The Sun.
London, England, 1864-10-27 00:00:00

Extension of Australian Colonisation.

In respect of its relation to the rest of the world, and espe-
cially to the great highway of commerce between Europe
and the eastern shores of Asia, through the Indian Archi-
pelago, the new station at Point Somerset claims the first
attention. The triangular district of North Cook, extending
from Cape York southwards to Cape Grenville on the
eastern coast, and to a point on the same parallel of latitude
upon the western coast of the peninsula, which is now under
the supervision of Commissioner Jardine, is likely to prove a
most important acquisition. It will probably forward the
establishment of regular communication by way of Torres'
Straits, between the colonies of Eastern Australia and Tas-
mania on the one hand, and India and Europe on the other.
The successive abandonment of the three military establish-
ments at Melville Island, Raffles Bay, and Port Essington
need not be regarded as presenting any reason for distrust-
ing the present enterprise. The site now occupied is likely
to prove more salubrious, as it is open to the sea breeze both
from the Pacific and the Indian Ocean, and is far better
adapted to promote the chief design of those stations by
affording means of lessening the dangers of the passage by
Torres' Straits. It is also better situated for promoting
communication with Papua and other islands of the Archi-
pelago. It is surprising, when the history of British and
Dutch enterprise in the East Indies is reviewed, that
Papua, with its lofty mountains, its vast area, La
luxuriant vegetation, and numet ens population, should
not have been brought before now into communication
with the trade of Europeans. The establishment of the new
settlement in North Cook may soon lead to the opening up
of such a communication, and to the introduction of civi-
lisation and Christianity into that large island. Then, also,
the settlement successfully commenced atßockingham Bay
will extend the colonisation of Queensland far on towards
the new station at Point Somerset. And when the Queens-
land Government carry out their intention of forming
another settlement at Endeavour River, the district of South
Cook, in the intervening space between Rockingham Bay
and Cape Grenville, will give something like completeness
to the occupation of the eastern coast of this continent.
Port Hinchinbrook, in Rockingham Bay, is described
as a perfectly landlocked harbour, about two miles in
breadth and 25 in length, with soundings of from four to
12 fathoms at low water. Mr G. E. Dalrymple, the com-
mander of the expedition, pronounces this harbour to be
equal to Port Jackson. Already he has discovered a way,
through the high range at the back of the harbour, to the
broad and fertile valley of a fine river, which he called the
Herbert, running eastward to Halifax Bay. In a short
time the route by the Flinders will be extended to a new
settlement on the shores of the Gulf of Carpentaria, con-
necting the Pacific and the Gulf by a road only about 350
miles long. Stations have already spread down the Flinders
to within 100 miles of the Gulf, and will soon, by reaching
its shores, give protection to the telegraphic line to India
via Timour and Java. Western Australia has also con-
tributed in no small measure to prepare the way for the
extension of colonisation, by the expedition of the
schooner Now Perseverance along tho western and
north-western coasts. Tho report given by Mr Jas. Martin
contains most encouraging details as to the extent c f avail-
able soil and the amount and variety of mineral and veget-
able resources in the hitherto unoccupied districts of the
Glenelg (the second river of that name in Australia, unfor-
tunately for our geographical accuracy), of Augustus
Island, Roebuck Bay, and Dampier Land. lie estimates
the available land explored in tin se districts at 5,592,000
acres, capable of carrying 3,336,000 sheep. He considers
also that 250,00 acres in the Glenelg district are specially
favourable for the growth of spices, sugar, tea, and coffee;
and on the higher ground cereals may be grown. In this
district there are numerous bays,having safe anchorage; and
l3recknock harbour,containing about 20 square mileg,ialand •
lecked,and abounds w ith beautiful bays. The harbours of Roe-
buck Bay and Lagrange Bay afford little convenience for
ships ; but the alluvial soil in the neighbourhood is adapted
for the growth of many tropical productions. Last, South
Australia, while awaiting the result of the spirited move-
ment for the formation of the settlement at the mouth of the
Adelaide River. on the northern coast, which may form the
great outlet of the colony towards India and Europe, has
employed the abilities and experience of the well-known
Australian gold discoverer, Mr E. II: Hargreaves's, to test
the probability of goldfields being found in their territory.
And though Mr Hargreaves's report, dated July 27, states
that his visit has proved a failure so far as a paying gold-
field is concerred, he has given much valuable informa-
tion concerning indications of copper, silver, and bis-
muth in various:localities ; and his opinion of the pastoral
capabilities of the northern part of the colony, that is, the
centre of Australia, is very high,-6'ydriey Empire,