Volume I Part 36 (1/2)

We anchored to prevent being taken back through Dundas Strait by the return tide, which froht, set South-East by South froh-water at Popha at a quarter past eleven, we e three quarters of an hour after high-water Weighing as soon as the tide h there was still no wind, ere rather surprised at daylight to find how little the shi+p had drifted to the North-North-West The only reason I can give in explanation is that the ebb or North-West streaulf joins with, and is thrown out of its course by the easterly or ebb strea

ARRIVAL AT THE PORT

A breeze springing up late in thePeninsula, entering Port Essington at dusk In working round Vashon Head, we found the water shoal very rapidly to 12, 9, and 7 fathorees West This head is fronted by a reef of some extent, which siton, cannot be distinguished, owing to the muddy colour of the water; it is therefore necessary that the lead should be kept constantly going when in its vicinity When daylight broke, we found no fresh arrival to greet our anxious gaze, the Britouardian of the port Her solitary aspect at once destroyed our hopes of supplies, and on reaching the settlement our fears proved to have toowhich leaves the human breast, and in this instance did not desert us; as there was still a chance of a vessel arriving, while ere engaged in watering the shi+p

VICTORIA THEATRE

The news of our discovery of the Adelaide was hailed with infinite satisfaction, and the numerous speculations and ideas on the subject which were at once afloat, afforded an agreeable variety to the monotony of existence in the settlement, where however at the ree of exciteh the activity of Captain Stanley

THEATRICAL AMUsemenTS

Ever anxious to provide for the aetting up a play, which was now nearly ready to be perforotten; it was however nothing very deep, and was selected froe to the North Pole This adventurous playbook, which had certainly done its duty, was originally picked up by its owner on Tower-hill The scenery was painted by Captain Stanley with earths of the country, who also was stage eneral planner of the whole The wives of soe workshop was converted into a theatre At length, after the difficulties usually attendant on private theatricals, everything was in readiness for the first performance of the drama in Northern Australia Tickets were issued, of which I have one beforethe words ”Victoria Theatre, Port Essington, August 24th, 1839” In after years this will be looked upon as a curious relic in connection with the history of this part of the continent As if to cause the first perfor auspices, such as the occasion properly called for, HMS Pelorus arrived with supplies and letters fro dearth of provisions had rendered it somewhat difficult to secure a very happily disposed audience, an e: but the arrival of a shi+p on the very play day caused a crowded and delighted attendance Everything went off shter All the characters being supported by rotesque appearance; n, the ladies could be seen through it, regaling the these intervals, with a pipe The whole affair gave infinite satisfaction, while ours was greatly enhanced, and our minds prepared for any duty, by the timely arrival of supplies and letters, of both of which we fortunately received our share

Our departure froton, was not therefore hurried; and I had soard to the capabilities of the place, which were found to grow upon acquaintance

The fact of its being well fitted for the growth of cotton was in particular a great additional recommendation The sallow appearance of the settlers clearly deh apparently there was no dith It should however be remembered that up to this time they had not had the sast them as transient visitors, with ruddy faces The warmth of the climate in itself conduces to intemperance, which to Europeans is ever fatal

The Pelorus brought orders for the Britomart to proceed to Sydney

PassAGE THROUGH TORRES STRAIT

Captain Stanley was anxious--with the westerly h Torres Strait, instead of going round the west coast, as such a course hbourhood; a result always in such a service of the utretted that the senior officer did not approve of this plan, as the passage has only once beenexperienced some difficulties reported unfavourably of it The importance of an intimate acquaintance with this route will be better appreciated, e reflect that ultireat traffic be carried on between our East Indian and Australian possessions

During our visit to Port Essington, soinning of the work, took place Mr Forsyth joined us fro, was a valuable addition to our party

SKETCH OF VICTORIA

Having said so ton on our for our readers an interest in the locality, we give a slight sketch of the appearance of the settlee, which will be more effective than our most elaborate description of it

EVIL EXAMPLE OF CONVICTS

Before taking leave of this new colony, we must at once express a hope that it will not be ree in which the convict system has hastened the prosperity of our possessions on the south-eastern part of the continent; but from the proximity of northern Australia to the islands in the Arafura sea--the waters separating theable for boats--the natives would be contaminated and vitiated, their wo the islanders rendered worse; and instead of our advent bringing with it the light of the gospel, and the real and substantial blessings of civilization, we should enjoy the unenviable privilege of still further degenerating the savage The evil thus caused in New Zealand has been incalculable; to the bad example of convicts e much of the ills which have there arisen; the fine fearless bearing of the wild , acquired from the runaway felon; who reckless of his own life can have no regard for that of others The worst cris of a civilized population have been introduced; and ht otherwise have been reclaih the white man's instrumentality, perished in sin

(Footnote I knew an instance of a convict, hen dying actually picked ain death, was here painfully exemplified JLS)

The number of Malay proas that visit this part of the continent, would also furnish facilities for the escape of convicts froton

We shall now fulfil our pro before hi cruise to the islands we have just alluded to, which will occupy the re portion of the present voluton

Reach Timor Laut

Meet Proas

Chief Lomba

Traces of the Crew of the Charles Eaton

Their account of the wreck and sojourn on the Island

Captain King's account of the Rescue of the Survivors

Boy Ireland's relation of the sufferings and massacre of the Crew

Appearance of the shores of Timor Laut

Description of the Inhabitants

Dress

Leprosy

Canoes

Village of Oliliet

Curious Houses

Remarkable Ornaments