Visit Impresses Governor MacDonnell

From Poonindie the Governor-in-Chief and balance of his party proceeded to Port Augusta. On the return journey from Port Augusta, which could not be left until February 14, 1857, on account of contrary winds, a call was made at Franklin Harbor on February 17.

Here Captain Douglas was engaged in survey work until the 19th, then Port Lincoln was made on the 20th. The American whaler Plover was found in the port, having put in to refit. This whaler of 330 tons, of New Bedford, United States (Captain Skiff, owner and master) had entered the port on February 10, and expected to stay for six weeks. She was a new vessel when she left her home port, 17 months previously, on the whaling expedition. A number of the crew deserted; four were recaptured, and seven others were still absent, when the correspondent penned his letter; he considered they would have little chance to "bolt" in such an isolated district.

His Excellency landed at 2.30 p.m. on February 21 on the beach in front of the court house. He was saluted by the discharge of "our two small carronades." On this occasion the settlers were better prepared to receive and welcome him, and to present an address of congratulation from the residents. The Governor was introduced by the Government Resident to Messrs. H. C. Hawson, H. J. Smith, George Lawson J's.P., John Bishop, James Anderson, B. Holroyd and A. Nicholls.

ADDRESS OF WELCOME

A long address of welcome was read by Mr. H. C. Hawson, expressing attachment "to our beloved Sovereign" and the "high esteem in which we hold your Excellency as her representative." A most abject but hearty apology followed for the omission in not presenting the address on his first arrival, due, it was said, to the settlers being dispersed over a very extensive country, intercommunication being difficult and co-operation almost impossible. Confidence was expressed in the Governor's policy, and appreciation was voiced that the district was about to participate in portion of the public revenue. It was hoped, as a result, that agricultural and pastoral work would be more fully developed and that mining operations — about to be renewed — would be benefited.

His Excellency gave a long reply. He described Boston Bay as the second harbor in Australia. He said that £2,000 had been voted for the jetty and for sinking wells. He had on two previous occasions had his baggage on the Yatala with the intention of visiting Port Lincoln, but unforeseen circumstances prevented accomplishment of the trip. He had assured Mr. Watt, the local incumber, that there was no possibility of the grant being withdrawn, as both he (His Excellency) and the executive were determined to act in the most liberal manner consistent with a proper degree of prudence toward the district of Port Lincoln. He also stated that a further grant of £1,000 had been made as a bonus for a steamer to ply between ports. They could not throw away public funds to make a. flourishing settlement. It was still to be proved in what degree Port Lincoln was capable of becoming prosperous. He assured the gentlemen present that he trusted it would not be the last time he would enjoy the pleasure of visiting Port Lincoln. His Excellency visited the springs on the beach below Happy Valley, then cut across country to the top of Flagstaff Hill, where he had a fine view of the bay and shipping.

DEPARTURE FOR ADELAIDE

On February 22, His Excellency and Lady MacDonnell landed at 6 a.m., and they rode about the district for three hours, when they returned en board, and soon after the Yatala was under weigh, receiving a parting salute from the guns. Capt. Douglas, during the stay, found the rock which the Yatala had struck the previous year. Leaving Port Lincoln, the vessel, due to the prevalence of severe south-east weather, came to anchor under Taylor's Island. Capt. Douglas accurately determined the position of a dangerous rock between Dangerous Reef and the Black Rocks, off the north west end of Thistle's Island. On Monday a heavy breeze of wind was encountered off Thistle's Island.

At Cape Borda the site of the proposed jetty was inspected by the harbor master (Capt. Douglas) and the Colonial Architect. Sundry places on Kangaroo Island were visited before returning to Port Adelaide on February 27. His Excellency's health had much improved as the result of the trip. "Is there anything in the district worth developing?" was the controverted question. A powerful party decried the place and affirmed it was useless to throw away public money upon it. Others maintained it had wonderful resources in abeyance. Mineral treasures, had not been half developed, while agricultural capabilities had been purposely depreciated from motives of interest. That was the 'Register' correspondent's view, and he believed that gold and coal would be found. How true was his forecast, "what wonderful resources in abeyance." Though coal and gold have not been found yet, iron ore at the top end has proved a boon to Australia. Eyre Peninsula grows a fair share of the wheat of the State and is making rapid strides in the frozen lamb trade.

(Another instalment next week.)