Manawatu Herald. THURSDAY, SEPT. 24, 1891. Western Australia.

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, Issue III, 24 September 1891, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. THURSDAY, SEPT. 24, 1891. Western Australia.

The exciting finds of gold on the MurcMson diggings has caused an interest to be taken in Western Australia which may lead to a better exploration of that portion of the Australian continent, It is but lately that the Colony has acquired responsible government, and " a rush" will do more for its advancement than could be acheived by any other means. Perth is the capital of the Colony, having a population of 9000. The Murchison is a river lying over 300 miles to the north of uhe capital, and 200 miles up the river, a mountain 1600 feet high, is the probable source of the gold in the field. At the very north of the Colony the Kimberley fields are situated. Gold therefore appears spread over this Colony but the same drawback at the Murchison is feared as was experienced at the Kimbsrley, namely, the scarcity of water. The maps at present published, show a line of inland lakes dotted about up / the west coast, but the majority are noted as being salt. This western portion of the continent is full of historical interest as another 200 miles above the Murchison is situated Shavk bay, the spot chosen by William Dampier the commander of the " Roebuck" to clean and refit his ships 200 years ago. It is well known that the Dutch have all the credit of having discovered Australia as they named it New Holland, and are able to show prior discovery, but from not appreciating the land at its worth they allowed " the English to secure it by occupation. Dampier had started on the voyage to determine whether this New Holland was a continent or an archipelago, and on sighting the north west coast, brought up in the bay whioh ho there christened as it

is now known — Shark hay. He spent five days in looking for water and in digging wells, but with no result. Ho then sailed 1000 miles and often landed, bub only once obtained fresh water. He consider! this shore the most miserable spot en earth, and the report he took back deterred farther investigations. Now that there is n. reason for energetic exploration we may expect to h?ar of many and wonderful alterations in this land of evil repute, but we cannot recommend anyone, enjoying the advantages of this Colony, to rush to a land where the heat is almost intolerable, and where communication is difficult, and where water is at present ha.id to obtain.