Explorations in Australia - John Forrest
28. Bushing the Geraldton sand-hills has been a very useful and
successful work; the experiment was first tried by Lieutenant-Colonel
Bruce. Part of the work has been done by convict labour, and part by
farmers and settlers in payment for a loan advanced to them for
seed-wheat before my arrival. It is not too much to say that this work
has saved the town of Geraldton and its harbour from destruction by sand.
29. A little has been done in the way of improving the Swan River
navigation by means of a dredge imported by Governor Hampton, and worked
by prison labour and by an appropriation in the Loan Act of 1872. A work
has also been constructed, from funds provided out of the same loan, at
Mandurah, by which the entrance to the Murray River has been improved.
30. Harbour improvements have occupied much of the attention of
Government. A fine and substantial open-piled jetty at Fremantle, seven
hundred and fifty feet long, has been constructed, and answers all the
purposes for which it was designed; but the larger and extremely
difficult question of the construction of a really safe harbour at or
near Fremantle is yet undecided. Various plans have been proposed, and
great pressure has been put on the Government to commence works hastily
and without engineering advice. At one time one scheme has found favour,
and another at another, and the merits of the rival schemes of our
amateurs have been popularly judged upon the principle of opposing most
strongly anything that was supposed to find favour with the Government.
Last session a strong wish to do SOMETHING caused the Legislature to
advocate a scheme which many persons think would cause the mouth of the
River Swan to silt up, and expose the town of Fremantle to danger, lest
the river in flood should burst out (as no doubt it did formerly) into
the South Bay over the town site. The question, however, is referred to
the Victorian Government engineer, and the Melbourne Government have been
asked to allow him to visit this colony, but I fear that the people will
not accept his decision; and unless the members of the new Legislature
will agree to do so, or, in the event of his not coming, do what I have
long since recommended, namely, ask your Lordship to refer the whole
question to the decision of Sir John Coode, or some other great
authority, and undertake beforehand to abide by it, I see no chance of
anything being carried into effect until the warmth and personal feeling
which, strangely enough, is always evoked by this question, shall be
succeeded by a more reasonable and business-like mood. One of my first
acts on reaching this colony was, in accordance with the previously
expressed wish of the Council and colonists, to send for an engineer of
high repute to report. His report only raised a tempest of objurgations,
and I must frankly confess failure in my efforts to leave Fremantle with
a harbour; and, indeed, I am far from being convinced that anything under
an enormous outlay will avail to give an anchorage and approaches, safe
in all weathers, for large ships, though I, with the Melbourne engineers,
think that the plan of cutting a ship channel into Freshwater Bay, in the
Swan River, advocated by the Reverend Charles Grenfel Nicholay, is worthy
of consideration. Jetties at Albany, King George's Sound, the Vasse,
Bunbury, and Geraldton, have been lengthened, one at Dongarra
constructed, and money has been voted for the construction of one at Port
Cossack. Moorings have been procured from England, and are being laid
down at Fremantle and other ports.
31. With respect to public buildings, the Perth Town Hall--a very large
and conspicuous building, commenced by Governor Hampton--was completed
not long after my arrival, and handed over by me to the City Council and
Municipality on June 1, 1870; attached to it I caused the Legislative
Chamber to be built, and so arranged that at no great cost this colony
possesses a council-room more convenient and in better taste than many I
have seen of far greater pretensions. It is, however, proposed hereafter
to build legislative chambers in the new block of Government buildings,
of which the Registration Offices now about to be commenced will form a
wing, for which the contract is 2,502 pounds. The public offices at
Albany were finished shortly after my arrival. I may mention, among a
number of less important buildings, the harbour-master's house, Albany;
school-houses there and in various other places; large addition to
Government Boys' School, Fremantle; court-house and police-station, and
post and telegraphic offices at Greenough and at Dongarra;
police-station, Gingin; addition to court-house, York; post and
telegraphic offices at Guildford, York; and Northam Bonded Store,
Government offices, and police-station, Roebourne. Considerable additions
have been made, which add to the convenience and capabilities of the
Fremantle Lunatic Asylum, and alterations and adaptations and additions
have been made to several other buildings; for instance, at Albany a
resident magistrate's house and also a convenient prison have been formed
at no great outlay. At Perth a building has been erected to which I call
attention, the Government printing-house; this new department has been of
immense service during the four years in which it has been in
existence--in fact, it would have been impossible to have gone on without
it; and the Government printing work is most creditably done at a very
reasonable cost. A handsome stone sea-wall has been commenced by convict
labour at the new jetty at Fremantle, which will reclaim much valuable
land, and greatly improve the appearance of the place. Harbour lights
have been erected at several places. A large lighthouse is in the course
of erection at Point Moore, at Geraldton, which will be of much
importance; and it is proposed, with the co-operation of other colonies,
to erect one near Cape Leeuwin, as recommended at an
intercolonial conference on that subject.
32. Postal facilities have been increased, several new offices opened,
and postages (under powers vested in me by law) considerably reduced, on
both letters to the colonies and newspapers, from the tariff I found in
force. In this a step in advance of some of our neighbours was taken.
33. I have reduced several police-stations on the recommendation of
Captain Smith, the superintendent, which appeared to be no longer
necessary; but, on the other hand, I have extended police protection into
outlying districts, both for the benefit of European settlers and of the
aboriginal inhabitants. These latter have gained little and lost much by
the occupation of their country by settlement. I have fought their battle
against cruel wrong and oppression, holding, I trust, the hand of justice
with an even balance, and I rejoice to say not without effect and benefit
to both races. Their services as stockmen, shepherds, and pearlers are
invaluable; and when they die out, as shortly no doubt they will, their
disappearance will be universally acknowledged as a great loss to the
colonists.
34. The Legislature, I am happy to say, have latterly seconded my efforts
by encouraging industrial institutions for their benefit. Similarly they
have in the last session turned their attention to the condition of the
destitute and criminal children of our own race; and, in my own sphere, I
have done what was possible for the encouragement of the (denominational)
orphanages which have been long established and are in full working
order. This colony is, for its size and means, well supplied with
hospitals, asylums, and establishments for paupers, in which I have taken
great personal interest.
35. In legislation I have endeavoured to avoid over-legislation and
premature legislation. I have considered that free-trade principles are
especially in place in a colony situated as this is. The ad valorem duty,
and that on wines, spirits, and a few other articles, has been raised for
revenue purposes; some others have been put on the free list. I
successfully resisted the imposition of a duty on flour; I should have
simplified the tariff still further than I have done, and admitted free
many more articles--some of food, others used in our industries--had the
Legislature not objected; the tariff as it stands is inconsistent. The
English bankruptcy system has been introduced, and an Act passed
regarding fraudulent debtors; distillation has been permitted under
proper safeguards; Sunday closing of public-houses has been rendered
compulsory with good effect; a Lunacy Bill on the English model has
become law; the Torrens Land Registration system has been adopted, and
will shortly be put into force. Many equally important measures are
alluded to in their places in the pages of this despatch, and I will not
inflict upon your lordship a list of many minor Acts, some not
unimportant, which have proved beneficial in their degree.
36. Among lesser but not unimportant matters, I may mention that I have
extended the system of taking security from Government officers in
receipt of public moneys.
The commencement of a law and parliamentary library has been made.
37. Immigration from England has, on a small scale, been set on foot
lately, and families are now expected from neighbouring colonies, but our
population from obvious causes has increased but slightly during the last
five years; on my arrival it was said to be actually decreasing, and
there were many reasons why such an opinion was not
unreasonable--reduction of the convict establishment threw some out of
employment, expirees also desired to quit a country which to them had
been a land of bondage, and the prospects of the country were gloomy; now
there is a great want of labour, any that comes is at once absorbed, and
every effort should be made to attract a constant stream of immigrants.
38. It will be observed that when the whole authorized loan is raised,
the colony will be only in debt to the extent of a little over one year's
income, or 5 pounds 16 shillings 5 1/4 pence a head, whilst Victoria is
indebted 15 pounds 14 shillings 10 3/4 pence, New South Wales 19 pounds 7
shillings, South Australia 10 pounds 19 shillings 5 pence, Queensland 32
pounds 12 shillings 7 3/4 pence, Tasmania 14 pounds 3 shillings 6 3/4
pence, New Zealand 40 pounds 5 shillings 11 pence. I beg also to call
your lordship's attention to the fact that Western Australia has only yet
spent the 35,000 pound loan, and has now only begun to spend that of
100,000 pounds. I also would point out that the last annual increase of
revenue has about equalled the whole capital amount which has been
expended out of loans.
39. I have caused the following statistics to be furnished me from the
Treasury and Customs Departments for six years, ending on the 30th
September of each year. The first year given, that ending on the 30th
September, 1869, is the year immediately preceding my arrival, I having
been sworn in on that very day.
TREASURY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENTS STATISTICS FOR SIX YEARS TO 1874 IN
POUNDS/SHILLINGS/PENCE.
COLUMN 1: CATEGORY.
COLUMN 2: 1869.
COLUMN 3: 1870.
COLUMN 4: 1871.
COLUMN 5: 1872.
COLUMN 6: 1873.
COLUMN 7: 1874.
*Imports : 232,830/0/11 : 232,590/18/8 : 201,070/3/4 : 224,396/10/0 :
253,680/16/2 : 367,417/15/0.
**Exports : 178,860/15/2 : 204,447/2/2 : 194,934/9/3 : 228,807/12/9 :
278,502/16/0 : 398,900/8/6.
***Customs duties : 48,157/8/9 : 45,270/14/6 : 43,464/2/3 : 53,556/4/5 :
60,022/1/1 : 82,016/12/0.
****Revenue : 108,600/1/0 : 109,978/6/3 : 102,128/3/4 : 107,828/5/10 :
120,937/14/8 : 161,443/8/10.
****Expenditure : 107,213/1/10 : 119,478/8/4 : 112,285/10/7 :
103,205/16/0 : 120,259/11/9 : 131,334/18/5.
OBSERVATIONS.
*Ships now expected will greatly swell the items of Imports and Customs.
**This is exclusive of RE-exported articles, and the valuations are very
moderate. In round numbers, the Exports may be said to be over 400,000
pounds.
***Part of the increase of Customs duties is owing to increase of duties
on spirits, wines, and some other items; and ad valorem, on the other
hand, credit should be given for some articles which have been admitted
free. Taking the balance as the amount accruing from increase of duties,
it may be put at 12,000 pounds on the last year.
****It will be observed that for some time, until better seasons returned
and measures bore fruit, I had to a slight extent to rely on the surplus
found in the chest to make Revenue and Expenditure meet. To have starved
the Expenditure at that time would have been to have damaged the future
progress of the colony, and the Legislative Council opposed several
reductions that I thought might have been effected.
On the 30th September, 1874, there was a sum of 36,616 pounds 3 shillings
5 pence in the chest, and something like this sum will be at the disposal
of the Legislature at their meeting, beyond current revenue.
40. I need hardly say that the commercial state of the colony is
admittedly sound, and I am informed in a more prosperous condition than
at any previous period of its existence. Landed property, especially
about Perth, has lately risen immensely in value, and the rise is, I
hope, spreading and will reach the outlying districts. Perth has lost its
dilapidated appearance, and neat cottages and houses are springing up in
all directions, and the same progress to some extent is noticeable in
Fremantle and elsewhere.
41. I will not conclude this Report without recalling the success which
attended the efforts made by the Government, to which my private
secretary Mr. Henry Weld Blundell largely contributed, to represent the
products of Western Australia at the Sydney Exhibition of 1873. Much of
this success was attributable to the exertions of Mr. F.P. Barlee,
Colonial Secretary, then representing at Sydney this colony in the
intercolonial conference.
In that conference, the first to which a representative of this colony
was admitted, and which therefore marked an epoch in its political
existence, Mr. F.P. Barlee took a prominent part, ably upheld the trust I
placed in him, and received a most marked and cordial reception from our
colonists on his return.
41. I have further to express my obligations to that officer for the
assistance he has ever given me; were it not for his fearless and loyal
support, for the confidence which is placed in him by the very great
majority of the colonists, and for his fidelity in following my
instructions and carrying out my policy, it would have been impossible
for me, under a form of government most difficult to work, to have
carried to a successful issue the trust that has been imposed upon me,
and to have left this colony prosperous and self-reliant.
42. Should your lordship, considering the position in which I found
Western Australia--the reduction of imperial expenditure it has been my
duty to effect, the failure of the wheat crop for four successive seasons
and consequent depression, the inexperience of a new Legislature, the
absence of any propositions for the benefit of the colony from the
opposition, the obstacles thrown at first in the way of all measures
which have eventuated in good--should you, considering these things and
the present state of the colony, be of opinion that the administration of
its affairs during the last five years has not been unsatisfactory or
unfruitful, I beg that you will award a due share of credit to the
Colonial Secretary, who, as my mouthpiece in the Legislature, has carried
on single-handed all parliamentary business, and also to those gentlemen
who are now, or have at various times been, members of my executive, and
who have ever united to support me; to the nominated members of the
Legislature who have steadily voted for all the measures which have led
to the present progress of the colony, and whose merits the
constituencies have fully recognized by electing them as representatives
on vacancies in every case where they have stood; to the elected members,
who every session have given me increased support, and who, forming
two-thirds of the Legislature, had it in their power entirely to have
reversed my policy; and lastly, to the people of Western Australia, who
on each election have increased my strength, on whose ultimate good
sense, I--knowing colonists, myself an old colonist--put my reliance, a
reliance which has not been disappointed.
I have, etc.,
(Signed) FRED. A. WELD,
Governor.
The Earl of Carnarvon,
etc. etc. etc.
...
STATISTICS IN POUNDS/SHILLINGS/PENCE.
VALUE OF IMPORTS AND EXPORTS FROM 1861 TO 1873.
1861 : 147,912 : 95,789.
1862 : 172,991 : 119,313.
1863 : 157,136 : 143,105.
1864 : 169,856 : 132,738.
1865 : 168,413 : 178,487.
1866 : 251,907 : 150,066.
1867 : 204,613 : 174,080.
1868 : 225,614 : 192,636.
1869 : 127,977 : 101,359.
1870 : 213,258 : 200,984.
1871 : 198,011 : 199,288.
1872 : 226,656 : 209,107.
1873 : 297,328 : 265,217.
VALUE OF IMPORTS AND EXPORTS FOR 1874.
COLUMN 1: COUNTRIES.
COLUMN 2: IMPORTS.
COLUMN 3: EXPORTS.
United Kingdom : 188,243/10/8 : 268,726/4/0.
British Colonies:
Victoria : 75,588/7/0 : 8,038/1/0.
South Australia : 44,021/9/2 : 41,004/11/0.
New South Wales : 1,236/4/9.
New Zealand : 2,065/1/6 : 12,768/6/0.
Mauritius : 23,247/7/4 : 3,435/1/0.
Singapore : 11,346/19/2 : 53,648/16/0.
Ceylon : 1,135/2/0 : 437/0/0.
British India : 20/10/0 : 1,345/0/0.
All other British Possessions : 20/10/0 : 130/3/7.
Foreign Countries
China : 11,461/18/0 : 36,133/17/0.
Java : 5,646/2/6 : 2,934/19/6.
Timor : 246/14/4.
U.S. of America : 3/15/0 : 101/0/0.
Macassar : - : 118/0/0.
Whaling Ground : - : 16/0/0.
Total : 364,262/15/0 : 428,836/19/1.
REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE FROM 1861 TO 1873.
1861 : 67,261 : 81,087.
1862 : 69,406 : 72,267.
1863 : 71,708 : 71,073.
1864 : 71,910 : 70,714.
1865 : 77,942 : 74,985.
1866 : 89,382 : 84,652.
1867 : 90,430 : 89,501.
1868 : 99,496 : 89,726.
1869 : 103,661 : 103,124.
1870 : 98,131 : 113,046.
1871 : 97,606 : 107,146.
1872 : 105,301 : 98,248.
1873 : 134,832 : 114,270.
REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE FOR 1874.
REVENUE.
Customs : 82,275/7/3.
Land Sales : 7,679/2/4.
Land Revenue : 19,806/0/5.
Money Orders : 5,888/12/0.
Telegrams : 1,784/17/8.
Fines, Forfeitures, and Fees of Court : 2,022/13/3.
Reimbursements in aid of expenses incurred : 1,482/12/3.
Special Revenue (North District) : 2,133/12/0.
Miscellaneous Revenues : 11,152/18/11.
Total Revenue : 134,225/16/1.
EXPENDITURE.
Civil Establishment : 58,745/9/9.
Miscellaneous Disbursements : 53,111/8/6.
Parliamentary Salaries : 3,910/15/8.
Judicial Establishment : 6,098/18/10.
Customs Establishment : 2,045/1/3.
Police Establishment : 12,923/16/2.
Medical Establishment : 2,377/3/4.
Postal and Telegraph Department : 4,053/13/3.
Total Expenditure : 143,266/6/8.
PUBLIC DEBT : 100,000 pounds.
POPULATION OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
1850 : 5,886.
1853 : 9,334.
1856 : 13,391.
1859 : 14,837.
1862 : 17,246.
1865 : 20,260.
1868 : 22,733.
1871 : 25,724.
1874 : 26,209.
SUCCESSION OF GOVERNORS OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
NAME AND TITLE. APPOINTMENT. RETIREMENT.
Captain James Stirling, Lieutenant-Governor. June, 1829. September 1832.
Captain Irwin, Acting Lieutenant-Governor. September 1832. September
1833.
Captain Daniell, Acting Lieutenant-Governor. September 1833. May 11,
1834.
Captain Beete, Acting Lieutenant-Governor. May 11, 1834. May 24, 1834.
Sir James Stirling (formerly Captain Stirling), Governor. August 1834.
December 1838.
John Hutt, Esquire, Governor. January 1839. December 1845.
Lieutenant-Colonel Clarke, Governor. February 1846. February 1847.
Lieutenant-Colonel Irwin (formerly Captain Irwin), Governor. February
1847. July 1848.
Captain Charles Fitzgerald, Governor. August 1848. June 1855.
A.E. Kennedy, Esquire, Governor. June, 1855. February 1862.
Lieutenant-Colonel John Bruce, Acting Governor. February 17, 1862.
February 27, 1862.
J.S. Hampton, Esquire, Governor. February 27, 1862. November 1868.
Lieutenant-Colonel John Bruce, Acting Governor. November 1868. September
1869.
F.A. Weld, Esquire, Governor. September 1869. September 1874.
W.C.F. Robinson, Esquire, C.M.G. September 1874.
GILBERT AND RIVINGTON, PRINTERS, ST. JOHN'S SQUARE, LONDON.
THE END.