SYDNEY.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 295, 27 May 1848, Page 3

SYDNEY.

In the Sydney Morning Herald of April 26, particulars are given of an expedition which was to start in a few days, for the purpose of exploring the north-east portions of the Australian continent, under the direction of Mr. Kennedy, who had recently returned from a successful exploration of the river Victoria. The following is an abridgment from the account referred to : — The region which Mr. Kennedy is about to explore is that which is called the York Peninsula, into which Leichhardt penetrated on his way to the Gulph of Carpentaria. This region is supposed to contain much valuable country ; and if such should be discovered, its maritime boundaries will render it, in all probability at no very distant period, the seat of a new colony, access to which from the East India islands, and from New South Wales, will be easily attainable. The Rattlesnake being about to start on her voyage to Torres Strait, offered a facility to the carrying out of the project, which we are glad to see, by the courtesy of her accomplished commander, will be fully realized. Mr. Jukes has very strongly pointed out the almost uselessness of Port Essington as a settlement, and has stated so many facts respecting the availableness and value of Cape York, that it may be hoped, ere long the colonists will be able to assure themselves that a depot will be formed for persons engaged in the shipment of horses, in a far more eligible position than Port Essington ; and in reaching which, through the assistance renderad by the maritime surveys of King, Wickham, Stokes, and Stanley, there will in future be but little risk to a careful and prudent navigator. The party will consist of twelve persons, under the direction of E. B. Kennedy, Esq., viz. — Mr. Wall, the young naturalist who accompanied him in the former expedition ; Mr. Caron, a young man who came out with respectable testimonials three or four years since as a gardener, and whose knowledge of colonial plants is said to be considerable ; Mr. Niblett who is to act as superintendent ; eight other persons ; and Harky, the aboriginal youth who was employed on the last journey. The equipment for this party is to consist of 27 horses; 250 sheep; 4,7501b5. of flour; 1,2481b5. of sugar; 1961b5. of tea; 30lbs. of powder ; 2521b5. of shot ; and sufficient ammunition to serve as protection in case of necessity, with the necessary scientific instruments and anna required for the expedition. The expedition will also be provided with two very necessary aids, for carrying water and crossing rivers. For the former purpose there are two three-gallon kegs and twelve air pillows (which will used only in case of emergency); and for the latter one water-tight cart and two " life-preservers."

We now come to Mr. Kennedy's instructions. He is to proceed in the Tarn o' Shanter to Buckingham Bay, in the parallel of 18* S., and if ready, under convoy of H.M.S. Rattlesnake,' to travel thence by land to Princess Charlotte's Bay and Cape York, keeping the most convenient distance from the coast. After communicating with the Rattlesnke, or Bramble, at Port Albany, near Cape York, and receiving a supply of provisions, to be forwarded by the Government in four months' time, the explorer will- move down the east coast of the Gulf of Carpentaria, to the Water Plaets, to ascertain whether that is the estuary of Leichhardt's river Mitchell ; and, if so, to follow it up to the junction of the Lynd. From the junction of the Lynd with the Mitchell river, the expedition is to strike off to W.S.W., to the river Flinders, for the purpose of ascertaining its source, and from it to connect the journey with Sir Thomas Mitchell's discoveries in 1846, by the Belyando, or some other convenient point ; and thence, return is to-Be made to Sydney.