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Rh mineral wealth; a convict dépôt was formed there and subsequently at Lynton, Port Gregory. In visiting that district the Governor was attacked and wounded by the natives near White Peak. This district was also rendered attractive by the report cf coal having been discovered on the Upper Irwin, by Messrs. Gregory (who in consequence received a grant of 2,500 acres of land), as well as by the lodes of lead and copper also found by them on the Murchison River. Guano was also discovered on the islands, and exported from Sharks Bay, as also shells, supposed, and which proved to be, those of the pearl oyster. The discovery of gold in other parts of Australia induced the offer of rewards for its discovery in the Colony, but though claims have been made from time to time, they have never yet been admitted. The gold fields of Victoria attracted many emigrants to that Colony from West Australia, but other sources of trade were opened. 1851 saw the first shipment of horses to India, and the rich alluvial deposits about the lower course of the Greenough became known; an export trade in timber was also commenced. A more regular and intimate intercourse with the outer world was now established; in August 20, 1852, the first vessel of the Australian Royal Mail Company, the Australian, Capt. Hoseason, arrived in King George's Sound, and an overland mail service was arranged from Perth to Albany. The first steam boat was placed on the Swan River; a Savings' Bank was established. The productions of the Colony did not, however, keep pace with the requirements caused by the presence of the convicts and military. In 1854 the cost of imported breadstuffs amounted to £40,000.

In 1855 Governor Kennedy arrived. There had been for some time a growing dissatisfaction on the part