers, or experienced politicians
are aware of this ; and those agitators who blame
them for their evasion or their reserve woidd blame
them still more did they commit themselves to
some measure or measm'es which circumstances
might afterwards compel them to abandon.
The popular and universal, yet at the same time
extravagant acclamations that hailed the present
governor. Sir C. Hotham, on his arrival in the
colony, very naturally betrayed him into the error
we have just described, and which has already
proved a severe blight on his early-blown popu-
larity. He commenced his career, like many
others, by promising too much — more than was
subsequently found convenient or desirable to
perform. Hence the reaction that has since taken
place in public opinion. Having good-himioredly
but injudiciously acknowledged the just as well as
many of the uxireasonable demands of those around
him, and ha^dng, as a natural consequence, failed
to fidfil all that was expected of him, the Lieute-
nant Governor is, of course, no longer pronoimced
the great man the people had prei-iously pictured
him. It is easier to make a fortmie than to retrieve
a fallen one. Even so with popularily ; and what-
ever the amount of good the present governor^
102 VICTORIA.
during tis term of office, may accomplish — and
we believe him capable of much — he will never
hold the same rank in public estimation as that
assigned to him before the failure of the perform-
ances which he led or allowed the people to believe
he was able to accomplish. The stringent mea-
sures he caused to be adopted with and enforced
on the diggers, immediately after listening to and
promising to redress their grievances, produced
much dissatisfaction — while it is generally believed
that just and impartial dealing with the original
aggressors at Ballarat woidd have prevented the
riot and bloodshed that subsequently ensued.
True ; the officers, not the governor, might have
been to blame, although the principal is of course
held responsible for the acts of his subordinates —
especially when their acts are approved rather
than censured. The attorney- general coidd not
find a jury that woidd return a verdict against
any one of those who fired on the soldiers at Bal-
larat, and who were tried for "high treason;" for
it is the prevailing opinion of all classes that the
provocation the rioters received precipitated, al-
though it might hardly justify their acts.
That the governor was and is beset with in-
numerablec difficulties in administering the affiiirs
of a colony lilce this, no impartial observer of the
heterogeneous mass he has to govern, or of the men
and matter at his command, will for a moment
doubt. For our own part, we consider, as we
VICTORIA. 103
previously stated, that he has erred most in pro-
mising what he has been unable to perform.
That his desire for doing good is equal to his
profession and greater than the power at his dis-
posal for doing it, all who are acquainted with his
character will readdy admit. To please all in so
miscellaneous an assembly were impossible ; and —
as an old colonist one day sagaciously remarked
to us — "if the folks at home were to send an
angel from heaven to govern us, there be many
devils here that would'nt then be satisfied." The
governor is surrounded by men of o^Dposite tastes
and opposite interests ; and he no doubt finds a
greater difiiculty than administering to the wants
of the colony is that of ascertaining what those
wants really are, or whose advice or opinion to take
when each happens to be adverse to the other.
Without the almost superhuman power to compass
the various reqmrements of Victoria and the popu-
lation, together with a determination to ride
independent both of party or party purpose, the
time is not, nor ever will be, when the colonists
will be satisfied with theii' governor, or when the
governor will be satisfied with those he has to
govern.
Before we proceed to fui'nish tables of revenue,
popidation, &c., we may briefly notice the great
change that has taken place within the last
twelve months, on the leading gold fields, which
instead of having the sui-face irregidarly covered
104 VICTORIA.
by a number of imsightly tents and liuts, as
heretofore, have now assumed more of the ap-
pearance of commercial towns. Although the
buildings are chiefly of wood, they form lines of
streets, with substantial hotels, and shops with
plate glass fronts, that might lead a stranger into
the belief of being in a thickly populated borough,
rather than in the midst of, and sm-rounded by
hundreds of holes of various depths and richness,
from which thousands of ounces of the precious
metal are daily extracted. The estimated popula-
tion at Ballarat at the present time is about 20,000;
and the estimated jdeld of gold ?00 ounces
per day.
The aborigines, or native inhabitants of the
colony are now fast disappearing, and "v\aLl, no
doubt, in the course of a few years become nearly
if not entirely extinct. It woidd appear strange,
but nevertheless true, that whenever or wherever
the white man sets his foot as a permanent re-
sident, the black man gradually disappears. One
cause of this may be found in the love invariably
displayed by the native popidation for stimu-
lating drinks, with which they are supplied by
Em'opean settlers in exchange for birds, animals,
skins, and other articles of native produce. A
strong desire and an increasing taste for such
drinks soon prove fatal to constitutions pre\dously
tmaccustomed to them. Besides this, the indolence
and other evils generated by their use, induce the
VICTORIA.
105
lubras, or females of tlie tribe, to destroy their
offspring in order to avoid the trouble of rearing
tbem ; and, as a natviral consequence, the depopula-
tion of the race generally follows.
MRS. EMMA WALLER.
For a few — they were altogether but very few
— of the hours of intellectual enjojanent we passed
at the Antipodes we were indebted to an occa-
sional opportunity of witnessing some highly-
finished di '•;' pictm-es, as embodied by the
above-named lady ; and we are pleased to observe
that the professional abilities of this accomplished
artist are at present being favorably recognised in
the great English metropolis — where distinguished
merit from any country or of any class will meet
its due reward, or will only remain unrewarded
while imknowTi.
Having previously described the general cha-
racter of the entertainments which meet with
encouragement in the colonies, we deem it an act
of justice both to Mrs. Waller and the more intel-
ligent part of the colonists by whom she was
patronised, to record a success which cannot but
be gratifying to all concerned — to none more so
than to the himible individual who predicted for
the actress a position in England which ajDpears
likely at no distant period to be obtained.
OFFICIAL
STATISTICAL INFOEMATION.
Charles J. La Trobe Esq., was sworn in Lieu-
tenant Governor of Victoria, on its separation from
New South Wales, July 1st, 1851.
Sir Charles Hotham, Mr. La Trobe' s successor,
received his appointment on the 3rd December
1853, and arrived in the colony on the 21st Jvme,
1854.
The officer admmistering the Government of
Victoria since the death of Sir Charles Hotham is
Colonel Mc Arthur, the Commander of the Forces,
who merely retains his position till the arrival of
the newly appointed Governor.
POPULATION.
Comparison of Population in Port Phillip (now
Victoria. )
1841.
1846.
1851.
Popxila-
Ratio
Popula-
llatio
Popula-
Ratio
]Males.
Uon,
per cent.
tion.
per cent.
tion
per cent.
Under 2 years
305
3.686
1691
8.378
3745
8.106
2l
'ears and under 7 years
479
5.789
2520
12 485
5874
12.714
7
„ 14 „
395
4.774
1500
7.432
4636
10.034
14
„ „ 21 „
561
6.780
989
4.900
3172
6.865
21
„ ,. 45 „
6045
73.060
12198
60.434
24666
53.387
45
» » 60 „
442
5.342
1122
5.559
3595
7.781
60
,, and upwards . .
Females.
47
0.568
164
0.812
514
1.113
8274
20184
1-6202
Under 2 years
340
9.815
1689
13.304
3685
11.832
2 years and under 7 years
425
12.269
2465
19.417
5633
18.088
7
„ V 14 „
395
11.403
1352
10.650
4374
14.045
14
» „ 21 „
384
11.086
1001
7885
3576
11.482
21
„ ., 45 „
1828
52.771
5754
45.325
12273
39.409
45
„ „ 60 „
86
2.483
393
3 096
1435
4.608
60
„ and upwards . .
6
0.173
41
0.323
167
0.536
3464
1269.3
31143
Total IMales . .
8274
70.489
20184
61.389
46202
59.735
„ Females
3464
29.511
12695
38.611
31143
40.265
11738
100.00
32879
100.00
77345
100.00
In 1841, there were for every 1
00 females, 239 m
ales.
.. 1846,
159
,, 1851,
148
)}
1
POPULATION
Increase and Decrease of the Population of the Colony of Vick
(not including Aborigines,
Population on the 31st December, 1850
Popi
i
i
1^
*
a
Co
Fh
O^
Increase by Immigration
6479
42S1
10760
1165:
„ Births
1350
1323
2673
157:
Total Increase
7829
5604
13433
Decrease bv Deaths
453
327
780
65
Departures
2300
1004
3304
285-
Total Decrease
Net Increase
2753
5076
1331
4273
4084
9349
Population on 31st December, 1849, )
36631
23759
60390
1850, 1851, and 1852 )
Population on 31st December, 1850, 1
41707
28032
69739
1851, 1802, and 1853 )
OF VICTORIA.
r the Years ending the 31st December, 1850, 1851, 1852, and 1853,
timated at about 2500).
31st December, 1851.
1
Population on the 31st December, 1832.
Population on the 31st Dec, 1853.
1
a
1
1
i
1
S
Go
15433
3049
74872
1868
19792
1888
94664
3756
66032
26280
92312
5000
5254
18482
76740
21680
98420
97312
1165
3706
1236
28620
869
2418
2105
31038
36532
5911
5000
42443
1366
4871
29856
3287
33143
47443
3888
13611
46884
18393
65277
49869
28032
69739
51429
31921
83350
98313
50314
148627
31920
83350
98313
50314
148627
198496
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ESTIMATED POPULATION OF THE GOLD
FIELDS, 1854.
»-. *"
u
^Ji
o o
o
««
V !-
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bccs
C8 3
c3 ;i
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Men
57,871
77,123
77,186
62,982
68,790
"Women ....
14,870
17,469
17,096
13,1:.^5
15,640
Children ....
Total
11,177
19,079
18,765
14,662
15,921
83,918
113,671
113,047
90,609
100,351
CENSUS OF VICTOPIA, 1855-6.
(From the Registrar General's OflSce.)
The following statement will show the actual poj^ulation
of the Colony at the commencement of the present j'ear, so
far as the same can be calculated from the Census of 1854,
the Immigration Agent's subsequent returns, and the
Registers of Bii-ths and Deaths.
By the Census Returns there were
on the 26th April, 1854
Subsequent arrival by sea to 31st
December, 1 854
Males.
Females.
Totals.
155,876
80,900
236,798
39,386
17,245
56,631
5,914
Births registered same period ....
Departures by sea same period . . .
Deaths registered same period ....
18,054
3,997
22,051
3,600
The ascertained population of Victoria on the 1st January,
1855, consisted therefore of 273,792 persons of all ages.
Total population on the 1st January, 1856, 319,223.
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THE FOLLOWING EETUEN WILL SHOW THE TOTAL
SHIPMENTS OF GOLD FEOM THE COLONIES OF
NEW SOUTH WALES AND VICTORIA
FROM 1851 TO 1855.
GOLD FEOM AUSTRALIA.
A retui'ii moved for by Mr. Hankey, M.P.,
shows that in 1855 64,384 ounces of gold were
exported from New South Wales (value £209,256)
against 237,910 ounces in 1854, 548,052 oimces in
1853, 962,873 in 1852, and 144,120 oimces in
1851. The export of gold from Victoria was in
1855, 2,575,745 oimces (value £11,303,980),
against 2,144,699 oimces in 1854, 2,497,723 ounces
in 1853, 1,988,526 oimces in 1852, and 145,137
oimces in 1851. Some of this gold was exported to
America and to foreign countries, but all the gold
exported from New South Wales came to England.
The grand total value of the gold exported from
both colonies in the five years already mentioned
amounts to £41,630,625.
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118
TAEIFF OF VICTOEIA.
BATE OP
IMPORT DUTIES.
DUTY.
Ale, porter, spruce, and other beer, eider
S. ^
a.
and perry, the gallon
6
Cigars, the lb
3
2
Coffee and chicory, the lb
Spirits, or strong waters, of any strength
not exceeding the strength of proof by
Sj^ke's hydrometer, and so on in pro-
portion for any greater or less strength
than the strength of proof, the gallon .
10
Spirits, cordials, liqueurs, or strong waters.
sweetened or mixed with anj- article so
that the degree of strength cannot be
ascertained bv Syke's hydrometer, the
gallon
10
10
Spirits, perfumed, the gallon ....
Sugar, raw and refined, and sugar-candy.
the Q-wt
6
Molasses and treacle, the cwt
3
Tea, the lb
2
6
Tobacco and snufF, the lb
Wine, the gallon
2
All other goods, wares, and merchandise,
free.
*^* Spirits in bulk under 25 gallons cannot be imported,
nor of tobacco under 80 lbs.
EXPORT DUTY.
d.
Gold, manufactured and Tinmanufactured,
s.
and foreign coin, the oz
2
6
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■ • • SJ • s
•>-.•••
1855.
June
July
August
Scpteiiil
October
Novcmb
Deccnibi
CO bj3 .
180
Janua
I'^ebru
March
April
May.
120
EETURN OF BONDED GOODS IN
MELBOURNE.
For the week ending 31st May, 1856, showing the Eeceipts, Issue,
and Stock.
Description.
55^
•a
II!
lit
=^-?;
^ ^
^'S o
Q^
136,166
4,404
11,229
61
40,987
—
4,362
142
17,437
■ — ■
2,801
4
4,127
1,334
2,393
—
8,146
—
94
—
542
— .
—
—
5,047
259
154
—
59,487
—
1,208
—
37,278
—
550
—
939,720
5,306
26,577
749
65,630
—
2,400
—
9,277
—
140
—
517,266
—
58,811
—
504,288
—
18,362
—
20,874
1,078
1,407
64
o a .
Brandy gals.
Rum , ,
Geneva . . . . ; . . ,,
Whiskey ,.
Cordials , ,
Perfumed „
Other Spirits. ... ,,
Wines ,,
Beer ,,
Tobacco lbs.
Cigars ,
SnuflF ,,
Tea „
Coffee ,,
Sugar bags.
126,768
36,456
14.350
3,037
8,052
542
5.152
58,279
36,728
917,700
63,230
9,137
458,455
485,926
20,481
BONDED WAREHOUSE CHARGES.
• Housing
and
Marking.
Eent.
Delivery.
Pipe or Puncheon
Hogshead
s. d.
2 6
1 6
1
2
1
2 6
2
3
2
1 6
s. d.
1 6
6
3
1
6
1
1
1
2
1 6
S. d.
3 6
2
Quarter Cask . .
Tierce of Tobacco
1 6
3 6
Keg or box, 2o01bs
2
Large case Cigars
2 6
Box of Cigars, lOOO
Four gallon case ....
2
3
Chest of Tea
3
Coffee and Sugar, per ton
2 6
Eepack, 2s. 6d. ; sample, 2s, 6d. ; regauge, Is.
Both Free and Bonded Warehouse Room is rery plentiful, and
lower rates are taken for quantities.
* Less 10 per cent, allowed in this charge to importer.
MELBOURNE STOCK AND SHAEE LIST,
JUNE, 1856.
a
CO
Paid Up.
Last
Dividend.
Latest
Sales.
BANKS.
Australasia
40
25
20
50
20
25
20
10
5
5
10
5
25
50
25
20
£ s.
40
/25
\ 2 10
20
15
20
25
20
2
5
4
2
15
12 10
50
15
18
20 p. ct.
{ 30 do.
10 do.
10 do.
6 do,
10 p. ct.
& £2 15
bonus.
£92 to 94
£70 to 72
£8|
£33
£24
£17
£40
£171 18
5 p. 0. dis.
par.
par.
10 p.cdis.
£13
4 to 5 dis.
no sales.
10 p.cdis
Union
New South Wales
Victoria
London Chartered
Oriental
English, Scottish, and Aus. . .
Colonial Bank of Australia . .
PUBLIC COMPANIES.
City Melbourne Gas
1st Issue ....
2nd Issue
3rd Issue
Colonial Insurance
Victoria Insurance
PUBLIC LOANS.
City of Melbourne (6 per cent.)
Town of Geelong ( do ) . . . .
Melbourne Gas (10 per cent.)
RAILWAYS.
Melbourne and Hobson's Bay
Melb. and Mount Alexander."
Geelong and Melbourne —
122
EATES OF PILOTAGE.
Office of Commissioner of Trades and Customs, Melbourne,
21st January, 1856.
In accordance with the provisions of the 11th
section of the Act 17 Victoria, No. 28, intituled,
" An Act to Consolidate and Amend the Law re-
lating to Ports, Harbors, and Shipping in the
Colony of Victoria," his Excellency the Officer
administering the Gorernment, Avith the advice of
the Executive Council, has been pleased to approve
of the rates of pilotage set forth in the accom-
panying schedule, which have been fixed by the
Pilot Board of Victoria, in lieu of those published
in the supplement to the " Government Gazette "
of the 12th January, 1855, page 126. These
rates will take effect, with respect to all vessels
reporting inwards or clearmg outwards, as the
case may be, on and from Friday, the 1st February
next.
By his Excellency's command,
Hugh C. E. Childeks.
Schedule A.
PORT PHILLIP.
1. From -without the Heads to Mel-
bourne or Geelong, and vice versa
2, From -within the Heads to Melboiu'ne
or Cxeelong
3. From -without the Heads to outer an-
chorage, Hobson's Bay,* or anchor-
age at Point Henry, and vice versa
4, From -within the Heads to outer an-
chorage, Hobson's Bay, or anchor-
age at Point Heniy
o. From -without the Heads to any an
chorage Avithin the Heads, and be
lo-w the channels, and vice versa .
6. From Melbom-ne to Point Heniy, and
vice versa
7. From Melboiu'ue to Geelong, and vice
versa
8. For each remove from one place of
anchorage to another in Hobson's or
Corio Bays
9. From Hobson's Bay to Melbourne, and
vice versa
10. From Point Henry to Inner Harbor,
Geelong, and vice versa
* N.B. — A line bearing from the
lighthouse on Gellibrand's Point, and run-
ning through the St. Kilda -n^hite buoy,
di-vddes the inner from the outer anchorage
of Hobson's Bay.
OUTPORTS.
Into or out of Port Albert . .
,, ,, Portland Bay
,, ,, Belfast
, , , , Warrnambool
Sailing
Vessels.
d.
steamers
and
Vessels
towed by
Steam.
3 20
Vessels forced back after ha-ving been piloted to sea,
one-half of the above rates.
124
SciTEDtrLE A.
EXEMPTIONS.
All vessels tinder fifty (50) tons.
All ships belonging to her Majesty, all ships employed in
the coasting trade, all ships regularly ti'ading between any
port of Yictoria, and any of the colonies of New South Wales,
Van Dieman's Land, New Zealand, Western and South
Australia (the master of any such ship holding a certificate
from the Pilot Board that he is competent to act as pilot to
such vessel), unless the services of a pilot shall have been
actually received, and all ships not having actually received
the services of a pilot.
(Signed) Chahles FEEGirsojf,
President of the Pilot Board.
BALLASTING, &c.
Eiver ballast, delivered in the Bay, per ton, 4s. 6d.
beach, do., 4s. ; stone, do., 7s. 6d. ; water, 15s. per ton.
LIGHTERAGE.
From Hobson's Bay (the Port) to Melbourne Wharf,
measurement goods, per ton, 8s. ; bonded goods, bricks and
dead weight, 10s. ; to Geelong, 8s. to 10s. 6d. Steamers, 12s.
BAEBOR REGULATIONS.
Vessels entering or departing from Port Phillip are re-
quired to hoist their numbers or distinguishing flag, on
approaching the Electric Telegraph Stations at Shortland's
BuiF and Gellibrand's Point. A heavy penalty can be
inflicted for a breach of this regulation.
125
ScHEDrLE A.
TONNAGE.
On all vessels arriving in Yictoria, per ton, Is.
Note. — K"o vessel shall pay the above duty more than
once in six months ; fi'om January to June, both inclusive,
and from July to December, also both inclusive.
TOWING CHAEGES.
Towing up from Hobson's Bay to Melboiu-ne — ^under 20
tons, 2s. 6d per registered ton ; under 200 tons, 2s. ; above
200 tons, Is. 8d. From Melbourne to the Bay, two thirds
of the above rates. Towage in the Bay as per agreement.
Towage to or from the Heads, 500 tons and under, inside
£40; five miles outside, £60 — under 750 tons, inside, £50;
outside,'£70 — xmder 1000 tons, inside, £60 ; outside, £80 —
under 1,500 tons, inside, £90; outside, £120 — ^under 2,000
tons, inside, £105 ; outside, £135 — above 2,000 tons,
inside, £120; outside, £150. All towage not paid within
fourteen days to be charged 10 per]|cent. additional, unless by
special agreement.
CONCLUDING EEMAEES.
Ill briro-y^o-. our observations on tlie Colony of
Yictoria't^fl- i'lose, we would willingly modify the
opinions we have previously expressed, if experience
and the love of truth enabled us to do so. A calm
and impartial review of an important subject will
sometimes lead to the discovery of an error in
judgment, and afford the lover of justice pleasure
in correcting bis mistake. Time and reflection,
however, by which our " First Impressions of Vic-
toria " have been duly weighed, convince us that
they are substantially correct. The improvements
which have taken place during the interval that
divides the first from our second visit have been
faithfully recorded ; but these improvements con-
stitute a finer cloak or external gloss over the body
of Victorian society, rather than a radical change
in the system. In the city, as in the bush, there
is an absence of those strict principles of integrity
and high moral training by which the movements
and actions of good society in England are regu-
lated. The great feature in colonial life, so far as
our experience goes, appears to be that of deception;
128 VICTORIA.
and he wlio displays the greatest ingenuity in
taking-in his friend or his neighbor, is called a
" smart fellow," and is complimented by his less
sagacious kinsmen for his superior ability. As for
the good ojy'mion of others — in the colony of Yic-
toria this is a matter, with the multitude, of
secondary importance, or more frequently of no
importance at all ; for a resident's qualification for
any office is determin, 1 b^" t^e balarioe at his
banker's. A man without . - ipital is
nobody, although his character may oe unimpeach-
able ; but the capitaKst — ^be his character what it
may — can ascertain the extent of his power by the
extent of his riches. This, no doubt, is in a great
measure caused by the utter impossibility of ascer-
taining the true characters of so miscellaneous a
population, the majority of whom have arrived
within the last four years from the opposite side of
the globe.
Even the laudable endeavour of a few of the
more intellectual part of the inhabitants to benefit
the jioiior branches by an University in Melbourne
has proved a decided failui'e. The desire of the
few was too much in advance, not of the means, but
of the minds of the many. True, they have a'
splendid building, built at an enormous expense ;
and all for what ? — for the accommodation and
instruction of sixteen pupils ! And such is the
number at present aspiring to future mental great-
ness in the colony of Victoria, with a population
VICTORIA. 129
of more than three hundred thousand. To enricli
the pocket, not the mind, appears to be the grand
object of life with at least seven-eighths of the
population of this colony, for an}i:hing of an
intellectual character is totally unappreciated,
except by a very small minority. "We have read,
although we had not the pleasure of hearing the
author deKver, a beautifid and most instructive
lecture given at the exhibition building in Mel-
bourne, by M^_C ^'" " ^ ord, than whom we have
not met a vlose -jnted man south of the line.
But where is this gentleman noic ? Has he met
with even a semblance of that encouragement — to
say nothing of the just reward due to distinguished
merit ? We will spare the reader trouble, ourselves
sorrow, and the lecturer a deeper sense of wrong
by suppressing the indignation that suggests a
reply-
Finally, we have only to repeat that throughout
all our observations on the colony we have ex-
pressed, as we now express, our opinion with
reference to society in general — on the charac-
ter and habits of the majority of the inhabitants,
not on all. Hundi'eds, probably the chief number
of the really respectable settlers have arrived since
1851. But the extraordinary cause that led to
the sudden increase of 200,000 to a popidation of
only half that number, leaves the respectable
portion of the arrivals — men of character and
position — in a small minority. Whether this small
K
130 VICTORIA.
but influential body may or may not have tlie
power of creating in the minds of the multitude a
superior tone of action, in a commercial and moral
sense, is a question to be solved by time. The
greatest events both of ancient and modern times
have originated with, and been accomplished by a
few individuals ; and if the small knot of spirited,
and independent nierchants, who have recently
taken the initiative in a good cause, in opposition
to the dangerous power of a venal and unprincipled
press, shoidd succeed in advancing the interests of
their adopted land, by improving the habits and
elevating the minds of those around them, they will
indeed deserve well of their own and other nations,
in ha\ang made a great colony worthy of a great
country.
THE GOVERNOH OF VICTORIA.
With more than ordinary facilities for arriving
at a just conclusion respecting the increasing
impopularity of Sir Charles Ilotham, we are
reluctantly compelled to declare our opinion in
favor of the public verdict ; for after a residence
of twelve months in the Colony we leave with the
painful conviction that the present Governor is in
no way qualified for the high position assigned him
by Her Majesty's ministers. Indeed, the selection
of such a man for an office so lucrative, impor-
VICTORIA. 131
tant, and responsible as that of administering the
govermnent of a great colony, clearly proves that
aristocratic influence — that great barrier to the
development of human greatness — stiU reigns
supreme. Sir Charles llotliam has furnished the
colony with ample evidence that he is indebted for
his appointment rather to the interest of some
friend "at Court" than to his o-\yn individual
merit. "Wliile his every official act has proved him
to be totally imilt to govern a comitry, it has also
proved that the command of a 16-gim boat would
more nearly accord \rith his limited capacity than
that of a "colonial ruler." Imperious, without
being dignified, he is likewise austere, reserved,
and unaffable. Add to these failings selfishness,
and miserly parsimony, together with the minor
ingredients necessary to indiA-idualise such a com-
pound, and the reader will be furnished with a
figurative t}^e of Sir Charles Hotham, the present
governor of Victoria.
Those persons who aUow their sjonpathy to
interfere with their duty woidd probably advise
the suppression of the preceding remarks, which
were peimed prior to the demise of the person to
whom they refer. But a public character, though
dead, will live in history ; and his past deeds will
be his future robes, let his friends fashion them as
they may.
NEW SOUTH WALES.
NEW SOUTH WALES.
New South "Wales — as miglit be expected from
its priority — is considerably in advance of the
otber Australian Colonies. Its cbief barbor — Port
Jackson — is bardly surpassed, if equalled, by any
in the world, wbile tbe city of Sydney, the mistress
of tbis noble barbor, and tbe capital of tbe colony,
is, witb regard to its geograpbical position, as in
every otber respect, very superior to Melbourne.
Even in tbe appearance of tbe two cities, tbere is
as mucb difference as would be furnisbed by com-
paring tbe city of Westminster to tbe borougb of
Soutbwark — or Regent-street to Wbitecbapel.
Tbis bowever can bardly be wondered at, wben it
is remembered tbat Sydney was founded some fifty
or sixty years before Melbourne. Time may pos-
sibly make tbe uniformity and splendour of tbe
buildings of tbe latter equal tbat of tbe otber,
altbougb tbe superior situation of Sydney must
ever defy comparison.
136 NEW SOUTH WALES.
By the adjoining colonies, Sydney has been
designated the " Queen of the South," and is, in
our opinion, fully entitled to the favorable dis-
tinction. Many of the warehouses and shops rank
with some of the best in London, and the leading
banking establishments, so far as the buildings
are concerned, are superior to any of the private
or joint-stock banks of the English metropolis,
and are not unlike some of our noble West-end
club-houses.
Owing to the extensive and extravagant com-
mercial sj)ecidations of the last two years, occa-
sioned by the great gold discoveries in Victoria,
and those of less importance in New South Wales,
very heavy losses have been sustained by a large
number of the Sydney merchants, and those in
England by whom many of the colonial houses
were assisted or suj)ported — although the panic
has neither been so general nor so serious in its
character as that which has just taken place in
Melbom^ne, where two-thirds of the speculators
were composed of imsubstantial adventurers and
professional and unprincipled gamblers. Still, the
commercial failures in Sydney during 1854-5 have
been greater than any that have taken place in
the same space of time within the preceding ten
years, prior to which the disaster that befel the
colony through the vast alterations of property
was greater than that which has recently occurred.
" During the three years, 1842-3-4, when the
NEW SOUTH WALES. 137
population of 'New South Wales was only 162,000
— owing to the wild spii'it of speculation and
ruinous facility of credit — there were 1,638 cases
of sequestration of estates, the collective debts of
which amounted to three- and-a-half million ster-
ling." *
Before proceeding to describe, agreeably with
our own impressions, the social condition, habits of
the people, &c., of New South Wales, we will ex-
tract a faithfid description of the colony, together
with a few observations on the peculiarities of the
soil and climate of AustraKa, from a work by the
talented author of " The Three Colonies of Aus-
tralia," remarking however that oiu' own opinion
of the climate is somewhat less favorable than that
of any and every writer we have met "v^ith — the
majority of whom appear to us rather in the cha-
racter of colonial pleaders than that of impartial
reviewers.
" Port Jackson, is the fittest centre from wliich to take a
survey of the settled and inhabitable districts in Australia ;
being the finest harbor and the port of the greatest Austra-
lian city.
" The usual course to Sydney for sailing-vessels is through
Bass's Straits, and in fair Tveather, with a favorable wind,
ships frequently pass sufficiently near the shores to aftbrd an
agreeable but very tantalizing view of the scenery.
' ' ' The shore is bold and pictiu'esque, and the country
behind, gradually rising higher and higher into swelling
hills of moderate elevation, to the iitmost distance the eye
• Braim's History of New South "Wales.
138 NEW SOUTH WALES.
can reacli, is covered with wide-brancliing, evergreen forest
trees and close brushwood, exhibiting a prospect of never-
failing foliage, although sadly monotonous and dull in tone
as compared with the liixuriant summer foliage of Europe.
Grey rocks at intervals project among these endless forests,
while here and there some gigantic tree, scorched dead by
the summer fires, uplifts its blasted branches above the
green saplings around.' *
" Approaching Port Jackson, the coast line consists of cliffs
of a reddish hue. Where the land can be seen, shrubs and
trees of strange foliage are found flourishing on a white,
sandy, ban-en soil destitute of herbage.
* ' The entrance to the Port is marked by the north and south
heads, about three quarters of a mUe apart. On the southern
head a stone lighthouse, bearing the often-repeated name of
Macquarie, affords a revolving flame at night and a white
landmark by day to the great ships from distant quarters of
the globe, and to the crowd of large-sailed coasters which
ply between innumerable coast villages and Sydney.
" Steering westerly, the great harbor, like a landlocked
lake, protected by the curving projecting heads from the
roll of the Pacific storms, opens out until lost in the dis-
tance, where it joins the Paramatta River. The banks on
either hand, varying from two to five miles in breadth, are
sometimes steep and sometimes sloping, but repeatedly in-
dented by coves and bays, which, fringed with green shrubs
down to the white sandy water -margin, when bathed in
golden sunlight, present dainty retreats as brilliant as
Danby's Enchanted Island.
" On one of the first and most romantic coves in Vaucluse
the marine ^oUa of William Weutworth is situated.
"Five miles from the heads, on " Sydney Cove," stands
the city of Sydney, the head-quarters of the Governor
General, the residence and episcopal city of the Bishop of
* Cunningham.
KEW SOUTH WALES. 139
Australia, and the greatest wool port in the world. The
still waters, aUve "svith steamers passing and re-passing, with
ships of English and American flags, and a crowd of small
craft, yachts, and pleasure-boats, betoken the approach to a
centre of busy commerce, eyen before the chiu'ch spires show
themselves against the sky. In this city, which has been
too often described to need any detailed account here, every
comfort and every luxury of Em-ope is to be obtained that
can be purchased Avith money.
"The entrance to Port Jackson is so safe and easy that
the American survej'ing ships ran in at night without a
pilot ; and when the inhabitants rose in the morning they
found themselves imder the guns of a frigate carrying the
stripes and stars.
" Vessels of considerable biu'den can unload alongside
the quays.
"Sydney Cove is formed by tn-o small promontories,
between which the rivxJet flows which induced Governor
Phillip to choose this site for his settlement, as it possessed
a safe harbor, wood, and water, thi'ee essential points,
although not alone sufiicient to support a flourishing colony.
The first — harbor — is of little value, unless it is the outlet
to a country capable of producing some exports.
" Tanks were cut for storing the water of the fresh- water
stream during the summer ; but, the increase of the town
having rendered this supply insufficient, water was brought
from Botany Bay ; and, recently, further extensive works
have been executed, by which an aqueduct is brought from
Cook's River, where a dam has been built to exclude the
salt water.
" Along the hollow formed by the two promontories or
ridges, where the native ti'ack thi-ough the woods down to
the water's edge, formerly George-street, extends, and
which holds in the colonial metropolis the relative ranks
of the Strand and Regent-street, London, combined, there,
140 NEW SOUTH WALES.
until recently, stately shops witli plate-glass fronts were to
be found side by side with wooden huts.
" The harbor of Port Jackson affords an almost unlimited
line of deep water, along which, when needed by the ex-
tension of commerce, quays and warehouses may be erected
at a very triiiing expense, so gTeat are its natural dock
advantages ; many of the coves in Port Jackson are even
now as much in a state of nature as when Captain Phillip
first discovered it. As a central point for the commerce of
the Australian seas, it is not probable that it can ever be
superseded as a maritime station even by any other colonies
planted in a more fertile situation, although it may be
asserted that, with rare exceptions, the land for a himdred
miles round Sydney is a sandy desert. But roads, raili'oads,
and steamers will afford Sydney the advantages of the pro-
duce of districts which have no such harbor as Port Jackson.
"Cumberland and Camden were the two counties first
settled, Cumberland is the most densely-populated district
in Australia, and has the poorest soil ; a belt of land parallel
to the sea, from twenty to forty miles in breadth, is either
light sand dotted with picturesque, unprofitable scrub, or
a stiff clay or ironstone, thickly covered with hard-wood
timber and underwood. After passing this belt, to which
the colonists confined themselves for more than ten years,
with a few spirited exceptions, the soil improves a little ;
that is to say, narrow tracks of a rich alluvial character are
found on the banks of the rivers, but the greater proportion
consists of forest on a poor impenetrable soil, which defies
the perseverance of the most skilled agriculturist : the
deeper you go the worse it is.
"Camden has a moderate extent of cultivable land, in-
cluding the singular district of lUawarra, which is at once
one of the most beautiful and fertile spots in the world, in
regard both to the luxuriance and variety of its vegetable
productions. The pastui-es of Camden are extensive, and
NEW SOUTH WALES. 141
were considered impoi'tant iintil tlie discovery of the western
and southern plains.
"These are almost the only coimties much named colo-
nially; other parts of the colonies are chiefly laiown as
districts, and the counties which till up so much space on
the maps are seldom named.
* ' The dryness of the coimties of Camden and Cumber-
laud, in which, in the course of the year, nearly as much
rain falls as in the counties of Essex and Sussex, is greatly
owing to the stifl' clay of which the soil is chiefly composed,
through which the rain cannot easUy filter, or from which
springs can with difficulty biu-st forth. Boring on the
artesian plan has been recently adopted with success.
"To describe in detail the character of each county and
each district would be a diflicult, an interminable, and, to
the reader, a wearisome task. Many, after being charmed
with the exquisitely pictui-esque appearance of Poi't Jackson
and Sydney, on a very cursory inspection of the surrounding
country, come to the conclusion that the whole province of
Kew South Wales is a barren desert, only fit for feeding
sheep, — a conclusion which is not more correct than to judge
of the agriciiltural capabilities of England by Dartmoor, or
of France by the * Landes.'
" Within the Sydney district are the towns of Paramatta,
Windsor, and Liverpool; but, in consequence of the dis-
persion incident to the pastoral pursuits which have hitherto
formed the chief employment of Australia, there are really
no towns in the Eui'opean sense of the word, with the
exception of the thi'ee capitals, Sydney, Melbourne, and
Adelaide, and Geelong in Victoria, which, being the port to
a rich district, is likely to rival Melbom'ne. The other
towns with imposing names are mere villages, with a gaol,
a magistrate's ofiice, some stores, and a great many public-
houses.
" Taking Sydney as the stai-ting-point, we propose to
142 NEW SOUTH WALES.
survey tlie general features of tlie settled and pastoral dis-
tricts, proceeding first towards the north, and retui-ning to
Port Jackson, traveUing along the coast to the other tsvo
colonies.
" The thi'ee great colonies of Xew South Wales, Yictoria,
late Port PhiUip, and South Australia, occupy a continuous
coast line, extending from AYide Bay, in Xew South "Wales,
to Cape Adieu, in South Australia. "With the exception of
the small and unsuccessful colony of "Western Australia, or
Swan Eiver, the remaining coast line of this island-con-
tinent is unsettled, and^only inhabited by wandering savages
or stray parties of whalers and sealers. Attempts have been
made more than once to form settlements in Northern Aus-
ti'alia, but they have been abandoned, and will not probably
be renewed until the older colonists find the need of further
extensions inland, or some coal stations are established for
the munerous steamers which are now plying between Eng-
land and the gold regions.
" The three colonies are only divided by imaginary lines,
so easy are the means of inland intercommunication. Over-
land journeys have been executed between qU by parties
di'iving great herds over an untracked country,
"The principal ports to the north of Port Jackson are
Broken Bay, the mouth of the River Hawkesbury, up which
vessels of one hundred tons can proceed for four miles
beyond the town of "Windsor, which is one himdred and
forty miles by the river, and about forty miles in a direct
line from the coast. Broken Bay is not a safe harbor, being
much exposed to the east and south-east as well as the
north-west winds.
"Port Hunter is the mouth of the Hunter River, which
receives the waters of the Rivers "Williams and Paterson.
It is navigable for about thirty-five mUes by waterway, and
twenty-five miles in a direct line from the coast. This
stream was formerly called the Coal River. On the bay
NEW SOUTH WALES. 143
slieltered hj Nobby Island stands Newcastle, town which,
owes its name of importance to the coal-fields by which it is
smTounded. The soil in the neighbom-hood is for the most
part barren. On the opposite northern shore of the bay are
East and "West Maitland, the outports of the great squatting
district of Liverpool Plains ; and, four miles further, Mor-
peth, the port of the Himter's Eiver Company. A regular
steam-boat ti-affic in all the produce of the Hunter's Eiver
district is carried on between Morpeth, Maitland, Newcastle,
and Sydney, from which they are distant about eighty miles,
the cheapness of steam communication having led to the
abandonment of the road formed at immense cost by convict
labour over the moimtainous barren coimtry inland between
Sydney and the Hunter's River.
"The Hunter's Eiver is subject to di-oughts, but other-
wise one of the oldest and finest agricultural disti'icts. Vine
cultivation is carried on there successfully, on a large scale.
Its tributaries, the "WUliams and Paterson Elvers, are both,
navigable for a greater distance than the Hunter, the Wil-
liams uniting at twenty miles and the Paterson at thirty-
five miles from Newcastle. They give access to distiicts
which are cooler and better supplied with rain than the
Hunter.
" Maitland owes its double name to the government
having laid out East Maitland during the land-buying
mania, with its usual infelicity, three miles up the river, at
a point too shallow for steam-boats to approach ; on which
shrewd speculators laid out West Maitland alongside the
deep water. Thus a town of a single street, with inns for
the accommodation of squatters, sprang up.
"The country around is flat, sometimes flooded, and
produces fine crops of wheat and Indian corn. Along the
Paterson the country is undulating and fertile, surrounded
by hills which attract rain, and render it better adapted for
cattle than sheep. Tobacco cultivation has been successfully
144 NEW SOUTH WALES.
pursued : thriving farms occupy the banks of the rivers,
which fetch a good price, either to sell or rent. Kangaroos,
plentiful a few years ago, are becoming scarce ; but wild
ducks may be shot on the river, and good fish caught.
' ' In April the winter sets in and continues until Septem-
ber, with nights cold enough to make a fire pleasant, and
sharp frost at daybreak.
" In October the summer commences, and the wheat har-
vest in November. Then in the Hunter district the hot
winds commence, blow for three days, and not unfrequently
bHght wheat just coming into ear : they are usually suc-
ceeded by a sharp southerly gale, accompanied by rain,
which soon makes everything not actually blighted look
green again. This more particularly refers to the Paterson.
At Segenhoe, one of the most beautiful estates in New South
Wales, which extends in romantic park-Ulie scenery for six
miles along the Eiver Hirnter, in the county of Brisbane,
thi-ee years have sometimes elapsed before the fall of rain.
' ' The Hunter Eiver may be considered a favorable speci-
men of an accessible and long- settled district. The river is
now not only the means of communication by the sea for the
produce of its immediate ten-itory, but also for all the wool
and aU the supplies interchanged by the great squatting
disti'ict of New England and Liverpool Plains, to which
access is obtained by a deep cleft through a spui' of the
Austi'alian cordUleras, called the Liverpool Eange, which
bounds the Liverpool Plains in a northerly direction. A
great and increasing steam communication exists between
Sydney and the Eiver Hunter.
" Port Stephens is a large estuary fifteen nules in length
and contracted to about a mile in breadth in the centre, into
which the Eivers Karuah and Myall flow. The Earuah is
navigable for twelve miles only for small craft to Booral, a
village built by the Australian Agricultiu-al Company. The
vaUey of the Karuah, in the county of Gloucester, is chiefly
IS^EW SOUTH WALES. 145
in tlie possession of the Australian Agricnltiu'al Company,
and pronounced by Count Strzelecld one of the finest agri-
cultm-al districts in the colony. The company in England
were desirous of opening it to colonization, as they found
farming and stoekfeeding at the distance of sixteen thousand
miles an ujiprofitable pui-suit; but their resident servants
threw so many obstacles ia the way that the project failed,
and within one hundred miles of Sydney colonization is
checked by a monopolist oasis.
"Australia is the largest island in the world, so large
that it is more correctly described as an island- continent,
situated between the 10th and 4oth degrees of south latitude,
and the 112th and lolth degrees of longitude east from
Greenwich. It may be said to be nearly thi-ee thousand
miles fi-om west to east, and two thousand uiiles from north
to south, of a nearly square form, were it not for the deep
indentation formed by the great Gulf of Carpenteria. But
this superficial extent, which is sometimes compared with
that of other contiaents, aftbrds no true index to the area
reaUy available, or ever liliely to be available, for coloniza-
tion. A great portion of the interior is more hopelessly
barren and impassable than the deserts of Africa, being in
dry weather a hoUow basin of sand, in raiay seasons a vast
shallow inland sea, alternately and rapidly swelled by tropi-
cal torrents, and dried up by the tropical sun.
" Comparisons are frequently instituted between the rela-
tive areas and populations of Europe and Australia; but
nothing can be more fallacious or dishonest.
" The resources of Australia have been as yet barely
discovered; a century of active colonization can scarcely
develop them to their fullest extent. Even without the
appliances of science and combined labour a vast population
may be subsisted in comfort; but, without some change
more extensive and material than it is possible to foresee,
there can be no such dense multitudes concentrated in
L
146 NEW SOUTH WALES.
Aiistralia as are found in tlie more civilized states of Europe,
and as may be found at some future period in North. Ame-
rica, The absence of great rivers and the means of forming-
inland water communication, and the quality of a great
proportion of the soil, settle this point.
"The siu'face of this island is depressed in the centre,
bounded by an almost continuous range of hills and pla-
teaujt, which, varying in height from one to six thousand
feet above the level of the sea, in some places approach the
coast and present lofty, inaccessible cliffs to the ocean, — as,
for instance, the heads of Port Jackson, — and in others tend
toward the interior of the countiy, at a distance of from
twenty to eighty miles ; but, these elevations being all of
an undulating, not a precipitous, character, no part of the
country can be considered strictly alpine.
" The features of the country on the exterior and interior
of this range differ so much as to present the results of climates
usually found much further apart, especially on the eastern
coast, where between the mountains and the sea, as, for
instance, at Illawarra, Port Macquarie, and Moreton Bay,
the vegetation partakes to a great extent of a tropical cha-
racter ; and on the rich debris washed down from the hills
we find forests of towering palms and various species of
gum-trees (Eucalypti), the siu'face of the groimd beneath
clothed with dense and impervious underwood, composed of
dwarf trees, shrubs, and ti-ee-ferns, festooned with creepers
and parasitic plants, from the size of a convolvulus and vine
to the cable of a man-of-war. These dense forests, through
which exploring travellers have been obliged to cut their
way inland at the rate of not more than a mile or two a
day, are interspersed with open glades or meadow reaches,
admirably adapted for pastm-ing cattle, to which the colo-
nists have given the name of apple-tree flats, from the
fancied resemblance between the apple-trees of Europe and
those (Angophorse) with which these glades are thinly dotted.
NEW SOUTH WALES. 147
"Witliin the ranges, on the other hand, are found im-
mense open downs and grassy phiins, divided by rocky and
round-backed ranges of hills, and interspersed by open
forest without undergrowth and detached belts of gum treeiB
(Eucalyi^ti acacise), presenting a park-LUce appearance, which,
advancing towards the interior, are succeeded either by
marshes, or sandy and stony deserts, perfectly sterile and
uninhabitable, except by a few reptiles and birds which
prey upon them,
" The rivers of Austi'alia are few in number, and insigni-
ficant in a navigable point of view. The one series, rising
from the seaside of the mountain range, flow deviously until
they reach the coast, seldom aftbrding a navigable stream
more than twenty miles inland, usually rushing down with
such rapidity during the rainy season as to fill up their sea-
mouths with a bar which excludes all except boats of slight
draught of water. The other series, falling toward the
interior, are lost in qidcksands, marshes, or shallow lakes ;
after a course varying from a score to many hundred miles
of zigzag current, now flowing with a full, deep stream, and
then suddenly diminishing to a depth of a few inches, or
even totally and suddenly disappearing."
One of the many signs in tlie capital of New
Soutli Wales wHcli seem to indicate an approach
to national greatness, is the recent construction of
a mint, which — as wiU. be observed by the following
article — is on the eve of commencing operations
consequent on the formation of such an establish-
ment.
The Home Government pay Sydney a well-
merited comphment by assenting to the establish-
ment of the first colonial mint in that city —
148 KEW SOUTH WALES.
the oldest and most advanced in tlie AustraKan
colonies. That it will create a little jealousy else-
where we have not the least doubt. Time will
show.
THE SYDNEY MmT.
[From " The Syd^tet Heeald."]
" It will be remembered tbat, a short time ago, "we gave
a lengtliy description of the biiildings and aj^paratus then
in course of construction, for the purpose of carrying on the
Sydney Branch of the Royal Mint.
" In that notice it was stated that the establishment would
be brought into operation about this time, and we find that
our information was correct. In pursuance of a proclamation
in last Friday's Government ' Gazette,' the Mint was opened
yesterday for the first time, and will be ready to receive
gold bullion for coinage until the 29th of June next. From
that time a different scale of charges will be framed, and
due notification of the fact pubKshed in the Government
* Gazette.'
"The conditions on which gold bullion will be received
for coinage are as under : —
" 1st. Importations of bullion, in quantity from one
thousand oiinces upwards will be admitted daily
(Satui'days and holidays excepted), between the
hours of 11 o'clock a.m., and 3 o'clock p.m.
"2nd. The value of the bullion will be calculated at
£3 17s. 10|d. the ounce standard, and determined
on the reports of the Mint assayers. It will then
be converted into coin with all convenient despatch.
*' 3rd. Payment for importations will be made in the
order of their receipt, subject to a deduction of
three-fourths per cent, as a Mint charge.
' ' 4th. The Mint will also issue, if required, gold bullion,
ingots, or bars, at £3 17s. 10|d. the ounce standard.
I
NEW SOUTH WALES. 149
' ' It would be prematiu'e at present to express any decided
opinion as to the advantages wliicli may be likely to result
from the facility thus afforded lis of coining oirr own money.
It is a subject on which a great diversity of opinion prevails,
even among the members of the Legislature, to whom we
are mainly indebted for the costly gift. In mercantile
circles we believe the general opinion is adverse, or in other
words that a mint in this colony * wiU not pay.' The ex-
periment which is now to be tried will soon prove the fallacy
or soundness of this impression, and therefore we may leave
the matter to time. ' The advantage,' says the proclamation,
' anticipated from the introduction of a Branch of the Royal
Mint in Sydney, is the facility such an establishment will
offer for the conversion of standard gold biiUion, and of
bullion, the produce of Australian Colojiies, into the legal
coin or tender for payment ; to this every assistance will be
given. The Sydney Mint is not open for melting and
refining plate and jewellery or bullion which has been pre-
viously wrought, or for converting such into coin. Any
importations therefore, which, after being melted and assayed
at the mint, shall appear to the Deputy Master to have been
brought to a state difficult or expensive to restore to standard
purity, will be returned to the importers, subject to a charge
of three-fourths per cent, on its value, reckoned at £3 17s.
10|d. the standard ounce." The establishment has abeady
cost the colony a large sum of money, and if there was no
other consideration, the knowledge that this expense can
only be reimbursed by the successful operations of the Mint
ought to secure the support and friendly co-operation of the
public.
" It is satisfactory to be able to state, that the quantity of
gold received at the Mint yesterday was unexpectedly large,
being between ten thousand and eleven thousand ounces, or
fi'om £40,000 to £50,000 worth. All the necessary arrange-
ments for coining have been nearly completed, and it is not
150 NEW SOUTH WALES.
at all improbable tbat we shall see our own sovereigns in
circulation in the eom'se of a few days. The erection of the
machinery, and the construction of the necessary buildings,
are already finished, so that there is nothing to be done now
but the perfecting of those minor and interior appliances
which are essential to the successful operation of every great
undertaking of the kind."
By advices just received (August 1856) we find
that the New South Wales mint has more than
reaKzed the favorable anticipations of the colonists ;
but, as will be seen by a remark of " The Times "
correspondent, the operations of the estabKshment
woidd have been on a still more extended scale but
for the contracted policy and commercial jealousy
displayed in the adjoining colony of Victoria — •
many of the merchants in which would readily
bear the entire loss of a penny or a poimd rather
than allow the Sydneites to derive either benefit
or honor by a di\dsion of the coin. Our former
prediction in this matter would appear to be rea-
lized to the letter : —
"The New South Wales Mint appears to be a subject of
great congratulation. Last year from the date of the opening,
on the 14th of May, the coinage was £512,000 in sovereigns
and half-sovereigns, and this year it has already reached
£644,500. Its operations would be m\ich greater but for
the non-recognition of this coinage in Victoria and the duty
of 2s. 6d. per ounce levied in that colony both on imports
and exports. South Australia seemed about to favor the
more rational course of admitting it as a legal tender."
In a subsequent issue of the same paper, the
NEW SOUTH WALES. 151
following letter of " A Colonist " assigns a reason
why the JSTew South Wales sovereign should be-
come a legal tender north of the line, but the
writer omits to state w/ii/ it is not made so by
Victoria and other of the Australian colonies — for
the joint benefit of wliich we presume the mint
was established. If "A Colonist" had signed
himself " A Yictorian," the cause for his attempt-
ing to foster the blame on the Home Government
would have been too clear a matter for sui'mise : —
" Ser, — ^You have recently given facts and figures slio-sving
tlie success that Las attended the establishment of a branch
of the Royal Mint in Sydney. It appears that upwai'ds of
£1,157,000 were coined during the fii'st year of the Mint's
existence.
; "Are you aware that a large nxunber, possibly one-half,
of the coins thus made have now no existence, having been
sent to England, where they are piu'chased as biJlion and
melted and transmitted to the continent in bars and iagots ?
" I shall be obliged if you will allow me to ask why the
Austi'alian sovereign has any device on it to distinguish it
fi'om the sovereign cast on Tower-hill ?
"The Royal Mint has an establishment in London and
one at Sydney, both under the same control.
" The Lords of the Treasuiy appoint the officers and issue
the regtdations for both establishments. The colonial au-
thorities have no power in either case. The Legislatm-e of
the colony votes the supplies, and if it ceased to do so the
Mint in Sydney would be closed ; but while it remains open
they have nothing more to do with it. Even the pyx is sent
to England to be tried. In short, it is in reality Avhat it is
in name, a branch of the Royal Mint, superintended, as it
152 KEW SOUTH WALES.
ought to be, bj^ officers of the Imperial Government, and the
coin Touclied for by the Crown,
" Why should not the natural consequence foUow, and
the coin have the same currency throughout the Queen's
dominions as if made in London ?
" A Colonist.
" Berkeley- street, August 18."
Society in New South. Wales may be said to be
classified, wbile the lines which are drawn to dis-
tinguish the respective grades are rigidly adhered
to. In Victoria, where the population has trebled
itself in three years, it is a matter of difficulty,
if not impossibility, for one man to ascertain the
former character or position of another; and a
property qualification is the only one that makes a
distinction in the social intercourse of the inha-
bitants — excepting of course the illiterate and low
and the educated and refined, whose dissimilar
habits and tastes would prove a barrier to friendly
association in any country or any colony.
In Sydney men of j)rojDerty and position hold
thenLselves distinct — except on matters of business
— from men of property loitliout character. In
Melbourne all mix indiscriminately together, like
a mob at a fair, or figures at a masquerade. In
Sydney, the emancipated felon and the English
outlaw have no locu% standi "wdthin the threshold
of those whose characters are untainted. In Mel-
bourne few men know the private character of
their neighbors or fellow- citizens ; and the wealthy
rogue is accepted as an honest man and a gentle-
NEW SOUTH WALES. 153
man — so long as there is nothing in his acts to
unmask the disguise. But in Sydne}'-, where the
increase to the population has been gradual, each
one seems to know the character of the other,
while each knows where he vnU. and where he wiU
not he received.
In New South Wales, as in Yan Diemen's Land,
there are many wealthy merchants who in early
life were convicts, and who have either served out
their term of imprisonment or obtained " tickets
of leave," and who, by commercial or other specu-
lations, have amassed considerable fortunes. But
these persons are strictly excluded from social
circles — save and excej)t with their own class.
In 1840 New South Wales ceased to be a place
to which convicts might be transported from the
United Kingdom, since which period the number
of "bondmen" have gradually decreased. In the
year 1840, upwards of 21,000 convicts were as-
signed to private service, at which time the entire
popidation of New South Wales was about 150,000.
Since 1847, emigration has been constantly flow-
ing towards Australia ; but in 1846-7 the tide
appeared almost exclusively turned toward the
American colonies. In the latter year the emi-
gration from the United Kingdom was as foUows :
To the North American Colonies . 109,600
To the United States 142,500
To the Australian Colonies and
New Zealand 4,900
154 NEW SOL'TH WALES.
Heference to oiu" Population Tables will show tlie
extraordinary change which has taken place in
favor of the last named places from and after the
period to which the above figures refer.
In an intellectual point of view, the inhabitants
of New South Wales are greatly in advance of
those of Yictoria, as may be inferred from the
well -stocked libraries and superior habits and
tastes of the former. But in N^ew South Wales,
as in each of the colonies we have at present
visited, there appears to be an immense amount of
vice and immorality, although perhaps not so dark
and overwhelming in its character as that which
prevails in Victoria.
To correct past abuses and reform existing ones,
the new governor. Sir William Denison, has an
herculean task to perform. That he has the moral
courage to attempt the task, and the ability to
accomplish much, if not all of what he attempts,
few persons seem disposed to doubt. But our
readers will perceive by the following article from
" The Sydney Empire " what are the opinions of
the press — a very superior press to that of Yictoria
— with reference to the capabilities of Sir WiUiam
Denison, and of the hopes entertained of his future
government : —
" THE HEAVY RESPONSIBILITIES OF SIR W.
DEXISOX.
" That we have a clever man to govern us now is indu-
bitable — at once a soldier, a man of science, a tbinker, and
NEW SOUTH WALES. 155
one not unused to rule. Nor is there any certain ground on
wMch. any one can impeach, his good intentions, though in
one or two instances already, there is too much reason to
suspect that evil influences have had the ascendancy, or
that the probity of our new ruler can only be strictly main-
tained at the expense of his sagacity. Much, therefore,
ought to be hoped for. But when we look at the times and
the country, at internal affairs and external relations, at
society and its wants both physical and moral, it is impos-
sible not to feel convinced that he has a task before him
from which a hero might well shrink. It is not because it
is pleasant to raise causes of anxiety that this subject is
introduced, but because it is necessary to look all things
fairly in the face.
" Some of the difficulties which must beset his Excel-
lency's administration rise out of a system common to all
the Australian colonies, and inveterate in its vicious quali-
ties, originating as it did in the corrupt times of George III.
Others rise out of the mischievous courses uniformly pursued
by his Excellency's predecessor. We know not whether
Sir William aspii-es to the glory of being a true and com-
plete government reformer, or whether, like almost all his
pi'edecessors, he will propose to himseK merely the distinc-
tion of new plans with but little reference to their character.
That he will make alterations everjiihing seems to indicate ;
but whether he will set himself seriously to put the whole
colony on a good footing, is as yet at best a matter of mere
conjectiire. But this we say, that everything calls for
revision, and that there are faults so deep that the most
penetrating research bids fair to be baffled and confounded.
Should the present Grovernor, therefore, do well for the
colony, he -will be a hero indeed.
' ' In Su- Richard Boiirke and Sir George Gipps the colony
had shrewd and well-intentioned, but not faultless Gover-
nors. Wbatever may have been vicious, however, in their
156 NEW SOUTH WALES.
administrations must be attributed ratber to tbe vices of tbe
wbole system of Colonial government, incorrect theories and
principles, mistaken views of tbe relations of rulers and
people, tban to personal imbecility or profligate disregard of
right. A considerably higher praise than this is due to Sir
George Gipps. His intellect was comprehensive and exact,
his power of thought equal to almost any emergency, and
Ms struggles against a rising and greedy faction were in-
cessant. His treatment of Maori rights in New Zealand
shows that his political philosophy was not perfect ; but his
views on that subject, though we deem them to have been
erroneous, were rather to the advantage of Xew South "Wales
than otherwise, if they had not been too successfully re-
sisted, for they tended to impede the establishment of the
present squatting system. On this ground we have, there-
fore no cause to complain of his error ; and this apart, he
was by far the completest and most sagacious Governor, to
say nothing of his high moral reputation, which New South
"Wales ever had. "WTiat the Imperial Cabinet meant by
sending such a man as Sir Charles Fitz Roy to supersede
him, it would be hazardous to insinuate. "We have recently
read a short article on Australia in " The British Banner,"
in wliich Sii- Charles is applauded in contrast with Sir
George, with something resembling a sneer on the death of
the latter, and the authority appears to be some statement
of "The Sydney Morning Herald!" We must hold Dr.
Campbell's knowledge of Australia very cheap after such a
proof of its value. Sir Charles undid, if that was his dis-
cretion, almost every wise thing that Sir Qreorge Gipps
martyred himself to do. His course of government was one
course of official indulgence and seK-indulgenee, at the ex-
pense of the most sacred rights and interests of the colony.
The land system, which Sir George would have prevented if
he could, was Sir Charles's stronghold. In it he found his
fi'iends, and in its opponents he saw his foes. The reckless
KEW SOUTH WALES. 157
conduct of our squatting Council on recent occasions was to
liis mind, for it iiattered his vices, and promoted his pre-
dilections. He has thus " established iniquity by law," and
made it almost coincident and commensui-ate with all that
we know of government in this colony ; so much so, indeed,
that it is a question now with the wisest and best men
among us, whether we shall prociu-e amendment by reform
or by revolution.
" It is such a government, and in such circumstances. Sir
William Denison has assumed, and he must either proceed
in the beaten course and be blasted with the evil auspices of
his predecessor ; or introduce mere glosses of reform to de-
ceive the eyes of observers, and so to beguile the colony into
ill-placed confidence ; or set himself seriously to rectify the
fundamental wrongs of the whole system, with aU it acces-
sory vices. If he do not do this latter thing, the day is not
far distant when the colony Avill reform itself without asking
leave of its blind and infatuated rulers. His responsibility,
therefore, is in a crisis.
" But without reference to the past, and merely to take
the colony as it is — there are subjects sufficient to make any
reflecting man's heart ache, much more that of a Grovernor,
It cannot surely be quite satisfactory to a man of Sir Wil-
liam's penetration, and that speaking of him merely as a
political economist, without regard to those religious feelings
which are commonly attributed to him, that the revenue is so
largely made up of destructive elements, that the money
which is applied for the support of churches and educational
systems is only a fraction of an amount supplied by intem-
perance. Will a wise and soberminded man, a friend to his
species, or even one who is ambitious of the honoua- of a good
politician and reformer, acquiesce in such, a state of things
as this, or congratulate himself upon it ? And will he fail
to trace out one of the great causes of national vice in the
quality of the existing Magistracy, and another in the check
158 NEW SOUTH WALES.
upon legitimate industry whicli the present land system
exerts ? Will he not see that it is utterly in vain to vote
sums of money for education in resistance to such appalling
powers of profligacy as exist all abroad ?
" The subject now touched on is of a very broad bearing,
and has also many collaterals, and all of them are matters
which must lie with a heavy incumbency on the conscience
of an enlightened ruler. But the economics of the colony
are not unworthy of a passing notice. It is no slight task
the government has undertaken in the whole railway enter-
prise of the colony, which is now upon its shoulders, and
that, whether the work or the funds be considered. The
tendency of the last three years has been to multiply govern-
ment commissions, and every one of these must be a source
of anxiety. The multiplication of patronage is not always
the enlargement of pleasure ; and if it were, even pleasure
has its toils and its deteriorations. And if all this were not
yoke enough to gall the shoulders, the departments are an
Augean stable ; or to change the figure, they will be a huge
stone which yviU. roll back on the Sisyphus who labors to
force it up the hill."
We have often heard that talent of the first
order when allied to modesty, will prove of Kttle
service to its possessor in the Australian colonies,
while the owner of a little ability and a great deal
of bombast or impudent assurance would leave his
less pretending but more deserving kinsman con-
siderably in the rear.
Our own observations on the subject will not
permit us to question or doubt the foundation for
the prevailing opinion — especially with regard to
old settlers or natives of Eui'opean descent. As a
NEW SOUTH WALES. 159
body, those persons are eitlier devoid of a superior
order of talent, or tliey deem its application, as
the means to colonial success, unnecessary ; for
ignorance and impudence appear to be the chief
characteristics of many of Australia's wealthiest
sons. Old settlers and natives are generally very
ignorant or very impudent — or both. But a little
talent makes their egotism even less bearable than
their ignorance ; and we have rarely met an Aus-
tralian native that was not either an egotist or a
bully. True, there are men, like Daniel Cooper,
modest, great, and generous, but in AustraKa such
persons are rare exceptions.
Want of good breeding — or positive ill-breeding
— is another striking feature with these AustraKan
natives.
Dining one day at the house of a highly respect-
able o'entleman in the neighbourhood of Geelong,
we were introduced to an AustraKan native of
European descent, who was not only a man of
property, but was Kkewise considered one of the
leading men of the town — for his name generally
figured on any and every committee for conducting
complimentary or public dinners. This in itself
was sufficient to prove the importance of the indi-
vidual, as only those who have an exalted opinion
of themselves are solicited for, or expected to fill
an office of such responsibility — especially in a
colony where any successful impostor may, with
certainty, expect to receive, at the hands of his
160 ?fEW SOUTH WALES.
brother to'wnsmen, a good dinner and a piece of
plate prior to liis departure from the colony.
"Well; it might reasonably be expected that a
gentleman — a native too ! — who had assisted in
conducting so many public dinners, would at least
know how to conduct himself at a private one.
After the following facts, let the reader decide the
question. Not only did the individual alluded to
misconduct himself at the dinner table, but at the
close of his oicn dinner, and previous to the re-
moval of the cloth, he suddenly rose without excuse
or apology, and quietly seated himself before the
fire in company with a colonial newspaper, to
which he directed his undivided attention for about
an hour; after this he played so many fantastic
and unmanly tricks, that a mere reference to them
must suffice for their disposal. This, then, is ano-
ther natwe specimen of degenerated humanity.
Than the worthy host himself — a gentleman who
had been but a few years in the colony — no one
was more ashamed of the fellow's behaviour ; but
being related to him by marriage, he was some-
times compelled, as it were, to suffer the infliction
occasioned by the presence of so disagreeable a
guest.
But what will English lawyers — even those
accustomed to sharp practice — think of the fol-
lowing case, which is a fair sample of colonial
effrontr5\
A governess to a respectable family in the colony
NEW SOUTH WALES. 161
liad for some time been engaged and was on tlie
eve of being married to a wealthy mercbant, wbo
however thought proper to transfer his hand, if
not his love, to a lady of fortune, whom he sub-
sequently espoused.
Acting on the ad^ace of the family with whom
she lived, who had no fiu'ther use for her ser-^^ces,
the discarded governess sought the assistance of
one of the first lawyers in the locality. The
yoimg lady possessed considerable personal attrac-
tions. The law}"er was struck with her appearance.
Being a widower and a man of family as well as
fortune, a lucrative situation as sujoerintendent in
and over his household might possibly suit the
lady better than the uncertain award to be obtained
for her disappointment on the termination of a law
suit ? Those who seek the adince of a lawj^er
generally adopt it — except where future considera-
tion makes the issue doubtfid. The lady disliked
law, and, like other of her sex, felt disposed rather
to forget or forgive the man who had wronged her
than to prosecute him. The proffered situation
would enable her to abandon her former inten-
tion if not to forget her lover. She became an
inmate of the lawj^er's house — and the lawj'cr
subsequently seduced her. One would have sup-
posed that this would have been the climax to the
lawj^er's knavery. No ; having obtained the lady's
love letters, with the answers thereto, he brought
an action and obtained a verdict against her former
M
162 NEW SOUTH WALES.
suitor for " breach of promise of marriage." It
may be mmecessary to add, that he obtained the
verdict for the lady, and the damages for himself.
We have no occasion however to refer alone to
individual faidts, or to merely a few out of the
endless specimens of imfair dealing which are
daily practised in the Australian colonies by par-
ticular persons, while, at the same time, institu-
tions, companies, or collective bodies are no less
guilty than individuals. The following letter will
furnish the particulars of a case in which the writer
himself on his first visit to the colony happened to
be the victim : —
"COLOMAL BAI^KS.
" TO THE EDITOK OF ' THE SYDNEY MORKDfG HEBAIB.'
" SiE, — I liave been but a short time in tbis country, on
a literary mission, and only arrived here (from Geelong)
yesterday, when I became the victim of the following act of
injustice, committed by one of the leading banking houses
of the colony, and which act I feel in duty bound to publish
— ^less on account of my own indi\idual annoyance than for
the information of the public,
" Diu'iug my stay in Greelong I kept an account with the
Bank of New South Wales, on closing which I informed the
cashier of my intended departm-e for Sydney, and requested
him to give me the small balance of £200 standing in my
favour in cash. To this he made no apparent objectioti ;
but politely inquired "whether a draft on the bank in Sydney
wouldn't suit as well P" Finding, however, that to prociu'e
cash for such a draft would entail a loss to the holder of one
per cent., I dccUned the offer, and repeated my former desire,
NEW SOUTH WALES. 163
wlien. the obliging casliier in question said, "then there -nill
be no occasion for you to take more gold than you require
for the voyage, as you can get our notes cashed at Sydney
without any charye whatever for the exchanye," "With this
assurance I pocketed the notes, and (as I supposed) the
cashier's word of honor, never for a moment supposing that
for such belief in printed paper and a gentleman's word, I
should have to pay the penalty of misplaced confidence.
" So much for the want of colonial experience, my oavti
simplicity, and future chagrin ; for, judge of my surprise
and disappointment, when, waiting on the bank here vnth.
the said notes, indorsed as I told them ^dth the assurance of
their branch at Geelong of "immediate cash" — -judge, I
say, of my siu'prise on being told I should have to pay t«'o-
and-haK per cent, for the exchange, whatever might have
been the assm-ances or promises of their agents at Geelong
to the contrary. Never in my life was I so completely
mulct of £5. This may be colonial honesty ! That, how-
ever, is a point I leave with yoiu-self, the public, and the
Bank of New South Wales.
' ' I am. Sir, your obedient servant,
"D. P.
"Petty's Hotel, Jan^^ary 14.
" P.S. — For your own satisfaction I enclose my real name,
and beg to add as a postscript to my former communication
that, although the Banlv of New South Wales refused to
cash their own notes for less than two-aud-haK per cent.,
on withdrawing the said notes at the advice of a respectable
firm here, and paying them into another bank, they were im-
mediately placed to my credit at a charge of one per cent."
By the quarterly returns of the banks — which
•will be found under the head of " Statistical In-
formation " — made up to 31st March 1856, it will
164 NEW SOUTH WALES.
be seen that the dividend usually declared by an
established bank in the colony is about twenty
per cent., although on the part of one estabbsh-
ment thirty per cent, figures in the space devoted
to profits.
Our surprise on this subject is, not that the pro-
fits are great but that they are not much greater
than they are — and they would be greater but that
occasional private financiers and pubKc speculators
outwit board-room gentlemen, by pinching them
in a part in which such gentlemen unmercifully
pinch the public — the pocket. But for the draw-
back caused by the failure of colonial wits, in
whom confidence is sometimes allowed to repose a
leetle too long, what is to prevent the shareholders
in colonial banks from periodically dividing a
profit of fiftp or sixty per cent ? We leave arith-
meticians to determine what woidd be the rate of
per centage per annum exacted by an estabKsh-
ment which for cashing its own paper — " payable
ON demand" — retains for itself fifty shillings from
one hundred poimds.
When in IS^ew Zealand, we were infonned that
in the early stage of one of the provinces of that
colony, and previous to the establishment of a
bank, a shrewd merchant was in the habit of
issuing his own I. 0. U.'s for cash deposits received
for the convenience and secxirity of the public.
Such I. 0. U.'s were either returnable, at par, in
exchange for goods, or at a discoimt of two-and-
NEW SOUTH WALES. 165
lialf per cent, for cash. The gentleman, it ap-
pears, traded in the double capacity of banker and
merchant. He had a goods department as well as
a money department. With that difference, what
is there to distinguish this private banker from
the Bank of JSTew South Wales ? The one issues
paper and goods at a profit, the other issues paper
only. The private banker grows rich at the ex-
pense of the few ; the public bankers grow rich at
the expense of the multitude.
Uninfluenced in the sKghtest degree by the
trifling case in which we were personally con-
cerned — an incident that only tended to strengthen
an opinion previously formed and subsequently
confirmed — we do not hesitate to subscribe to the
general belief that the colonial banks are in a
great measure responsible for the reckless specula-
tion and consequent dej)ression which so frequently
take place in the Australian colonies. Ever ready
by liberal but temporary advances to inspire new
customers with false notions of credit, they faciK-
tate speculation on the approach of a promising
season, merely to reap their own harvest and crush
the husbandman at the close. More than this ;
not content to confine themselves to their peculiar
calling, by imposing excessive rates of interest for
discounting local biUs of exchange, and large pre-
miums for issuing foreign ones, they absolutely
monopolise a profitable part of their customers'
business, by outbidding them for the staple
166 NEW SOUTH WALES.
commodity of tlie coimtry. They despatch to the
diggings a large staff of agents, who, like wander-
ing Jews at a coimtry fair, open their stalls and
money boxes, in order to snatch from the legiti-
mate trader every omice of gold that comes to
market. Indeed, they have only to extend their
purchases to hides and tallow to perfect their qua-
lification for the term of " colonial merchants."
That all transactions in their joint capacity would
be consistent with good faith and fair dealing, our
own illustrated case might lead one to infer.
Finally, suppose a gentleman from Ireland or
Scotland, on presenting at the Bank of England
some notes from one of the branches of the said
bank, received — instead of the required cash — an
intimation from the cashier that two-and-half per
cent, woidd be the charge for cashing their oion
paper. Great no doubt would be the surprise or
consternation of the stranger ; but greater still
woidd be his surprise, on finding that some joint-
stock or commercial bank would grant him the
accommodation at two-fifths of the charge.
Considered collectively, the inhabitants of New
South Wales are much more respectable than those
of Victoria — evidence of which is furnished by the
superior tastes, habits, and manners of the popu-
lation of the former colony as compared with that
of the latter. A celebrated writer has said, " the
press of a country is a faithful index to the minds,
morals, and habits of the people." Supposing this
NEW SOUTH WALES. 1G7
doctrine partially correct, New South "Wales is
considerably in advance of Yictoria — tlie press in
which, is not for a moment to be compared vnih
that in the senior colony, either with regard to its
influence, its ability, or its respectability. The
leaders of the press in Yictoria, like the members
of any other trade or profession in that colony,
propound their doctrines, advocate their claims, or
descant on their grievances by a species of colonial
slang, or low Irish bull}dsm. In New South "Wales
a brighter spirit of independence, reason, and mo-
deration, woidd appear to regulate both the press
and the people. Compare, for instance, the tone
and temper displayed in the leading papers of the
respective colonies — ^the contrast with respect to
which is generally more striking than that pre-
sented by the follomng leading articles from two
of the respective newspapers : —
{From the Mclhonrne "Moexixg Heeald" of 3Iay 30^7i.)
" Our columns lielow contain a Summary of the Colonial
Statistics for the past month, so far as they are likely to he
useful to our correspondents in England ; and, as for our
politics, there is little to interest people who are living at
the head-quarters of the civilised world, in anything that
we can have to say, or in any grievances that we have to
complain of. They get our gold, it is true, hy the ton weight,
and they very kindly send us, in return for it, a vast quan-
tity of goods, including the refuse of theii" warehouses and
manufactories ; hut they have displayed no eagerness to
comply with oiu- -^-ishes as to a new Constitution, and they
168 NEW SOUTH WALES.
seem almost to regard it as an impertinence, that we should
trouble them with any application on the subject.
" We only request of the mother country either to attend
to our aftairs with zeal and promptitude, or to leave us,
■without any more of their foolish dictation and ignorant
interference, to manage them oui'selves. We sympathise
with our countrymen, and oiu* gracious Q,ueen at their head,
in their chivalrous efforts to save Tiu-key from falling under
the yoke of that egregious tyrant and oppressor, the late
Emperor Mcholas ; but we beg to assure them that we are
actually Hving under a despotism quite as odious to us as
that of Russia would be to the Turks, and not as formidable,
only because we have learnt to regard it with a feeling of
unanimous contempt. So perfect is this unanimity that it
affords us almost the same protection that a free constitution
would. Anybody may say what he likes, in this colony,
against the Government, and people may carry theii- resist-
ance to the verge of rebellion and high ti-eason, with absolute
impunity ; because no jury would be foimd willing to con-
vict, under such cii'cumstances. So profound and universal
is the hatred and contempt, felt in this colony, for the Exe-
cutive, that it serves as a protection to them, against any
violent attack. They stand so isolated by their unpopidarity,
that nobody thinks it worth while to approach them, even
for the pui-pose of inflicting chastisement. They are Uke
great cri min als who have fled for sanctuary, and theii- real
punishment is that no one will dare to succoiu" them, and no
one will take the trouble to put an end to their misery.
* ' Such is the position of our local Government — secured
against the attacks of individuals by the hatred of the
community ; a cmious phenomenon of political life, which
it woidd require a Tacitus to delineate.
" AVe can, at the same time, give our friends in Downing-
sti-eet one gratifying piece of intelligence, and that is — ^if we
cannot secui'e the favor of their attention, very speedily,
NEW SOUTH WALES. 169
we will not trouble them, witli importuuitj'. "We will re-
lieve them from the onerous task of governing us, and we
will do this upon the slightest indication they may aiibrd
us, of theii- desii'e to get rid of the very thankless under-
taking.
"A ball and supper, given by his Excellency and his
lady, at the Government House, is another topic of discussion,
which has, for the time, superseded all others, and it appears
to have made a deeper impression upon large numbers of
colonists than the danger of a national bankruptcy, or the
mischief of an arbitrary Government. Her Majesty's re-
presentative is charged with a niggardly economy, in his
arrangements for the festi\dty. It is even reported that,
before the supper, there was no better beverage than sour
Marsala and colonial beer, and that the costliest di'esses were
spoiled by the liquefaction of tallow candles. AU this — or
a part of it — may be exaggeration ; but there can be no
doubt of the fact, that the most intense dissatisfaction has
been created by the manner — the personal hauteur of a very
offensive kind — in which the guests were received — or rather
not received at all; for people seem to have been left to
themselves, as completely as they would have been at any
subscription assembly.
"A most unaccountable, and as it appears to us, very
flagrant act of injustice, has been perpetrated towards an
old and highly respected colonist. Dr. Campbell, in lus
sudden, arbitrary, and insulting dismissal from the office of
Coroner. "We reserve this topic for a full discussion ; but,
in the mean time, we must refer our readers to the corres-
pondence on the subject, published by us on Tuesday, as a
fair illustration of what we mean by the evils of a bui'eau-
cratic government,
"The Government officers, themselves, when faithful,
diligent and conscientious, like Dr. Campbell, are frequently
the lii'st victims to intrigue, and the most signal examples of
170 NEW SOUTH WALES.
injustice. There is one comfort, — that we shall soon have
a 'noble army of martyrs' — men of the greatest capacity
and most eminent station in the colony — all either sacrifices
or scapegoats — ^who will be quite ready to join with the
humblest of us, in the final assault we are detennined to
make on the stronghold of a bad and base GoTernment.
Their wrongs, and their undoiibted sincerity in seeking
redress, if not revenge, will give them great value in the
public camp ; and we thall forget all their errors, in their
future devotion to the common cause."
{From the " Sydkey Empike" of May 2Gth.)
"THE EULE OF SIR WILLIAM DENISON.
"The reputation of the present Governor General had
already awakened strong hopes of a vigorous administration
under his hands, even before his arrival to assume the
higher powers of his new office, for it was known that in
the government of a neighbouring colony he had displayed
ability and character which were likely to be improved by
time and experience, and which must necessarily be called
out into fiiU i^lay by the disordered state of our public
affiiirs. The first movements of Sir William Denison were,
therefore, watched with no ordinary interest by many who,
though they stood aloof from Government House, were reso-
lute in demanding fair-play for his government among the
outer circles of the population. All seemed to shrink from
word or deed that should embarrass his action or prejudge
his policy. "Without manifesting any undue reliance on his
wisdom, the people expressed no doubt of his patriotism.
He had been called to a high post by his Sovereign ; they
■were Avilling to discover in him worthy qualities to fill it.
By common accord. Sir William was put upon his trial ; and
every bystander was prepared to insist on justice to both
governor and governed.
NEW SOrXH WALES. 171
"Dui'iug the foiu* months Sir William Denison has bccu
amongst ns, he has succeeded in strengthening his hold on
the respect and confidence of the colonists. Manlj^ and un-
pretending in his personal conduct, easily accessible to the
public, painstaking in matters of business, and severe in
his notions of duty in the departments imder him, he appears
to be fearlessly woi-king out his mission. But, hitherto, his
hand has been seen only in the economy of small things — in
the ludicrous details of clerical reform in the departments —
tortui'ing official sloths into pitiable activity, and trying to
reduce administrative blunders to order and arrangement.
It is now imderstood among persons possessing the best
means of information, that Sir William is about to give a
nobler pledge to the colony of his determination, not only
to infuse \-igoiu: into the routine of government, but, to the
fullest extent of his power, to base his administration on
constitutional principle.
"The hateful incubus of Schedule A, under which the
principal expenditui-e for the State machinery was held
without the consent and in defiance of the Legislatm-e, is
to be cast to the winds. We believe the event mil prove
that we are correct in stating that the iirst Estimates of
Expenditure submitted by Sir William Denison to the
Legislative Coimcil "svill embrace the whole public service,
inclusive of the establishments reserved by the tj-rannical
Parliamentary Schedule, thus subjecting the appropriation
of the Territorial Eevenue to the popular vote. Under this
Schedule of the Constitution Act, it will be recollected, the
salaries of Governor, of the Judges and other officers in the
administration of justice, of the Colonial Secretary and his
subordinates, of the Colonial Treasiu-er and his subordinates,
of the Auditor General and his subordinates, together with
a considerable pension-list and an enormous fund for the
support of public worship, are secured to the Executive
authority. These were among the principal grievances
172 NEW SOUTH WALES.
against whicli Mr. Wentwortli's famous Remonstrance was
repeatedly levelled. ' The material powers exercised for
centuries by the House of Commons are stUl mthheld from
us,' was the burden of that document ; and never was any
protest more just than that which was raised against this
despotic appropriation of the public revenue and its asso-
ciated grievances. Sir "William Denison has assigned to
himself the task of liberating the colony from the irksome
bondage of which we have so long and so loudly complained.
Whether his Excellency has received despatches from home
advising a com-se more in accordance with the constitutional
government of England, or whether he has striven, in the
exercise of a higher faculty of statesmanship than our rulers
have hitherto displayed, to interpret the law and his in-
structions in favor of the rights and liberties of the governed,
rather than in support of the diy prescriptions of red-tape
rule, we, of course, have no means of knowing ; but the
people of this colony will accept the fact as a fail' augury of
the future, that their representatives, in the next session of
Council, wdU be asked to vote every salary and every penny
required for their government.
" A course of enlightened policy such as seems to be in-
dicated by this intention of his Excellency, carrying with
it decisive and unbiassed action in the development of our
natural resources, will make Sir "William Denison a great
ruler of a great country. "We do not know where we could
look to find a faii'er field for a pure ambition. For the
Australian colonies, this concession to popular demands of a
principle so vital, and powers so important to government,
wiU be hailed as the dawn of liberties, the full blessing of
which cannot be long withheld."
If additional evidence were required, notliing
could perhaps furnish stronger proof of the ad-
vanced state of New South Wales, as compared
NEW SOUTH WALES. 173
witli Yictoria, tlian the ready perception and just
appreciation of real merit by the inhabitants of
the former colony, and the acuteness •vrith which
they detect and expose an attempt at " cramming,"
or the false praise of anything by the nmnerous
puffs of the day. We may instance, for example,
a case or two that came under our o^^^l notice — in
which the gullibility and want of taste on the
part of the Victorians received a merited reproof
by the inhabitants of the senior colony.
An actor and manager named Coppin, whose
success in Victoria at the time of the gold dis-
covery, when money was easily made and foolishly
squandered, led many of the pla}^- goers of the
colony to consider the object of fortune's favors —
what the gentleman evidently considers himself —
a first-rate comedian. In our humble opinion this
person is nothing more than a second or third class
representative of low characters. This opinion ap-
pears to be shared by more competent judges than
ourselves ; for, if we have been correctly informed,
the retention of the southern star was not consi-
dered desirable by the sagacious London managers
— ^notwithstanding the opportunity afforded them
of witnessing at the Haymarket Theatre the gra-
tuitous performance of the " celebrated Australian
comedian," who with characteristic generosity an-
nounced in all the London newspapers that the
proceeds of such performance would be devoted to
a charitahle purpose.
174 NEW SOUTH WALES.
Finding little room for the display of his genius
on the London stage, this gentleman engaged the
celebrated G. V. Brooke — whose arrival in Mel-
bourne was prefaced by puffs, copies of requisitions,
and testimonials that not only covered all the spare
walls within the city boundary, but were likewise
to be seen in every grog-shop as well as in every
hole and corner of the Victorian capital. The bait
was taken ; and the inhabitants nightly crowded
the theatre, at the advanced price of 12s. 6d.,
dui'ing a period of some five or six weeks. That
the fame acquired by Mr. Brooke through the
talent he displayed on the English boards slightly
contributed to such a resvdt, we do not for a mo-
ment doubt. But the puffing that preceded his
appearance was no doubt the chief cause ; for it is
otAj fair to presume that the majority of those who
visited the theatre had not previously heard of the
actor's name.
Elated by success, some persons — friends we
presume — adopted in Sydney a plan which had
been found to succeed so well in Melbourne — ^but
with a very different residt. In Sydney, as in
Melbourne, every imaginable form of the " puff
preliminary" was resorted to. The theatre was
illximinated, and complimentary devices and mottos
might be seen in all parts of the city, — "He's
coming, he's coming," in a thousand places an-
nounced the advent of the great luminary; and
" he's come, he's come," subsequently proclaimed
NEW SOUTH WALES. 175
the presence of tlie " star " that was pronounced
" incomparable." If the bills which, prior to the
actor's professional appearance announced in large
type that "Mr, G. V. Brooke would honor the
theatre with his presence," had substituted His
Majesty for plain Mr. the title of the individual
would have been more in keeping with the osten-
tatious and gorgeous preparation made for his
reception.
But how great must have been the surprise of
those immediately concerned, on finding that the
inhabitants of the most respectably populated
city in Avistralia failed — in large numbers — to
acknowledge or appreciate the potent brilliancy
or magnetic influence of the evening " star " that
condescended to illumine the Sydney boards for
the gratification of those who might be disposed to
pay the price stipulated for the promised pleasure.
The truth is, the Sydneites would have readily
bestowed on Mr. Brooke, or Mr. anybody else,
both the attention and reward due to merit ; but
they appeared determined to mark in an unmis-
takeable manner their objection to have anji;hing
or any one fostered on them by the ephemeral
puffs of the time. The consequence was that the
actor failed to receive that encouragement which
his ability would have otherwise insured for him.
Perhaps some of the more critical of the Sydney
people might have been of our opinion — that Mr.
Brooke is a talented but not a great actor; that
176 NEW SOUTH WALES.
nature endowed hini with more of the external
than the internal advantages of the human form ;
and that the owner wants the genius for the con-
ception of a great character, as well as the nice
discrimination of light and shade requisite to illus-
trate it. Nevertheless, Mr. Brooke is a showy
and effective melo-dramatic actor ; and had the
Sydneites not been disgusted with the fulsome
eulogies that prefaced his appearance and contri-
buted to his success elsewhere, he woidd have
received a larger amount of patronage than was
accorded to him in the capital of New South Wales.
If we simply refer to, it will be unnecessary to
enlarge on, other of the many cases with which we
are acquainted, in order to show the advanced
state of the colony of New South Wales over that
of Victoria.
In Melbourne, we have known the lowest cha-
racter as a man — the veriest buffoon as an actor —
a mere clown from the ring at Astley's or some
strolling English company — to be in the receipt of
a salary of £75 a week from a low mountebank
establishment that has been nightly crowded with
the elite of the capital, while a professor of the fine
arts, has been delivering a talented and intellec-
tual discourse in another part of the city to empty
benches.
In Sydney, we have known the very reverse of
the above to be the case.
If additional evidence were required, not only
NEW SOUTH "WALES. 177
of the superior taste, but likewise of the nobleness
of action and benevolence of heart of the inha-
bitants of jN^ew South Wales over those of Victoria,
the munificent contribution to the Patriotic Fund
by the former colony, as compared with the paltry
sum collected in the latter, would alone serve as a
conAoncing proof. With a population of 300,000,
Victoria, — the golden coimtry and by far the
richest of all the AustraKan colonies — has to this
date, October 1855, contributed to the above-named
fund about £7,000, while the colony of jN'ew South
Wales, with a smaller popidation stands on the
list of donors for £60,000!*
With regard to the self- generated colonial dis-
ease — the human rot, arising from the excessive
use of ardent spirits — New South Wales, is fear-
fully infected with the destructive malady, although
not to the same extent as Victoria, in which colony
the consumption of spirits and tobacco has been at
the rate of nearly £10 per head, per annum, for
man, woman, and child. Were the inhabitants of
England to absorb these stimidants and narcotics
in a proportionate degree the value of the consump-
tion woidd exceed £100,000,000 sterling, per ann.
Colonists would do well to ponder the above.
Those who may deem the vices of Australia imde-
serving the strictures they provoke, may, at least,
discover the origin of the one, if not a justification
for the other.
* Since our return to England we find that the Victorians — probably
ashamed of the repeated proclamations of their immense ■wealth by side of
figures that told of their charity — have made an addition to theii' former
bounty.
178
NEW SOUTH "WALES.
COMPAEATIYE POPULATION TABLE,
FEOii 1851 TO 1854.
The Total Population of New Soutli Wales was —
On 31st December, 1853 231.288
On 31st December, 1854
. ... 251,315
Increase, being 8'7 per cent
. . . . 20,027
The Xumber and Increase of the Respective Sexes were —
Males.
Females.
1853
131,368
144,121
99,920
107,194
1854
Increase
Do. per cent
12,753
7,274
9-7
7-3
In the year 1853 the Centesimal Increase of Females was
about one per cent, above that of the other sex ; last year
the increase was about two-and-haK per cent, in favor of
the males. This alteration was caused by the greater num-
ber of male immigrants in proportion to that of female. The
nett addition to the population from this source, being the
Surplus of Arrivals over Departures, was —
1853.
1854.
Male
10,499
7,851
10,436
4,439
Female
Excess of Male
2,648
5,997
The excess of 1854 being above that of 1853 by more than
two to one.
NEW SOUTH WALES.
179
The Proportions of the PtespectiTe Sexes to each Tea
Thousand of the Population were —
Males.
Females. Total.
1853
5,684
5,735
4,316
4,265
10,000
10,000
1854
Increase
Decrease
51
51
The Number Added to the Population last year by the
Excess of Immigration over Emigration, and of Births oyer
Deaths, were as follows : — •
Immigration
Deduct departures
Nett increase by Immigration
Births
Deduct Deaths
27,212
12,337
9,663
4,511
14,875
5,152
Nett Increase by Births
Total nott Increase, as above .
20,027
"We have now to trace the Progress of the Population since
the last Census, which was taken on the 1st March, 1851 : —
Males.
Females.
Total.
1st March, 1851
31st Dec, 1851
106,229
113,032
118,687
131,368
144,121
81,014
84,136
89,567
99,920
107,194
187,243
197,168
208,254
231,288
251,315
1852
1853
1854
180
NEW SOUTH WALES.
The Numerical Increase of the Respective Sexes was —
Males.
Females.
Total.
1851
6,803
5,655
12,681
12,753
3,122
5,431
10,353
7,274
9,925
11,086
23,034
20,027
1852
1853
1854
The Centesimal Increase upon their own Respective
Numbers was —
Males.
Females.
Total.
1851
6-4
5-0
10-7
9-7
3-9
6-5
11-6
7-3
5-3
5-6
11-0
8-7
1852
1853
1854
The Total Increase during the four years and ten months
which have elapsed since the Census was as under : —
Per Cent.
Male
37,892
26,180
35-7
32-3
Female
Total increase
64,072
34-2
So that during this period the population has increased full
one-third ; and the proportional increase of the sexes has
been nearly on a par.
NEW SOUTH WALES.
181
The Numbers in Proportion to each Ten Thoxisand of tlie
Population throughout the period were as follows : —
Males.
Females. | Total.
1st March, 1851
5673
5733
5699
5684
5735
4327
4267
4301
4316
4265
10,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
31st Dec, 1851
1852
1853
1854
It is thus sho'mi that on the 31st December, 1854, the
proportion of females was 62 less than it was on the 1st
March, 1851.
EEYENUE AND EXPENDITURE OF
NEW SOUTH WALES,
Feom 1851 TO 1854.
EEVEJflTE.
EXPENDITURE.
£ s. d.
£ s. d.
1851
486,698 4
444,108 9 10
1852
682,137 1 7
600,322 2
1853
987,476 15 8
682,621 5 10
1854
1,239,147 8
1,136,568 16 11
ABSTRACT OF THE REVENUE OF THE COLONY
OF NEW SOUTH WALES,
In the under-mentioned periods, ending 31st March, 1856, compared -with
the corresponding periods of the preceding year.
QTJAETEES ENDTNG
30th June
1854.
30th Sep.
1854.
1st Dec. '31st March
1854. 1855.
Customs
£
98,164
10,546
6,081
54,076
59,244
981
£
87,838
9,899
6,795
83,265
58,097
1,328
£
107,915
7,556
5,445
67,866
35,318
19,733
£
94,358
12,167
5,861
52,860
27,655
15,767
Colonial Spirits
Post Office
Land Sales
Miscellaneous
Special Receipts
Totals
229,092
247,222 ! 243.833
208,668
182
NEW SOUTH WALES.
QIJAHTERS ENDrNG
oOth June
1855.
30tli Sep.
1855.
31st Dec.
1855.
31st March
1856.
Customs
£
146,816
15,490
6,103
62,096
59,982
21,459
£
97,587
10,919
1,181
6,126
77,949
63,216
10,404
£
82,975
13,040
4,227
6,556
79,411
35,040
9,683
£
102,568
14,774
4,697
6,520
52,493
39,490
9,351
Colonial Spirits
Mint
Post Office
Land Sales
Miscellaneous
Special Eeceipts
Totals
311,946
267,382
230,932 i 229,893
TEAKS ENDING
31st March,
1855.
31st March,
1856.
Customs
£
388,275
40,168
24,182
258.067
180,314
37.809
£
429,946
54,223
10,105
25,305
271,949
197,728
50,897
Colonial Spirits
Mint
Post Office
Land Sales
Miscellaneous
Special Eeceipts
Totals
928,815
1,040.153
INCREASE AND DECREASE IN THE QUARTER AND YEAR.
QTJARTERf
31st March, 1855.
i ENDING
31st March, 1856.
Increase.
Decrease.
Increase.
Decrease.
Custom.s
£
8,210
2,607
4,697
659
11,835
£
367
6,416
£
41,671
14,055
10,105
1,123
13,882
17,414
13,088
£
\ Colonial Spirits
1 Mint
j Post Office
! Land Sales
Miscellaneous
Special Eeceipts
Totals
Nett Increase
28,008
6,783
111,338
—
21,225
—
111,338
—
TAEIFF OF J^EW SOUTH WALES.
IMPORT DUTIES.
BATE OP
DDTY.
s. d.
Tea, tlie lb 3
Coffee, the lb 2
Sugar, raw, the cwt 5
Sugar, refined, the cwt 6 8
Molasses, ditto, ditto 3 4
Chicory 2
Beer, in wood, the gallon 1
Ditto, in bottle, ditto 2
Wine, not more than 25 per cent, alcohol 1
Brandy and gin, Sykes' proof, ditto . .10
Whiskey and rum, ditto 7
Liqueurs, cordials, and brandied fruits,
ditto 10
Perfumed spirits, ditto 10
Colonial ditto, from sugar 6 5
Ditto, ditto, grain 7
Tobacco, the lb 2
Cigars 3
Snuff 2
Drawback on Refined Sugars, 6s. 8d. the cwt.
Drawback on Bastard Sugar, 5s. ditto.
All other Imports are Free.
183
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NEW SOUTH WALES. 187
AUSTRALIAN DEBTORS AND ENGLISH
CREDITORS.
" Their loss is our gain." A remark as familiar
as " lioxiseliold words " to any one who may have
resided for a short period in any of the Australian
colonies. It is an observation invariably provoked
on the occasion of any great failiu'e or failures in
which those good-natiu'ed creditors north of the
Hne happen to be the victims of liberal-minded
debtors on the south side. So often has the sound
met our ears that we believe it a national term of
consolation in bad times. They say, and say truly,
" if you send us goods and get nothing for them,
your loss is our gain."
It would now appear by the following account,
copied from " The Times," that in future it will be
a difficidt matter for those in the mother coimtry
to obtain the trifle they may suppose themselves
entitled to, even from an insolvent estate. Get,
did we say ? Should their claims resemble that of
the respectable finn in question, they wiU not only
not get anything, but they will not be allowed to
prove that they are entitled to anything. It seems
there are so many persons so much alike in the
colonies that although one may represent many in
many cases, the pliu'al number cannot represent
any particiilar one in any case, except for the
purpose of administering colonial justice to absent
Enfflishmen.
188 NEW SOUTH WALES.
"COMMERCIAL LAW IN AUSTRALIA.
" 'The Sydney Morning Herald' of the 26th of April
reports a judgment of the Insolvency Court of that colony
which appears of some importance to the interests of English
merchants. An application was made to the Chief Com-
missioner in the insolvent estate of Gr. C. Tutiiig and Co.
to allow the sum of £6,175 3s. 4d. to be ranked against the
said estate as a debt alleged to be due by them to the firm
of Copestake, Moore, and Co. , of London, for goods sold and
delivered. This application was opposed by counsel for the
colonial creditors upon the following grounds : —
"1. That no priority of contract originally existed be-
tween the insolvents and Copestake, Moore, and Co.
" 2. That by no subsequent act of theirs was the original
debt (for which, he contended, Mr. Tuting alone was liable),
so adopted, or recognized, as to render their estate liable for
payment to Messrs. Copestake, Moore, and Co.
" On the other hand, it was contended by the counsel for
Messrs. Copestake, Moore, and Co., that even if the e\T.dence
taken before the Chief Commissioner was not sufficient to
establish the original liability of the insolvents (which he by
no means admitted), yet that by their subsequent conduct
and dealings they clearly adopted the original contract, and
were therefore liable for payment of the original debt,
" The facts of the case, as they appeared in evidence, were
shortly these : — Mr. G. C. Tuting, of Sydney, had for many
years been extensively engaged in importing goods from
London for the Sydney market. Among others, he imported
largely fi-om the house of Messrs. Copestake, Moore, and Co.,
of London, and up to the 1st of September, 1853, carried on
the business in Sydney in his own name, and (so far as ap-
pears from the evidence) on his own account. On the 1st of
September, 1853, Mr. G. C. Tuting entered into a partner-
ship with two gentlemen named Cousens and Yallack (neither
NEW SOUTH WALES. 189
of wliom was a capitalist), and who were formerly employed
by Mr, Tuting when conducting business on his own account.
The partnership thus formed was carried on under the name,
style, and firm of Gr. C. Tuting and Co., of Sydney. One of
the express stipulations of this partnership, however (as
proved by the evidence of Mr. Tuting, as also that of Messrs.
Cousens and Vallack), was that Mr. Tuting was to reserve
to himself the exclusive right of importing goods from
London as heretofore, and to be at liberty to dispose of such
goods on arrival in Sydney at his own discretion, and to
whom he pleased. The partnership being thus formed, Mr.
G. C. Tuting continued to order goods from Copestake,
Moore, and Co., in his own name, as before, which, on
arrival in Sydney, were in every instance sold by Mr. Tuting
to his copartners, Cousens and Vallack, sometimes for cash,
and sometimes without making any express agreement either
as regards price or payment, which was left as a matter for
future arrangement. From the books of the firm produced
at the examinations of the insolvents it appeared that Mr.
G. C. Tuting was duly credited by the firm with all goods
thus purchased from him, and debited with all moneys drawn
on account of the said goods. In the month of May or June,
1855, a power of attorney fi'om Copestake, Moore, and Co.,
of London, to JIi*. "William "Wise (then in the emjjloy of
Messrs, Ray, Glaister, and Co., of Sydney), arrived in the
colony. This power is dated London, 5th of February,
1855, and under the power of substitution therein contained,
Mr. "Wise (by indenture of the 16th of November, 1855,)
duly appointed Mr, Tom Eay as attorney for Copestake,
Moore, and Co. Mr, Eay, in pursuance of the power thus
vested in him, called on Mr, Tuting and handed him an
account current with Copestake, Moore, and Co, In his
evidence of the 10th of March, Mr, Ray says, ' I saw Mr.
Tuting in May or Jime, 1855, with reference to Copestake
and Co.'s claim against Tuting; a few days afterwards I
-190 NEW SOUTH WALES.
furnislied him with an account current, which he said was
quite correct ; he said he had a scheme to propose for paying
it off, which was to pay off the whole debt with interest in
sixteen months, at £300 to £400 per month. In conse-
quence of that conversation the bills were drawn about the
middle of June, which (with interest) amounted to £6,171
3s. 4d. I sent the bills about the middle or the 20th of
June to Tuting, and on the 14th of August I received back
sixteen biUs accepted.' The fii-st of these bills was paid at
maturity by a check of the firm ; but it also appeared from
the books in evidence that the amount so paid was carried to
the debit of Mr, Tuting' s private account. On the 20th of
October last the fii'm of Tuting and Co. became insolvent,
and their estate was duly placed under sequestration, and
the whole of these bUls (with the exception of the one paid)
have since been returned to the official assignee, the new
claimants (through their attorney, Mr. Ray) declining to
prove upon these bUls, merely using them as evidence of the
adoption of the debt by Tuting and Co.
" The question therefore which the commissioner had to
determine was this, — whether under the circumstances
abeady stated Mr. George C. Tuting alone was liable for
the payment of these goods, or whether Messrs. Copestake,
Moore, and Co., could prove their debt against the joint
estate of G. C. Tuting and Co.
" The learned Commissioner, in an elaborate judgment,
reviewed the evidence, and concluded as follows : — ' Looking
at aU the cii'cumstances of this case, and seeing that the
authorities referred to establish the principle ' that in order
to convert a separate into a joint debt there must be the
deliberate and mutual assent of three parties,' and being
unable to discover that assent here, I am of opinion that I
ought not to allow this claim to be ranked as a debt against
the estate of Tuting and Co., and I therefore reject it
accordingly.' "
NEW SOUTH WALES. 191
THE
GOYEENOR OF NEW SOUTH WALES.
Within the region of civilised society there does
not perhaps exist two members of the human race
in whom ability, character, disposition, and taste
present a more striking contrast than that fur-
nished by the late and present Governors of New
South Wales, Sir Charles Fitzro}^, and Sir William
Denison. While the former was all that a Go-
vernor ought not to have been, the latter would
appear to be all, or nearly all, that a Governor
should be. Indeed, the official incapacity and
self-indulgence of the one are succeeded by the
comprehensive faculty and prudent habits of the
other.
If, as is generally admitted, the working classes
take their tone from their superiors, or at least
from those in a superior station of life, the public
abuses and social evils for which the colony of
New South Wales was notorious during the rule
of Sir Charles Fitzroy, may still continue to create
regret, but cannot longer cause surprise — even on
the part of strangers. The extravagant doings
of the Governor and his profligate " Court " are
patent to every colonist. As their exposition here
would only be interesting to those who are curious
in such matters, we close the subject. Simple
reference to past failings or follies may sometimes
192 NEW SOUTH WALES.
suggest a profitable lesson for the present or
future. But the rule as well as the misrule of
the late Governor, so far as the colony is con-
cerned, are for ever closed. And to expatiate,
without a laudable object, on things of the past
were to display something more censurable than a
want of judgment.
The business of the colony — the business of the
English government — is no longer with the late,
but with the present Governor. That the rule of
Sir William Denison will satisfy the colonists, so
far as they are capable of satisfaction, few if any
impartial persons are disposed to doubt. That his
rule will satisfy those to whom he is more imme-
diately responsible there can be no doubt whatever.
In free coimtries the official acts of public men
are public property'', and are not unfrequently
judged and commented on, not by their merits,
but by the peculiar fancies, interested and other-
wise, of the commentators.* Honest men may,
and often do for a time, excite popidar indignation,
and become themselves the objects of general con-
demnation. But those who regard the public weal
as of greater value than the empty sounds of praise
which proceed from the advocacy of class or partial
measures, will either survive an unjust verdict, or
feel assured that it will be reversed by posterity.
* At one period, the Tasmanian public denounced Sir William Denison
as a very demon. Before Sir William's departure from Tasmania, the
public proclaimed their ruler as nothing less than a man, and little less than
an angel.
TASMANIA,
(LATE VAN DIEMEN'S LAXD.)
TASMANIA
(l.ATE VAN DIEMEN's LAND.)
Presuming tlie reader to be an Englisliman,
we would ask whether lie is acquainted with the
natural beauties of his own country — or rather
with the combined beauties of the United King-
dom? for it has been the practice of late years
with a certain class of British subjects, whose
means, rather than their accompKshments, second
their desire to rank with the fashionable world,
to arrange and execute a continental tour, without
having seen more of their ovm. country than the
distance from the point of embarkation compels
them to cross before leaving the English shore
for another. Should the reader, however, be
familiar with the grandeur of the Scottish moun-
tains, the romantic views on the Irish coast, the
charming beauties of the Cumberland lakes, the
fertile valleys of the South, and the bold scenery
of the North of Devon, he may then draw on his
imagination for a series of views to be found on
and aroimd an island on the opposite side of the
196 TASMANIA.
globe ; for, in beauty and grandeur, many if not
all tlie delightful spots previoiisly named are
equalled, if not surpassed, in this distant and
comparatively unknown land — Tasmania. Both
the land and lake scenery in the island must
be pronounced by any true lover of the beauties
of natui'e to be superbly grand — so grand
as almost to baffle an attempt at description.
The climate, too, is no less beautiful than the
country. Why so delightful an island should
have been selected as a penal settlement, we are
at a loss to conjecture. Probably the selection
was made for the purpose of improving or re-
storing constitutions previously steeped in vice,
and impaired by dissipation. If so, we presume
the desired end has been obtained, for in no part
of the habitable globe can be seen a more healthy
body of indi^dduals than the criminals at present
under sentence in this penal settlement.
But what a fearful drawback to this lovely
country and climate is the criminal part of the
population — those whose terms of imprisonment
have expired or who have tickets of leave, and
others whose morals and habits are contaminated
by association with them. It is only necessary
to refer to the Police Summary under the head
of Statistical Information, to satisfy the reader
of the fearful amount of crime with which the
colony is still pregnant. It will be foimd that
the nimiber of offences committed in the city
TASMANIA. 197
of Hobart with a population of only 23,000,
exceeds by fifty per cent, that of Liverpool \nth
its 296,000 inhabitants.
Although the colony is no longer to be the
receptacle for convicted criminals from Great
Britain, it vnR reqiiire a very lengthened period
— probably a century or more — to purge or even
partially to piu'ify the social atmosphere of the
infectious vapour -with which it is impregnated.
The following descriptive account from a little
work published some years since, will give our
readers a correct idea of the leading features of
the colony : —
' ' This interesting island lies between the parallels of
forty-one degrees twenty niiniites south, and between the
meridians of one hundred and forty-four degrees forty
minutes, and one hundred and forty-eight degrees twenty
minutes of east longitude. Its most northern points
stretching into Bass's Strait towards New Holland, are
Cape Grim on the western extremity, and Cape Portland
on the eastern, distant from each other about one hundi-ed
and fifty miles, and its most southerly projections are the
South-west and South Capes, and Tasman's Head, at the
south end of Brune Island, stretching out like three
immense rocky buttresses into the great Southern Ocean
to defend as it were, the island against the inciu'sions of
that stormy sea. Its greatest extent from north to south
may thus be estimated at about two hundred and ten
miles, and from east to west one hundred and fifty miles,
calculating the degrees of longitude in that parallel at
the average of about fifty miles each, and covering an
extent of surface of about twenty-fom* thousand square
miles, or fifteen millions of acres.
198 TASMANIA.
"Th.e general character of tliis surface is tilly and
mountainous, the mountains rising to the height of from
three to four thousand feet ; the hills being mostly cov-
ered with trees. The climate in the very lofty and exposed
regions checks vegetation, the tops of the mountains being
for iive or six months in the year, from April till October,
more or less covered with snow. A range of lofty moun-
tains runs across the island fi'om north to south, attracting
towards it a corresponding elevation of surrounding land,
the highest points of which are Quamby's Bluff, over-
hanging Norfolk Plains, the Peak of Teneriffe, Mount
Field, Mount "Wellington, and the great southern moun-
tains near Port Davey. The other most lofty points of
land in this range, are the extreme Western and Platform
Bluffs, and the Table Mountain,' Jericho, and in more
insulated positions, stretching along the eastern side, the
beautiful and picturesque eminences of Benlomond, and
St. Paid's Dome, on the northern quarter of the island,
and the Three-thumb Mountains, near Prasser's Bay, lattA.
the singular rocky heights on Maria Island ealled* the'
Bishop and Clerk. Besides these a minor range of lofty
moiintains extends from the western coast at Mounts
Heemskirk and Teehan along a high rugged chain towards
the "Western Bluff, where it joins the north and south
range.
" The billy character of the country, especially on the
southern side of the island, admits of but little inter-
ruption. The hills are not only frequent, but continuously
so, the general face of the island being a never ending
succession of hill and dale, the ti'aveller no sooner arriving
at the bottom of one hill than he has to ascend another,
often thi'ee or four times in the space of one mile ; while
at other points the land swells up into greater heights,
reaching along several miles of ascent. The level parts,
marshes, or plains, as they are called in the colony, that
TASMANIA. 199
give relief to tliis fatiguing surface are eomparatiyely few.
Among the first of these, beginning at the south, and
on the opposite side of the DerAvent to the east of Hobart
To-vvn, may be mentioned the rich and highly cultivated
country round Pittwater; the cultivated tracts of Brushy
and Prosser's Plains, towards Oyster Bay ; the level spot
around where the town of Brighton is built, originally
called Stony Plains, and extending with little inter-
ruption to the bottom of Constitution Hill, a distance of
about six miles in length, and from two to three in width ;
the fertile farms at the Green Ponds and Cross Marsh ;
and further to the west, on the banks of the Derwent
ani.Eiver Ouse, the beautiful tract of country called
SoreU Plains; and higher up, the extensive district of
the Clyde, St. Patrick's Plains on the banks of the
Shannon, and other extensive tracts of level country round
the lakes; on the east of the road to Launceston, York,
Salt Pan, St. Paul's, and Break-o'-day Plains, the fine
country round Ross, and along the banks of the Macquaria
and EUzabeth rivers ; and, lastly, the noble tract of rich
land on the banks of the Soiith Esk, the Lake River,
Norfollc Plains, as far as the eye can reach, bounded on
the east by the picturesque heights of Benlomond, and
on the west by the no less romantic range of the Western
Moimtains, and extending to the north as far as Launceston,
forming a tract of nearly forty miles in width, and in a
great measure overspread with valuable and extensive
farms, many of them in a high state of cultivation.
" The reader, however, must not conclude from this
description either that the hills of this island are all
sterile or the plains all fertile. On the conti-ary, though
most of the larger hills and mountains are either too steep
and rocky, or too thickly covered with timber to admit
of cultivation, a large proportion of the more moderately
sized hills and gentler undulations are thickly covered
200 TASMANIA.
with herbage, presenting to the view an agreeable suc-
cession of moderately wooded downs, and affording excellent
pasture to sheep and cattle. Many of the most thickly
wooded and steep hills nevertheless possess a rich soU,
which though difficult of access, and too expensive and
laborious in the present state of the colony to be cleared,
may at some future period be brought under cultivation.
Indeed this has already in part been done on several of
the hills round Hobart Town, where though the surface
is too deep to admit of the operation of the plough, yet
it amply repays the labor of the spade and hoe by the
luxuriance of its vegetable productions. On the other
hand, many of the more extended plains are either too
bleak, or have been so washed and swept by the prevailing
westerly winds to which their unbroken surface exposes
them, that much of the soil is cold, thin, and comparatively
valueless. Altogether, and on the most liberal computa-
tion, the productive siu'face of the island cannot fairly
be estimated at more than one-third.
"To one accustomed to the moist cUmate and plenti-
fully watered countries of England, Scotland, or Ireland,
Tasmania at first sight may present a day and impro-
ductive appearance ; but upon a nearer acquaintance it wiU
put on a more inviting aspect. Although, however, the
rivers and streams may not be so large nor so frequ.ent
as in England, they are sufficiently so to answer every
purpose of agriculture ; and water — clear wholesome water,
unlike that in Yictoria — is more or less to be found in
every part of the island. With the exception of the two
inlets of the sea at the mouths of the Derwent and Tamar,
there is no inland navigation in the colony. The chief
rivers in the settled parts of the island are the Derwent,
with its tributary streams, the Jordan, Clyde, Shannon,
Ouse, and the Huon, flowing into the ocean on the southern
side of the island ; and on the northern the Tamar, being
TASMANIA. 201
the collected waters of the North and South Esk, the Lake,
and Western Rivers. In addition to these, in the higher
regions of the interior are several extensive lakes or sheets
of water.
"According to the lattitude of Tasmania it ought to
enjoy a climate equal to that of the southern parts of
France, or the northern parts of Spain and Italy along
the coasts of the Mediterranean, But the general tem-
perature of a country is affected by other circumstances
besides that of latitude, and geographers have generally
agreed that the great extent of the uninterrupted ocean
round the South Pole, compared to that in the northern
hemisphere, where land so much more abounds, makes a
dijQference in the climate equal to several degrees of latitude.
It would however appear that this difference is scarcely
sensible under the fortieth degree of latitude, for while the
summer heat at Buenos Ayres, the Cape of Good Hope, and
Sydney, is as great as at Gibraltar, Tunis, or Charleston,
or Bermuda in America; Patagonia, New Zealand, and
Tasmania have a temperature almost as cold in the summer
season as that of London, Brussels, or, at least, as Paris or
Vienna. While therefore Tasmania has a portion of the
sun's rays, and a length of day equal to that enjoyed by
the inhabitants of Rome, Constantinople, or Madrid, in the
mildest winters, its summer heats are so moderated as to
be not only congenial but delightful to a person who has
lived to maturity in an English climate, and whose system
has become habituated to it. However warm the middle of
the day may be, it is invariably attended by a morning and
evening so cool as completely to brace and restore any
enervating effects that the meridian heat might have
occasioned ; and while the summer heat is thus moderated,
the inclemency of winter is equallj^ dissipated by the
equality of temperature diffused from the extent of ocean
surrounding its insular position.
202 TASMANIA.
"Except on the days when rain actually falls, which
on an average do not exceed fifty or sixty out of the three
hundred and sixty-five, the sky is clear and the sun
brilliant. The atmosphere is, consequently, for the most
part dry, pure and elastic, which renders the system
in a great measure insensible to the sudden changes of
tempei'ature that so frequently occur, especially at Hobart
Town, under the influence of Mount Wellington, and which
otherwise must prove injurious to the health, especially
of persons with delicate constitutions. The extreme of
summer generally shows itself in two or three sultry days
when a hot wind from the north-west at times prevails,
so oppressive as to raise the mercury for three or four hoiirs
in the middle of the day to ninety and even one hundred
and one hundred and ten degrees. It is however to be
remarked, that the extensive fires which frequently occur
in the woods in the heat of summer, when the accidental
dropping of a spark will spread the flames for miles along
the hills, may be reasonably supposed to have the effect of
increasing the heat of the air, especially if the absence of
winds, and the relaxed torpid state of the atmosphere at
the time should arrest and, as it were, beat down its
heated volumes on the valleys and lower regions, where
the towns are generally situated. In winter the frost at
night, except in the higher regions of the interior, or in
some deep dell, where the sun's rays scarcely ever reach,
is never so severe as to withstand the heat of the ensuing
day. Sleet or snow generally falls once or twice a year,
but never lies on the ground above a day or two, except
on the tops of the mountains, or in the central parts
of the island, where it has been known to continue for
a week or ten days.
"In such a cHmate, especially with the settlers or farmers,
owing to the active life they lead, the health of the inhabit-
ants, as might be supposed, is of the best kind. The
TASMANIA. 203
atmosphere, as we have said, is for the most part dry and
elastic, the effect of which is to fortify and promote hoth
animal and vegetable life ; for as it contains a larger
proportion of oxygen than most countries of the old world,
the stimulating effect of this gas taken into the lungs,
natiu'ally communicates with the stomach, and tends to
keep in a healthy state, the digestive action of that
grand organ on which the habit and temperament of the
body mainly depends. The aromatic herbs and shrubs
also, which everywhere cover the island, impregnate the
air with their perfume, and cannot fail in some degree
to spread a certain feeling of health and comfort over the
human frame."
Than Sir Henry Young a more prudent and
conciliatory Governor could hardly be found in
any of the English colonies. His letter to " The
Times " however will explain how any officer on
duty in a distant part of Her Majesty's dominions
may, through the selfish motives of a few dema-
gogues, when ingeniously disguised by the venal
part of an unscrupulous Colonial press, become
the subject of unmerited reproof or injui-y. Had
" The Times," or any other respectable part of
the English press been in possession of full par-
ticulars of the late illegal political proceedings in
Tasmania, Sir Henry Young would have had no
occasion to pen the following letter : —
"TO THE EDITOR OF 'THE TIMES.'
" Sm, — In your powerful and world-known journal ' The
Times,' of the 10th of April last, you have, for lack of
full and correct information, injuriously libelled me as 'a
204 TASMANIA.
Governor dissolving his Council with a precipitation and
violence which recall the days of the Oxford Parliament
of Charles II., or the attempt to seize the five Members by
Charles I.'
" I notice the libel as soon as it reaches me at the anti-
podes, yet the injustice which your philippic does me
necessarily retains the 'vantage ground of being without
reply or refutation for six or seven months. I trust that
this consideration will prompt you to be generous to the
extent of having the whole case before you whenever in
future you assail under the advantage of so long an exemp-
tion from the possibility of defence or contradiction.
" The system of appointing naval and military governors
is not, as you insinuate, illustrated in my case, for the
honor of having ever belonged to the army or navy I do not
possess. The civil service has been from early youth my
sole profession, and I appeal confidently to official records
as abundantly proving that, as a colonial ruler in the
eastern disti-icts of the Cape of Good Hope and in South
Australia, my policy and practice have been liberal and
constitutional, and in keeping with that of the great popular
statesman whose name I bear as one of my own, owing to
my late father's connexion with the family of Fox.
In South Australia upwards of thii-ty popularly elected
district councils were formed in my administration. In
Tasmania, by the constitutional prerogative of prorogation
(not dissolution, as you state), I upheld the respect due to
the supreme judicature and the sanctity of the writ of
Habeas Corpus as a time-honored guarantee of the liberty
of an Englishman against an illegal warrant ; and by the
prorogation I preserved the public peace. The prorogation
was most deliberate, unexceptionable in tone, language,
and manner, and opportune, for it quietly in the evening
prevented the violence of an impending riot, pubHcly
threatened and annonnced to take place the next morning.
TASMANIA. 205
" WTien Mr. Dimcombe's question on Tasmania was im-
perfectlj" answered in the Honse of Commons the whole of
the correspondence had not reached Do-s^-ning- street ; it has
now, and I refer j^on to it as confii-matory of the above
account. For my own part, I am most "ndlling to quit the
office of Governor whenever I am unable to exemplify the
axiom — on which my policy hitherto has been founded —
that Englishmen can be constitutionally governed by their
own will and consent.
" I beg to subscribe myseK yoiu- obedient humble servant,
"H. E. E. Yorae.
" Government House, Hobart Tomti, July 5."
"Witli reference to tlie Government of Tasmania,
we will merely observe tliat the present able and
upright Governor appears to be encompassed by
many difficulties. His own honesty is the very
thing that produces envy and hatred in those
persons of an opposite character, and may alone
accoimt for the malignity of the turbulent spirits
by whom he is at present surrounded. Should
Sir Henry Young, without much opposition and
many obstacles, succeed in his desire to administer
the government of Tasmania in a manner the
most conducive to the welfare of the colony
and its inhabitants, he will surprise many able
and intelligent men, and, among the nimiber, if
we mistake not, will be — himseJf.
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TASMANIA.
207
RETURN OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS INTO, AND
EXPORTS FROM, THE COLONY,
Fhom 1844 TO 1855.
YEAR.
VALUE OF IMPORTS.
VALUE OF EXPORTS.
£
£
1844 .
442,988
408,799
1845 .
520,562
422,218
1846
561,238
582,585
1847
724,593
600,876
1848
594,154
490,281
1849
573,730
658,682
1850
658,540
613,850
1851
641,609
665,790
1852
i 860,488
1,509,883
1853
! 2,273,397
1,757,596
1854
! 2,604,680
1,433,021
1855
1,559,797
1,428,560
POLICE SUMMAEY.
The following Siunmary, at the i3reseiit moment, may be
considered useful as showing the actual strength of the
Police of this Colony before and after the reduction of 1853
and 1854. The number of Petty Constables for eighteen
districts, exclusive of Hobart and Launceston, is only 145 ;
and for Hobart and Launceston 89, including those for out-
stations. The working of this Police Force by the number
of cases brought before the Magistrates in 1851, was 16,807 ;
m 1852, 22,030 ; in 1853, 25,904 ; in 1854, exclusive of
Emu Bay, 24,007 ; and for the half-year up to the 1st July,
1855, 12,058 ; of these there were : —
For Launceston.
For Hobart.
In 1851
1 8.5'2
„ 1853*
„ 1854
Half-year 1855
2,244
4,361
5,061
5,233
2,634
7,616
7,808
10,075
8,240
3,544
The year in which reduction was made.
208
TASMANIA.
This statement is important, as it shows the enormous
work, independently of escorts, &c., &e., perfoi-med by the
Police, and the fallacy of taking the amount of population
as the basis upon which to apportion it. The nature of the
population and the extent of territory to be protected is the
true criterion. To illustrate this, we find by the Returns
of 25th December, 1841, that:—
Population.
Area of
Miles.
No. of
Police.
Cases.
Bristol . .
120,688
7
228
5,314
Liverpool
296,000
13
616
16,460
Edinburgh
146,133
5^
274
10,917
Manchester
235,139
6f
317
13,345
Leeds
113,632
12|
133
2.320
Glasgow
215,365
5
299
14,768
Birmingham
182,698
13i
391
5,556
Metropolitan District, )
in 1840 J
1,500,000
4,323
70,717
Thus it will be seen that the amount of business at the
Police Offices here exceeds that of Liverpool, with its 296,000
inhabitants, by fifty per cent ; that the Citj^ of Hobart, vntla.
its comparatively small population, furnishes in number,
cases nearly equal to Manchester, with its 235,139 inhabi-
tants, and the cases tried throughout the territory being
equal to almost one-thii'd of the number in the Meti'opolitan
District, with a population of 1,500,000.
TASMANIA.
209
CONSTABULARY OF VAN DIEMEN'S LAND.
(NOW TASMANIA.)
DATE.
O
<->
si
Eg
-a to
111
o
31st July, 1853, authorised
strength
"With power to employ 50 extra
constables on emergencies,
£600.
1st August, 1853, reduc- 1
tion by Government .. 100
1st Jan., 1854, reduction V
by Legislative Council . 55
And since . . . . 1
Allowance to employ extra
constables reduced from
£600 to £200.
Present Strength . .
Petty District
Cons. Sergs. Cons.
Deduct for \
Hobart . . 63 24 7 •
Do. Launceston 26 8 4,
Total force for 18 Country
Districts
390
156
62
12
38
3
47
537
171
234
89
50
35
32
47
11
366
132
145
50
3
36
234
SYNOPSIS OF OFFENCES COMMITTED IN THE
COLONY OF VAN DIEMEN'S LAND.
PERIODS.
Free.
Bond.
Total.
Number of offences in 1851
5,632
11,175
16,807
Do. 1852
9,841
12,189
22,030
Do. 1853
12,574
13,330
25,904
Do. 1854
{
15,137
8,870
24,007
Do. 1 year June 1855
8,632
3,422
12,058
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TAEIFF OF TASMAIS'IA.
BATE OF
IMPOKT DUTIES. dx,tt
s. d.
Brandy, tlie gallon 12
E-um, and all other spirits and strong
waters, tlie gallon, and so on in propor-
tion with respect only to spirits and
strong waters in bottle, or for any
greater or less quantity than a gallon,
not being less than one-eighth part of
a gallon 9
"Wines, in wood, the gallon 10
Ditto, in bottle, the dozen reputed quart
bottles 4
Ditto, the dozen reputed pint ditto ..20
Tobacco (snufF excepted) and cigars,
the lb 2
Tea, ditto 3
Raw sugar and molasses, the cwt. ..30
Refined sugars, ditto 6
Coffee, the lb 1^
Dried fruits, ditto 1
Hops, ditto 2
Malt liquors, in wood, the gallon ... 2
Ditto, in bottle, the dozen reputed quart
bottles 10
Ditto, the dozen reputed pint, ditto ..06
EXEMPT FEOM DUTY.
Wines imported or piircliased in bond for the supply
of regimental messes. All articles imported for the
supply of her Majesty's land or sea forces. All articles
imported for the use of her Majesty's Government.
212
TASMANIA.
213
By the follomng Table (compiled by Mr. "West-
gartb) it Avill be seen tliat a large quantity of
Agricultural Produce annually leaves this colony
for Victoria.
Comparative view of the value of Imports into, and
Exports from, the colony of Tasmania, for the
years 1853, 1854, and 1855, respectively.
IMPORTS.
Bistinguuhing the place from which sent.
From
1853.
1854.
1855.
United Kingdom
£
1,506,093
595,792
171,512
£
1,776,694
696,613
131,373
£
920,695
540,824
98,278
British Colonies
Foreign States
Total
2,273,397
2 604 680
1,559,797
EXPORTS.
Distinguishing the place to which sent.
AMiere sent.
1853.
1854.
1855.
United Kingdom
£
581 815
£
424 575
£
445,557
969,070
13,933
British Colonies
1 167 786
1,007,287
1,159
Foreign States. . . .
7,995
Total
1,757,596
1,433,021
1,428,560
Remahk. — The exports to " British Colonies" are chiefly the
supplies of Agricultural Produce to Victoria.
214 TASMANIA.
LIST OF CHIEF PLACES IN
TASMANIA.
(foe, which we AHE IlfDEBTED TO THE TAXENTED WORK
OF MK. WEST,)
BRIDGEWATER.
A village and post station on the Derwent, in tlie parish
of Wellington and county of Buckingliam., twelve miles
above Hobart. The Derwent, which is about three-quarters
of a mile in width at this place, is crossed by a bridge of
wood, which forms a part of the main road from Hobart to
Launceston, and is said to be the largest work of the kind
in the Austi'alian colonies. The river is spanned to a
length of 2,300 feet by an earthen causeway, and the length
of the biidge from the end of this to the northern shore is
1,010 feet, with a breadth of roadway of twenty-four feet;
the whole length of the work being 3,310 fe^^or nearly
three-quarters of a mile. The navigation of the river is
preserved by means of a moveable platform near the northern
shore. The timber was procured from Mount Dromedary,
seven miles from the bridge, which was begun in January,
1848, and opened in April, 1849. The cost was £7,580.
BEN LOMOND.
A mountain in Cornwall, 5,000 feet high, about forty-five
miles from Launceston, and fifteen from Fingal. A rivulet
of the same name rises here, and falls into the South Esk,
about thirty miles from Laimceston. About fifteen miles
north of this mountain is Ben Nevis, 3,900 feet high.
During winter these elevated points, which arc named after
celebrated mountains of Scotland, are covered with snow,
and seen from a distance, they present a magnificent appear-
ance. They form parts of a chain of mountains extending
inland from St. Patrick's Head to the northern coast.
TASMANIA. 215
BRIGHTON.
A town in the parish, of Drummond and county of Mon-
mouth. It is on the eastern side of the Jordan, on the
main road, seventeen miles from Hobart, and one-hundred-
and four from Launceston. The country aroimd Brighton is
cultivated and fertile, and was early occupied. On the
right is a branch road to Jerusalem and Jericho, districts on
the Coal River. On the left is the district on the Jordan,
called the Broadmai'sh. Brighton has a resident magistrate,
a post station, several inns, small stores, and retail shops.
The church (St. Mark's) and police office are at Pontville,
near the to-wo. The population of the town and police dis-
trict is 2,582, and the number of houses 427, half of which
are of stone or brick.
CAMPBELL TOTVT^.
A town in the parish of Campbelton and county of Somer-
set, eighty-nine miles from Hobart, and forty-two from
Launceston, It is situated in a level pastoral country, on
the Elizabeth River, and the main road fi-om Hobart to
Launceston passes thi'ough it. The town consists chiefly of
one long sti'eet, in which are four large inns, a brewery,
some stores, small shops, and an assembly room. There ai-e
in the town an episcopal and presbyterian church (St. Luke's
and St. Andi-ew's), a Wesley an chapel, and schools. The
river is crossed by a bridge or causeway, 200 yards long,
and on the southern side are numerous fine farms. The
road to Avoea, Fingal, and the eastern coast here branches
off from the main Hue. In the town there are also a gaol
and police and post offices. There is a resident police
magistrate. The population of the town and police district
is 2,319, and the number of houses, 255 of which are of
stone or brick, is 386. Campbell Town is also an electoral
district. It is considered to be the middle district of the
216 TASiVL^NIA.
colony, and the Midland Agricultural Association, originated
here.
HOBART.
In the parish of Hoharton, and county of Buckingham,
is the chief town of the colony, and is in lat. 42°. 53'. S.,
and long. 147". 21'. E. It was named after Lord Hobart,
once secretary for the colonies ; and stands on the shores of
Sullivan's Cove, about fifteen miles from the entrance of the
Derwent. It is finely situated on a rising groimd, and
covers a surface of nearly two square miles. On the western
side it is bounded by a range of wooded hills, with Mount
Wellington, a snow-capped mountain, 4,000 feet high, in
the back-ground. On the southern side of the harbor there
are many beautiful residences, and, on a commanding emi-
nence, fine military barracks. Close to the harbor, on the
western side, stands the government-house, an extensive
range of wooden buildings, erected at different times.
Mulgrave Battery is on the southern side of the harbor.
The streets are regular and well made ; and many of the
buildings — some buUt of fi-eestone — are commodious and
handsome. The wharves are extensive and well constructed,
and are lined with numerous large stone warehouses and
stores. St. David's church is a large well-built brick edifice,
in the Gothic style, stuccoed, and well fitted up. The court
house, nearly opposite the chxu'ch, is a large stone building,
containing various offices. The hospital and prisoners' bar-
racks, on the north-eastern side, are extensive buildings.
The police office is a substantial edifice. The female factory
and orphan schools, a short distance from the town, on the
western side, are commodious buildings. The commissariat
stores, the treasury, the bonded stores, the custom-house,
and other public buildings are built of freestone. The
legislative council chamber is included in the custom-house.
On the north side of the harbor are situated the engineer
TASMANIA. 217
stores and otlier government buildings. On tliis side also
is the government domain, a large open piece of groimd,
used as a place of amusement and exercise. The magnetical
observatory is erected here. Many of the shops are large
and handsome. Besides St. David's (the cathedral church),
there are three handsome episcopalian ehiu'ches — Trinity,
St. George's, and St. John's. There are two presbyterian
churches — St. Andrew's and St. John's — both commodious
buildings — one Roman catholic chui'ch, two Wesleyan
chapels, three congregational chiirches, a baptist chapel, a
free presbyterian church, and a synagogue. There are four
banks and a bank for savings, thi-ee local and two English
insurance companies, and a company to establish steam
communication with the adjoining colonies. The educa-
tional establishments are the High School and Hutchins'
School, besides private schools. The public institutions are
the Mechanics' Institute, the Tasmanian Society of Natural
Science, the Eoyal Society, the Public Library, Gardeners'
and Amateurs' Horticultural Society, St. Mary's Hospital,
Dispensary and Humane Society, Dorcas Society, Hebrew
Benevolent Institution, Asyhim for the Protection of Desti-
tute and Unfortunate Females, Branch Society for Promoting
Christian Knowledge and for the Propagation of the Gospel,
Auxiliary Bible Society, Wesleyan Library and Tract
Society, Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign
Parts, Auxiliary London Missionary Society, Wesleyan
Missionary Society, Colonial Missionary and Christian In-
struction |Society, Infant School, Auxiliary of British and
Foreign School Society, Wesleyan Strangers' Friend Society,
Sunday School Union (including eight schools), three Ma-
sonic Lodges, Masonic Benevolent Fund, three Odd Fellows'
Lodges, with Widows' and Orphans' Fvmds attached, Inde-
pendent Order of Rechabites, Hibernian Benefit Society,
four Temperance Societies, Society of Licensed Victuallers,
Choral Society, Mercantile Assistants' Association, Turf
218 TASMANIA.
Club, Bathing Association. There are a wet dock and a
patent slip, and 170 vessels belonging to the port, their col-
lective tonnage being 14,640. The population is 23,107,
and the number of houses 4,050 ; 2,932 of which are of
stone or brick. Five bi-weekly newspapers and a Grovern-
ment " Gazette" are published in Hobai't.
LAUXCESTOI\\
In the parish of Launceston and county of Cornwall, is
the second town of the colony, and is in lat. 41°. 24' S.,
and Ion. 147°. 10'. E. It stands at the confluence of the
North and South Esk rivers, which here discharge their
waters into the Tamar, It is one-hundred-and-twenty-one
miles from Hobart, and forty from the sea at Port Dalrymple.
On the east and west it is bounded by hills, and on the north
sti-etches the valley of the Tamar. The town is well laid
out, and viewed from the hills which overlook it, or from
the Tamar, it has a picturesque appearance. The wharves,
which aftbrd accommodation to vessels of large tonnage,
extend along the river which forms the northern boundary.
Farther up are numerous spacious stores and other commer-
cial buildings. There are two large episcopalian churches,
a handsome presbyterian chui-ch, a Eoman catholic church
(all built in the Gothic style), a Wesleyan. chapel, two con-
gregational chapels, a free ehui-ch, a baptist chapel, and a
synagogue, all neat and commodious buildings. The court
house, the gaol, the house of correction, female factory, and
several other government establishments, are large and well
built. Many of the shops, offices, inns, and private build-
iags are of considerable size and respectable appearance.
On the hill which bounds the town on the eastern side, and
commands a splendid view of the town and river, are many
private residences and gardens. There are foui- banks, four
insui'ance offices, three printing establishments, and two bi-
weekly newspapers. The principal public offices are the
TASMANIA. 219
police office, the custom house, the post office, and the port
office. The population of the to'mi is 10,855 ; the number
of houses, 2,181 ; 798 of which are of stone or brick. There
are an episcopal grammar school, a Wesleyan day school,
an infant school, three episcopal day schools, a catholic
school, seven Sunday schools, and numerous private schools.
The public institutions, besides the banks and insurance
offices, are a mechanics' institute and reading room, a literary
society, several circulating libraries, two horticidtiu-al so-
cieties, a benevolent society, auxiliary bible society, two
masonic lodges, odd fellows' society, Rechabite society, and a
teetotal society. There are seventy vessels belonging to the
port, their collective tonnage being 8,564 tons. There is
also a floating dock.
MOUNTAINS.
The principal mountains are the western range in "West-
moreland, of which the highest point is Uiaamby's or Dry's
Bluff, 4,590 feet above the sea ; a high rocky range in
Cornwall, of which Ben Lomond and Ben Nevis are the
highest points, and the Eldon range. A range extends
along the western coast, and another farther inland, of
which the highest points are the Frenchman's Cap, 3,800
feet above the sea ; Mount Arrowsmith, east of the former
4,075 feet high ; Mount Humboldt, 5,520 feet ; Cradle
Mountain, 4,700 feet. St. Valentine's Peak, on the Van
Diemen's Land Company's estate, is 4,000 feet high; Mount
"Wellington, near Hobart Town, 4,195 feet.
NEW NORFOLK.
A town in the parish of New Norfolk and county of
Buckingham, on the Derwent and Lachlan rivulet, twenty -
one miles from Hobart, and one -hundred- and-nineteen from
Launceston. It has a resident police magisti'ate and post
master, and contains an episcopal chm'ch (St. Matthew's)
220 TASMANIA,
and school, a Wesleyan cliapel, and another place of worship,
a police office, a government house, an asylum for insane
persons, and several inns. The population of the town and
district is 2,226, and the number of houses 389. The
district contains several fine farms. Coaches run daily to
New xTorfolk from Hobart, and communication between the
two places is also carried on by means of boats on the
Derwent.
OATLAOT)S.
A considerable town in the parish of Oatlands and county
of Monmouth, fifty-one miles from Hobai-t, and seventy
from Launceston, It contains an episcopal (St. Matthew's)
and Roman catholic church, a "Wesleyan chapel, several
schools, a gaol, police and post offices, a military station,
several inns, and other large buildings. It has a resident
police magistrate, and courts of request and qiiarter sessions
are held in the town. The supreme court sits twice in a
year. The population of the town and police district is
1,873, and the number of houses 279.
RICHMOND.
A town at the mouth of the Coal River, in the parish of
Ulva and county of Monmouth, fifteen miles from Hobart,
and one-hundred fi-om Launceston. It contains an episcopal
and a catholic church, a congregational chapel, a police
office, post station, a gaol, and court house, and several inns.
It has a resident police magistrate, and the population of
the town and district, which consists of farms, is 1,344, and
the number of houses 545, nearly half of which are of
stone or brick. The Coal River, which here falls into the
bay of Pittwater, is crossed at the town by an excellent
stone bridge of six arches.
ROSS.
A township on the Macquarie, in the parish of Ross and
TASMANIA. 221
county of Somerset, seventy-tliree miles from Hobart, fortj"-
seven from Laimceston, and six from Campbell Town. It
contains an episcopal church and school, a chapel, a police
and post station, and two inns. The police magistrate of
Campbell Town holds a court here once in a week. There
is a bridge across the Macquarie at this township. The
district is chiefly agricultural.
WESTBURY.
A town in the pai-ish of Westbury and county of "West-
moreland, one-himdred-and-forty miles from Hobart, and
twenty from Launceston. It has a resident police magis-
trate, a post-master, and other ofiicers, and contains an
episcopal church and school, a Roman catholic chui'ch and
school, a Wesleyan chapel, and thi'ee inns. The town and
district has a popidation of 2,842, and 420 houses.
THE GOVERNOR OF TASMANIA.
We presume that Sir Henry Yoimg has not
found the convict island a "bed of roses." If
however he has made so pleasing a discovery, he
has succeeded in doing what none of his prede-
cessors did before him. The romantic country
and delightfid climate of Tasmania must, we ima-
gine, prove the most pleasing features to a mind
like that of the present Governor. He can find
but little else to be pleased with ; for never was a
gentleman surrounded by so many ignorant, tur-
bidant, and conceited spouters as those which at
present constitute a body called the "Legislative
222 TASMANIA.
Assembly." Pompous lawyers, or lawyers' clerks,
vainly aspiring to place and emolument, and illi-
terate settlers who " spKt the ears of the ground-
lings" and murder the Queen's English, make
up a knot of as self-satisfied orators and political
gnmiblers as ever played the game of speculation
for party purposes ; while, in importance, they can
only be equalled by the magpies on Lilliputian
Island, or the stentorian debaters in the back
room of some Tom and Jerry shop.
Encompassed by these would-be patriots, who
are not without literary scribblers and penny-a-
liners, with petty quills to indorse the noble doc-
trine of their leaders. Sir Henry Young's situation
is by no means an enviable one. But with the
high principle, just determination, and moral
courage he is known to possess, and which won
for him a noble name while Governor of South
Australia, we have no doubt he will overcome all
obstacles ; and although he may fail to quiet the
factious opposition of a few discontented indivi-
duals, he will deserve well of the English govern-
ment, should he ultimately succeed in his sole
desire — that of administering to the prosperity
and advancing the welfare of the colony of which
he is Governor.
NEW ZEALAND,
INTEODIJCTION.
A longer residence in New Zealand miglit have
made tlie author of the following sketches more
familiar, not only with the natural capabilities of
the country, but likewise mth the political dis-
sensions of the people — although a longer period
for praise of the one, or censure of the other,
would not have increased the writer's present high
opinion either of the colony or its incomparable
climate.
To the interest taken in the progress of New
Zealand, may be attributed the reprehension of
those local evils by which that progrees is im-
peded.
In New Zealand, as in other colonies, may be
found a swarm of political him bottles, incapable
of good themselves, although they seriously affect
what has been or might be prepared and dispensed
for the public weal. But these lilliputian states-
men, in attempting great characters, present the
world with an unenviable picture of their own
littleness.
Q
226 NEW ZEALAND.
Witli the exception, however, of a few of these
provincial trumpeters, and certain members of the
house of clamour and confusion, by which some of
the provinces are misgoverned, and the commer-
cial expansion of others retarded, the inhabitants
are in every respect superior to those in either of
the Australian settlements. And if asked to name
the first colony in the southern hemisphere, as a
desirable home for the intending emigrant, the
writer, with the most impartial sincerity, would
answer — 'Nkw Zealand.
Of greater interest than a long editorial preface
will be found the following pointed and sensible
address of the new Governor ; and if certain ISTew
Zealand politicians only profit by a gentle rebuke
for past mischief, by following good advice for
future action — if they will only evince a little
more regard for the general welfare of the country
than for private purposes or provincial squabbles
— they will prove themselves more worthy of a
colony which is indeed worthy of nature's noblest
sons.
GENERAL ASSEMBLY.— LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
The fourtli session of the General Assembly of New
Zealand was opened on the 15th of April, by his Excellency
the Governor, with the customary formalities. At two
o'clock, his Excellency entered the Legislative Council, and
the members of the House of Representatives having been
sent for, his Excellency read the following address : —
INTRODTTCnON. 227
"HONOEABLE GeNTLEMEX OF THE LEGISLATIVE COTJ^CIL,
AND Gentlemen of the Hottse of Repkesentatites.
" Various causes prevented the last Assembly from legis-
lating on many subjects materially affecting tbe welfare of
the colony, and it has been reserved for you to imdertake
that important duty.
" duestions involving numerous conjiicting interests re-
main for your consideration and adjustment, and in the
solution of these difficulties an arduous task awaits you.
" To enable me to call to my Councils advisers possessing
the confidence of the General Assembly, is naturally a sub-
ject which will engage your earliest attention. This may
be considered the corner stone on which all other legislation
should be built ; and I now repeat in the most explicit
terms the assurance which I gave on the prorogation of the
last Assembly, that I would give my confidence to the gen-
tlemen who possess that of the Legislature, and that when-
ever changes become necessary I would allow no personal
feelings to influence my public conduct.
" I doubt not that the gentlemen who accept from you a
responsibility conferring such an honorable distinction on
themselves, will consign to forgetfulness all of the past
which has no reference to the future ; that they will arm
themselves with a determination to disregard all private
interests ; and, devoting themselves heart and soul to those
of New Zealand, they will declare what ought to be enacted
for the welfare of the colony at large.
" Such conduct will ensure respect from opponents and
the esteem of Englishmen, not only in this colony but
throughout the empire ; not only at the present time but in
the future, when party feelings and local interests have been
obliterated and forgotten, and history records the strength
or weakness of those who guided the infant steps of a great
country.
228 NEW ZEALAND.
" If, on the contrary, the men chosen for this honorahle
trust should prove unequal to it, looking for the applause
and preferring the interests of a party or a province to that
of the colony at large, then will the power they are unable
to wield remain but a moment in their nerveless grasp, and,
once released, it will oscillate backward and forward until
seized on by some statesmen worthy of their adopted country,
strong in the rectitude and integrity of their intentions, and
regardless of all considerations which can in any way hinder
the progress of the public weal.
" Such are the men whose counsel I desire, and by whose
advice I hope to be guided.
" I rely entirely on your patriotic aid, and feel assured
that, however divided you may be by political or party
feelings, your best efforts will always be directed to secure
the interests of the inhabitants of this country, mindful that
theii" welfare depends on our efficient and faithful exercise
of the powers vested in us by the Imperial Government.
" My recent visit to the different pro\"inces has enabled
me to bear testimony to their general prosperity, and to the
evident signs of progress and improvement in each and all
of them.
"I have witnessed with great satisfaction the strong
feelings of loyalty and attachment entertained throughout
the colony to the throne and person of our gracious
Sovereign ; and I feel deeply grateful for the cordial re-
ception everywhere accorded to myself as her Majesty's
representative.
" Information has been prepared on various subjects, with
a view to enable the gentlemen honored by your confidence
to lay before you certain measures of importance : among
them I may mention a proposal to extinguish the claim of
the New Zealand Company, on terms which are therein
explained ; another for a uniform postal communication with
the mother country ; the improvement and extension of our
own overland posts ; and an alteration in the custom laws ;
INTRODUCTION. 229
and 1 trust you will lose no time in authorising tlic forma-
tion of a commission, with full powers to settle the many
vexed questions connected mth land claims, and for the
quieting of disputed titles.
" Another subject will, I trust, engage your early atten-
tion, namely, the propriety of adopting some plan of final
audit for the accounts of the General Government which
will be more satisfactory than the one at present in force.
" Gentlemen of the House of Eepkesentatives.
" The utmost economy has been practised in the expen-
diture of the funds placed at my disposal by the late House
of Representatives. The fullest accounts shall be submitted
for your approval, and the most complete information
afforded to your inquiries,
" I have to request you to make an early provision for
the repayment of £14,086 lis. 5d. advanced by the Union
Bank of Australia, being part of a sum of thirty thousand
pounds obtained under sanction of a resolution of the late
House of Representatives.
" Gentlemen of the Assembly.
" Your deliberations will be viewed with interest in the
mother country ; for whether in Great Britain or the colo-
nies. Englishmen watch the proceedings of theii' legislative
bodies wdth the greatest attention.
" But the Legislature of this colony has no reason to
shrink from such a scrutiny, for while adopting all that is
good in the laws and usages of oiu* native land, it has a
caus^for congratulation of which few other lands colonized
by Europeans can boast.
" In order to form this flourishing and rapidly increasing
colony, no property has been -^Tested from its native owners ;
no hospitality has been violated ; no laws of humanity or
justice have been trampled under foot. The land enriched
230 NEW ZEALAND.
by the sweat of oui* brows has been honestly acquired and
is rightfully enjoyed. Nor, when we consider that, in place
of a dreadful form of idolatry, we have commiinicated to
the natives a knowledge of the blessings of Christianity, and
of the arts and appliances of civilization, can it be Tirged
that the advantage has been exclusively on the side of those
who gave money and received land alone in exchange for it.
" These are considerations which make England proud of
her youngest colony — and she has reason to be so. Situated
in the same relative position in the southern hemisphere ;
similar in size to Great Britain ; like her, separated fi"om
other lands by broad seas ; possessing the same natui'al
advantages and colonized by the same hardy race — New
Zealand cannot fail to become the Britain of Australasia.
" Free institutions, deeply graven in the hearts of Eng-
lishmen, the glory of the British nation, framed, amended,
and maintained by the wisdom and perseverance of succes-
sive generations, have devolved on you as an inheritance.
To them we owe much of that enterprise and independence
which have been and are the characteristics of oiu' nation
in all parts of the world. They have been transplanted for
you in their matm-ity, and their broad shadow spreads
already over this favored land.
" The history of the growth of these institutions dui'ing a
thousand years in our native country would be but a tale
that is told, and the retrospect of the past but an idle dream,
if they teach us no lessons of Avisdom. May we profit by
them ; and when time has consigned all who now hear me
to the stillness of the grave, and children's children have
succeeded to the inheritance of their fathers, may those who
will then review the acts of this Assembly feel for you that
admiration and esteem which we cannot wdthliold from the
time-honored men to whom we owe our origin and our laws.
"Thom:as Gobje Bkownk
" Auckland, April 15, 1856."
NEW ZEALAND
" Though last, not least in our estimation." — Hamlet.
In describing tlie Australian Colonies agreeably
with a matured judgment, and with, the painful
conviction that oiu* own feeble but impartial
sketches would be in dii-ect opposition, not only
to the majority of accounts previously published
by visitors and settlers, but likewise to impres-
sions created by the fluent pens and imaginative
pencils of absentee poets and painters, we availed
ourselves of every opj)ortimity, consistent with
fairness, to qualify the unfavorable opinions
formed from personal observations during a resi-
dence of twelve months in the golden region.
The country, the climate, the social and intel-
lectual condition of the people — ^Australia and all
we beheld therein, save and except the precious
metal, appeared so completely to negative every-
thing we had either heard or read on the subject,
that we paused for a time in penning a verdict
232 NEW ZEALAND.
whicli might cover tlie recorder with colonial
abuse. But as the united indignation of the
entire population of Australia would have caused
us less pain than that which would spring from
the disguise of an honest opinion, we preferred
the chance of a penalty from the least painful
alternative, and entered our verdict accordingly.
We now find ourselves placed in another di-
lemma — although one of an opposite character.
The hesitation caused by an unfavorable impres-
sion of Australia confronts our mind like the
apparition of some condemned criminal, now that
New Zealand compels us to furnish of this more
favored land, a sketch the very reverse of that
which forms the subject of the neighbouring colo-
nies. If in a social jDoint of view we reluctantly
pronounced Australia to be the most objectionable
of all British dependencies, and the inhabitants,
as a body, to be the most depraved, immoral and
reckless of any and every European country with
which we are acqiiainted, we may possibly be ac-
cused of prejudice when we declare New Zealand
to be the finest colony in the world, and the
majority of its people to be equal in respectability,
intelligence, temperance, and honesty, to those in
a similar scale of society in any part of Europe.
The fear however of rej)roach, or the false accu-
sation of prejudice in no way influenced our
judgment in the former case, and the certainty
of either, or both, or of a more bitter censure
NEW ZEALAND. 233
still, would be insufficient to check the expression
of an honest opinion in the present instance. As
stated in our prefatory remarks, we write neither
for party nor party purposes, and being entirely
independent of and uninfluenced by either, our
simple motto is — truth.
We once either read a prediction or heard it
predicted that " New Zealand would at no very
remote period become the Great Britain of the
southern hemisphere." Although we have but
little faith in modern prophets and prophecies
generally — ^least of all in those theological and
political compounds of the Gumming creation —
we confess oiu\selves sufficiently credulous to accept
and believe in the above prediction as an excep-
tion to the rule.
Comparatively little known, as she is at present,
New Zealand u-ill, no doubt, some day become an
important and populous country, if not a great
nation. She possesses all the elements to warrant
such an opinion and to justify such a belief. With
a fine, if not the finest climate in the world, the
colony has every corresponding advantage. The
capabilities of the land are so great and the pro-
duce therefrom so astounding that a stranger and
an eye witness is almost afraid to record what, to
distant landowners, will naturally appear more like
fiction than fact. But as no imaginary sketches
— nothing but facts collected from and aiithenti-
cated by the best authorities will find room in the
234 NEW ZEALAND.
pages of tliis volume, tlie reader may be assured
of dealing with truths, however strange or extra-
ordinary may appear the matter they reveal.
Having visited and personally insj)ected each
and all the provinces of New Zealand from Auck-
land to Otago, we intend, after a few general
remarks on the colony, to transcribe our obser-
vations in the chronological order in which they
were taken — supplying at the same time, through
the kind assistance of the leading settlers, those
valuable statistical and other records of the re-
spective settlements which — without such aid — it
would have been impossible to furnish after a
hasty visit of barely six months.
The following brief but able description of the
position, &c., of New Zealand (from " Chambers'
Papers for the People") so completely accords
with what we have gathered from personal obser-
vation and other authentic sources, that we will
not vary or mystify so concise an account for the
purpose of obtainmg credit for originality : —
' ' New Zealand lies in the immense Austral Ocean between
New Holland and Cape Horn. On the east that ocean rolls
to South America, on the south to the Pole, on the west to
Van Diemen's Land, and on the north it stretches bound-
lessly away to the Arctic Circle. The group is situated
between 34 and 48 degrees south latitude, and between 160
and 179 degrees east longitude. It consists of two large
islands — the North and the Middle, otherwise New Ulster
and New Munster, with a lesser one called Stewart's, or
New Leinster, and several scattered islets. The extreme
NEW ZEALAND. 235
lengtli from Nortli to South Cape exceeds 1 1 00 miles ; its
breadth varies from 300 to 1 mile, though 100 is the aver-
age. The larger islands are separated by Cook's Strait,
and Stewart's is divided from the Middle Island by Four-
neaux's Strait. The North Island contains, it has been
computed, about 31,174,400 acres of area ; the Middle
46,126,080; and Stewart's 1,000,000.
" To afford the reader an idea, by familiar comparison, of
their extent, we may say that the North Island is about a
thii'ty-second part less than England, exclusive of Scotland
and Wales ; that the Middle is about a ninth less ; and that
the whole group contains 78,300,480 acres, or not more than
50,000 acres less than the whole of Great Britain and Ire-
land with all the adjacent isles: conseqiiently we have in
New Zealand an extensive country, capable, in respect of
its size, of accommodating 25,000,000 persons at the least.
Its natural capabilities are by no means of inferior propor-
tion. Tracts of barren hills, iiTCclaimable bogs, naked
sandflats, and considerable expanses of water-siu-face, there
certainly are ; but amply allowing for these, it appears no
exaggeration to assert that at least two-thii-ds, or about
52,000,000 acres, are fitted for settlement, and might yield
abundant sustenance to a population, whether by herds and
flocks, or vintage and grain. New Zealand is most nearly
of all countries the antipodes of Great Britain. It lies 1200
miles east of the mighty island of New Holland ; and if we
suppose an immense semicii'cle formed by the continents of
Asia, Africa, and America, extending in a sweej) fi'om Cape
Horn, by Behiiug's Strait, to the Cape of Good Hope,
encompassing the Indian and Polynesian Archipelagos, and
comprising the greatest oceans on the globe. New Zealand
occupies nearly the centre.
New Zealand, like many other groups in the Southern
Sea, is of volcanic origin. A chain of lofty hills, broken
into liigh sharp peaks, runs along the Middle Island from
236 NEW ZEALAND.
north, to south, their summits towering in some instances to
a height of 14,000 feet. The most elevated pinnacles are
wrapped in a robe of everlasting snow ; and during the
winter season, when the whole ridge is clothed in this mag-
nificent covering, its efiect is beyond the power of art to
describe. The mariner has compared it to a gigantic crest
of foam rolled up by the biUows of the Austral Ocean, and
appearing ever ready to sink down and disperse over the
waves. In the North Island the hiUs are lower and less
distinctly connected ; but a few of their isolated peaks
invade the regions of perpetual snow. One of them, Mount
Egmont, is an extinct volcano, reckoned to be 8840 feet
high : it is situated at the South- West Cape, near Cook's
Strait. The first person who ascended it was the intelligent
traveller Dr. Dieflfenbach in 1839. Tongarroo, a volcano
still active, and Ruaperhue, whose fires have long been ex-
tinguished, stand in the centi-e of the island — one 6200,
the other loftier, both crowned with perpetual snow, and
forming, "wdth two or thi-ee others, a magnificent group of
mountains, reared in the middle of a more level but pic-
turesque country. Mount Edgecombe is an extinct volcano
near the Bay of Plenty. K'o one has ever been known to
ascend its summit, which is supposed to be about 7000 feet
high. Hence the surface of the island north-east to Mount
Egmont wears the traces of violent volcanic action, chiefly
proceeding from the crater of Tongarroo. Boiling fountains
break from the ground in many places, geysers spout up
theii' foam, fumeroles emit columns of sulphury steam,
solfataras shoot forth clouds of limiinous vapour, and hot
springs in constant ebullition spread over the district in an
extended line. In White Island, lying in the Bay of Plenty,
exists a low crater, with the rim composed of alloyed sulphur.
A chain of lakes, closely connected with the volcanic agencies
we have enumerated, gives additional proof of the formation
of the region. Lake Tago, in the south-west, is the most
NEW ZEALAND. 237
extensive. Of an irregular triangular shape, its greatest
length is about thirty-six miles, its width twenty-five.
Many little creeks indent its borders, and several streams
feed it from the south ; while the Waikato River, flowing
away westward, bears to the sea the superabundant waters.
Around spreads a broad level ti-act or table-land, beyond
which the siu'face is depressed, and gradually formed into
hills and valleys, where the drainage of the peaks, ranges,
and plateaus, accumulated in the beds of streams, is carried
to the ocean. Detached ridges, more or less elevated, diver-
sify the aspect of New Zealand, lying almost invariably in
one direction — from north to south — and dividing the low
alluvial plains from the high table lands.
"As in most other countries presenting similar geo-
graphical features, New Zealand presents numerous indica-
tions of mineral wealth. Copper, silver, and ii'on, with coal,
sulphur, and manganese, have been discovered, each in at
least one spot, and worked with considerable success. They
already form articles of exportation, and will probably fur-
nish materials for manufactui'ing on a large scale. Lead-
ore, tin-ore, and what is supposed to be nickel, have been
detected, but not hitherto procured in any extraordinary
abundance. Many other riches remain, doubtless, for fur-
ther research to discover ; but it wiU be M'ell if what has
been already brought to light is developed even to a mode-
rate extent. Compared with the geological formation of the
Andes, the ranges of New Zealand present very similar
characteristics, and it is believed they may contain even the
more costly metal which is found in the giant chain of South
America.
"In these mountains are traced the soui'ces of streams
and rivers which flow into the sea at various points along
the extensive coast-line. Some rise from many springs,
play down the slopes in rivulets, accumulating and meeting
until their associated waters form a river. Others gush
238 NEW ZEALAND.
from copious foimtains, and break into many brooks, which
ramify until they shoot like threads of silver over the sur-
face of the plains. Pdsing, as all the streams do, at a
considerable elevation above the level of the sea, into which
they discharge themselves after a very abrupt course, or
long windings through a rugged country, they are not gene-
rally navigable for any great distance. Some, however,
tortuous and broken as they are by falls and rapids, flow
one, and even two himdred miles. The high peaks of the
hills, intercepting masses of cloud formed by the congre-
gated vapours of the surrounding ocean, bring them down
in "floods, which supply the rivers with a perennial flow,
afibrding an exhaustless water-power in every hollow and
vaUey of New Zealand. Advantageous as they would thus
be were the region densely peopled in the more elevated
tracts, they are in the lower provinces blessings to the popu-
lation, spreading out wide alluvial flats, fertile beyond
exaggeration, large spaces of which are now ready for the
plough and the di-Ul ; while in others the axe of the wood-
man and the task of drainage still remain to render the land
susceptible of cultivation.
" Few regions in the world — in comparison with the extent
of coast-liae, about three thousand miles — equal New Zea-
land in the excellence and abundance of their harbors.
Here a commodious, safe, and central rendezvous is offered
to the vast shipping trade of the Southern Seas, including
myriads of islands, many of them the most fruitful in the
world. It might form the entrepot of commerce between
the Indian and Polynesian Archipelagoes ; and will probably,
when its affairs have been liberally settled, literally become,
as many orators, writers, and economists have prophesied,
another Great Britain in the Austral Ocean.
"To the British emigrant, however, one consideration is
paramount above all views of profit. It is nothing to him
that a region abounds in harbors, ports, and bays ; that it
NEW ZEALA^^^. 239
has a fertile soil, is rich in minerals, abounds ■with timber,
and promises wealth to the industrious settler, unless its
climate be genial to the European constitution. A mine of
gold or an estate near Cape Coast Castle woidd not induce
him to make his habitation there ; the gold-washings of
Borneo will not aUure him to live amid its marshes ; but in
New Zealand soil and cHmate equally invite his enterj^rise.
We have with respect to this subject heard many erroneous
statements ; but a careful examination of accounts by the
most competent authorities imposes on us but one belief.
"We maintain without reserve that the climate of New
Zealand is better adapted to the English constitution than
that of any other British colony. The immense preponder-
ance of water over land in those latitudes causes a less
degree of average heat than in the northern regions, where
the land greatly preponderates over the water. In tempe-
rature, therefore, New Zealand resembles that of the country
between the south of Portugal and the central departments
of France, or rather that which, from its insular character,
Great Britain would enjoy if its centre lay twelve hundred
miles to the west of Cape Finisterre."
Pre\-ious to a distinct review of eacli locality,
we will make a few general remarks — such as
would natiu-ally occur to the mind of a stranger
or any one who has noted or may note the political
and social atmosphere of New Zealand in visiting
the respective provinces. In the first place (with-
out inquiring into or suggesting a remedy for the
cause of the disease or attributing blame to any
particular class of persons) our honesty compels
us to declare that politics, politicians, and petty
jealousies, constitute the great if not the only
240 NEW ZEALAND.
barrier to the rapid progress of tlie colony, and
to the social and mental elevation and prosperity
of the inhabitants. Although prosperity and ma-
terial wealth are within the grasp of, and easily
obtained in a few years by the humblest individual
in New Zealand, it is to be regretted that such
desirable acquirements are not more frequently
accompanied with peace of mind to the owners
and good will towards others. Men aspire to, or
are elected to fill seats in the legislative assemblies
who are in no respect qualified for the senatorial
and (in the colony) anything but peaceful honor.
But while these persons are not qualified for their
position they obstruct others that are. It appears
to us that many of these gentlemen would make a
larger and more substantial provision for their
families and a smaller number of enemies for
themselves if they would attend to their private
afiairs instead of obstructing pubKc ones. Without
venturing a positive opinion on the subject, it
appears to us not unreasonable to submit the ques-
tion, whether the cause of this may not be traced
to the form or forms of government provided by
the mother country rather than to the colonists
themselves ; for where opportimities occur for
petty statesmen to fill great parts in a little play,
the farce will not fail for want of characters to
represent it. With six local governments and a
general assembly, in place of one efiicient govern-
ment for the entire colony, it is perhaps not to be
NEW ZEALAND. 241
wondered at that tlie general good is sometimes
retarded or sacrificed to the local or provincial
elements of jealousy, malice, or ambition.
The contracted or selfish views of certain in-
fluential tradesmen or merchants will likewise
strike a close observer, as something to be re-
gretted, if not deserving of censure, as the want
of favor or unity on the part of a few of the
leading settlers in a province, has to our own
knowledge often been the means of losing what
wovdd have advanced the general interests of the
country. Suppose for instance an opportunity
ofiers to benefit the colony by increased local or
distant steam communication, on a plan proposed
by Messrs. Patriot and Co. ; Selfish, Brothers and
Co. at once oppose the plan — of coiu'se on 2mhlic
grounds — because increased facihties for the pas-
sage of persons and goods from one place to another
might at the same time have a prejudicial effect
on periodical consignments received by Selfish,
Brothers and Co. from a distant part of the world.
With the New Zealand provinces, as with jea-
lous and ill-natured individuals, the same imfor-
tunate ride is foimd to exist; and it would be
easier to mix oil with water than to induce the
spirits in one province to imite with those in
another, although the Avant of imity might be
injurious to all. These evils however are but
trifles in a country where the advantages possess-
ed by a settler are greater by tenfold than the
242 NEW ZEALAND.
disadyantages ; for while such impediments may
obstruct for a time the rapid progress of small
communities, they will gradually disappear as the
districts become more thickly populated, and when
the public voice for the public good grows too
powerfid to be suppressed by the influence of a
few selfish and bigoted individuals.
Nothing but some imforeseen and dire calamity,
emanating from a higher power than man, can
check the gradual progress of the finest colony in
the world, or prevent the immense resources of
New Zealand from being more generally kno^Ti,
so soon as, through increased enterprise and addi-
tional manual and other appliances, her resources
are more fidly developed.
The internal and dormant riches of a country,
like real sparks of genius in the retiring mind of
man, may be obscured for a time by the smoke
and steam of more imposing but less sterling
objects, but flashes from concealed merit occa-
sionally attract attention, till the strength of the
flame dispels the surrounding vapour and finally
obtains for its possessor the public recognition of
true worth.
New Zealand is essentially a poor man's country,
although there are but few poor in it. It is a
country to which those of the working classes in
England who have the means or intend to emi-
grate should direct their steps ; for it is a colony
in which nine out of every ten who land therein
NEW ZEALAND. 243
rise in the course of a fevr years from poverty to
affluence, or from a poor to a good position. With
industry and sobriety, the artisan, or laborer, soon
becomes his own master, lando^vner, or farmer ;
and the majority of the most wealthy men in the
colony are those who landed a few years since
without any capital beyond that which is most
valuable in New Zealand — individual labor. At the
present time the colonial government are trying,
in vain, to obtain common laborers to work on the
roads at eight shillings a day. A good mechanic
can obtain treble that amount per diem. Indeed
the laboring classes — even while laborers — ^may be
termed the independent gentrj^ of the colony.
Their wives have never been waited on by servants
in the mother country, and have not to experience
that loss which is severely felt by those accustomed
to good society, and who, owing to the difficulty
of obtaining domestic servants, have frequently to
undertake any and every menial office. We have
known kind and considerate husbands — solicitors,
merchants, and some of the leading men in a
province — rise early in the morning, and as a
singidar prelude to their professional or commer-
cial duties, open the business of the day by lighting
the fire, washing the dishes, or scrubbing the floor
for their amiable ladies. Servants are so scarce
and so independent that the difficulty of obtaining
them is exceeded by that of keeping them when
obtained. We have more than once dined with
244 NEW ZEALAND.
a family of respectability who have themselves
cooked and served the dinner, presided at the
dinner table, and afterwards favored us with a
little instrumental or vocal music, or joined their
friends in a pollia or quadrille. To a few heavily
taxed and good-natured husbands in the United
Kingdom we take the liberty of suggesting that
twelve months residence in l^ew Zealand might
prove of infinite service to those gentle partners
whose fair featxrres dare not enter their own
kitchens, from the fear of being smoked or over-
heated. Yet strange to say, we have never in
New Zealand met a well educated lady who was
less the lady on account of ha^^ing for a time to
submit to social discomforts and privations, the
very mention of which would make some of our
English drawing-room dolls turn pale in disgust,
or red with shame. A sensible lady not only sub-
mits with good grace to the requirements of an
altered position, or the necessities of the moment,
but she likewise retains her title and her dignity,
even though circumstances compel her to become
her own waiting-maid or cook.
With a working man in England a large family
is not unfrequently regarded as a social calamity.
In J^ew Zealand a large family proves a source of
ultimate wealth, as any lad of twelve or fourteen
years of age can, in return for his services, readily
obtain a comfortable home with a salary of £20
or £30 a year. On this subject there is one im-
NEW ZEALAND. 245
portant fact, the knowledge of wliich may be found
useful to or taken advantage of by a few married
but childless individuals in the mother country.
While many or most parts of the colonj^ under
consideration are highly favorable to agricidtual
or pastoral purposes, the invigorating effects of
its delightful climate would appear to be eqiially
fayorable to a local increase in the population.
We have met with settlers who for many years in
England had despaired of ever becoming parents ;
but since their arrival in the colony they have
been blessed with the parental title — a title "with-
out which man's estate, however bomitifully sup-
plied with the periodical riches of the land, would
be still poor without those tender saplings which
can alone perpetuate the seed of domestic bliss.
The newspaper prass in New Zealand is certainly
not calculated to lessen out* unfavorable opinion
of colonial periodicals and colonial Kterature in
general. With two worthy, independent, and
honorable exceptions, to which we will not more
particularly allude, the New Zealand newspapers
represent all those petty jealousies and political
animosities with which so many of the inhabitants
are infected, and which the residents of one pro-
vince evince towards those in another. European
intelligence and occasional extracts from the Eng-
lish papers comprise the leading matter of interest
— or rather only that which is at all likely to
interest any one imconnected with local squabbles.
246 KEW ZEALAND.
Whatever is said or done by one party, or the
leaders of a party, is sui'e to be disapproved or
condemned by another. It occurs to us that these
journals, which should ratlier endeavour to subdue
than irritate the public mind on trifles, would
prove of greater service to the colony and the
settlers, if in their repeated attacks on persons
and places they were to display less violence and
more moderation — which would be news indeed.
Returning however to the advantages of New
Zealand, as the most desirable home for those who
are about to emigrate from the United Kingdom,
we deem it desirable to be clearly understood on
this point. AVhile we are anxious to afford useful
information to all intending emigrants, the entire
worth of New Zealand would not (intentionally)
induce us, in stating our own opinion, to allow
anything to escape in the shape of praise which
might either create a false impression in the minds
of others, or justify some future colonists in sajdng
(what thousands in Australia, who have been de-
luded by false representations, have had occasion
to say) " that book deceived us."
If any poor but well educated families — and in
England there are imfortunately hundreds of such
families — ^^■ho prefer the fascinations of jDolite so-
cietj^ to the more substantial rewards of industry
and social retii'ement — families, the male branches
of which regard the interior of a billiard-room or
a casino as indispensable margins on the page of
NEW ZEALAND. 247
life, while the female members of such families
would rob their craving stomachs of a good dimier
for the latest fashion in the shape of a bonnet or a
boot — if such, or any such persons would rather
prolong their lives than die Avith melancholy we
earnestly advise them to remain where they are.
For a colonial life, threadbare notions of refined
gentility will be found useless appendages in an
emigrant's outfit ; and those who are still anxious
for the display of such ornaments will do weR to
keep them and themselves away from a land where
these things and a variety of conventional forms
have no existence, or are of no avail. But if such
persons can submit, without murmur and without
regret, to hard work, and to the loss of artificial
pleasures, they may then derive profit by a
change which, without ready submission to the
sacrifices enumerated, would otherwise lead to
disappointment.
Well educated persons whose means enable them
to live in moderate ease should likewise remain at
home — presuming that home to be England. To
people accustomed to good society and the inde-
pendence arising from an experienced and atten-
tive suite of servants, the discomforts of a colonial
life will be found great and many. Eut, on the
other hand, if those needy ladies and gentlemen
whose brains are heavily taxed to keep up a
respectable appearance on a hundred or a hundred
and fifty pounds a year, derived from funded or
248 NEW ZEALAND.
other property, are disposed to submit to a few
inconveniences (many of tliem temporary ones)
for a deKghtful climate and an increased revenue,
by taking tlieir three or four thousand pounds to,
and residing in New Zealand, they may attain the
summit of their desire ; and at the expiration of a
few years they may, if they choose, return to their
native land with their capital doubled, or probably
trebled.
In most, if not in all the provinces of New
Zealand ample landed security can be obtained for
money on loan at ten, txcelve, and in some instances,
fifteen, or even twenty per cent, per annum. The
idtimate ruin of the borrowers may probably be
predicted by those residing in a country where
money is more abundant, and where people are
unacquainted with the circumstances which justify
so large a rate of interest. A few words will
satisfy the reader that such a prediction would
prove quite fallacious, and that the security named
for loans at the rates quoted will be ample, while
the interest is justifiable. For instance, the owner
of a piece of land of the value of four or five
lumdred pounds may wish to purchase a few sheep.
He has no ready money, but obtains on the secu-
rity of his land three hundred pounds at fifteen
per cent. The increase of his live stock will yield,
on the smallest computation, from forty to fifty per
cent., which wovdd leave a surplus profit over and
above the interest paid of from twenty-five to
NEW ZEALAND. 249
tliirty-five per cent. This will be yearly aug-
mented by the comj)oimd increase in his stock,
which in a few years will leave the owner thou-
sands for himdreds, or in other words, a pound
sterling for every two shillings previously in-
vested. We are acquainted not with one only,
but with many persons who at the jjresent time
are owners of ten, fifteen, or twenty thousand
sheep, and who but five or six years since dated
the commencement of their rise with an invest-
ment of fifty, one hundred, or a hundred and fifty
pounds.
For making capital in New Zealand, by lending
and borro^^ng money, various other modes might
be instanced, but the cases above alluded to will
be sufiicient to prove that in one part of the world
at least — ^though not in the United Kingdom —
people may pay or receive a handsome income for
a small investment, or give or take a high rate of
interest without danger of ruin either to them-
selves or others.
Respectable society on a limited scale may, but
good society — that which in England is termed
good society — cannot be found in New Zealand.
In speaking of society we must be understood to
refer to the want of a sufiicient number of persons
in any particular district or community to consti-
tute the society alluded to. To this there are of
course many individual and family exceptions.
But we speak of the rule not the exception ; and
250
NEW ZEALAND.
altliougli on certain occasions large numbers of
the inhabitants are invited to Government House,
the majority of such persons are regarded rather
as favored visitors than friendly guests. Some of
the provinces can boast of better society than can
be found in others ; but this and other social
matters we leave for notice under the head of the
respective localities.
This great prej^onderance both in the caj)ital
and in some of the provinces of uneducated or
illiterate people will fully account for the absence
of a refined taste with regard to anything of an
intellectual character, either in the shape of
amusement or instruction. As in Australia, a
lecture on poetry or the fine arts would be alike
unappreciated and unattended, or attended only
by a select few — while a mountebank on the back
of a horse would prove a source of attraction and
delight for the multitude. Unless a pubKc enter-
tainment be of an exciting character, such as a
farewell dinner to Tom Stiles or Harry Stokes —
although neither of the honored guests would be
allowed to utter half a dozen sentences without
interruption — it would cease to be attractive. Pro-
fessor Thimblerig can at all times insure a large
audience, while Doctor Mental's classical disserta-
tion commands an empty house. It is however
the poorer classes — or rather the working classes,
for there are no poor in New Zealand — by which
amusements are chiefly patronised. The educated
NEW ZEALAND. 251
portion of the community derive their pleasure in
theii' own family circles. In addition to this, their
minds and minutes are so entirely devoted to
money-making, that their time appears to be
entirely absorbed in this and this object only.
There is one rather remarkable fact respecting
the movements of those who have resided a few
years in New Zealand, and who during their resi-
dence therein have — ^like the majority of colonists
— endeavoured to amass a large amoimt of money
in a short space of time, for the purpose of re-
turning to live in peace and plenty, if not in
luxury, in their own native land. The fact al-
luded to, or rather the revelation therefrom, is
simply this — those to whom it relates talk of going
home for a considerable time before they actually
go ; and having gone, nine out of every ten, after
a short absence, retui'n again to the land of their
adoption. Making allowance for the loss of friends
and acquaintances, and many other miattractive
features which might cloud the imagination on
the emigrant's return, the simple fact of his
having the means to procure every pleasure where
every pleasure is procurable, and that he finally
leaves all for a climate, friends and habits more in
accordance with his feelings and his taste, furnishes
a truth, the evidence from which, in favor of New
Zealand, is stronger than any other we can adduce.
The Maori or native race of New Zealand are
in every respect superior to any colored race with
252 NEW ZEALAND.
whicli we are acquainted. Through the interest
and attention of the present indefatigable Bishop,
many schools have been established ; and not only
can a large number of natives at present read and
write, but some of them have been ordained as
ministers of the gospel. Though they want the
industry and perseverance of the European, even
the uncivilised portion of them are not deficient
in honesty ; and most of their evil propensities
have been copied from their civilised but bad
companions from the mother country. If honestly
dealt by, the dealer may be sure of an equivalent
in the transaction ; but if treacherously dealt with,
they will, if possible, retaliate. We have travelled
amongst them (unarmed) into the interior, and
would not hesitate to journey for any distance in
any part of the colony, satisfied not only of hos-
pitable treatment at the hands of the natives, but
also of perfect security both with regard to life
and property.
But Kke other native races in countries where
Europeans have permanently settled, the New
Zealanders are annually on the decrease, and will
no doubt in the course of time — perhaps forty or
fifty years, become nearly, if not entirely, extinct.
We will at present briefly observe — it being our
intention to notice the subject more fidly at a
subsequent stage of our work — that an erroneous
opinion prevails in England with regard to the
earthquakes which periodically take place in one
NEW ZEALAND. 253
part of the colony. It is generally supposed that
the whole of New Zealand is subject to those con-
ndsions of the earth, which in reality seriously
affect one province only. The extreme provinces in
which extinct volcanoes prove the complete ex-
haustion of internal commotion, may note, as the
rumbling of distant thunder, or by a slight vibra-
tion from the effect of the shock, the periods at
which the most violent convulsions take place,
although, as we previously stated, their effects
are chiefly confine(? to the locality in which they
occur.
Although New Zealand cannot at present boast of
rich gold fields fully develojDcd, like those of Aus-
tralia, a treasure more valuable and inexhaustible
may be found in the periodical riches of her soU.
The excessive draughts of AustraHa, by which thou-
sands of sheep perish and whole crops decay, are
totally unknow nhere. Whether the coming season
may or may not reward the Australian settler for
his labor andhis outlay is entirely a matter of spe-
culation ; while here the crops are as regular and
as luxuriant as the seasons themselves. Rivulets
and running streams of the purest water, unknown
in AustraHa, are here everywhere to be found.
The comparative condition of the cattle in the re-
spective colonies is alone a sufficient proof of this.
Poor and emaciated, like the aboriginal tribes in
the golden region, the oxen of that coimtry pre-
sent a miserable spectacle. But here, through the
254 NEW ZEALAND-
inAagorating effects of a pure atmospliere, rich,
pasture, and an abundant supply of water, the
cattle, like the Maori, or human native race, are
everywhere healthy, robust, and in excellent con-
dition. Of vegetable and other productions we
shall speak in due course ; and the English farmer
will no doubt be somewhat surprised to hear of
immanured land producing fifty, sixty, and seventy
bushels of wheat to the acre, not for one year only
but for several years in succession. But these and
all subjects relating to figures will be confirmed by
the signatiu'es of the respective and most compe-
tent authorities in each province.
Having thus given in a few prefatory and cur-
sory remarks a rough and general outline of what
will be embodied in detail in the progressive stages
of the work, we will proceed with a description of
the capital and the respective provinces.
But in penning the attractive and other features
of New Zealand, it is not our intention to extend
the description beyond the actual requirements of
the subject, nor to tax the patience of the reader
with a rigmarole of personal adventures, which
are generally miinteresting and of little value to
the public. We will merely furnish a simple
record of facts, gathered from our own observation
and corroborated by those whose experience is
called on to attest their accuracy. And although
we earnestly advise those industrious persons who
are about to leave England for another home, and
NEW ZEALAND. 25
who value health, sure advancement, and idtimate
independence, to choose the colony above all others
in which, with temperance and industry, a mode-
rate hope of future success in life would be certain
of realization, we >vill not recommend any parti-
cular province to the prejudice of another, but,
after a distinct though brief description of each,
we will leave those who may adopt our advice, in
the selection of this fine colony for their future
abode, to -select the pro^dnce they may deem the
best adapted to their calling or their wants.
For the information of those who cannot afford
the entire amount required for their passage to
New Zealand,, we may observe that resident Lon-
don agents, as the representatives of some parts
of the colony, are empowered to assist respectable
and suitable applicants.
New Zealand is divided into six provinces, viz.,
Auckland, Taranaki (or New Plymouth), "Wel-
lington, Nelson, Canterbury, and Otago. Each
province is governed by a superintendent (elected
by the local residents) and a provincial council.
And each province contributes its proportionate
share of members to the House of Representatives
which legislates for the entire colony, the members
of which meet annually for the purpose of general
legislation.
256 NEW ZEALAND.
With, regard to the probable extent of the
mineral riches of New Zealand, or the value of
the recently discovered gold fields, it would, at
present, be impossible for any one to venture more
than a speculative opinion. But from all we saw
and heard during our stay in the colony, as well
as from private advices received since our return,
we are inclined to think that not only gold, but
likewise copper and other minerals will shortly be
found and exported in considerable quantities —
that is, so soon as a supply of labor will enable
explorers and settlers to turn recent discoveries to
the best advantage. It will however be unneces-
sary to do more than direct attention to a few
brief but more general remarks on the subject,
which will be fomid in our review of the province
of Nelson.
New Zealand is open alike to foreigners of every
nation without reference to country or creed. We
merely revert to this subject for the purpose of
supplpng what we omitted to state elsewhere —
that in the colony of Victoria a recent legislative
enactment imposes a tax of £8 or £10 per head —
the latter we believe — on all immigrants arriving
from at least one country with which England has
extensive commercial transactions. The reason
for the Executive omitting from the "Victorian
Tariff" this duty on human flesh is obvious.
AUCKLAND.
In the town of Auckland is at present tlie seat
of government. We saj at present, because the
great bone of contention in the ensuing session
will be an attempt to remove the same — WeUing-
ton and Nelson being the chief contentionists.
We predict not only the failure of both, but like-
wise the usual waste of public time by the antago-
nists, and the natural result of the dispute — that
the speakers, like the seat of government, will be
just in the same position at the end as they were
at the beginning of the debate.
In a commercial point of view, Auckland is at
present the most important town in New Zealand ;
but whether or not she will long maintain that
supremacy is a question rather for time than for
us to determine. She is now indebted to traffic
with the natives for the greater portion of her
trade ; and as the natives are gradually on the
decrease, and as land in the province of Auckland,
either in extent or fertility, will not bear com-
s
258 NEW ZEALAND.
parison with that in the southern provinces, it
appears to be a matter of considerable donbt —
when some of the other districts have the benefit
of an increased population, and additional steam
communication, &c. — whether Auckland will still
retain the position she now holds.
The military, government officers, and a few
families excepted, the quality of society in Auck-
land, if such a term be applicable, is inferior to
that in any other province in New Zealand. The
majority of merchants and tradesmen here are
exceedingly coarse both in manner and education,
many of them being the dregs or sweepings of
Sydney. This fact may justify the use of the
doubtful term, as in the southern hemisphere
there is no doubt whatever respecting the refuse
of Sydney society.
Monthly steam communication with Australia —
which is in course of formation, but not yet esta-
bKshed by some of the other provinces — gives
Auckland a great advantage over her neighbors,
as it insures a periodical traffic between that port
and New South Wales, although, as we before
observed, some of the live stock from the last-
named colony — cattle excepted — add to the quan-
tity rather than to the quality of the inhabitants.
Making allowance for a natm-al leaning in favor
of the province of Auckland, the reader will gather
a tolerably correct idea of the town, district,
climate, &c., of the northern settlement in the
AUCKLAND. 259
following graphic sketch, from the pen (as we are
informed) of a well-known and talented officer
attached to the government of New Zealand. The
want of a Government House, alluded to by the
writer, will no longer be felt, as a very handsome
building is now nearly if not quite complete, and
will greatly surpass that which was destroyed by
fire : —
*' The Town of Auckland is built on the Xorthern side of
the Isthmus which divides the "Waitemata from the Manu-
kau, and is bounded on the j!>[oi'th by the shores of the former
harbor. The site of the Town, as laid down on the Oificial
Plan, has a frontage on the water of about a mile and a
half, and extends inland to the distance of about a mile.
At present, the greater number of the houses have been
built near the water, in the bays and on the headlands vdth
which it is indented. These bays are backed by small
valleys which run inland to the distance of about half a
mile, terminating in narrow gullies, and are separated from
each other by spui's which run in the harbor and terminate
in low headlands. The lower parts of the To"uti being thus
separated, the roads which connect them with each other are
somewhat steep and inconvenient.
* ' Seen from the Harbor, the Town makes a considerable
appearance, and suggests the idea of expansiveness. St.
Paul's Church, with its neat spire, occupying a prominent
position on the centre headland is an ornamental feature.
The Barracks, the Scotch Church, the Colonial Hospital, the
Yfesleyan Institution, the Roman Catholic Church, and the
"Windmill on the hill, with Mount Eden in the back ground
are the most prominent objects. Approaching the shore,
Official Bay, commanded by St. Paul's Chnrch, and with its
detached cottage-like houses built on a sheltered slope, each
260 NEW ZEALAND.
snugly nestled in the luxuriant shrubbery of its surrounding
garden, looks pretty and picturesque. Commercial Bay,
seen from the water, presents the appearance of a large
Town, having a mass of houses closely packed together.
Mechanics' Bay is as yet but little built upon ; a large rope-
walk, a ship-builder's yard, a native hostelry, and a few
small shops are the only buildings. This Bay is the prin-
cipal place of encampment for the natives visiting Auckland
in their canoes ; here they land their native produce, iu fine
weather bivouacing in the open air, or under their sail-made
tents ; and, in bad weather, seeking shelter in the neigh-
bouring hostelry. Freeman's Bay, to the westward of Com-
mercial Bay, is occupied chiefly by saw-pits, brick-kilns,
and boat-builders' yards.
' * The principal streets are Princes Sti-eet, Shortland Cres-
cent, Queen Street, and Wakefield Street. The first is a
broad, straight, spacious, well-made sti'eet, on a gentle
slope ; St. Paul's Chm-ch, the Treasury and the Bank, and
the Masonic Hotel are its principal bviildings. Shortland
Crescent, which connects Princes Street with Queen Street,
is built on rather a steep ascent. It is less broad than
Princes Street, but much longer. On one side it is almost
wholly built upon ; shops and stores are here to be found of
every description, and of various forms and style. No
attempt at uniformity has been made ; every one has built
according to his means, fancy, or the size and shape of his
ground. The only approach to uniformity is in the mate-
rial — ^with a few exceptions, all are of wood. The roadway
of the street is an even Mc'Adamized surface ; but no at-
tempt has yet been made to form footjmths on a general
level. Some of the shops would not disgrace a small pro-
vincial town in England ; but taken altogether as a street,
Shortland Crescent is irregular and unfinished. Queen
Street is the least built upon, but in other respects it is the
best and most considerable street in Auckland. It is about
AUCKLAND. 261
half a mile long, nearly level, and almost straight, and
terminates at its northern extremity in a pier or quay,
which runs into the Harbor, and alongside of which small
craft can land, on this stage, their cargoes. At its southern
extremity it is overlooked by the Wesleyan Seminary, or
Boarding-school for the education of the children of the
missionaries in these seas — a spacious brick-built and sub-
stantial structure. The Gaol is badly situated, and is by
no means a conspicuous building ; but by a diligent search
it may be found on the west side of Queen Street, partly
screened from view by the Court-house and Police-oflB^ce,
which abut immediately upon the street. Several shops of
superior description, two and three stories high, have re-
cently been erected, and Q,ueen Street, as well as being
the longest, is certainly just now one of the most improving
streets in Auckland. "Wakefield Street ascends from its
southern extremity until it joins the Cemetery Road ; and
is the newest and most increasing sti'eet in the town. Many
of the houses are built of brick, and it already bears a
considerable resemblance to a new street in the outskirts of
a modern English town.
" The want of a Government House is a serious drawback.
Even beyond the circle of the visiting world, the destruction
of the Old House has been, in every respect a public loss.
Few men possess in their own persons qualities of an order
so commanding as to fit them to represent Majesty without
the aid of its outward trappings. The want of a suitable
residence, operates injui'iously on society in many respects :
it is a loss to the public, a detriment to the place, and heavy
blow and great discouragement " to that dignity which
ought to hedge about" the Queen's Yiccgerent. The
grounds on which the Old House stood, is planted with
English oaks and other trees, wliich already afford both
shade and shelter ; the lawn and walks are neatly kept ; the
situation is pretty and convenient, commanding a view of
262 NEW ZEALAND.
tlie Flag- staff, and of the entrance into the Harbor ; it is
close to the Town, too, without being of the town ; and it
excites in all who take an interest in the place a feeling of
regret that it has not yet been restored to its legitimate
purpose.
" The most considerable public buildings are the Brito-
mart and Albert Barracks, having together accommodation
for nearly 1000 men. The former are built on the extremity
of the headland di\dding Official from Commercial Bay, and
form a conspicuous, but by no means an ornamental feature.
The buildings are solid and substantial, mostly of scoria —
a dai'k, grey, sombre colored stone — square, heavy- looking
and unsightly. The Albert Barracks, the larger of the two,
are built upon the same ridge, but about a quarter of a mile
inland. The Stores, Hospital, Magazine, and Commissariat
Offices are built of scoria. The rest of the buildings are of
wood, plain in style, and of a sombre color. The various
buildings, together with the parade-ground, occupy several
acres, the whole of which is surrounded by a strong scoria
wall, about ten or twelve feet high, loop-holed, and with
flanking angles. The position of the Albert Barracks is
healthy and cheerful, overlooking the Town and Harbor,
and commanding an extensive view of the siuTounding
country ; but being commanded by a rising ground within
a few hundred yards, and being "within view from ships in
the Harbor, and within range of their shot and shell, the
site, in a military point of view, is not happily chosen.
Although much more extensive than those at Wellington,
the Auckland Barracks have by no means the same neat,
cheerful, and compact appearance. It is not probable how-
ever that so large a portion of almost level ground will for
many years be allowed to be taken from the site of a town
having too generally a broken and uneven surface.
" Seen from the neighbourhood of St. Paul's Church, the
Harbor presents the appeai'anoe of a land-locked, lake-like,
AUCKLAND. 263
sheet of water : the FlaS-staff Hill, and North ITead of
mound-like form, bound it on the left. Over the low neck
of land wliicli connects them appears the rugged volcanic
island of Rangitoto, with its triple peaks ; in front are the
islands of Motukoria and Waiheki, forming the middle
distance, with the range of high land which divides the
Gulf of the Thames from the open sea, and which termi-
nates in Cape Colville, forming the back ground. On the
right, the outline is broken by numerous little bays, and
the low headlands which divide them ; the Sentinel Rock
forming at all times a conspicuous object.
' ' On the shore of the Harbor on which the Town is bxiilt,
the water is shoal, and its several , bays, at low water, are
left uncovered. Except at high- water the landing generally
along the shore is inconvenient. For several years, Auck-
land, in this respect, enjoyed a bad pre-eminence ; but the
reproach has at length been removed by the erection of a
neat wooden jetty, iive hundred feet in length, which affords
a convenient boat landing-place at nearly all times of the
tide. It also forms an ornamental featm-e in Official Bay,
and affords to the public an agreeable promenade. At a
short distance from the foot of the pier is a brick-built tanlv,
supplied by a spring of excellent water. Pipes are laid on
to the tank, and run along to the extremity of the pier,
where water-casks can be fflled and taken off to the ship-
ping at all times of the tide. A quay or landing-place is
also in course of construction in Commercial Bay, alongside
of which vessels in the coasting trade will be able to land
and to take in theii* cargoes. On the North Shore — across
the harbor, opposite the to'mi, distant somewhat less than a
mile — the water deepens rapidly, the landing is good, and
the shore is a dry, clear, shelly beach.
" There are no port charges, harbor dues, or taxes levied
on shipping; and the harbor is open to all the world to
enter and depart free of any charge. There is a pilot, but
264 NEW ZEALAND.
it is optional with masters of vessels to employ Hm. If not
employed, no pilotage is chargeable. The port is siipplied
with almost everything necessary for refitting and refreshing
vessels — and both ships' stores and provisions can be ob-
tained at a moderate price.
" The Suburban District comprises the rising ground by
which the to'svTi is sheltered. Many of the choicest spots
are already occupied by neat-looking private houses. Over-
looking the town and the harbor — and commanding a view
of the Gulf, with the "Great Barrier" and "Little Barrier"
Islands in the far distance, and the nearer islands which
give shelter to the "Waitemata — these rising grounds possess
numerous pretty sites. But generally speaking the scenery
in this district is neither bold nor picturesque ; and is alto-
gether unlike the general character of Xew Zealand scenery
— comparatively bare of trees, and distinguished only by
the number of its volcanic hills. The surrounding countiy
is open, undulating — intersected in all dii-ections by the
numerous creeks of the "Waitemata and the Manukau, and
easily available for agricultural purposes ; but it presents
few of the characteristics of a New Zealand landscape, and
it has nothing to mark it as a foreign country. Nor should
the scenery of New Zealand be hastily judged : for no com-
parison can properly be made of the scenery of countries
occupying the opposite extremes of cultivation, except as to
natural features. It would be unreasonable, for instance,
to compare the jungle forests, the fern clad hills, and the
swampy plains of a new and unsettled country, with the
rich pastures, the green meadows, the forest glades, and the
highly cultivated featm-es of an English landscape. But in
beauty of natural scenery I think New Zealand will bear
comparison with England in most of its principal features —
mountain, river, coast and harbor. There is nothing in
England, for instance, to equal the snow-clad, silvery-
peaked Mount Egmont — or the Alpine ranges of the South-
AUCKLAND. 265
ern Island, The loAver i)art of the "Waikato Pdver — the
upper reaches of the Thames — the scenery about the narrow
pass of the Manawatu — and the wild grandeur of the "SYan-
ganui, fully equal in their natural beauty, any of the river
scenery of England. The scenery of the West Coast,
between "Waikato and Mokou, and that of the Southern
Island, in the neighbourhood of IVIilford Haven, will bear
comparison with the finest views of the British Coast ; while
Monganui, the Bay of Islands, Port Nicholson, Queen
Charlotte's Sound, and Akaroa, are unequalled in their
natural features by the harbors of Great Britain. But in
lake scenery, Xew Zealand must yield the palm. True,
indeed, there are some pretty gem-like lakes in the district
of Roturua, but there is nothing in New Zealand to equal
the lake scenery of "Westmoreland and Cumberland, com-
bining so exquisitely as it does, the beauties of nature and
art. It may be too much to say that the same degree of
beauty will never be found in any part of this countiy : but
at present, in its natural uncultivated state, New Zealand
contains no such views as Grassinere, seen from Butter
Crags, or Loughrigg Fell — Jti/dal, from Rydal Park — and
the thousand beauties of Derwentivater, Barrowdale, and
Langdale.
" Strangers, however, are frequently very unreasonably
disappointed with the natural beauties of New Zealand.
They are landed at some port which possesses, perhaps, no
great natural beauty— they never travel twenty miles from
home, and they conclude that the accounts which have been
written of the country — so far, at least, as beauty of scenery
is concerned — have been written in a spirit of gross ex-
aggeration. A foreigner having heard much of English
scenery, put down in Lincolnshire or Suffolli, and, not
travelling beyond the borders of the coimty, would be
equally disappointed, and with as much reason.
" The coimtry in the neighboui'hood of the town — com-
266 KEW ZEALAND.
prising the istlimus wliicli divides the two harbors, is much
of it cultivated. Not a stiunp of a tree is left in. the ground.
Solid stone walls and quick-set hedges are generally taking
the place of temporary wooden fences of posts and rails.
The greater part of the land is laid down in permanent
pastui'e. At Epsom, distant about two and a half-miles
from the town, and in the Tamaki district, distant six miles,
there are grass and clo^'er paddocks, as large, as rich, as
well laid down, and as substantially fenced as any grass
land in England. Owing to the neat and uncolonial style of
cultivation, and to the absence of trees having a foreign
appearance, the country around Auckland presents the
appearance of a home-like English landscape. One half of
the road across the isthmus, from Auckland to Onehunga,
has been MacAdamised, and the remaining half is good
during the greater part of the year. With scarcelj' any
exception, the whole of the land on each side of the road is
already fenced and cidtivated; and the traveller, as he
passes along, is never out of sight of a house.
"The town and suburbs of Auckland extend across the
isthmus for the greater part of a mUe ; and the Tillage of
Onehunga, on the other side, spreads itself inland for nearly
an equal distance : almost adjoining the subiu'bs of Auck-
land, too, is the Village of Newmarket, and the remainder
of the road is studded here and there by wayside houses.
At no very distant period there can be little doubt but that
the opposite coasts of New Zealand 'oill thus be connected
by one continued line of street.
* ' Upwards of forty thousand acres of land within the
Borough of Auckland are the property of private indi-
viduals, held imder grants from the CrowTi. About ten
thousand acres have been cultivated, of which the greater
part is substantially fenced. The most noticeable feature of
the country is the large quantity of cattle to be seen grazing
in the district. Nearly five thousand head, besides horses
and sheep are depastured on the isthmus alone.
AUCKLAND. 267
" Immediately adjoiuing- tlie Loimdaryof the Borough, to
the south-east, is the Papakura district, extending along
the eastern shores by the Mannlcau Harbor for a distance of
ten or twelve miles : this district is bounded on the west by
the waters of the Manukau, which deeply indent it in
various directions, with its numerous creeks. The centre of
the district comprises a plain or flat valley, running inland,
in an easterly direction, from the Papakura Pah, for many
miles, until it reaches the Wairoa Eiver. About one-half
of this plain is densely timbered — the remaining portion
being clear and open, but agreeably diversified with clumps
and belts, which give it a park-like appearance. These
belts and clumps consist of a rich variety of wood ; the
graceful tree-fern, and the deep-green, glittering-leafed
karaka, clustering, in unusual profusion, around the tall
stems of the statelier forest trees. Surrounded by these
ornamental woods, melodious with the song of birds, are
here and there clear open spots of ground of various size,
sheltered from every wind — choice sites for homestead, park,
or garden. The soil of the plain is of various character —
a considerable portion, consisting of a light dry vegetable
soil, well adapted for clover paddocks, or for the gro-Rih of
barley ; about an equal quantity is dark- colored, good,
strong flax land, suitable for wheat and potatoes, the
remainder being rich swampy land, for the most part,
capable of drainage. On tlie north and on the south, the
plain is bounded by rugged ridges, densely covered with
kauri and other timber — and it is watered by a small, but
never-failing, stream of excellent water. The plain of
Papakura is best seen from the highest point of the southern
ridge, about four miles to the south-east of the site of the
old Pah. There may be seen on a bright sunny day, a
panoramic view, than which, in the whole of New Zealand,
there are few mere beautiful.
"The general salubrity of the climate of New Zealand has
268
NEW ZEALAND.
now been established by the experience of years. For per-
sons of delicate constitution, pre -disposed to disease of tbe
lungs, it is unequalled, save by Madeira. Compared with,
that of Nice, one of the most celebrated continental climates,
the climate of Auckland is tnore temperate in summer —
milder in the winter — equalhj mild in the spring — but a
little colder in the autumn :— with this advantage, too, over
aJl the boasted continental climates, that it is not so liable
to the very great variations of temperature common to them
all from sudden shifts of wind. The climate of New
Zealand is doubtless less charming and delightful than that
of Italy and the South of France, but it is certainly more
salubrious, and probably better suited to the English con-
stitution, generally, than even the climate of Madeira. For
although it has its share of wind, rain, and broken weather,
it has the advantage over Italy and France, in being more
limited in range of temperature — embracing a less oppressive
summer heat, and less sudden changes of temperature during
the twenty-four hours, and a more gradual change of tem-
perature from month to month.
" Many of the Continental and Mediten-anean climates
are, during certain seasons of the year, finer, steadier, more
agreeable than, and equally salubrious as, that of New
Zealand, but their summer heat is in some cases too great ;
their autumn weather frequently unhealthy — winter, too
cold — and spring objectionable from being liable to gusts of
cold and chilling winds. By moving constantly about
throughout the year — traversing continents and seas, it
would no doubt be possible to be always in a fine and salu-
brious climate. But, as a fijsed and permanent residence,
there are probably few places to be found, in all respects,
more suitable to the English constitution than New Zealand ;
and if that be so, then, few more suitable for persons of
delicate chest or lungs; the true theory being, that for
2)reventinff the development of diseases of the chest, that is
AUCKLAND. 269
the best climate which will admit of the g;reatest and most
constant exposure to the open air, and which is at the same
time best calculated to promote the general health ; a ten-
dency to disease of any kind being best warded oif by
keeping the bodily system in a vigorous tone of health.
" Compared ■ndth Great Britain, New Zealand, so far as
its general salubrity can be ascertaiued, possesses a marked
superiority. From the results of observations made by
Dr. Thomson, of the 58th Eegiment, for a period of two
years, from April 1848, to April 1850, when the strength
of the troops stationed in the colony amounted to nearly
two thousand men, it appears from the following valuable
Tables compiled by him, that, taking diseases generally, out
of every thousand men, twice as many were admitted into
hospital in England as were admitted into hospital in Ifew
Zealand. And the mortality, amongst equal numbers
treated was about 8J in New Zealand to 14 in England.
"Cases of fever in New Zealand are rare. From the
same Retiu-ns, it appears there are six cases of fever in
Great Britain for one in New Zealand ; and out of forty-
seven cases in New Zealand there was but one death. Of
diseases of the lungs, thi-ee cases were admitted into hospital
in Great Britaia to one in New Zealand ; and out of an
equal number treated, seven terminated fataUy in Great
Britain, and but four in New Zealand. Diseases of the
stomach and bowels are more prevalent by haK in Great
Britain than in New Zealand. Diseases of the liver and
brain are nearly the same in the two countries. The only
class of cases in which the comparison is unfavorable to New
Zealand are complaints of the eye, which are more than
twice as numerous here as they are in Great Britain.
Small-pox and measles are as yet unknown in New Zealand.
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AUCKLAND.
271
" Comparing New Zealand with the healthiest Foreign
stations of the British army, it will appear from the fol-
loAving Table, compiled by the same authority, taking into
account all classes of disease receiving hospital treatment,
that the comparison is greatly in favor of this country.
And with reference to pulmonary disease, there are in ilalta
two casea for one in New Zealand, In the Ionian Islands
there are three cases to two in this country. At the Cape
of Good Hope there stre ten cases for six in New Zealand.
In the JIauritius there ai-e the fewest number of cases
treated after New Zealand — the proportion being about
eight in the Mauritius to six in New Zealand ; but the
mortality from pulmonary disease is twice as great in the
Mam-itius as it is in New Zealand. While in Australia
there are tmce as many cases of pectoral disease as in New
Zealand, and the disease being, at the same time, tvn.ce as
fatal : —
STATIONS.
Annual ratio
of Mortality
per 1000
among the
Troops from
all diseases
Number of
men attacked
annually
out of lOUO
by Pectoral
Complaints.
Average
number of
deaths out of
1000 men
clurinir a year
Irom Pectoral
Diseases.
Malta
Ionian Islands
Bermuda
18
28
30
20
22
15
30
U
11
120
90
126
148
141
98
84
148
133
60
60
4-8
87
67
5-3
30
5-6
80
0-8
27
Canada
Gibraltar
Cape of Good Hope
Mauritius ...
Cuited Kinp;dom
Australian Continent. .
New Zealand
" In cases of Fever, there are at least five in Malta, the
Cape, and in Austi-alia, to one in New Zealand.
" Of Complaints of the Liver, there are two cases in the
above-mentioned places to one in New Zealand.
" And of diseases of the Stomach and Bowels, there are
more than two cases at each of the above-mentioned places
for one in this country.
272
NEW ZEALAND.
Table sliowing the Annual Ratio of Admissions and Deaths
among 1000 Troops at the following Stations from
the undermentioned Classes of Disease : —
DISEASES.
Cape of
Good Hope.
Malta.
Australian
Continent."
New
Zealand.
'6
1
Deaths.
Attacked.
.a
1
ft
13
M
<
-3
Q
Fevers
88
22
126
j
19 173
29
11
36
65
15
153
1-2
•1
1-5
13
7
60
0-3
0-4
•9
Liver Complaints
Disease of Stomach \
and Bowels /
1-1
31
21
155
• From seven years observation, ending March 1850, kindly furnished by
Staff-Surgeon Shanks, Principal Medical Officer, New South Wales.
" But assuming the above Returns to show correctly the
comparative healthiness of our troops in Great Britain, and
at the various Foreign Stations, it doos not necessarily fol-
low that they correctly exhibit the comparative salubrity of
the climates of the countries to which they relate, so far
at least as regards the community at large — and for this
reason, that our troops are for the most part lodged in bar-
racks ; and that the health of the men is influenced by the
manner in which they are lodged, as well as by the climate
of the country in wMch they may be stationed ; and that
barracks vary considerably in the several important parti-
culars of size, ventilation, construction, and position. This
result, therefore, might easily follow — that men stationed
in a bad climate but lodged in barracks erected on a well
chosen site, spacious, diy, well ventilated, well drained, and
supplied with good water, may have fewer hospital cases
and less mortality, than men stationed in a good climate,
AUCKLAND. 273
but lodged in barracks in a bad situation, close confined, ill
drained, and badly constructed. But, making allo-wance
for all such, disturbing causes, there can be no doubt that
the foregoing Tables afford satisfactory proof of the general
salubrity of the country.
' ' Compared with an English summer, that of Auckland
is but little warmer, though much longer. But the nights
in New Zealand are always cool and refreshing, and rest is
never lost fi-om the warmth and closeness of the night. It
is also much, warmer h.ere both, in the spring and autumn ;
and the winter weather of England, from the middle of
November to the middle of March, with its parching easterly
winds, cold, fog, and snow, altogether unknown. Snow,
indeed, is never seen here ; ice, very thin and very rarely ;
and hail is neither common nor destructive. The winter,
however, is very wet, but not colder than an EngHsh April
or October. There is a greater prevalence of high winds,
too, than is personally agreeable : but with less wind the
climate would not be more healthy. There is most wind in
the spring and autumn ; rather less in the summer ; and
least of all in winter."
The European Population in the province of
Auckland in 1853 was 11,033, and, so far as can
be gathered from the imperfect returns recently
made, the popidation of the entire province is at
present about 13,000, or probably rather over than
imder that number. In 1851 the Revenue of the
entire colony of New Zealand was only £78,495
8s. 8d. In 1854 the Revenue was £226,901
16s. 6d., and has since been, and still continues,
rapidly on the increase, although the Government,
owing to the difficidty (they say) of getting the
T
274 NEW ZEALAND.
returns from the distant provinces cannot supply
us with, the figures for 1855. While it is our
intention as we proceed to furnish the number of
inhabitants residing in each province, as nearly as
that number can be ascertained, at a rough calcu-
lation, we believe the European Population of the
entire colony to be about 50,000. The number of
the Aboriginal Tribes, we have heard variously
computed, but we imagine it does not now exceed
40,000, and the number is rapidly decreasing.
The native flax of New Zealand is an article
which ere long will be extensively cultivated, and
exported from the colony in large quantities.
Mr. Whytlaw, a most enterprising and intelligent
gentleman, who favored us with the following
explanatory letter, has devoted his time, talent,
and capital to the subject for several years ; and
he is now, we believe, on the eve of being amply
rewarded for his labor, by the complete success of
his experiments. We personally inspected his
numerous buildings and extensive domain, distant
about thirty miles from Auckland, in the Matakana
district. The beautiful machinery for the prepa-
ration of the flax prior to its exportation, which
was completed after Mr. Whytlaw' s design, is
declared to be an excellent invention, and one
in every way adapted for the completion of the
designer's prirpose on an extended scale. Other
gentlemen are waiting the result of the experi-
ment, in order (if successful) to take advantage of
AUCKLAND. 275
the originator's plans, and embark in a similar
undertaking. No less for the futm-e interests of
the colony than as a just return for the talented
exertions of one of her spirited and upright citi-
zens, we wish every success to Mr. "VYliytlaw and
his noble enterprise : —
*' Tlie native flax of New Zealand (Phormium Tenax) of
wHcIl there are several varieties, lias always attracted mucli
attention from those who have visited the country, as an
article which ought to form a vahiable colonial export. The
beautiful samples which have frequently been prepared by
the manipulation of the natives, show the great degree of
fineness to which the fibre can be reduced, and its strength
has been long considered as much greater than that of
European flax.
" The chief, if not the only reason why it has not been
more extensively used ia British manufactui-es is, that the
supplies of the raw material, as prepared by the natives,
have been extremely limited and uncertaia ; aftbrding no
encouragement to the parties at home disposed to use it, to
alter and adapt their machinery to the peculiar character of
the article.
" The mode of preparing the flax by the natives, which
has been often described, is very tedious, an expert hand not
being able to produce, on an average, more than lOlbs.
weight per day. The work is chiefly done by the women,
A simple and efficient method of dressing the flax by
machinery has, therefore, been long felt a desideratum, and
numerous have been the eftbrts to supply this. Hitherto,
none of these attempts have been productive of more
than mere samples. With the stronger inducements of mer-
cantile and agricultiu-al pursuits to realize speedier returns
for capital, few have had the courage to persevere in their
276
]S'EW ZE-AXAXD.
attempts to accomplish, the important object. Of late, how-
ever, as the war in Europe has raised the value of flax so
much, there is now the greatest encouragement to establish
a trade in this article ; and I am glad to say that one gen-
tleman who has for many years past, devoted his attention
to the subject, has recently brought out from England the
materiel of a large factory, which, is in process of erection
at a short distance from this ; and that his method of pre-
paring the flax by machiaery of his own invention, on an
entirely novel principle, appears to be of the simplest and
most efficient description. He expects to have his produce
in the market in about a year from this date ; a short
time therefore, will prove whether his anticipations will
be realized. If this establishment succeeds, doubtless
many will follow the same course ; and I do not despair
of seeing this interesting and delightful country posses-
sing in a short time, an export that may ultimately rival
some of the most valuable of those of the neighbouring
colonies.
"M. "Whttlaw.
"Auckland, 14th Nov., 1855."
CENSUS RETURN FOR THE PROVINCE
OF AUCKLAND,
MARCH 31. 1855.
Males.
Females.
Total.
Children
between
5 and 15.
In Day
Schools.
In
Sunday
Schools.
In Day
and
Sunday
Schools.
6701
5218 11,919
1776
979
216
459
Two-thirds, or probably more, of the native or
Maori race of the entire colony of New Zealand
are to be found in this and the adjoining province
AUCKLAND. 277
of Taraiiald. In tlie province of Wellington there
is a moderate number ; in Nelson less ; in Canter-
bur}'- still less ; and in Otago only about 500.
For tbe information of intending emigrants we
will, as nearly as we can, give the relative dis-
tances (by water) between the respective provinces,
commencing in the north, at Auckland, and pro-
ceeding southward in the order in which the
settlements are described. But emigrants should
endeavour, if possible, to secure their passage in a
ship bound direct to a province in which they
intend to settle ; otherwise they will find the
delay great, the opportunities few, and the expense
considerable, in getting from one settlement to
another.
Distance from Auckland to Taranaki, about
130 miles ; Taranaki to Nelson, 160 miles ; Nelson
to Wellington, 120 miles ; Wellington to Canter-
bury, 160 miles ; Canterbury to Otago, 170 miles ;
Otago to the Bluff, or the newly-opened southern
port of Invercargill, 120 miles.
With regard to vegetation in New Zealand, the
remarks of those whose evidence is founded on
considerable personal experience require from us
but little in the way of confirmation. We will
merely observe that whatever is grown in England
may be grown in an equal, if not in a greater
degree of perfection in the colony — where may be
seen in full bloom flowers and plants which in any
part of the United Kingdom would require from
278 NEW ZEALAND.
the florist or botanist the most sedulous care,
together with the artificial warmth of a hot-house.
Good fish is something that neither of the
Australian settlements can boast of. True, the
harbors and rivers both of Australia and New
Zealand abound with fish of various sorts ; but,
with one or two exceptions, these sorts are either
dry, insipid, or tasteless. There is nothing to
compensate for the want of salmon, turbot, sole,
cod, &c. Indeed, the best fish on the Australian
or New Zealand coast is not equal, either in
flavor or quality to the most inferior description
peculiar to the British Isles. Of sharks there
may be found an extraordinary quantity ; and
so daring and so plentiful are these monsters,
that sea bathing is not unattended with con-
siderable danger. On two occasions we have been
near a bathing spot at a period when human life
was sacrificed by the sea vipers.
TAEANAEI,
OK,
:N'EW PLYMOUTH.
New Plymouth or Taranaki, tlie native name
by wliicli it is more generally known, is distant
from Auckland — or rather from Manakan harbor,
six miles from Auckland — about 130 miles, or
from fifteen to twenty hours' sail. The journey
may be taken overland, but as there is no public
road, and as the task involves a considerable
amount of labor and time, it is but seldom under-
taken, except by the excursionist or those anxious
to see the interior of the country.
During our short stay in the province we were
much pleased with its appearance. The land is
equal, if not superior, to that in any other part of
New Zealand ; but it is at the same time more
circumscribed, New Pljonouth being the smallest
settlement in the colony. Here, as in Aucldand,
the price obtained for land near the township
appears extravagantly high. That it has reached
its maximiim, and something more, many persons
are disposed to believe. So long, however, as the
280 NEW ZEALAND.
colony continues in its present flourishing condi-
tion, and districts become more thickly populated,
money will continue to be made by speculation
and investments in land in all parts of the coun-
try ; and, strange as it may appear, there is not a
province in New Zealand in which land may not
be foimd near the townships — ^purchased a few
years since for one, two, or three pounds an acre —
which at this moment would find a ready sale at
one hundred, two hundred, or three hundred pounds
an acre. In some cases much larger amoimts
have been or might be realized. "We may instance
a case within oui' own knowledge in which a gen-
tleman with whom we are acquainted (an absentee)
came over from Melbourne, only two years since,
and invested £600 in the purchase of twelve hun-
dred acres of land in a district which gave promise
of a future important township. The lucky pur-
chaser has just now, for the first time since the
purchase, visited his property, and finds that by
dividing it into small sections, for building and
other pui'poses, he can realize a sum 'of at least
£3,000 over and above the original outlay. In
two or three years hence, as the district becomes
more thickly populated, the collective purchasers
of these allotments will in all probability have to
divide a much larger profit than that realized or
about to be realized by the original owner. The
property here referred to is in the neighbourhood
of Whanganui, about 110 miles from Wellington.
NEW PLYMOUTH. 281
The case itself is not an exceptional one ; for,
extravagant and artificial as the prices appear
which are sometimes paid by the sub-purchasers
of property, up to the present time we have not
known nor heard of an instance of any one losing
money by the purchase of land in New Zealand.
AYith reference to the facilities and opportu-
nities for the purchase of land by strangers, a few
words ma}^ not be out of place. Newly arrived
immigrants are frequently most unreasonable in
their wants and expectations on this subject.
Landed at one of the ports in the colony, they
expect to obtain any spot in any district at their
own, or at merely a nominal price. On being told
that all the land within a circuit of ten or fifteen
miles of the spot on which they stand has been
purchased, but that plenty of xmpurchased land
may be obtained in the interior, or in districts
where new townships are contemplated, or are in
course of formation, they declare themselves de-
ceived, and rail at the Government and their
imaginary deceivers accordingly. If they were
only to look around them (as they ultimately do)
and fix on some spot, of which there are scores in
the colony, that gives promise of a future town-
ship, and embark their means in a judicious
manner, a few years woidd enable them to exclaim
with an air of exultation to other new comers —
*' Bide yoiu' time, and your tm-n will come as ours
has done." It is totally unreasonable for new
282 NEW ZEALAND.
hands to hope, without time and labor, for the
benefits reaped by old ones.
In New Pl;yTnouth, as in all other parts of the
colony, plenty and prosperity are everywhere
visible. During the whole of our stay in New
Zealand, we never saw nor heard of such a beiag
as a beggar — a creature by no means a novelty in
the United Kingdom.
Contrary to the opinion of Mr. Earp, an old
colonist, from whose work we have extracted a
sketch of this proviace, we consider the want of a
harbor a serious barrier to the commercial progress
of Taranaki, The author's remarks with reference
to the assistance rendered by this to other parts of
the colony were no doubt correct at the time they
were penned, and when some of the southern
districts, with regard to population, were yet in
their iafancy ; but those provinces to which the
observations apply not only at present yield fruits
of the earth in greater abundance now than for-
merly, but considerably greater than is required
for their own consumption ; while large shipments
of the surplus are made to the AustraKan colonies.
Society in New Plymouth is much superior to
that in Auckland ; and although the natives are
rather numerous here, and are sometimes a little
troublesome, the province is altogether a very de-
light fid one, and woidd become a much more
important one if it had the advantage of a good
harbor.
NEW PLYMOUTH. 283
The following is an extract from Mr. Earp's
description of Taranaki : —
" The district of Taranald, whicli comprises the coTintry
around Mount Egmont, has with justice been termed " the
garden of New Zealand," and whether we regard the
serenity of its climate, the fertility of its soil, or the extent
of land available for the agriculturist, it is surpassed by no
other locality iri either island, though in extent alone, the
New Plymouth district must yield to the huge plains which
reach from Banks' Peninsula to the southern extremity of
the Middle Island.
" The attention of the early settlers was first drawn to
the Taranaki district by the lamentations of the Port
Nicholson natives, who a few years only previous to the
colonization of New Zealand, had been driven from their
former homes by Te Whero "Whero, the chief of the powerful
Waikato tribes. By this chief, Taranaki was regarded as a
hunting groimd, whenever his propensities for cruelty and
cannibalism urged him to harass the -wretched inhabitants
—his game being men instead of animals. Harassed by
his constant incursions — for he never destroyed more than
would satiate his bloodthirstiness, carefully preserving
sufficient for the ensuing season's excursion — the natives
were persuaded, with much difficulty, to evacuate their
cherished locality and to fight their way southward, where
they might find a locality beyond the power of their tor-
mentor. Their adviser was Mr, Richard Barrett, who
subsequently afforded efficient aid to Colonel "Wakefield in
the acquisition of the territory now in the possession of the
New Zealand Company. Mr. Barrett having defeated Te
Whero AVhero in the last attack made by that chief, the
latter retii'ed for a short time to his own district, to recruit
his forces, and to devise such means as should utterly
annihilate the tribes from whom he had received a check so
284 NEW ZEALAND.
unexpected. This interval was taken advantage of by Mr.
Barrett to evacuate the place, and to make a rapid retreat
southward ; the retreating natives were, however, inter-
cepted at "Wanganui, another fight ensuing, in which Te
Whero Whero was again defeated, and, after various vicissi-
tudes, the fugitive tribes settled in Port Nicholson and its
vicinity, the feeble inhal'tants of which locality fled at the
approach of their invaders, compelling the master of a vessel
lying in their harbor to carry them to the Chatham Islands,
where they in their turn hold the aborigines in abject slavery
to this day. Such was the state of the native tribes previous
to the colonization of the islands.
" The attention of Colonel Wakefield was speedily drawn
by the Port Nicholson natives to the rich district from which
they had been di'iven, numerous requests being made of him
for a passage in his ship, that, to use their own expressions,
" they might once more look upon the land of their fathers."
This, of course, could not be complied with, but on visiting
Taranaki, he found that the glowing accounts of the natives
had not been exaggerated. The representations which he
made home respecting the district led to a company being
formed at Pljinouth for the purpose of occupying Taranaki,
and with such vigour were their measures carried out, that
a considerable colony, composed for the most part of gen-
tlemen fi'om the south of England, with a numerous body of
Devon and Cornish peasants, was speedily on its way to
Taranaki, where, amidst all the past troubles of the colony,
they have remained, prosperous and increasing, nor do we
ever remember one single instance of complaint from any,
whilst the commendations of both district and climate
abound, from those of the humblest settler to the merited
eulogiums of the Bishop of New Zealand.
" New Plymouth, though a small settlement in com-
parison with others, was the first in New Zealand, not only
to feed itself, but to export its own produce. While the
NEW PLYMOUTH. 285
coinuiercial settlements of Wellington and Aiickland wei'e
importing corn from Sidney and the West coast of South
America, New Plymouth was exporting corn to both. Like
Nelson, New Plymouth owed nothing to the expenditure
caused by the troops, which have been so extensively em-
ployed in the other settlements ; it was isolated from the
distiu'bed districts, and not a single soldier was necessary
for its defence. The inhabitants having no resources of this
nature, and but few of a commercial kind beyond the export
of their sui-plus produce, steadily appHed themselves to
agriculture and sheep-farming, and with such success that a
poor or a disappointed man is scarcely to be found amongst
them, every man literally living " imder his own vine and
fig-tree."
" The New Plymouth people are well aware of the pro-
ductive powers of their own settlement. When the Canter-
bury Settlement was first projected, it was the recomendation
of the Bishop that it should be located at New Plymouth,
but the committee of the Canterbmy Association decided
otherwise. On this a New Plymouth settler shrewdly re-
marked — "It is no matter, wherever they may settle, we
shall have the ^>/e«si<re and the jyrojit of feeding them till
they can run alone, and thus find another market for our
rapidly increasing surplus produce." And it is a fact that
this, the least of the older settlements, has for many years
past fed the larger, there beiag no limit to its productive-
ness, but want of small capitalists to reclaim new lands.
" Testimonies to the capabilities of this favored district
are abimdant — one or two will suffice, as carrying an au-
thority not to be disputed. Sir George Grey, the present
Governor of New Zealand, thus spoke of it in a despatch to
the Government — " I have never, in any part of the world,
seen such extensive tracts of fertile and imoccupied land as
at New Plymouth." The Bishop, in his journal of 1848,
states — " No one can speak of the soil or scenery of New
286 NEW ZEALAND.
Zealand till lie has seen botli the natural beauties and the
ripening harvest of Taranald." DieiFenbach, in his travels,
states — "The whole district of Taranaki, as far as I have
seen, rivals any in the world in fertility, beauty, and fitness
for becoming the dwelling-place of civUized European com-
munities." And again — " In future times, this picturesque
valley (Waiwakaio), as well as Mount Egmont and the
smiling open land at its base, will become as celebrated for
their beauty as the Bay of Naples, and will attract travellers
from all parts of the globe." Mr. Fox, the successor of
Colonel "Wakefield, also thus writes to the New Zealand
Company — " Of the capabilities of the district, in an agri-
cultui-al point of view, it would be diffictdt to speak too
highly. I was much struck with the fertility of the soil.
Some idea of it may be formed from the fact that thirty-
five acres of grass and white clover, during last year, carried
nearly three hundred sheep for a twelvemonth in excellent
condition — a quantity, I believe, double to what the best
pastures in England will carry."
" The drawback to the settlement is the want of a harbor,
as usually understood by a land-locked bay. The roadstead
is, however, an excellent one, though for thi-ee months in
the year requiring a vessel to be ready for sea, in the event
of a sudden north-west gale. At all other periods of the
year the roadstead is as safe as are any of the harbors in the
colony; whilst in the dangerous season, the opposite side
of the Strait afi^ords harbors of the finest description in
abundance, a few hours sufficing to place a vessel in safety,
the very gale which compelled them to quit their anchor
becoming a fair wind for gaining a port of shelter ; the
southern shore of Cook's Strait forming a continuous chain
of such harbors, the most easily approached being Port
Hardy, and the far-famed series of havens forming Uueen
Charlotte's Sound.
" With this want of a land-locked harbor, it vnR be long
NEW PLYMOUTH. 287
before New PljTnouth becomes a place of any considerable
commercial consequence, nor is it desirable tbat it should be
so. The land is the true wealth of the colonists, and to thia
they have wisely and solely directed their attention, reaping
their reward long before those settlements which have for
the most part depended on commerce. Not that the road-
stead of New Plymouth is unsuited to the purposes of
commerce ; on the contrary, there are many ports in the
British dominions, which are of great commercial conse-
quence, to which access is of tenfold more difficulty than
the port of Taranaki. No one, for instance, who knows
Madras, would for a moment take into account the difficulty
of landing at New Plymouth. Neither would the seaman
who has rode out a gale of wind at the Cape of Good Hope,
where safety depends altogether on the strength of the
ship's cables — escape, in the event of these failing, being
next to impossible — ^make any difficulty of the worst posi-
tion in which he could be placed at New Plymouth. When
the settlement has attained that commercial standing to
which its rapidly increasing exports will, at no distant date,
entitle it, we shall hear no more of the drawbacks to what
is, in reality, an excellent anchorage ; and when it shall
have become rich enough to improve the natural facilities
for forming an artificial harbor at comparatively a trifling
expense, there will be an end to the fancied difficulties of
the Taranaki roadstead. Still, in the present state of the
settlement, the settler will do well to bear in mind, that it
wotdd be unwise to form an establishment at New Plymouth
for other than agricultural or pastoral purposes ; and he
may also bear in mind, that in no part of the colony will
his reasonable expectations be more sui-ely fuifilled, or his
exertions more bountiftdly rewarded.
" Like Nelson, the society of New Plymouth is of a supe-
rior order. The commercial ports of any colony partake
in no slight degree of too many of the characteristics of
288 XEW ZEALAND.
Portsmoutli or "Wapping : these are inseparable from tliem,
andtheir evil influences extend, more or less, to no inconsi-
derable portion of the population. The party squabbles, too,
"which invariably characterise a mixed and heterogeneous
population, such as is usually found in great colonial sea-
ports, render them anything but desirable localities for the
quiet agricultiu'ist ; and the better prices "svhich he obtains,
in consequence of his vicinity to a seaport, scarcely compen-
sate for the interruptions to progress and the temptations to
non-progress which so frequently beset him.
" Though the population of the New Plymouth settlement
scarcely reaches 2,000, its social institutions are veiy excel-
lent. The means for I'eligious worship are ample and of
great efficiency, as regards the various denominations of
Christians, who here work together in a harmony not usually
found amidst sectarianism. The educational resoiu'ces of
the place are equally excellent, and no man, other than wil-
fully, can complaui that his children are out of the reach of
instruction. The only useless social institution is the jail,
which happily stands rather in terrorem than in usum ; nor,
judging from the character of the inhabitants, does it seem
likely to be applied to any other use at present.
" The settlement, though in point of climate and soU,
unquestionably the finest in Xew Zealand, has been much
neglected. It was originally founded by a body of Devon-
shire and Cornish gentlemen, and to them it has been chiefly
indebted for its present inhabitants. On the cessation of
the Plymouth Company, it was turned over to the New
Zealand Company, by whom it has been unaccountably
neglected. One of their first measures was to raise the
price of its waste lands, thus practically prohibiting emi-
gration to it. A restoration of the original price — now that
the power of this is in the hands of the Government — ^would
be a boon to the settlement which would speedily produce a
marked result."
KEW PLYMOUTH.
289
For the compilation of the following Returns
we are indebted to one of the leading merchants
in New Pl}Tiiouth — Mr. Llewellyn Nash : —
niPOPvTS AXD EXPORTS.
Imports.
Exports. 1
1851
£ s.
9,088 15
20,362 10
30,010 9
35,333 18
34,967 15
7,559 9
d.
9
6
3
£ s.
8,713 3
14,170 9
20,982 1
2,756 18
d.
6
6
1852
1853
1854
1855
1856. Jan. to Mar.
Until July quarter of 1853, all our surplus produce -went coast-vpise,
and consequently swelled the returns of those ports, viz., Auckland and
Wellington, when the goods were shipped out of the colony.
CUSTOMS REVENUE FOR THE FOLLOWING PERIODS.
£
1851 1,508
1852 2,491
1853 3,311
1854 4,284
1855 5,256
1856. January to March 1,201
s.
d
3
19
5
9
10
7
7
3
10
11
CONSUMPTION OF SPIRITS
During tlie period from 1st January, 1851, to 31st March,
1856 ; duty paid at the port of New Plymouth.
Gallons.
Duty.
1851.
1852.
1853.
1854.
1855.
1856.
1,750-13
2,538-8
3,222-11
4,132-15
7,755-9
1,945'24
£ S.
473 15
761 9
966 14
1239 15
2326 12
583 14
d.
10
2
3
1
1
6
'1st Jan. to)
[31st Mar. J
290
NEW ZEALAND.
QUANTITIES AND VALUES OF SPIRITS
Imported under Bond, during the period from tlie
1st January, 1851, to 31st Marcli, 1856,
Gallons.
Value.
1851
1,719
3,442
3,605
4,449
9,236
1,366
£ s.
626 16
1248 5
1765 6
1964 7
3639 19
674 15
d.
9
2
6
1852
1853
1854
1855
.„^„ fist Jan. to)
Revenue and Expenditm-e of the Provincial Government of
New Plymoutli, for tlie Tear ending the
31st December, 1855,
Total Eevenue £10,981 9 10
Total Expenditure 9, 107 8 10
POPULATION,
The Population Tables, now in course of com-
pilation in this district, have not reached us in
time for press ; but we believe the entire European
Popidation of this small and flourishing province
to be about 3,000, There is room enough for ten
times that number — with a fair prospect of an
early fortune for each.
NELSON.
That wMcli Torquay is considered in the West
of England, Scarboro' in the north, Matlock in
Derbyshire, Timbridge Wells in Kent, Ventnor in
the Isle of Wight, Inverary in Scotland, the Lakes
of Killarney in Ireland, or Aberyswith in Wales,
^Nelson may be considered in New Zealand — the
most charming spot in a charming country.
While we are familiar with nearly every part
of the United Kingdom, and, for beauty of scenery,
climate, and society, give the preference, as occa-
sional visitors at the respective seasons, to the
places enumerated above, if fortune decreed that
we should select some part of New Zealand for our
future residence, we woidd at once and without
hesitation fix on Nelson as our permanent abode.
With a climate even superior to that in any
other part of the colony, with respectable society,
with a people infinitely more hospitable than any
in the southern hemisphere, and with a smaller
amount of political animosity and social strife than
292 NEW ZEALAND.
may be found in any otlier province — apart from
her commercial advantages and mineral wealth,
and considered merely as a delightful retreat for
those who would wish to live happily, and who
can derive happiness themselves by seeing those
around endeavoiu^iLg to dispense it to others,
Nelson above all other places south of the line, is
a home where the honest heart will meet with
kinsmen, kindness, and friendship, and where
every good deed vdW. find a responsive A'irtue.
Jealous as the provinces are of each other on
most matters, the superiority of the climate of
Nelson is a fact but seldom if ever questioned. It
is so generally admitted, that the writer whom we
previously quoted merely observes : —
" It is almost unnecessary to say anything of the climate
of Nelson. The extreme salubrity and excellence of that of
the whole colony is universally known and admitted. The
test which King Charles applied to the English climate,
that there were more days in the year when people could
he in the open air than anywhere else, applies with con-
siderably more force here. "With a very great amount of
sunshine, the heat is never excessive, or ever disagreeable ;
while, with an abundance of raia, there is no continual
wet season. The only defect in any part of New Zealand
is, that there is too much wind to be agreeable ; not that it
blows harder than it blows on the English coast at times,
but it blows hard oftener. In this respect, however,
Nelson is, I believe, the most favored place in the country.
The wind, though for about three months in the spring and
summer blows fresh for days together, is seldom violent
NELSON. 293
or tempestuous, and in the -vdnter it blows very little
indeed ; days and even weeks almost perfectly calm, witli
brilliant sunshine by day, and magnificent moonlight at
night, occm-ring at that season. In the other settlements
of New Zealand, it is not unusual, in extraordinarily fine
weather, to hear the observation — " This is Nelson weather,"
though their own is much above the average of English
weather. Of the general mildness of the climate, an idea
may be gathered from the fact that the flocks of sheep
fi-equently lamb in mid- winter in the open country; and
imless there happens to be an unusually heavy rain or severe
frost at the very time of lambing, a very small per centage
of losses — perhaps not above five to ten per cent — will
occur. Geraniimis, fuschias, Oenotheras, picotees, and other
summer flowers of England, continue to bloom in Nelson
during the winter months. One peculiarity of the climate
may be noticed, which is, that there are in fact only two
seasons — the summer, and what we call winter. There are
no transition seasons of spring and autumn, or at all events,
hardly perceptible as such ; and their absence is the more
observed fi-om the fact, that nearly all the indigenous trees
are evergreen, so that there is no periodical fall or renewal
of the leaf — a circimistance to be regretted by the admirer
of the picturesque, were it not compensated by the fact
that the forests maintain their usual verdvu-e all the winter
long."
From our owti experience, we are enabled to
remark on one striking feature by wbicb the
leading men of Nelson are distinguisbed from
tbose in many other parts of the colony. The
leaders and self- created patriots in some of the
provinces — to whom we shall hereafter allude —
make their professed patriotism and love of country
294 NEW ZEALAND.
merely a veliicle for party or political purposes,
while their amount of real interest in the welfare
of the colony may be correctly ascertained by the
extent of land they possess in their own locality,
or by the political capital, in the shape of official
revenue, which they derive therefrom. A clap-
trap speech of some half a dozen foolscap folios
may secure for the sham professor a few of those
scattered sweets of hiunan " aye," which he places
in his political garner to serve his own particular
time and purpose. But ask such an one — as we
have had occasion to do — for statistical or other
information which might interest the British
public, and pron^e of idtimate benefit to the colony,
and the colonial gleaner politely declines a service
from which there is no prospect either of present
far»e or future reward.
The very opposite of the selfish motives des-
cribed inspire the principal residents of Nelson,
each of whom woidd appear anxious to excel the
other in a desire not only, by personal sacrifice, to
render any and every assistance which might tend
to benefit the province and its inhabitants, but in
the still more disinterested wdsh to lend a helping
hand, or to volunteer any aid that might be useful
to the position, or grateful to the mind of a
stranger.
We might instance a variety of remarkable acts
of sympathetic hospitality peculiar to the pro-
vince ; but there came under oui' own immediate
NEI-SON. 295
notice one case which we consider worthy of record.
In the ports of New Zealand tliere are not at
present any wharves or piers at which the depth
of water is sniEcient to enable passengers to dis-
embark even from coasting vessels, without the
aid of boats. On arriving in Nelson, after a
tempestuous passage, from one of the southern
settlements, we were soon on our way to the shore
in a small boat, in company with a widow lady
and her two children (one an infant), of whom.
we had seen nothing during the voyage, as the
mother's strength had been completely prostrated
from the eflfects of sea sickness. They were on
their way to join their friends in the North Island,
but were comjDelled for a few days, to take up
their quarters on shore till the time appointed
for the steamer's departure for Taranaki. Pre-
suming we were familiar with the people and
locality, the disconsolate looking lady wished to
know whether we could direct her to respectable
apartments in the town. IIa^dng informed the
lady that in the want of knowledge she sought
might be found our ot\ti reason for not supplying
it, we accompanied her through the town, and
succeeded with the aid of the ship steward, who
carried one of the children, in obtaining for herself
and little ones apartments in the house of a hum-
ble but respectable family. Leaving our hotel on
the follo"«ang morning, we proceeded to inquire
after ^e sea-sick voyagers ; but we were not a
296 NEW ZEALAND.
little surprised to learn from the domestic of the
house in which they had passed the night, that
after discharging the cost of their lodging, they
accompanied a lady and gentleman by whom they
were driven away in a chaise ; but whither they
went, or the names of the persons with whom they
departed could neither be given nor ascertained ;
and we closed for ever, as we then imagined, our
knowledge, if not our interest, in the domestic
drama, with the word — mysterious.
A day or two after the period of the incident
related, we happened to dine with a gentleman of
note in the province. On taking our seat at the
simaptuously supplied table of Mr. and Mrs.
our surprise on the occasion was exceeded by grati-
fication, on recognising as our vis-a-vis, the former
disconsolate, but now cheerful looking widow,
whose sudden disappearance from her lodgings,
had, tni now, been unaccoim.ted for. We sub-
sequently discovered that the worthy host and
hostess had accidentally heard of the widow's
arrival and friendless position, and having in
early life had some slight knowledge of her
deceased husband, they at once, and without
ceremony waited on the lady, and insisted not
only on conveying her to their house, but also
on making that house a home for herself and chil-
dren during their stay in Nelson.
This simple but truthful story requires no com-
ment from us, beyond a hope that the spontaneous
NELSOX. 297
act of liospitality it reveals, may open a way to
the hearts of those of the human kind who need
a lesson from a page of life, copied in its pure
yet potent simplicity from nature's noble work
of charity.
Excej)t that her inhabitants are in a position
rather to bestow than to receive alms, Nelson may
be compared to an extensive circle of comfortable
alms houses, in which, though strangers by birth,
the inmates are all members of one family — the in-
troduction to whom of any respectable new comer,
will at once enable the stranger to participate in
the ordinary fare and family festivities of those
whose only kindred tie is that of faith with good
fellowship.
For the following description and statistics of
the province Ave are indebted to a local pub-
lication.
*' The province of Nelson comprises all that part of the
Middle Island which lies between Cook's Straits on the
north, and the Mawera or Grey, in S. latitude, 42o 32',
and Hnrimui rivers on the south; and contains about
18,000,000 of acres of very diversified character. On the
west a range of lofty mountains of bold and rugged outline
extends along the coast, here and there pierced by valleys
of various width, through which several rivers and streams
find an outlet to the sea. Of these the Wakapori, Haihai,
Karamea, Buller, Ngawaipakiro, and Grey, are the pria-
cipal. None of these rivers are navigable for vessels of any
size, and the Buller and Grey are the only ones which
have yet been entered by boats ; nor is any harbor known
to exist between Cape Farewell and the Grey, except at
298 NEW ZEALAND.
"West "Wanganui, "where there is a safe harbor for moderate-
sized Tessels. From the generally precipitous character
of the coast range, the land available for tillage along the
west coast is of comparatively small extent, and is contained
"within the limits of the several valleys "which intersect the
mountain chain. The valleys of the Karamea, the Buller,
and the Grey, are the largest, and contain respectively
about 10,000, 30,000, and 50,000 acres of fertUe land, chiefly
■wooded. To"wards the head of these and the parallel valleys
the country, though rough and broken, is adapted for pas-
turage. From the head of the Grey, according to native
report, there is a communication "with the Port Cooper
Plains. Along the "western portion of the northern boun-
dary of the province formed by Cook's Straits, is Massacre
Bay, containing about 60,000 acres of level, or slightly
"undulating land, much of it, especially in the Aorere, Ta-
kaka, and Motupipi districts, of most fertile character, the
soil on the banks of the rivers of the same name being allu-
"vial, in many places covered "with heavy timber of the most
valuable kinds. Good anchorage for vessels of all sizes is
found at the Tata Islands, and small vessels can lie at the
mouth of the Motupipi, and Paka"wau rivers. Coal has
been found in various places in these districts, and at Pa-
ka"wau and Motupipi it is regularly "worked for domestic
pui'poses and for the use of steamers. Limestone of very
superior quality aboiinda at the Tata Islands, "where it is
easily conveyed away, and in the mountaia range separa-
ting Massacre Bay from Blind Bay. At the southern
extremity of the latter bay the to"wn of Nelson is situated,
where, and in the adjoining districts of the "Waimea, Mou-
tere, Motueka, and the smaller vaUeys bordering the bay,
enjoying a delicious climate, the principal amount of the
population of the province is settled. Here flom'ishing
and productive farms, yearly increasing in number and ex-
tent, are fast taking the place of the natm-al "wilderness,
NELSON. 299
and consideraljle quantities of sm-plus produce have for
some years been exported tlience to the neighboring colonies.
A few miles from the town of Nelson is the Dun Mountain,
where rich specimens of copper ore crop out on the surface,
to work which a company has been formed and a prelimi-
nary staff of miners introduced from England. Copper ore
also exists in the hills in the neighborhood of the bay.
" Inland, the valleys of the upper Motueka, Motupiko, and
Lake Arthur districts, have long been occupied as stock
runs. Eastward from Blind Bay, Port Hardy in D'Urville's
Island, the Pelorus at the south end of Admiralty Bay,
Port Gore, Queen Charlotte's Sound, and Port Underwood,
all opening from the Straits, present with their numerous
ramifications a continuous succession of noble harbors of
great size, unrivalled for accessibility and safety.
"These harbors are surrounded by hills and mountain
ranges, which are the spurs, modified in height, of the
great central range, which, except where broken by various
valleys and gorges, extends the whole length of the middle
island from Cook's Straits to those of Foveaiix. In many
places, however, in the vicinity of the harbors, especially at
the head of the Pelorus, and at the south west extremity of
Q,ueen Chaxdotte's Sound, are blocks of fertile land, the
more valuable from the facility of access afforded by the
deep bays along which they lie. On the south east side of
Q,ueen Charlotte's Sound, is the harbor of Waitohi, or
!Newton Bay, where a to"«Tiship has been laid out as a
port for the Waii-au and Awatere, to which districts a road
through a nearly level wooded vaUey of about twelve
miles in length is now being formed by the local
government.
"The plains and tributary vaUej's of the Waii-au and
Awatere, contain about 200,000 acres of land, and are
bounded by the prolonged spurs of the KaOcora moimtains
and the central chain, which towards the coast sink into
300 NEW ZEALAND.
low rounded hills, gradually rising thence as they extend
southward. Both lower and higher hills are covered with
rich natural pasture, and may contain about 400,000 acres
occupied as stock runs, where already about 200,000 sheep,
and from 8,000 to 9,000 cattle are depastured. From the
"Wairau and Awatere respectively, two passes (discovered
by Mr, Weld,) througit the mountain ranges admit of a
communication with the Port Cooper Plains ; — one by the
head of the Awatere over 'Bearfell's Pass,' and crossing
the valleys of the Acheron and the Clarence rivers, leads
to the "Wai-au-ua plain ; the other along the Wairau by
' Turndale,' and thence to the Clarence, where it joins the
former line. Both routes are easUy traversed by stock, and
when a track has been cut through about nine miles of
comparatively open wood, the joiu'uey between the towns of
Nelson and Christchurch may be made on horseback in four
or five days.
" From the southern base of the Kailcoras to the Hurunui,
which here forms the southern boundary of the province,
is a tract of about 350,000 acres, within the limits of which
are the "Wai-au-ua and Hurunui plains, divided and sur-
rounded by hills and mountains of more or less height.
Much of the level portion of this country is fitted for tillage,
while all of it, hills and plains alike, is covered natui-ally
with grass, and is fast being occupied by stock.
"By the Census Returns for 1854 the popidation of the
province amounted to 5,858 souls, of whom 3,186 were
males, and 2,672 females. By the Returns of Immigration
and Births, since the above were taken, upwards of 1000
souls have been added to the population, which thus
amounts to about 7000 souls,
"The Agricidtural Returns for 1854 showed 16,538 acres
fenced ; of which there were, besides other crops, in wheat,
2378 acres; oats, 1738 acres; barley, 809 acres; potatoes,
460 acres ; garden and orchards, 514 acres.
JTELSON. 301
"The RetiUTis of Stock at the same period were as
follows: — horses, 1190; horned cattle, 10,oo9 ; sheep,
183,231 ; pigs, 4401 ; goats, 3005 ; mides, 10.
"Appropriation out of the revenue of the province
£32,933 6s. 7d. for the service of the year, viz —
£6,392 2s. 4d. for the charge of the ci-sdl government,
and £26,541 14s, 3d. for pubHc purposes."
From the perforin ances of the " Nelson Amateur
Musical Society" the public derive so much plea-
sure and intellectual enjoyment, that in sketching
the social habits and tastes of the settlers in a
colony where entertainment of a superior order is
but seldom found, it may not be out of place to
mention, that at present no other part of New
Zealand can boast of a body of gentlemen who
possess, or at least display a tithe of the musical
talent which the members of the class in question
are masters of. Mr. Bonnuigton, their able com-
poser and leader, is himself one of the most
talented musicians, while he is certainly one of
the most modest and unassuming men in the
colony ; and it is gratifying to know that the
musical concord of sweet sounds, dispensed by the
leader and his amateur friends for the delight of
others, is symbolical of the social harmony by
which the gentlemen of the society are themselves
imited. One or two of the most pleasant evenings
we passed in New Zealand were those which were
enlivened by dulcet strains from the agreeable and
talented performances of the "Nelson Amateur
Musical Society."
302 NEW ZEALAND.
In bringing our remarks on the province to a
close, we have only now to tender our warmest
thanks to those gentlemen who kindly aided the
prosecution of our work and rendered us other
valuable assistance. To Doctor and Mrs. Henwick
for affording us every facility for visiting as many
parts of the interior as our limited stay enabled
us to take advantage of, our grateful thanks are
due. But for other individual acts of kindness
and generosity, surpassing any within our ex-
perience as travellers, a private acknowledgment
woidd be more suitable than a public one. And
should we, at some future period, re-visit New
Zealand — an event by no means improbable — for
the purpose of recording the vast changes and
improvements which a few years cannot fail to
effect in her social, poKtical, and commercial posi-
tion, we should endeavour to prolong our stay in
the Torquay, or model town, of the Antipodes —
Nelson.
THE MINERAL RICHES OF
NEW ZEALAND.
Gold, copper and other minerals have at pre-
sent been found in New Zealand only in small
quantities, and in particular localities. The search
has hitherto been partial, and may account for the
absence of more general and important informa-
tion on a subject which we have reason to believe
NELSON. 303
will determine tlie future commercial position of
the colony. Mineral treasures have not yet been
secured here in large quantities — each discovery,
for reasons hereafter assigned, having been post-
poned or abandoned almost as soon as made. In
the like manner gold was previously found, and
the discovery for a time neglected, in another
region in the South Pacific. The fruitful working
of the Californian mines, however, changed Aus-
tralian apathy into action. In one of her Majesty's
(then) comparatively imknown dependencies, a
small but spirited band of adventurers was induced
to prosecute, wdthin the bowels of the earth, a search
for the material portions of that treasure which
had only been found in small quantities near the
surface. The success of the enterprise soon became
generally known. But the extraordinary com-
mercial results to which the knowledge of the first
and subsequent successes have given birth are
ah'eady matters of history. The heads may be
given in a few words.
In the brief space of six years about 300,000
human beings, chiefly from Great Britain, have
been attracted to the colony of Victoria, in Aus-
tralia. The magnet of attraction has been, as all
the world knows, — gold. The effect of this, the
greatest social event of modern times, has been
truly wonderful. At the antipodes of England
cities and towns have sprung up where none pre-
viously existed ; and these cities and towns have
304
XEW ZEALAND.
been peojDled by European (cbiefly Britisb) sub-
jects. In exchange for each ton weight of gold,
received by the mother country, the colonial off-
spring has annually taken hundi'eds of tons of
merchandise. In this manner, and in the space of
time previously named — six years — England has
received of the precious metal nearly £50,000,000
sterling, in or for a corresponding return of mer-
chandise. So far as it goes, the following Table
(compiled by Mr. Westgarth) will show the com-
parative yield of gold, and the extent of mercantile
demand arising therefrom, of the two great gold
producing countries, California and Victoria : —
Comparative Table of tlie product of Gold, Shipping
Inwards, and Population of California and Victoria.
<
Gold Product.
Sliipping Inwards.
Population.
California.
Victoria.
California.
Victoria.
Califor.
Victoria
Tons.
.Tons.
Tons.
Tons.
Number.
Number.
1848
£11,700
1849
1,600,000
1850
5,000,000
1851
8,000,000
£1,208,011
669
126,411
1852
11,200,000
14,806,799
1003
445,014
1657
408,216
148,627
1853
12,600,000
11,588,782
1028
555,794
2594
721,473
329,500
198,496
1854
13,600,000
8,770,796
358*
226,674*
2596
794,604
273,865
1855
11,856,292
731*
206,160*
1897
549,376
319,245
• For the first six months only.
Of the important benefits derived and still
likely to be derived by England and America
through the commercial expanse indicated by the
above figvu-es we will not speak, as the figures
speak for themselves. A chapter either on Aus-
tralia or California would at present be out of
NELSON. 306
place. A simple reference to the rapid growth of
these national dependencies, rather than to the
value of the fruit arising therefrom, will be suffi-
cient to illustrate our subject. And what other
event of modern times vfould enable Us to deal
with realities whose vast proportions invest them
with so fabulous an appearance. Jointly', Victoria
and California may at the present time boast of a
popidation of about one million. In that vast
number there could not probably be found ten
thousand persons who, ten years since, were fami-
liar, even by report, with the respective regions
they now inhabit. In the ordinary course of
things, and without the aid of that great magnet
of attraction which is decried by many yet wor-
shipped by most, centuries would be requii^ed by
new coimtries and colonies to accomplish, commer-
cially, what has been achieved by California and
Victoria in the brief space of a few years. By
these comparatively new but mighty settlements
the usual work of an age has been performed in a
shorter space of time than is sometimes devoted to
a youth's apprenticeship. Still, in this, as in all
great or more gradual undertakings, one particular
appliance has been found indispensable ; and the
rapid attainment of Californian and Victorian
greatness may be traced to the additional appK-
cation of that great vital power — labor. Without
a supply of labor the golden countries would at
this moment have been in ^ comparative state of
X
306 NEW ZEALAND.
insignificance ; and, without the gold discoveries,
that labor would have still been wanting. This
touches at once on the leading question with
regard to the colony more immediately under
consideration.
In New Zealand gold and other minerals have
occasionally been, and still are found ; but the
want of labor has hitherto prevented anything
like a systematic, or, indeed, more than a tem-
porary prosecution of such discoveries. Until the
supply of labor be sufficient to determine the pro-
bable value of her mineral resources, the simple
question whether the colony will or will not
become a great gold producing country must
necessarily remain a matter for specidation. Pre-
suming, however, the extravagant prophecies or
gloomy forebodings of strangers to be somewhat
more speculative than an opinion foimded on the
personal experience of those who have just re-
turned from the colony, we may venture a few
words, rather from our own knowledge of the past
and present, than from vain predictions, either with
regard to golden harvests or blighted hopes of the
future. Foimded on ocidar demonstration in the
country, and confirmed by advices just received,
our humble opinion prompts us to declare that
gold and other minerals are to be found not only
in one but in many parts of New Zealand —
although the province of Nelson is the only one
in which professional mining operations have at
NELSON. 307
present commenced. The copper on the Dun
Mountain, within nine miles of Nelson, is declared
to be of the very best description, and promises a
remunerative, return for the investment of the for-
tunate individuals to whom the property belongs,
as also to any future body of shareholders who
may turn such valuable property to the best
accoimt. However great may be the temporary
successes or failures of a few individuals, or of a
few hundreds, who dig to the extent of two or
three feet and then abandon the search for other
employment, we shall still indidge the beKef that
the mineral riches of New Zealand will ultimately
prove of immeasurable value. Until the country
has been scientifically and systematically explored,
and the value of the mineral discoveries properly
tested, there will continue to be, as there now
exists, a A^ariety of conflicting opinions on the
subject. Untd. the test has been applied, which
can alone dispel speculation, our own opinion will
remain unchanged. But when, or in what manner,
will the problem be solved ? The manner of ap-
plying the test is well known ; but the only power
by which the application can be made is wanting.
What is that power ? Not capital ; yet at the
same time the great and only capital required for
the imdertaking — labor. At present, the entire
population of the colony will not number more
than about one-half the inhabitants located on a
single gold field in Victoria, while the laboring
308 NEW ZEALAND.
portion is not a tithe of what is required for agri-
cultural or domestic purposes. Male servants, who
can readily obtain 10s. or 12s. a day for a few
hours easy employment, find a more agreeable way
of making gold than by digging for it ; and the
settlers themselves, who at present make plenty of
money by sending their vegetable productions to
other golden regions, appear somewhat indifferent
about obtaining a market and a return for their
produce nearer home. "With a little reflection,
this indifference would surely disappear ; for, as
the time is already passed when some of the New
Zealand provinces required assistance from others,
the time will soon come when Australia will yield,
in abundance, vegetable food for her population —
be the increase of that population what it may.
Socially, the presence of large numbers of gold
diggers, with their attendant vices, may not add
to the respectability of the (now) respectable inha-
bitants of ^ew Zealand ; but rich gold fields, with
the appliance necessary to their immediate deve-
lopment, would (commercially) make the colony,
in a few years, what, with or without other than
her agricultural and pastoral gold fields, she ulti-
mately will be — " the Great Britain of the southern
hemisphere." But either in the rapid or gradual
progress to that end, a large or moderate supply
of labor is needed. Without the appKcation of an
extensive supply of labor, mineral treasures wiU
remain concealed, even though their hiding places
NELSON. 309
be discoA^ered ; and without a moderate supply of
labor, the more homely fruits of agriculture will
be neglected, or will at least fail to extend and
multiply. Whether, therefore, the mineral trea-
sures of New Zealand be great or little — confined
to particular localities, or extending to all — labor
is still wanted, and is, indeed, the great and almost
only want of the colony. Beyond this fact, there
remains but one question — how is that labor to be
supplied? We direct attention to the want, but
cannot ourselves furnish it. The English press,
however — capable of great things because worthy
of great things — by calling public attention to the
subject, may accomplish on an extended scale what
we can only perform on a limited one. By the
aid of the press the golden region of Victoria was
first peopled ; and by the same aid the still more
golden region, because more favored climate of
New Zealand may be populated. It requires
some such power to direct the tide of emigration
towards this comparatively luiknown but incom-
parable colony. But any human power that may
idtimately turn the tide in this direction will, if
we mistake not, subsequently find itself powerless
in stopping it. Labor is the only capital reqviired
by New Zealand. Assist her to this, and the boon
will not remain unrequited, although your assist-
ance will no longer be needed.
310 NEW ZEALAND.
BLACK BALL LINE OF PACKETS FEOM
LIVERPOOL TO NEW ZEALAND.
Liverpool mercliants appear to be Kving types
of a progressive age. They are owners not only
of a fine fleet of ships, but also of a most enter-
prising spirit; and if not actually in advance of
the requirements of the time, they will assuredly
not be found much in the rear. Certain lethargic
old members of a fleeting class, who regard every
innovation on ancient forms or exploded principles
as a retrogade movement, may possibly view with
amazement and horror these modern spirits of
"express," and may condemn them as daring
shoots of the fast, or Manchester school. "Well;
be the school in which they were tutored what it
may, the graduates, by assisting to develop the
resources of other comitries, have tended in no
small degree to the commercial advancement of
their own. As pioneers, these gentlemen, with
their floating palaces, have played an important
part in convepng to the rich valleys and creeks
of Victoria the innumerable actors who now figure
on that golden region ; and the aimouncement
embodied at the head of these remarks is a visible
sign that these same Liverpool merchants wiU not
NELSON. 311
direct the spirit of tlieir enterprise exclusively to
tlie supply of labor for one colony, when another
cries aloud for aid. Let us, at least, hope that
their own success has been, and may continue
to be, equal to their desert. In leading countless
debutants across their boards, as a preHniinary
step to fortune, the conductors or promoters of
the movement deserve to be, if they have not
been, suitably rewarded.
Acting for one of the Provincial Governments
of New Zealand, the respectable firm of Gladstone,
Morrison and Co., of London, have m.ade arrange-
ments with James Baines and Co. for the convey-
ance of one thousand emigrants. But we can state,
on the best authority, that James Baines and Co.,
^oU continue to start (monthly) first class ships
to all or nearly all the J^^ew Zealand settlements.
Such a movement has been long wanted, and
the want severely felt by the colony. Hitherto
there has been no regular line, or rather no
regular time of starting ships from England.
Such or such a vessel is advertised to leave about
such or such a date — which is no date at all.
If the announcement has any definite meaning,
it means when the vessel is full, or when the
time of her departure may suit the convenience
of the owners. To expatiate on the delay and
uncertainty arising from this viciovis system, will
be unnecessary, as the inconvenience thus caused
both to shippers and passengers must be obvious.
312 NEW ZEALAND.
James Baines and Co. are about to remedy tlie
evil, as the regularity of their line will insure
either punctuaKty or commercial extinction else-
where.
Note. — For the benefit of intending emigrants, we intended to
have given a statistical and detailed account of the rise and pro-
gress of the interesting province of Nelson ; but in this, as in
other provinces of New Zealand, we unfortunately trusted for
local information to the volunteered services of others, instead of
gleaning from various sources any scattered fragments of evidence
for ourselves. The postal arrangements, however, between England
and New Zealand are neither so expeditious nor so safe as to in-
duce us to conclude, by the non-an-ival of the expected papers, that
such papers have not been sent. As there is room for doubt on the
subject, our respected volunteers, rather than our readers, shall
have the benefit of it.
WELLINGTON.
The province of Wellington has been so ably
described, and the statistics of the settlement so
recently compiled — although with a little of that
partiality peculiar to this part of the colony — by
a local government official, that, with the publica-
tion in this work of the leading features of the
account, our own remarks will be few and brief :
for while it would be impossible for us to furnish
a more favorable picture of the province than the
one in question, it will merely be necessary, for
the inf6rmation of our readers, to supply that
sketch with one or two rather important omissions.
In a court of justice, an impartial judge may
sometimes be heard informing a timid or reluc-
tant witness that he is not bound to commit or
criminate himself. In this respect, nations and
provinces are no doubt entitled to a privilege
possessed by the humblest of their citizens. It is
therefere only right to suppose that the "Wellington
historian, whose account we shall publish, fairly
314 NEW ZEALAND.
recorded the feelings and wishes of the community,
by remaining silent on a subject the proclamation
of which would have been regarded by the inha-
bitants of the town as a serious crime. And by
such an error the public commissioner would have
abused his trust and misrepresented his consti-
tuents, by saying too much, and by truly repre-
senting the city instead of the citizens.
On the subject under consideration, the employe
performed his part with more discretion, if not
with greater fairness than the employer. While
the former remained silent on a disaster, the
discussion of which might have proved injurious
to the interests of the province, the latter gave
publicity to the matter in a way which, if not
intended, was certainly calculated not only to
deceive strangers, but also to benefit Wellington
at the expense of her neighbours, by leading
foreigners to suppose the entire colony of New
Zealand to be the victim of a periodical local
disease, which, in reality, only seriously affects the
province of Wellington.
Wellington is, and has been subject to severe
shocks of earthquake, which occur with more or
less severity at intervals of six or seven years.
Slight shocks are frequently felt ; and during our
stay of six weeks in the province we experienced
several of these gentle vibrations which, beyond a
feeble or tremulous motion of the earth, in some
instances scarcely perceptible, produce neither per-
WELLINGTON. 315
sonal inconvenience nor alarm. AYe believe that
life and even personal property would have been
secure from the effects of the severest of these
convulsions, if proper precaution had been adopted
in erecting wooden instead of brick houses ; for
although the majority are built of the lighter
material, it is only in the latter where the loss has
been severely felt. The last severe shock, which
took place on the 23rd of January, 1855, destroyed
property in the tovni to the amount of £20,000.
The original proprietor and landlord of the hotel
at which we were located during our stay in Wel-
lington was we believe the only life lost on this
occasion, although one or two persons of delicate
health subsequently died of fright arising from
the effects of the shock. Between this and the
preceding earthquake of any serious importance
there was an interval of about seven years, the
previous one having taken place in 1848.
Patent as the foregoing facts are to every person
in New Zealand, it being well known that the pro-
vince of Wellington is the only one in the colony
seriously affected by these convulsions of the
earth, the leading men of the place, in their pub-
lished manifestos, modestly admit that " New
Zealand is subject to periodical or occasional
shocks of eartliquake" — thereby leading foreigners
to suppose the colony and all parts thereof to be
equally liable to the visitation, although, in reality,
the other five settlements are as free from the
316 NEW ZEALAND.
danger as Greenwicli or Gravesend. It is for the
purpose of correcting a false impression in the
minds of some of our English friends that our
duty enforces a prominent notice of the subject.
Unfortunately, it is not on this subject only, but
on nearly every other, that the great men of Wel-
lington, either by attempting to disguise a bad
position or by assuming a false one, provoke the
merited censure of their neighbours ; while, by
ill-feeling and want of unity amongst themselves,
they do more than their worst enemies could eflPect
to retard the advancement and prosperity of their
own province.
In little, as in great things, the Wellingtonians
find it impossible to conceal their proverbial desire
to benefit themselves at the expense of their bro-
ther colonists. As one case out of many, we may
instance the production of a local work from which
that able description of the province, which will
herein appear, was extracted. The work is named
or rather misnamed *' The New Zealand Alma-
nack ; " and any one unacquainted with the
country would, on looking over the book, reason-
ably pronounce Wellington the metropolis of the
colonj^ While, as may be seen by the extract,
no point is left untouched which could place more
prominently before the public the leading features
of this province ; and while the work gives a brief
review of three other settlements — Auckland, the
seat of government, and the capital of the colonj",
WELLINGTON. 317
and Taranaki, are thrown overboard altogether.
Beyond giving the names of the officials, not a
word is said about either of those provinces. Our
readers can only imagine a parallel case, by sup-
posing a work issued at St. Alban's, or some other
third-rate town, entitled " The English Almanack
and Gazetteer," giving a lengthy description of
the town in which it is published, and a few
others, but leaving London and Greenwich en-
tirely out of the question.
The elements of respectable society are not
wanting in this province, but those elements are
divided and subdivided by so many under currents
of "envy, hatred, and malice," that it would be
next to impossible to find in any given number of
the inhabitants that gentle concord and unity of
action of which the atmosphere of good society
and the key to social harmony are composed. The
local press, which comprises a couple of news-
papers, may be pronounced the worst conducted
in the colony. Indeed the press and the acrimony
of the people are typical of each other, while both
are as bad as anything in a civilised country can
be. The military, their friends, and a select few,
are the only exceptions to the cross-grained group.
Apart from the terrestrial and social drawbacks
we have enumerated, the province of Wellington
shares in an equal degree the advantages of the
other settlements. She possesses more and finer
land than can be found in the province of Auck-
318 NEW ZEALAND.
land ; and although not to be compared with the
last-named settlement in a commercial point of
view, her imports and exports are considerable ;
and her laborers, mechanics, merchants, and land-
owners, make as much money as that made by the
inhabitants of any other part of the colony.
The following account will enable our readers
to form a tolerably correct idea of the extent and
resources of the province : —
" Wellington was founded in January, 1840, the first
emigrant ship, the Aurora, having arrived on the 22nd
of that month. It Avas the fii'st settlement in New
Zealand.
" Port Mcholson, as fine a harbor as any in the world,
and the most central in New Zealand, was most judiciously
chosen as the site of the settlement; judiciously not so
much with a view to immediate progress, as to its ultimate
importance among the settlements of the colony. The
neighborhood of the harbor is rugged, and heavily tim-
bered, affording, except in detached valleys (of which the
Hutt is the largest and best) little land suitable for either
agricidture or pasture. But at the distance of about forty
mUes on the N. E., and sixty miles on the N. W., com-
mence some of the finest districts for both purposes in the
whole colony; the Wairarapa valley extending from the
head of PaUiser Bay for sixty miles inland, and thence by a
series of fertile plains to Hawke's Bay and the boundaries
of the Taupo country, some one hundred and fifty miles
further in the first direction ; the Manawatu, Ranghitikei,
and Wauganui districts in the other, ofter as fine fields for
settlement as any that human industry has ever reclaimed.
Port Nicholson is the commercial depot for these vast dis-
tricts of many million acres of fertUe land, with a coast
WELLINGTON. 319
line of full four hundred miles. Its advantageous position
in reference to the other settlements of the colony is appa-
rent on a glance at the map. Its rapidly increasing
revenue, imports, and exports, prove the impression which
is being made on its back country, and foreshadow a future
greatness for its commercial enterprise which will pro-
bably not be surpassed by that of any other port in the
colony.
" The subsidiary settlement of "Wanganui, within the
province of "Wellington, is fast growing into importance.
" Its fine river, navigable for good sized brigs and
schooners, flowing through a tract of unbounded fertility,
and now being connected with other districts of equal
goodness, such as the Eanghitikei and Manawatu, by a
government road, has already di-awn a considerable popula-
tion to it. The "Wairarapa vaUey is fully occupied with
sheep and cattle stations, and two small farm settlements
have been established in this district, pioneers of the agri-
cultural future of the valley. At Hawke's Bay, sheep
stations are being rapidly formed, and the port town of
Napier cannot fail before long to become a place of con-
siderable importance
"As regards the Provincial Government of Wellington,
everything has worked smoothly and well under the new
Constitution. I. E. Featherston, Esq., M.D., who had
earned the confidence of the public by a long and consistent
political career, was elected Superintendent in July, 1853,
without opposition. The elections for the Provincial
Councils were held in August. On meeting the Council
(which assembled on the 28th October), his Honor the
Superintendent avowed his intention of adopting the prin-
ciple of Responsible Government, and the gentlemen whom
he appointed to his Executive Council were forthwith
sent back to their constituents for re-election. The success
of the experiment is admitted by all (even by those who
320 NEW ZEALAND.
originally opposed it) to liave been complete, and to have
established beyond a doubt the feasibility of worldng the
machinery of Government on the responsible principle in
any community however small.
" The legislation of the Council was generally of a useful
and practical character, and only one measure (the Super-
intendent's Absence Act) was vetoed by the officer ad-
ministering the Government. To "Wellington and to its
first Superintendent will belong the credit ia the history
of the colony of having been the first ip establish the
principle of Ministerial Responsibility. The Council was
prorogued on the 17th of February to meet again on the
21st of November, 1854.
" No better test of the efficiency of the free institutions
bestowed on the colony can be appealed to than the expen-
diture of the revenue. To take 1849 and about the middle
of Governor Grey's administration, as a fair average year,
it appears that in the northern province, with an estimated
revenue of £30,000, no less than £28,000 was appropriated
to official departments ; only the contemptible balance of
£2,000 being expended on public works or undertakings,
and nothing whatever on immigration. Under the new
Constitution the provincial revenue of Auckland for 1854,
was estimated at £28,000, of which no less than £13,000
was appropriated to public works. In the Southern Pro-
vince in 1849, the revenue was estimated at £28,000,
of which all but £4,019 was expended on official depart-
ments. The provincial revenue of Wellkigton for 1854,
under the new Constitution, was estimated at £18,000,
and of this £8,950 was appropriated to public works and
undertakings ; and the revenue having greatly exceeded
the estimates, nearly two-thirds of its amount have actually
been expended on public works, or reserved to pay for the
passages of assisted emigrants, of whom 280 have been sent
for. During the latter years of absolute government all
J
WELLINGTON. 321
public works had ceased, or all but ceased in the colony.
In the Wellington province alone, during last year, upwards
of eleven miles of road, chiefly metalled, and for carriages
were constructed; so forcible is the contrast between the
results of self-government and colonial office rule. "
STATISTICS.
" The following statistical information relative to the
province of Wellington has been collected in part from the
Census Returns of the province for the year 1855, as pub-
lished, by direction of his honor the Superintendent, in
the " Provincial Gazette " of the 26th September, 1855 ;
and in part from other official dociiments to which tho
writer has been enabled to obtain access.
POPULATIO^T.
" The total European population of the province of
Wellington, exclusive of the military and their families,
amoimted, at the commencement of the present year, to
8,124 souls; of whom 4,504 were males, and 3,620 females.
In 1845, five years after the foundation of the settlement,
the total popiilation was 4,383; in the next five years it
increased to 5,911 ; so that the population is now nearly
double what it was in 1845, and nearly fifty per cent,
higher than it was in 1850 ; the last five years having
made an addition to the population of 2,213 souls.
AGRICULTURE.
"In 1845 there were under crop in the several districts
in the settlement 1,244 acres ; in 1850 the number had
Y
322 NEW ZEALAND.
increased to 4,504^ acres; and in 1855 to 10,530| acres.
We gather from tMs, that the amount of cultivated land in
the province is more than double what it was in 1850 ; and
as the price of agricultural produce has, in that period,
doubled also, the market value of the agricultural produce
of the province has been midtiplied fourfold. The two
small farm settlements, situate in the Valley of the Waira-
rapa, and distant about sixty miles from Wellington, are
progressing favorably ; and when the high road is completed
to them, which it is fully expected will be the case in the
course of the present summer, the agricultural wealth of
those districts, and, in consequence, of the province, will be
rapidly augmented. Under the amended land regulations,
which are now in force, ample and siiitable reserves for the
sites of agricultural and small farm settlements are to be
made in every district, before the lands in such districts are
thrown open to general purchase ; and whenever any reserve
has been made for the site of a small farm settlement, a
block of the adjacent land, to the extent of one third of the
reserve will be annexed to it as common land, upon which,
as well as upon all unsold lands within the reserve, every
resident occupier will have a right of pasturage for a limited
period. The lands of the province will continue to be
disposed of at the price of 10s. per acre ; but no land in
these reserved blocks is to be sold until it has been accu-
rately surveyed, allotted, and mapped. Any individual is
competent to purchase as small a qiiantity as forty acres ;
and no allotment is to exceed 320 acres, or half a square
mile in extent. The great drawback to the agricultiu'al
progress of the province, is the want of roads to convey the
produce to market ; but as these are now in rapid process of
formation, and as Wellington fiu-nishcs a good market for
all the productions of the soil, there can be no doubt but
that the agriculture of the province will be ere long greatly
extended.
"VN'ELLINGTON. 323
STOCK.
" In 1845 the total number of sheep in the settlement of
"Wellington was 12,002; in 1850 this number had increased
to 42,652; and in 1855, the Returns give a total of 193,701 ;
though there is reason to believe that this number has been
considerably under-estimated. The Retui'ns of Nelson, pre-
vious to those of the present year, always shewed that that
province, in comparison with all others, possessed the largest
number of sheep ; but a reference to the Returns for the
year 1855, of the niimber of sheep in the provinces of Nel-
son and Wellington respectively, will shew that there are
in the latter province 10,380 more sheep than in that of
the former. In 1845, the number of horned cattle in this
province was 2,298; in 1850 they had increased to 8,068 ;
and in 1855 to 18,400. The Nelson Returns give 10,599
cattle for the year 1855 ; but it will be seen that there are
in this province nearly 8,000 more cattle than there are in
that of Nelson. In 1845 Wellington possessed 260 horses ;
in 1850 they had increased to 909 ; and in 1855 the Eui'o-
peans owned 1,608, exclusive of a very large number be-
longing to Maories. In 1845 the total live stock in the
Wellington settlement amounted to 15,125; in 1850 to
52,828 ; in 1855 the total live stock belonging to Europeans
alone amounted to 220,134, or exclusive of pigs, to 215,987.
By far the largest number of sheep are in the Hawke's Bay
and Waii'arapa districts; there being in the former 80,869,
and in the latter 74,373. The Wairarapa and Wanganui-
Ranghitikei districts possess the largest number of horned
cattle. The Hutt and Wanganui the largest number of
horses.
324
NEW ZEALAND.
ELECTORAL DISTRICTS.
" The following table shows the total population, the resi-
dent qualified voters, the amount of live stock, and the
quantity of land under crop in the five electoral districts of
the province.
Electoral District.
Total
popula-
tion.
Residents
entitled
to the
franchise.
Live
stock.
Land
under
crop.
Wellington City
Wellington Country dis-
trict
3208
121G
1057
1625
1008
580
238
183
347
230
1,799
20,390
25,582
8,858
165,305
245|
4308i
2039^
3555|
401f
Wanganui-Ranghitikei
do
Hutt
Wairarapa and Hawke's
Bay
Total
8124
1578
221,934
10,550i
" The total number of voters on the Electoral Roll of the
province amounts to 1 858 ; the total number which appears
on the printed roll for the year 1855-6 is 1896; but a num-
ber of persons whose names appear on the printed roU are
either dead or have left the province. The difference be-
tween the number of persons resident in the several districts
who are entitled to the franchise, and the nimiber on the
Electoral Roll, is owing in a great measui-e to one person
in many cases being registered for several districts. The
number of persons, however, who really possess the re-
quisite qualification is much larger than is shewn by the
above returns.
WELLINGTON.
IMMIGRATION.
325
" The Harbor Master's Returns for the year 1854 give
an excess of Immigration over Emigration of 523 souls.
Nearly 500 persons were introduced into the province in.
the beginning of the year 1855, by the Provincial Grov-
ernment, partly under the loan, and partly under the
bounty system. In the year 1854, 319 souls arrived at the
port of "Wellington from Great Britain, and 697 from Aus-
tralia. The total number of Immigrants in 1854 was 1055;
but owing to the arrangements made by the Provincial Gov-
ernment, there is reason to believe that the number this
year will be much greater.
EDUCATION.
" The Retiu-ns give 2153 of the population as unable to
read; 1176 who can read only; and 4705 who can read
and write ; but there can be no doubt that the number of
this latter class has been considerably over-estimated. The
total number unable to write is 3329, from which, if we
deduct the population under seven years of age — 1998 —
the total number above seven who are unable to wi'ite will
be 1331 ; but this will be below the real amoimt by tlig
number under seven who are able both to read and write.
There is too much reason to fear, iinless the Government
vigorously takes up the matter, and meets in its efforts with
the co-operation of the settlers, that while the returns will
annually exhibit an enormous increase in the resources and
material wealth of the province, the education of the people,
and the educational establishments of the province, will be
left miserably in the rear.
326 NEW ZEALAND,
EXPORTS.
" The province of "Wellington can now boast of three ports
of entry, viz. — Wellington, Wanganui, and Napier. The
following returns of exports of New Zealand produce are
from the port of WeUington only, the approximate value of
which last year was £78,494 2s. 6d, The wool exported
from Wellington in the year 1854, was 622,384lbs., valued
at £38,447 2s. lOd ; potatoes, 1242 tons, valued at
£13,645 19s. ; sawn timber, 734,249 feet, valued at
£4,734 5s.; flour. 111 tons, 9 c^vt., valued at £3,617;
butter, 70,262lbs., valued at £4,992 Os. 2d. ; oil, 461
tuns, valued at £2,496 ; oats, 6454 bushels, valued at
£2,652 16s. ; rope and cordage, 47 tons, 16 ewt, valued
at £2,664 15s. ; and cheese, valued at £694 2s. 8d.
The total estimated value of the exports from the pro-
vince of Wellington in the year 1854, amounted to
£83,547 2s. 5d. The total shipping entered outwards
at the port of Wellington last year, amounted to sixty-
three, of 15,021 tons, and 757 men. The far greater
portion of the exports of Wellington are sent either to
Sydney or Melbom-ne. Even in the article of wool little
more than one third is sent from that port direct to London.
The value of the exports of Wellington is now four times
greater than it was in 1848.
THE LAND.
" The amount of the available land of the province, over
which the native title has been already extinguished, may
be estimated, in round numbers, at 3,000,000 acres; of
which, in round numbers, 300,000 acres have been aliena-
ted; leaving 2,700,000 acres now available for pasturage
WELLINGTON. 327
or agriciilture. Under tlie original scheme of the Com-
pany, 120,900 acres of land were sold at Wellington and
"Wanganui, of Avhich 92,900 acres were bought by absentees,
and only 28,000 acres by residents. Scrip, in 1853, had
been issued to absentees to the amount of 47,000 acres,
and to residents to the amount of 46,000 acres. From June
1847, to the 4th March, 1853, there was scarcely any land
disposed of in the province cither by the company or the
Crown. Since the new land regulations came into opera-
tion, which reduced the price to 10s. an acre, viz. — from
the 4th March, 1853, to the 3 
