A FRENCH MAN-OF-WAR AT MELBOURNE.

Westport Times, Volume IV, Issue 718, 1 October 1870, Page 2

A FRENCH MAN-OF-WAR AT MELBOURNE.

The arrival of a French, war-steamer in Hobson's Bay ten days ago was an event calculated to give rise to some excitement, as it was anticipated that she might be the precursor of information of war between Great Britain and the Continental powers. It was- not until after the Surcceuf gunboat had dipped her flag in compliment to the Avoca mail steamer, as she was starting on her outward voyage to the Sound, that the real character of the visitor became known. She had come by the Suez Canal, performing the whole voyage from Galle to Melbourne in thirty-seven days, being only one day under steam. She put in for coal, provisions, and water. In her cha-. racter of a despatch boat, she is supposed to be the custodian of the views of the Imperial Government upon matters appertaining to the conduct and defence of the French colonies. The Surcceuf is provided with four guns, two 44-pounders and two 24pounders. All the guns are riflebored. The captain went on shore, and had an interview with the French consul, and afterwards spent some time with his Excellency the Governor at the Treasury. He was afterwards entertained by his Excellency at Toorak. It is rumored that Melbourne will be visited by a large French

1«g""g ——■—I—i—SEEC3C *"""'"*""'—— frigate before many weeks have ©lapsed. Sho was to follow the Surcceuf. Before leaving, the captaiu ol the vessel wrote a letter thanking the gentlemen of the Press for their attention, and the people of Melbourne for their kindness, and wishing prosperity to the Colony. It is said that the Victorian Government have taken steps to obtain the fullest and most reliable information respecting the French land and sea forces stationed at New Caledonia ; but they regard the communication as a privileged one. The Governor of South Australia, at the request of the Parliament of that colony, has promised to take steps to obtain similar information