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Southland Times, Volume I, Issue 64, 27 October 1864, Page 3

ft. s- " s ™"~~~~" Extract from the first report of the Police Magistrate, Somerset, to the Honorable the r ' Colonial Secretary, Brisbane: — '" ' Somerset, 6th September, 1864, Sir,— By tho Salamander, -which leaves for to-morrow, the 7th instant, I have the ' ', honor to transmit to you my first report on the - ■' progress of formation of the new settlement. £ The Golden Eagle arrived here on the afternoon ' of the Ist of August, after a pleasant, but rather long passage. The stock were landed next mornj n <r the horses on the mainland, the sheep on Albany Island. Only four sheep died on tho ,}MMf«, ta<* their lot? , vb*, 'I believe, occagioged „-/ i- • ' '" r

by the wet and hardship theyendured at the time : of shipment. The.landing- of the timber was also commenced. '.''" ' Having fixed upon a suitable spot for a tempoVary camp, the detachment of Royal Marines* which had arrived 'in the Salamander, on July. 29th, . yrere- ( landed on the third (3rd),- and the colonial -party j on the fourth (4th). r The remainder of the week 'was employed- by Mr. Wilson, the Government; . surveyor; arid -in examining the ground in the neighborhood for the most suitable-sites^on which-tk) erect tlie -gbvenrient; buildings; and we finally fixed upon the ; south-eastern slopes ofSomerset Point, facing the bay, for the marine barracks and other; buildings connected with their j service -and the rising ground, midway between Somerset and Sheridan: Points, I chose for the Police Magistrate's housed , ■ ; t; : On th^ Bth, >l gave LieutenantlPascoe, a letter (copy A herewith) of regulations as to work and general guidance of the detachment under his command, and applicable to the civil party also. Clearing the pound for the sitesof the barracks was commenced by the -workmen of the Marines, and that for the Police Magistrate's house by my own men. This, from the nature of the ground covered with a dense vine scrub, was a laborious and tedious operation. A temporary store was completed, and th» stores landed of the timber was also completed on that day. I had a tramway lad down along the beach, to the foot of the cliff, to which thetimberwas carried on a truck, and from thence hauled by winch and block, worked by the Salamander's men, to the top; within a short distance from the required spot. The ascent to the site of the Police Magis trate's house" not being so steep, the material for it was drawn up on the dray. The progress made in buildings to this date i 8 ..—Walls and rooof of the police magistrate's kitchen up ; foundation of barracks and kitchen up ; foundation of barracks and kitchen laid. These will be completed so as to be thoroughly habitable this month. The ground for the officer of marines and the surgeon's quarters is cleared, and these buildings will be gone on with as soon as possible. Captain Limmex proceeded on his voyage with the Golden Eagle the 30th ultimo ; having fulfilled the terms of the charter and contract satisfaeterly in all respects. Mr. Wilson has been continually engaged in the survey of the town lands ; it is impossible however, that he can have it completed by the time the Salamander leaves, the very varying features of the ground, one-half at least of which i 3 covered with thick vine scrub, render the work of survey very tedious. I regret much that a sale-plan of the town of Somerset cannot be forwarded by this opportunity, more especially as his Excellency had expressed a wish that the first sale should take place this year. The nature of the ground to be surveyed, and the short time — but one month — allowed render the completion impossible. Mr. Wilson, however, informs me that the plans will be finished by the middle of next month. As yet everything has proceeded well. Captain Carnegie and the officers of the Salamander have rendered every assistance most courteously, and the few small difficulties and discomforts which arise only serve as incentives to overcome them. It appears that the site of Somerset has been happily chosen, as some of the best land is to be found in its neighbourhood. As a town site I think it good. The features are well marked and commanding. The ascents have gradual slopes, the line 3 have good curves, and the whole is highly picturesque and beautiful. The climate is unexceptionable. The natives appear to be numerous, and have made themselves useful in carrying timber, cutting scrub, &c. They are, however, only to be induced tio work by rewards of biscuit and tobacco. The are like all of their race, persistent beggars, and incorrigible and accomplished theives. _ They have few arms, and appear peaceable and innofensive, but are nevertheless not to be trusted.