Page:The Perth Gazette and Western Australian Journal 1(14).djvu/2

 THE PERTH GAZETTE, AND WESTERN AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL.

series. No contemporary author has written so much, and certainly few so well. He created a new world of fiction, founded on the spirit of history rather than its letter; and if he has been guilty of occasional deviations from the beaten path of fact, yet how much is due to one who has made the dry studies of antiquarianism and history both acceptable and delightful!

Sir Walter Scott obtained his Baronetcy shortly after the accession of George IV., who paid literature the high compliment of bestowing upon one of its principal living ornaments the first creation of title by the Monarch.

Last year the venerable poet, under the advice of his physicians, tried the air of Italy for the benefit of his health. While on his way back to England from the sunny climate of the South, he was attacked by a paralytic stroke, which laid prostrate the mighty energies of his mind, and after a short delay in London, he felt desirous of proceeding to Abbotsford, his home, where he was desirous of breathing his last—a wish that Providence allowed—in the arms of the members of his afflicted family.

The present Sir Walter Scott who succeeds to the baronetcy, is in his 63d year, and Major in the 15th hussars. He has one brother Mr. Charles Scott of Brazen nose collage, and 2 sisters, Mrs. Lockhart, wife of the editor of the Quarterly Review and Miss Scott.

On Sunday last the 31st Ultimo at Bassendean, the lady of the Honorable Peter Brown, Esq., Colonial Secretary, of a son.—

On Wednesday the 3d Instant, the infant died

SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE on the 30th Ultimo, the Merope, Capt Pollock from Hobart Town, out l8 days—Passengers Major Nairn, C. Whitmore, Esq, and Master Carew.

Sailed, on the 31st Ultimo, the Jolly Rambler, Capt. Brignell for Hobart Town.

Put back, on the 3d Instant—the Jolly Rambler by stress of weather, and having carried away her bowsprit.

—The Frances Charlotte,—The Merope,—Monkey, and Jolly Rambler

In Cockburn Sound.—The Cygnet, and Ellen Government Schooner.

Arrived on the 4th Instant, the Sandwich Island Schooner Auranzau, Captain and Super cargo R. Jordan, from Singapore. Captain Stephens died on the passage.

Monday night last, we experienced a heavy storm from the N. W., the first of the season. The Frances Charlotte was driven a considerable distance from her moorings, in Gages Roads, but we are happy to say, was brought up, before she got into a possition to receive any injury. We had 48 hours warning of the approach of this storm; we must therefore candidly avow, if any accident had occurred, great blame might justly have been attached to those, whose duty it was to attend to these matters.

IMPORTS , from Hobart Town.

261 Bags of Wheat. 265 Bags Oats. 50 tons of Potatoes. 306 Bags of flour. 29 Trusses of Hay. 90 Bags of Bran. 6 Puncheons Rum, 4 Cases Hams, 3 Casks Cyder, 6 Boxes Soap, 8 Chests Tea, 12 Cases Wine, 6 Casks Porter, 6 Casks Apples, 1 Bale Blankets, 1 Bale Shirts, 1 Case Haberdashery, 1 Case tin Ware, 1 Case Sadlery, 1 Case Leather, 16 Bags Pees, 200 Bushels Barley, 350 Sheep, 20 Goats, 9 Horses, 3 Bullocks, 7 Cows & calves, 12 Kegs Butter, 4 Boxes Candles, 1 Keg of Tobacco, 1 Hhd. of Gin 1 Hhd Brandy, 105 Gallons Liqneurs 11 Kegs Gun powder.

Per Auranzau—50 barrels Beef, 50 barrels of Pork, 150 bags of Rice, 20 chests of Tea, &c. &c.

GENERAL POST-OFFICE The MAIL for England and the Cape of Good Hope via Mauritius, per Cygnet, Captain Rolls, will be closed on Monday next the 8th instant.
 * Postmaster
 * Postmaster

THE WESTERN AUSTRALIAN

The recent arrivals at this port, have brought us a supply for a short period, of every necessary article of consumption, and have reached us at a time, when the scarcity of the greatest part of the investments, will, we anticipate, render the speculations productive of mutual advantage. As the winter is now rapidly drawing in upon us; we regard these imports as a most seasonable supply, and we are relieved from any apprehensions of undergoing the same distressing privations, which were generally experienced but patiently endured during the past year. The potatoes in particular have arrived most opportunely; and we do hope, the fine condition they are landed in, (which makes them highly valuable to us for seed) will induce the Merchants to dispose of them at such prices as will ensure a general sale;—it would be provoking to see so valuable an acquisition to the Colony rotting on the beach to gratify the cupidity of individuals. They are fortunately in the hands of those of whom we hope better things, as soon therefore as the pulse of the market has been felt we may anticipate to see the price established at such a rate, as will bring the commodity within the reach of every settler in the colony; which will secure to us, with the seed we have already on hand, positive independence of any future supply.

The fluctuation in the price of flour within this last month has been from 5d. to 2½ wholesale. In this and other articles we perceive a strong disposition to hold back; we however quote the following prices from the Hobart Town Journals which will enable our readers to estimate more accurately the demands which are made; wheat 4s. 9d. to 5s., potatoes an abundant crop, and of excellent quality £5. a ton. Mutton 4d. per lb., beef 6d.

It is an interesting fact, that the arrival of the Sandwich Island Schooner is owing to the establishment of a Journal in this Colony; The Captain having obtained one of our papers, which contained some remarks upon the high prices of provisions. The cargo is well selected and coming from a quarter, (Singapore) whose productions were not likely to clash with any other imports, we hope and fully expect the enterprizing proprietors will be amply rewarded. This craft was built at Owyhee. Our external resources from the position of the Colony it is evident are easily rendered available; few hitherto have had reason to complain of the encouragement we have given them; we are always gratified to see strangers in our port; and we feel confident, by the extention of our domestic economy, as well as the introduction of a system of labour and expenditure, to hold out, before long, such inducements for strangers to visit us, as will protect us from the extravagant fluctuations our market is subject to

It may be as well to remind our readers that the Postman is now regularly dispatched from Perth, on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at day break; and returns alternate days; the letters delivered at 10 o'clock Every effort is made to ensure punctuality, which will be greatly forwarded, by an immediate communication to the Post-master of any occurrence which has even the appearence of neglect.

Latest price of colonial produce in the London market:—

Seal skins, wigs middling, 40s. to 45s.; small, 40s. to 42s.—the above are much in demand; large pups, 34s. to 38s.; middling ditto, 32s. to 36s.: small dtito, 25s to 28s., ordinary or low quality about half the above prices. Kangaroo skins, 1s. to 2s. 6d.; hides, ox and cow, 3d. to 4d. per lb.; horns, ditto, 40s. to 50s. per 123; mimosa bark, 8l. 10s. to 9l. per ton; extract ditto, l6l, to 18l. per ton; cedar, 6d. per foot; southern pale oil, 29l. 10s. to 30l.; brown, 27l. to 28l.; sperm, 62l. to 62l. 10s.; southern whalebone, 95l. to 105l.; Greenland ditto, 180l. to 185l.; wool, Van Diemen's land, 10½d. to 2s. O½d. per lb.

We notice in an extract from the Mofassal Achbar, that owing to the awful mortality amongst the children of british soldiers on the Madras side of India, a plan has been laid before the Government for transferring the orphan institution to the colony of Van Diemen's land; we trust before the proposal is adopted, some of our friends in India will direct the attention of the Government to the advantages, they would derive from selecting this Colony for the experiment. Our proximity to India and highly favoued climate, entitle us to the first consideration, and a word to the wise from those gentlemen who have visited us, and have interested themselves so warmly in our behalf, we have no doubt would influence the government in delermining in our favour.

The news from Davis Straits describes the fishing in that quarter as remarkably successful. The vessels returning from that ground alone had caught more than would supply the market for 18 months. The number of sperm whalers now out from London is also beyond all former precedent.

Serious disturbances had broken out in Bombay on account of an interference with the religious prejudices of the Parsees, and others of the Hindoo castes. The annual order for the general massacre of the dogs, which have become most numerous and insufferable, was very rigidly enforced. This the natives have always considered an objectionable act of power, as they view the animals in a religious light. As two European constables, stimulated to the utmost pitch of zeal by the reward of half a rupee for each dog, were killing one in the compound of a native, they were astonished by a desperate attack made upon them and were severely wounded. On the following morning almost all the shops in the islands were closed, while parties of 200 or 300 people were engaged in forcing those to desist who attempted to go on with their usual occupations. Five companies of Soldiers soon restored order, and tranquility was finally secured.