Page:History of Australia, Rusden 1897.djvu/338

 1 that the establish ment of any foreijpi power on that part of the coajit might* in the event of bostiliti<*a, greatly Interrupt the communicatioa with Port Jackson, and matcrinlly endanger the tranquillity and security of our possessions there," ., . "It has on these considerations been, determined l:>y Hia Majesty that a aettlenieot aboidd be immediately formei at port Phillip^ and that as soon aa a detachment can be sent from thencql tk subordinate establishment should l>e made at King's Island." Lt»-CoL Collins, on account of his experience in New^ South Wales, had heen chosen to found the new settle- ment; but *Hhe hitended settlements are considered as dependencies upon vonr government, and the Lfc. -Governor is placed under your orders." H.M.S. (Jaleittta^ and the ship Ocean, would convey the expedition. The detailed instructions to Collins were sent also to King. About thirty women were allowed to accompany then* convict husbands, and ten children were permitted to go with their mothers. Amongst the children was one who was in after years to become an active politician in Yictoria^^ Torty-six free persons, including children, were permitte(^H to settle at Port Phillip or elsewhere. Port Phillip waa^ represented as the most eligible situation, and Collins was therefore directed to form the first establishment there, "You are to endeavour by every means in your i>ower to open an intercourse with the natives, and to conciliate their good will." Yiolence against them was to be punished "according to the degree of the offence." Elaborate instructions for promoting agiuculture and grazing were given to Collins, and '*the clandestine intro- duction of spirits" was to be vigilantly prevented. If "anyj quantity of this pernicious liiiuor should be discovered ** ii: any person's possession, **it will be your duty to seize, andj if necessary, to destroy the same.'' Religious observance^ were to be promoted. Though Port Phillip was, '* accordinj^ to the best information, the most eligible place for the in^j tended sett lenient," . . . '* nevertheless yon are not positively r©4 Btricted from givinc the preference to any other part of the southern coasftj of New South Wfilea, or any of the islands in hSasa's Straits which, upoQl communication with the Gov-eruor of New South Wales, and with his con- currence and apprf>Hfition, yon may hav^e well-grotiuded reason to consider as more advantageously situated." - Collins was nevertheless to disembark at once at Port Phillip, and not to search be forehand for any more eligible place. "As soon aa po^sibW aCter overcouiing **the firBt I iirBl J