Page:The Perth Gazette and Western Australian Journal 1(7).djvu/2



On the 14th Sailed the Ellen, Government Schooner, Captain Tobie, for Augusta and King Georges Sound, with His Honor Lieutenant Governor Irwin, Ensign Dale Colonial Aid de Camp, G. F. Moore Esq. and the two Natives brought up by Mr. Henty in the Thistle.

.-The Cygnet, -The Thistle, and Jolly Rambler.

We noticed in our first number the construction of a Water Mill at Perth, by Mr Reveley, which it was expected would be in operation in the course of the ensuing week; the usual impediments however which attend a first attempt, rendered this impracticable, and gave rise to a hasty conclusion and malicious rumour, that his efforts to accomplish this important object for the Colony, had proved abortive. An inspecting Committee visited the Mill on Tuesday last, and we have great satisfaction in stating, expressed themselves, pleased with its construction and power.

The attempt to establish a Mill at Perth, has from its importance excited considerable curiosity, and has been attended with great exertion and perseverance on the part of the enterprizing projector, it is no trifling commendation that with the exception of the bar iron required for parts or the Machinery, the whole of the materials are of Colonial production; and the Stones which were brought from the mountains, where an abundance of the same description may be procured, are pronounced to be equal to any French-burr, possessing every requisite quality for grinding Corn. The plan adopted by Mr. Reveley, is the method practised in Tuscany which combines simplicity and cheapness; the whole of the expense attending this Mill is now very little more than £500, it will require an additional sum, to secure the reservoir, which loses considerably by leakage, but the entire sum, when completed it is considered will scarcely exceed £1000. It is estimated that the mill, when the reservoir is perfected will work eight, hours every day, throughout the, (which is the great object) and the stones going at their full power, will produce four or five bushels per hour. Mr. Kingsford we understand has determined upon erecting his Mill imported per Cygnet, at Bull's Creek, on the Canning: we heartly wish them both success.

The scarcity of Money at the present moment, owing to the sums which have been drained from us by the several vessels which either have, or are upon the point of taking their departure; has left us it must be allowed, in rather a needy condition. The usual discount on a loan is 25 per centum. It is no uncommon circumstance when a loan can be obtained at all, for one half of the sum to be advanced in Stores, which it may be imagined are not charged at a very reduced price. The accommodation of a discount Bank to a limited extent is greatly required; many valuable and useful projects are either discontinued or abandoned for the want of a trifling sum. for which the par ties, could either in Stock Houses, Furniture or land give ample security. We would instance the sawing of timber; but few have had the means to follow it up to the extent of which it is capable, the consequence is the principal part of the timber used at present, is unseasoned, and if required to any extent cannot be commanded. This is one of many instances, we shall return to the subject before long.

The Vines in the Botanic Garden, are flourishing most luxuriantly; and the rapid progress the Vine has made in the Colony wherever properly attended to, has established beyond a doubt, that both the soil, and climate are admirably adapted for its cultivation. We have not the slightest doubt, that a peculiarly rich flavour, would be imparted to the grape, the growth of this country; if we may judge from the exquisite perfection of other fruits. A gentleman well acquainted, with the North of France, Italy, Spain, and the different wine districts, informs us that there are valleys along the foot of our | Mountains, which bear a strong resemblance to the scenery and soil of those places. The Vine stocks in the Botanic garden, were planted two years and half ago, and have now branches extending ten yards in length, they have been loaded with fruit, but Mr. Drummond, under whose care they have been, in order to encourage their "wooding," has suffered but few bunches to ripen. A considerable order was given to Captain Henderson for "cuttings" as they, will most probably arrive, in the proper season tor planting, say the end of August or September, there can be no doubt, it will prove a profitable speculation.

Amongst the plants recently introduced and flourishing, are the hop, and the willow. We purpose giving a more particular and explicit account of the plants which have been successfully cultivated in the Colony when our space will admit.

We understand it is in contemplation to make another attempt to render the flats above Perth navigable, and a tender for the completion of the projected undertaking, we believe will appear in our next number. The inconvenience the Settler has experienced during the summer, renders this an object of serious importance; we are glad therefore to find it has been taken into consideration, and advanced to this preparatory stage.

We are informed a public School similar to those at Perth, and Fremantle, is upon the point of being established at Guildford, and one of the Passengers by the Cygnet, George Gladman has been appointed Master. A portion of land prudently reserved for the purpose of a public school, will supply a portion of the necessary funds, and the benevolent contribution of the inhabitants of the neighbourhood, will it is to be hoped, make it vie with the more populous towns of Perth and Fremantle.

Notwithstanding a notice was posted up by the Magistrates of Guildford, cautioning the inhabitants not to set fire to their grass-lands, considerable alarm was created a few days ago, by the repetition of the practice; and after destroying a valuable fence, it was with great difficulty the flames were prevented from, spreading over the town. We have noticed a similar recklessness of consequences in the outskirts of Perth, which it should be the effort of every person to check, and would justify the proper authorities in severely punishing.

.—During the week, we have had a succession of strong South and South-Westerly winds; accompanied on Thursday last by a heavy fall of rain which continued during the following night. The changes we have recently witnessed from the two extremes of heat and cold; render this, widely different from any other season we have experienced since the establishment of the Colony.

Charles Brown of Perth, was convicted this afternoon in the penalty of Five Pounds and the forfeiture of the spirits seized, for retailing spirits without a license. The Publicans are indebted to Laurence Welch an active officer of the customs, for effecting this seizure, and exposing the practice, which a few similar cases would effectually suppress.

.—Who after this will complain of a want of amusement? A pugilistic encounter between two top Sawyers took place at the back of the Perth Hotel, a few mornings ago, and was well contested for an hour and twenty minutes; this was a perfect affair of honour for the parties met, to determine, which was the better Sawyer, a question long at issue between them. We should presume from the length of time the decision of the interesting question occupied, they were well pited.

G. LEAKE, Esq., Civil Commissioner George Balquoison, a man of colour, was committed for stealing a quantity of carpenters tools, from a chest belonging to the late Mr Gaze, who was speared some short time ago, by the Natives at Kelmscott.

John Currie, a Portugese, was committed for an assault on Mary Ann Withnell, a child about 7 years of age, with intent to commit a rape.

Stephen Hawker, committed for stealing some spars belonging to J. Bobin, from the south beach. And on the 15th inst. the same party was charge with stealing a cask of Beef, belonging to Mr. Leake, from a boat in charge of Mr Owen.

Every seasonable Vegetable, is still abundant and at reasonable prices. Wheat is selling by re tail at 15s. per bushel of 60 lbs, and flour by the bag at 6d. ½. per lb, bread the 4 lb 1s. 10d. and 2s. We have again a supply of Mutton from York, which is extremely fine at the usual price 1s. 6d. for the forequarter. and 2s. 8d. for the hindquarter. Cape Ale 1s. per quart, Candles 2s. per lb, Butter salt 1s. 9d. fresh 2s. 6d. Eggs have been very scarce of late, and seldom exposed for sale Sydney Bacon 1s. 9d. to 2s. Milk 6d. per pint, Oil very scarce, Spirits-Rum 9s. to 12s. Brandy 15s. Soap extremely scarce, and sold as high as 2s. per lb, Common Tea 3 to 5s. per lb, Cape Wine 5s. per gallon.

A stack of hay supposed to contain about twelve tons was sold a few days ago at 5l per ton, to be cleared away by the purchaser; this is considered a low price, and it was disposed of under the circumstances of the proprietor being upon the point of leaving the Colony for a short period. The usual price has been from 8 to 10l

The prices of various Manufactured Articles are exorbitantly high, principally averaging from 2 to 300 per cent upon the prices at home. We admit the shopkeeper here has not generally the advantage of this: it arises from the goods being imported either from the Cape, Van Diemen's Land or Sydney, instead of coming direct.

Stock of every description is scarce, and would prove a valuable investment; those who have had the opportunity of turning their attention to the rearing stock, have met with a valuable return.

The MAIL for Launceston per the "Thistle," was closed this afternoon;— she will sail tomorrow