A SPANISH EXPEDITION TO THE NORTH OF AUSTRALIA.

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 235, 1 August 1872, Page 9

A SPANISH EXPEDITION TO THE NORTH OF AUSTRALIA.

{fironi tlie •' Sydney Morninff Herald.")

W6 have been furnished with the following translation from Spanish prints of an extract from the Spanish archives relative to an expedition that left Spain for the Pacific two centuries ago ; and which, taken in connection with the rumoured discovery of gold at the Roper, our correspondent (Mr. J. B. Richter, Waikivi, Southland) thinks will be of interest to Australian readers. Mr. K. believes it has never before appeared in English : —

" About the year 1640 to 1650 one or several vessels were sent out from Spain to the Pacific, Indian, and Chinese seas, on voyages of discovery. One of these cruised for many months around Borneo, Sumatra, Java, Timor, and eventually the country of North Australia around the Grulf of Carpentaria. This they took to be an island of much smaller dimensions, around which they intended to cruise, if their progress had not been stayed by the discovery made. After several days' sail, on sighting North Australia, first on an easterly course and then southerly, going on shore here and there, they cast anchor in a sheltered place by, or near, the mouth of a river above the middle size. The country to the westward, facing them, having an inviting aspect, they resolved to stay and explore for a week or two. The vos-

sel was a small one, and the staff consisted of an astronomer, botanist, and navigating lieutenant, whose names are fo .'gotten. The party went in their largest boat about 15 or 20 miles up a river, which is described as having deep water all the way, the banks clothed in luxuriant vegetation. Here they landed and made a camp, wherefrom they made incursions into the interior in different directions. All the more hilly parts of the country through which they traversed were described as being of highly auriferous character, indications showing for gold and copper ; so much so that, by the directions of the geologist, they were induced to try the sands of a large creek running into the larger river. The prospects gave better returns than (as stated by the geologist) the gold workings of Peru and Mexico. It was stated that they stayed for over a month prospecting th§ various creeks, in order to ascertain the general value of the country all around as a gold working. That the indications were of rich gold in nearly all the streams, as a proof of which they obtained many pounds weight of the metal, described as being of a coarse shotty character. So much did t!iey value this discovery that they resolved immediately to set sail for Spain and make report. They accordingly set sail, and owing to contrary winds, struck the eastern shores of the gulf. After this they struck the shore to the north of them (probably New Guinea), which gave some perplexity of being inlocked, navigation in those days not beiug so perfect as now. A description was taken of all the bays, islands, and headlands, but apparently without latitude, lougitude, and not many bearings. The vessel arrived safely in Spain. The news created much excitement. The result was that a large vessel, with the same staff of scientific men snip's crew, with 200 or 300 miners, were despatched by the King within 12 months of the arrival of the smaller vessel, for the new Eldorado, to work the gold-mines, and take possession of the country. That was the last that ever heard of the vessel. One year, two, three, four years passed, and no tidings of the expedition; nor from that day to this. 1^ after years one or more vessels were sent out by- the King of Spain, with all the charts and information that was deposited in the archives, either to obtain tidings of the lost ship or discover the gold-mines. The ships cruised, but the description given by the first vessel in its smaller detail answered in some measure to so many places, that suffice it to say the Eldorado was not found. The* spirit of enterprise and discovery fast sinking about this time, Spain never troubled herself about it afterwards." Mr. Richter adds — "There was more detail about the perplexity that the vessel got into, on leaviug the gold, cout try, currents, coral reefs, &c. which is gone out of mind. We compared maps with the description given at that time of reading the above account, and placed this said gold country on the western shores of the Gulf of Carpentaria, probably about the Roper River."