Page:Hints on emigration to the new settlement on the Swan and Canning Rivers, on the west coast of Australia.djvu/22

 20 From these facts it is not unreasonable to believe that, in a few years, several thousand tons of both hemp and flax may be shipped from Cockburn Sound, with great advantage to the Settlers and increase of wealth to the Colony.

Here then are two articles of produce, in an unmanufactured state, which the commerce of Great Britain requires, and which the Government can in a direct manner encourage. Other articles will gradually succeed, as the Colony advances in population and prosperity; because there exists no fundamental impediment either in climate, voyage or distance, to opening an intercourse with the whole world. Linseed, tallow, hides, bristles, wool, fish, oils, &c. will become valuable exports, while it is probable the finest grain will be produced for its own maintenance.

Should His Majesty's Government be actuated by a sincere desire to promote the success of the Colony, the Navy Board may be directed to accept tenders for a given quantity of hemp, according with a sample from the early growths. Should the quality in the first instance not satisfy the rigid scrutiny of their officers, it is well known that inferior hemp can be applied to inferior purposes; consequently a moderate