WESTERN AUSTRALIA.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume V, Issue 378, 17 March 1849, Page 3

WESTERN AUSTRALIA.

The Government schooner Champion arrived at South Australia, brings news from Swan River to December 24. — Governor Fitzgerald had a narrow escape in the interior. His Excellency had accompanied an exploring pjrtv to some newly discovered country, at a considerable distance north from the settled districts, where they were hostilely beset by a numerous tribe of aborigines, and compelled to use their fire-arms. The Governor dismounted, and shot a powerful aboriginal, and soon after received a severe spear wound in a part of the thigh immediately above the knee. The head of the spear, which protruded, was broken off by the Private Secretary, and the shaft drawn. With great difficulty the party effected their retreat to Champion Bay, where .they had left the Government schooner, and succeeded in embarking their horses and 'themselves in time to escape overpowering numbers. A good extensive, . and well watered country was examined, and a large lode of lead ore, considerable in extent and promise, is said to have been discovered. — The Government had offered to assist the Miaing Company in obtaining the services of an experienced miner or mineralogist from South Australia. Mr. Menge is again named. The carboniferous foimation is said to be more or less distinct in several parts of the recently explored region. — The Pelsart Fishery Company was likely to be successful .atter all. They bad cured a good quantity of fish and some trepang of excellent quality. — Guano had been found in such abundance that the Superintendent reports he could supply 30 tons a month without difficulty.—Melboune Argus, February 9.