The Sun.
London, England, 1854-10-07 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, SATURDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 7, 1854.

AUSTRALIA.

MELBOURNE, JULY 24.—0 n the 21st of June the
Queen of the South anchored in Hobson's Bay, having
on board Sir Charles Hotham, K.C.8., the long-looked
for and anxiously-expected Lieutenant-Governor of Vic-
toria. Soon after the Queen of the South dropped her
anchor the officer administering the government, the
members of the Executive Council, and the Mayor of
Melbourne, accompanied by several members of the cor-
poration, paid their respects to Sir Charles, and inti-
mated to him that it was intended to signalise his ar-
rival by the ceremony of a public reception. He was
requested to delay his landing till about noon the fol-
lowing day, when arrangements would be completed for
his being received in such a way as would give expres-
sion to the feelings of deep and universal interest with
which the event of his arrival was regarded. Sir Charles
heartily concurred in the proposed arrangement, ex-
pressed his high gratification at the prospect of the re-
ception propcsed, especially as the idea had originated
with the people themselves, and the arangeeleuts had
been made by their representatives, the corporation.
His Excellency further stated that he felt satisfied that
the tidings of his having been welcomed in the way pro-
posed would give the highest satisfaction at home ; and
said he was desirous to regulate his movements in every
way so as to suit the public convenience.
The weather of the 22d of June, a day ever memor-
able in the history of Melbourne and Victoria, was in
an unexpected degree favourable to the demonstration.
At an early hour of the morning large numbers of people
began to cross the Yarra-Yarra, by Princes-bridge, in
order to take their places in the line of the procession or
secure favourable posts from which to view it on its
route. About nine o'clock the various bodies who were
to form part of the procession mustered in different parts
of the town, and proceeded in order along the bridge
and down the Sandridge-road. Sandridge, where his
Excellency landed, was profusely decorated with flags
and streamers. On the pier was a triumphal arch.
When the arrangements were completed a deputation
proceeded on board the Queen of the South to intimate
the fact, and Sir Charles landed under a salute from the
guns of the Electra and Fantome, and a still louder and
more impressive volley of true British cheers from the
fleet of merchant vessels in the bay. Sir Charles was
received with the utmost enthusiasm on his landing at
Sandridge, and, the procession being formed, he pro-
ceeded on horseback to Melbourne,- preceded by the
corporation, the magistrates, and the Legislative Coun-
cil, and more immediately surrounded by the members
of the Executive Council, the judges, consuls, and heads
of departments. So far as tho fulfilment of the pro-
gramme adopted by the corporation was concerned, the
procession was somewhat of a failure. But the demon-
stration gained in real interest and impressive effect from
this partial failure. The people in an almost countless
crowd had gone to welcome their new governor, and ac-
companied him to Melbourne. Vehicles of all kinds, from
the smart well-appointed carriage, dogcart, or gig, down
to the somewhat rude-looking dray, all filled with well
dressed happy looking people of both sexes in long pro
cession, with thousands on horseback, constituted the bulk
of the procession, and threw into the shade the better
ordered bodies of Freemasons, Odd Fellows, Foresters, li
Irish, Welsh, American, and German .colonists, and
different trades who had turned out to compose the car-
lege. The procession passed under a handsome trium-
plsal arch on Princes-bridge, and along the principal
lines of streets to the Government offices. Sir Charles
was everywhere along his route received with the liveliest
demonstrations of welcome, which seemed to afford him
and Lady Hotham high gratification. Some little
amusement was caused by the fact that the Mayor and
Town-clerk, who occupied the mayoral carriage, and
filled that place in the procession which it was expected
Sir Charles Hotham would occupy, received many cheers
and bouquets which were intended for the Lieutenant-
Governor. The Mayor's furred gown and cocked hat
are not familiar to the public, and, connected with the
imposing appearance of Mr. Kerr, the Town-clerk, proved
too much for the people, who had been waiting for some
hours for the occasion of giving vent to their enthusiasm.
On the arrival of his Excellency at the Government
offices he took the customary oaths in the presence of a
large number of official and non-official spectators, and
immediately issued a proclamation declaring his assump-
tion of office, and announcing the members of the Execu-
tive Council. He then took his place on a balcony above
the porch of the Government-house, and addressed the
assembly in the following brief but effective speech :
" I desire to tender you my most sincere thanks for
the very cordial welcome you have extended to me, an
unknown stranger, on the occasion of my landing on
your shores. I have the honour to be the Queen's repre-
sentative, and must consider the honour as paid to my
office; and, therefore, to the Queen, through me. In the
Queen's name, therefore, I thank you. I shall take the
first opportunity of notifiying to the Queen and the Bri-
tish Government low I have been received, and I have
no doubt that her Majesty will be delighted to hear of
the flattering reception that has been given to her repre-
sentative. The indications of wealth which your city pre-
sents are calculated to impress a stranger coming into
it for the first time, and I have been struck with
the evidences of progress, both social and commercial,
which have met my view. I hope that my conduct will
be such as to meet your approval. Mine shall be the
government of an honest man. I shall turn neither to
the right hand nor the left. I shall seek to be faithful
to the Queen and grateful to you."
The reception of their new Lieutenant-Governor by
the people of Victoria was an interesting and impressive
display of their loyalty, and of the hopes they entertain
of increased facilities for progress being enjoyed under a
new dynasty. It was eminently calculated to impress
Sir Charles Hotham with a sense of the importance and
responsibility of his new office, and at the same time to
encourage him, by the manifestation of the sympathy of
the people, in the vigorous discharge of its duties. The
Lieutenant-Governor of Victoria has an arduous though
honourable task to discharge. Sweeping reforms are
called for in almost every department of the public ser-
vice. The Executive Council, to whom he would natu-
rally look for counsel and assistance, consists, with a
few honourable exceptions, of those who, to take the
most favourable view of their character, are incapables.
They are identified with the former system, to which
they owe their elevation, and are animated by its spirit
and policy. They are identified, too, in popular appre-
hension, with the system which all -rejoice to think has
passed away for ever, and are regarded with disappro-
bation and contempt. It is possible that the presence
of a man of decided and energetic character, such as Sir
Charles Hotham seems to be, may produce on them a
change for the better. Though they so readily fell into
the peddling, paltry spirit which characterised Mr. La
Trobe's adininietration, and perhaps owed their eleva-
tion to the perception of this congeniality of their spirit
with that of the Administration, the retention of office
may prove a motive sufficiently powerful to lead to co-
operation with Sir Charles Hotham in his measures of
reform. Difficult as may be the position of the Gover-
nor of Victoria, his is still a responsible and honourable
office. Agricultural and mineral wealth all but inex-
haustible is in the possession of a rapidly increasing
population characterised by more than the energy and
enterprise of the races from among whom they
have issued. All they want is fair play—a Government
with enlightened and patriotic views, such as will en-
courage rather than repress the popular energies—aid
rather than repress the efforts of the people to develops
the resources of their country.
Rumour is busy as to the present movements of Sir
Charles Hotham, and his intentions for the future.
Stories arc daily current of the consternation which pre-
vails in the public offices, of the searching inquiry which
is in progress, of the strange discoveries of maladminis-
tration which are being made, and of the vigorous mea-
sures of reform which are in contemplation. Of course
much irnportance,cannot be attached to these rumours ;
but, on the one band, their prevalence shows the univer-
sality of the conviction that there has been in all depart-
ments of the public service culpable inefficiency, at
least, while the undisguised uneasiness of the officials
furnishes strong presumptive evidence that this convic-
tion is well founded.
The Legislative Council has been further prorogued
till the end of August. Such further prorogation was
necessary in order to enable the. Governor, who has to
make himself acquainted with the details of much
that is new to him, to prepare himself for the business
of thasession. The Legislative Council, however, under
its present constitution, has completely forfeited the
confidence of the people. The new constitution is anxi-
ously looked foe by all, classes. It is not expected to
prove a panacea for all existing political and social evils,
or a certain preventive of anticipated ones, but it is ex-
pected to make popular representation in the Legisla-
ture a reality, and not, as it now is, a mockery; and in
this, the reality of popular representation, is recog-
nised the means of ultimately securing these objects.
Considerable anxiety is felt here lest the absorption of
interest and the occupation of the time of Parliament
by war should lead to the constitution for Victoria hav-
ing the fate of a measure of kindred character—the Re-
form Bill, and being indefinitely postponed. Even a
temporary delay of Parliamentary sanction to the new
constitution for Victoria would produce bitter disap-
pointment and serious injury.
Considerable excitement was produced by the in-
telligence of the appointment of Mr. Stonor to the
Melbourne bench, and by the perusal of the Parliamen-
tary discussions to which the appointment led. There
was a very general impression that the appointment had
been made with unwarranted and indecent haste. Great
blame was regarded as resting on the Colonial-office.
Mr. Stonor was exonerated from hlame so far as his ap-
pointment was concerned. The whole matter was dis-
cussed day after day in the journals. By some writers
no excuse could be found, either for the Duke of New-
castle or Mr. Stonor. By others, while the Colonial-
office was blamed, Mr. Stonor was excused ; it was
hinted that he had been victimised, and it was suggested
that he was entitled to compensation for the loss to
which he had been exposed and tho expense he had in-
curred
in leaving home and coming to Australia. It
was the source of general satisfaction, however, to learn
that the appointment had been cancelled. It put a stop
to a general feeling of embarrassment. The n.,embers of
the bar took high ground, and it was understood that,
in the event of Mr. Stonor's taking his seat on the bench,
they would decline attending his court. Even after Mr.
Stonor's arrival the members of the bar refrained from
calling on him till it was generally known that he did
not intend to accept any colonial appointment, but to
return to England without delay.
In the Government Gazette of the 4th of July the
statement of the colonial revenue for the quarter appears,
and a comparative statement of the revenue for the
htw of
years ending the 30th of June, 1853, and the 30t
June, 1854. The most remarkable feature inff. trhesoeldriei-.
turns is the falling off in the amount d_
odruacwed dourign g th e
censer. This source of revenue
three quarters preceding that endinpgrthe 30th of June,
1854, 174,8541., 130,7271., 92,00 2I ~ while, in the
quarter ending the 30th of June, the decrease contoinues,
the
and the amount is only 77,8351. The f
month to U. for
Me in A.uguit buit Var Per

one month, 21. .for three months, and 8/. for ter,elve
months, may seem to account for the falling off in the
produce of the gold licenses to a certain extent, but not,
certainly, to the full extent of the deficiency. It is
suspected that some of the money collected at the
gold fields does not find its way to the Treasury. The
total absence of a system of checks on subordinate
officials in some departments, and the extremely com-
plicated character of the system adopted in others, ren-
der the detection of such defalcations very difficult. The
escort and Treasury fees show no diminution. There is
little change to remark in the other departments of the
revenue. There is a considerable increase under the
head of licenses, to be ascribed to the increased charge
made for license on dealers in wine, beer, and spirits,
both wholesale and retail. The produce of this source
of revenue during the quarter ending 30th of June,
1854, was 67,0491.: during the three preceding quarters
it amounted to 5,0061., 5,6751., and 7,8141., respectively.
Under the head of postage there is a considerable in-
crease. There has been a steady iinprovement under
this department, correspondent to the increase of corre-
spondence, but the greater increase on the last quarter
is to be ascribed to the higher rates of postage charged
on letters, and to the charge on newspapers levied under
a recent act of council, too obnoxious, however, to con-
tinue long in force. The net increase upon the quarter
is 62,3831., and upon the year, 435,6861. The revenue,
even with this increase, falls considerably short of the
estimate formed by our blundering and incapable Ex-
ecutive. The difference between the estimated and the
actual produce of the different sources of revenue amounts
for a period of six months to no less than 505,067/. This
circumstance teaches a lesson which it is to be hoped
Will not be forgotten by Sir Charles Hotham. It shows
that even the ample resources of Victoria do not render
unnecessary the practice of a proper economy.
There seems no reason to believe that the supply of
gold in Victoria shows any symptoms of being soon ex-
hausted. There is but little decrease in the amount sent
down by escort from the different gold fields. The cir-
cumstance that there is no falling off in the amount of
revenue derived from escort and Treasury fees, but rather
an increase, indicates that there is no diminution. The
greater safety of the roads induces many to carry their
gold down themselves. I was standing in the shop of
Mr. Khull, gold broker, the other day, when a man
came in and offered between two and three pounds of
gold for sale. This he had brought down himself, and
he had made the journey alone. This circumstance
shows the confidence people have in the safety of the
roads, and proves that a good deal more gold may be
brought into Melbourne than appears on the escort re-
turns. During the first half of 1853, 937,873 ounces of
gold were received in Melbourne, and 1,103,634 ounces
were shipped for export. During the corresponding
period of the present year 929,367 ounces have been re-
ceived in Melbourne (according to the escort returns),
and 1,077,431 ounces have been shipped for export.
There seems no reason to apprehend any serious diminu-
tion in the productiveness of the gold fields already disco-
vered and worked, while there is every reason to believe
that numerous extensive and possibly much more pro-
ductive districts will yet be discovered.
Notwithstanding the supply which arrives weekly
there is still a great demand for labour. The condition
of the working man in Melbourne is most enviable as
compared with that of the same class at home. The
man who is employed in Melbourne, for example, in
breaking stones, has comfortable lodging, and sits down
to animal food to his meals' three times a-day. It is
true, that for his accommodation he will have to pay
355. per week, and that his washing will cost him 4s. or
ss. a-week more, but be can well afford to pay a weekly
charge of 21. off the week's receipts of Si. or 81. The
really good labourer will make from 51. to 71. per week,
while the skilled workman whose services are in demand
will/make from 71. to 91. Clothing for working men is
generally nearly as cheap as in England—at present it
is cheaper. It is true, a great number find in their high
wages only an excuse for the frequent indulgence of
indolence or the means of reckless dissipation, but the
great majority of artisans and labourers are quietly ac-
cumulating money and acquiring property. This de-
mand for labour will probably continue for many years.
The attraction of the gold fields seduces many from other
kinds of employment. Indeed, from the peculiar free-
dom and absence of restraint enjoyed by the digger, and
the chance he has of brilliant success, it is probable that
men will continue to prefer harder work and less remu-
neration as diggers to the pursuit of occupations desti-
tute of these peculiar attractions.
Measures are in progress which, when carried fully
out, will add much to the comfort and healthfulness of
Melbourne. Large sums are in course of expenditure
in the construction of streets in the city, and good roads
as outlets to the adjacent country. Experiments are in
progress with a view to ascertain what material is best
adapted for a system of footpaths along the principal
streets. A commission has been appointed to adopt a
combined system of water supply and seweragp ; they
have 600,00.01. at their disposal, and are proceeding
with vigour. The corporation have awarded a premium
of 501. to a plan submitted to them for the disposal of
refuse matter. The gas company is actively exerting
itself, and there is a prospect of Melbourne soon enjoy-
ing the advantage of this mode of illumination. Not-
withstanding that these sanitary measures were urgently
called tor, there does not seem any reason for regarding
Melbourne as an unhealthy residence. From the re-
turn of births, deaths, and marriages in the colony dur-
ing the quarter ending the 30th of June, 1854, it ap-
pears that the deaths during that period amount to
1,702. This would give as th annual rate of mortality
in the colony only 21 per cent.
The enterprise of the people of Victoria is displaying
itself in several public works of considerable magnitude,
and such as there is every reason to hope will, when
completed, prove eminently advantageous to the
colony. There are no fewer than three railways in
progress. That from Melbourne to Geelong, an im-
portant and rapidly rising town of about 20,000
inhabitants, will be about fifty miles in length, and,
is expected to be open for traffic in eighteen months.
The Melbourne, Mount Alexander, and Murray River
Railway has been commenced ; that part of it which
connects Melbourne and Williamstown will be com-
pleted in a year. It is intended to open the Ilobson's
Bay Railway on the Ist of October. A company has been
formed in Geelong for the construction of a railway to
connect that town with Ballarat, on the one hand, and
Portland on the other. The Geelong Company have
learnt that there is already a company established in
London to effect the same object ; it is probable the two
companies will be amalgamated. The line of electric
telegraph between Melbourne and Williamstown is in
daily use. It is proposed to continue the line to Gee-
long and Port-Philip Heads. It is intended to connect
the principal gold fields with each other and with the
capital by a line of telegraph now under survey. The
prospect is also entertained of opening the same channel
of communication between Melbourne and Sydney.
Under the superintendence of the Commission of Sewerage
and Water Supply, a reservoir is in course of construc-
tion on the east of the city, which will be filled from the
Yarra-Yarra by an engine of 60-horse power, and will
be sufficient to supply a great part of the city with
water. There is also a reservoir being erected at Van
Yean, about 22 miles distant, which will be competent
to supply the whole city. A new dock is in progress at
Saltwater River, near the mouth of the Yarra-Yarra.
It certainly indicates a laudable spirit of enterprise

that, while labour is so high, works of such magnitude
should be undertaken and prosecuted with so much
vigour.

COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE.

The condition of the Melbourne commercial world is
believed, by those whose opportunities enable them to
form a correct opinion, to be sound. Trade is following
its legitimate course, and liabilities are duly met. With
a market glutted to excess with many goods and over-
stocked with nearly everything, in the dullest season of
the year, and with an undoubted tightness in money,
not a single mercantile failure has taken place for the
past two months. Speculation is altogether stagnant,
and the news of the absolute declaration of war has pro.:
duced no effect beyond a trifling advance in Russian
staples.
The present sound state of the market is to be traced
to the great caution which consignees here have exercised
under the most trying circumstances of an overstocked
market,;and to the care and discretion exercised by
the banks and capitalists in discounting. An example
illustrating the truth of this statement, both -as to the
result and the cause, is deserving of notice. The first
week of the present month (July) was looked forward to
by moneyed men and the banks with an anxiety fully
warranted by the largeness of the amount of bills then
coming due, accompanied as this was by the general
stagnation of trade. I am, I believe, within the mark in
saying that the amount could not have been less than
200,0001. The whole of these bills, with a few trifling
exceptions, were-met. At one bank 80,0001. fell due,
and only a single bill was not paid, and that was taken
up in a few days. I have thought it right to say thus
much on the soundness of the market, because I am
aware that the gloomiest apprehensions of a commercial
crisis have been occasionally indulged in.
Although in -this matter much credit is undoubtedly
due to the banks, they do not seem to have used-the
same amount of caution in another case. I allude to the
competition that has been allowed to spring up between
them for the purchase of gold. Every bank bas its
branch or agent in the various gold-fields, and, in the
desire to monopolise the purchases, prices have been t
ad-
vanced to a rate that entirely shuts the: storekeeper
per
of the market. It is known that as much as 41.1 sbs- e
ounce has been paid at Ballarat for a large
these banks, and the proportion which.r h
of the banks. Now, , considering the oto_pnessrtaicetmuotiuoyant of
f
to be in a great
their paid-up capital, it does appear
y of etsheir clients to their deposits deposits and of their notes in circulation culation bear to
measure using the p
the gold which he has been
pcaaypmitaeln
tianbryemtuerannsfloorf
sculation in gold. It also
p takeset e wl irtohm themthe
storekeeperin as-- tarraedimn trading moneys
cent: premium.
exchange on England is 5 per cent.
maketo the
bhp
ices
goods,in the
habita. and forces o f
r teehmi
oni
ftv remitting;
g
and the effect of this is the continued
a bank-bill
rate
be pays
banks, and
our shores, . merchants finding sove-
rdaetriagailnnlstothfielsepbceahcneikevest ofmeansremittanee. The short date
bonds of the half-million loan made to the city of Mel-
bourne by Mr. Gabrilli, which bear interest at 6 per
cent., and are payable in London, are largely used for
the same purpose. The loan was taken by Mr. Gabrilli
at 5 discount, and the bonds are now- selling at 51
premium.
With regard to trade, little more can be said than that
which may be gathered from the foregoing. The market
is fully stocked with goods of every description. This
applies to goods suitable for the market ; the stocks of
unsuitable goods are immense, and the frequent sales by
auction of invoices to pay freight and charges, which
they often sail of doing,
show their value. In many
suitable goods—timber, slates, building materials gene-
rally, soft goods, apparel, and slops—the stocks are
very heavy, and shipments continually take place to
other porta. The quantity a apirite in bond ix equal to.