The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-07-08
Civ iIizaIion I'm Australia.

The London Times has an attractive picture
of the condition of affairs in Australia. In
all the chief centres of settlement, it says,
Australia is as civilized country as England
itself At Melbourne, for instance, the streets
are as well paved, pitched and lighted as at
Liverpool or Bristol; the only difference being
that they are about three times as broad. The
shops are genuine English shops all over.
The roadway is full of drays, wagons, car
riages, and hansoms, Just as in London,
though there is less danger of your being
knocked down. 1t is a little surprising to
find the rarest pineapples ticketed at four
shilling, and an excellent hot-meat dinner
offered for sixpence; but those novelties, at
any rate, are not changes for the worse. We
hardly know, adds the Times, whether to men,
ton street music as a recommendation;
but if any London emigrant should have
a fancy for q brass band in front of his
window, that feature also of his home-life is
reproduced faithfully at the antipodes. But
what is to be done for the first few days of
suspense before employment comes in and
chance of settling is offered? What becomes
of the new arrival without; shilling in his
pocket, and with no knowledge of the country
or its ways? The reply is promptly made.
He is taken under the care of the State, which
provides for him until he can provide for
himself. In cheerful and healthy suburb of
the town stands the Emigrants' Home and
in that establishment any emigrant destitute
of means Is entertained until the option of
work is found for him. To this place the en-
ployers of labor constantly resort and bar
gains are struck without delay or difficulty.
Our correspondent has known ''several hun
dreds" of newcomers engaged and disposed
of in few hours.
Generally, however, the chief town is not
the place for an emigrant to stay in. His aim
should be the country; and from Melbourne
the country can be reached in all directions
with the greatest ease. The centres of mining
and agricultural industry are connected with
the capital by railways beyond the railways
are good macadamized roads, with good
coaches running on them. These roads lead
towards the interior of continent almost as
large as Europe, with every variety of soil
and climate. In some parts there are enor-
nous tracts of rich land, with hardly tree
upon it, SO that no clearing is required to fit
it for the plough. The interior communica-
tions are remarkably good, insomuch that, in
case of an overstocked labor market at one
point, the emigrant can move himself with
perfect facility and little cost to apother;
while in no place does he appear to leave
civilization behind him. The smallest towns
and most remote villages are English towns
and villages still, fairly supplied with all the
necessaries and not few of the luxuries of
existence. Well may our correspondent add,
after such description, that no country in
the world could offer better prospects to the
capitalist or greater advantages to the working
man than the British colony of Victoria.
A man who can do nothing whatever would
find even Australia bad place to live in;
but there is employment, and sometimes
| better than employment ready for all who
can work and save. Just now wages are
maintained" is, are not falling, and
the rates of payment are certainly pleasant
to look at. Masons and bricklayers get los.
day; carpenters, 9s.; builders laborers, 7s,:
blacksmiths, 30s. week; wheelwrights, Dos.
to 4os. On the farm shepherd may get his
$40 year; hut keeper, f22; a lad who can
milk, 12s week; and general farm laborer,
| los. Common labor, it is added by way OF
summary, may be quoted at 6s. to rs. a day
! Nor are these wages reduced in actual value
by high charges of living. Perhaps lodgings
are rather dear, but where a dinner of the
best meat, bread, and vegetables without
stint can be had for sixpence, living must
needs be cheap.