WESTERN AUSTRALIA.

Colonist, Issue 97, 24 September 1858, Page 3

WESTERN AUSTRALIA.

Perth papers to the 18th ult. had been received in Adelaide by the Success. Fioin the South Australian summaries of news we take the fullowing items:—

A brother of Mr. Gregory who was lately in this colony, had returned from an exploring expedition to Shark's Bay. The Independent refers to the subject in the following paragraphs, which contain some information in reference to copper mining in Western Australia:—

We publish this week two important documents—Mr, F. T. Gregory's report of the late exploring expedition, and the Mining Association's report of the third half yearly meeting the one telling us of fields for further enterprise, and the other giving proofs that in the present settled districts exist mines of wealth which only need working to create fortunes for their owners, and prosperity for the whole colony.

With respect to Mr. Gregory's expedition, we believe a perusal of his report will prove that never before in the anuals of exploring has so much been effected in so short a time or at so small an expense. Mr. Gregory appears to us rather to underrate the success he met with as regards the value to the colony of the extent of good land found, probably considering the chief importance of the result of the expedition to consist in the fact that a good route has been found by which future explorations may proceed. In this we agree with him, but at the same time we cannot but consider that the district traversed and described by him will fully satisfy the hopes and expectations of those who were interested in the expedition, and will give to stock owners that assurance of a wide field for their operations, the want of which has always been considered the greatest drawback under which the colony labored. Our space will not allow of much comment upon the report, but no one who reads it will fail to be convinced that, as an explorer, Mr. Gregory has fully maintained that great reputation which he had previously earned, and which must render him equally famous with his brother.

Of the Mining Association's report we need say but little—it speaks for itself. Notwithstanding the moderate valuation placed upon the landed property—i-SOOO for seven hundred acres of land, on which, to say nothing of the Wanerenooka, there are no less than four other copper aud one rich lead ode, all promising to be equally rich—we find that the operations at the Wanerenooka have been so profitable that the estimated assets nearly double the amount invested—the best proof possible of the richness of the mine, and the best ground for anticipations of the future, and encouragement for the commencement by others of similar undertakings.

The news from the northward is satisfactory, both as regards mining operations and whaling. Copper ore of good quality is raised in abundance, and 17| tons of oil had rewarded the exertions of Harwooff's whaling party.

llokses foe India.—By the Emma Eugenic. Mr. G. Skinner shipped twenty-three horses, destined for various ports of India and China, to which places they will be despatched from Singapore. The former lot were nearly all transhipped at Singapore, and through the instrumentality of the shipper a trade has been opened in these places via Singapore. The lot of horses sent per Emma Eugenic are of good description, and will, we hope, realise high prices for the enterprising speculator.

The camel question was attracting attention in Western Australia. The Government Gazette had the following notification on the subject : —" Camels and Alpacas.—His Excellency the Governor directs it to be notified for the information^ of merchants and ship-masters, that the colonial Government, being anxious to encourage the importation of the above animals, as likely to be useful to the settlers, will pay a bonus of £60 to the first importer of one male and two female camels in healthy condition; also,.a bonus of .£SO to the first importer of two ln&ie and eight female alpacas in like healthy condition ; provided the same be landed in this colony within twelve months from this date (July 26.)"