SWAN RIVER.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 631, 20 August 1851, Page 3

SWAN RIVER.

[Froiu the Hobart t own Aaveriiter, July B.] Thk following extracts are from Swan River papers to the 9th May• His Excellency, accompanied by the Sur-veyor-General, proceeded on Saturday last to Freemantle, to witness the working of the revolving apparatus for the new light at Rotnest, and we understand that the machinery gave great satisfaction. His Excellency, of course, remained during the night on the main land, thus having ample opportunity of witnessing the effect which Mr. Carson has most ably produced. The light, during the revolutions of the machinery, becomes more and less brilliant, and at one point attains an excessive power.

We regret to hear that the natives in the Yasse district still continue to be troublesome, and that the new constable there has been reduced -to the painful alternative of shooting at a formidable assailant in self-de-fence. Our correspondent informs us that Scott and his native assistant were hemmed in, at a distance of many miles from any settler’s residence, by a large number of aborigines, who would doubtless have carried their lawless proceedings to extremes, had it not been for the determined and judicious conduct of this single European. The beacon at the Challenger Rock is at length, completed, and great praise is due to our late Superintendent of public works, for the zealous manner in which he gave his co-operation in this difficult undertaking, after the term of his holding office had expired.

It is more than probable that the present is the last detachment of military or tegular troops, we shall have stationed in Western Australia ; and this seems likely to be the case from a report that the staff officer of pensioners here is to be removed to Freemantle, when he can be provided with suitable quarters there for himself and family. In this case, of course, the force of pensioners must be considerably augmented, and additional staff officers sent out to assist Captain Bruce in his duties. We, however, are inclined to question the policy of stationing a military head quarters in the same town with the con- - StsbllS H slsciit. We are of opinion that a

very strong guard should be on duty, wherever the convict depot may be fixed upon; but we must also think that the main body of troops with the principal supply of arms, should be stationed at a distance, whither timely notice might be conveyed of any outbreak on the part of the prisoners. We have received intelligence of the formation of a company of the Vasse district, who propose to raise £lOOO by means of £lO shares, for the purpose of establishing a trading vessel between that port, Singapore, Adelaide, and the outports. This company is of course, at present, in its infancy, but the inhabitants of the Vasse district have long been desirous of the means of making their own an independent port; which view seems likely to be carried out in the p esent undertskiogj if judiciously sctcd upon* On Saturday last two Sisters were added to the convent here. The ceremony took place at 8 a.m., when the white and black veils were taken.

On Friday, the 2nd May, there was a disposition on the part of some prisoners, who belonged to the working party beyond the causeway, to disobey orders. In consequence of the late heavy rains, the huts which have been constructed for housing the prisoners at work, proved to be leaky and unfit to sleep in e Several Parlchurst boys considered it better to return to Gaol in Perth and have dry quarters, than (o remain in the bush and have uncomfortable sleeping berths. They were brought up before the sitting magistrate, k.-.* m _ r i* out ttGfc puutoucu| tu vuuoct|u«;uLC ui its .Uppearing that they had not manifested any determination to avoid the work imposed upon them, but merely a wish for security from the present wet and cold weather. Accounts by this mail from the Vasse represent that district as still continuing in a most unsatisfactory condition. The natives do not now hesitate tp drive away large quantities of cattle, in defiance of the small means of protection at the disposal of the Government. Emboldened by their unchecked career, and daily becoming more regardless of

consequences, the very worst results may be expected from the aborigines and their depredations.