GOVERNMENT NOTICE
Commissariat Office.
Perth, March 1st, 1833
TO BE SOLD ON THE 6th INST
By Lionel Samson, Government Auctioneer.
A quantity of Empty flour, pork, and beef Casks, belonging to the public.
John Lewis,
Dep. Asst. Commissary General
SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE
On the 27th Instant Arrived the Monkey, Capt Pace, from Java.—Assorted Cargo. We had begun to entertain some apprehension for the safety of this vessel, which we are happy to find, her arrival has removed. She has been out 3 Months; we regret we have not had an opportunity of obtaining an explanation of this unaccountably long passage, we will endeavour to procure it for our next.
Lying in Gages Roads.—The Cygnet,—The Jolly Rambler, and Monkey.
IMPORTS per MONKEY, Captain Pace.
90 half barrels Beef and Pork.—1 corn Mill,—2 packages Tea,—4 ton Rice,—3 cwt. Tobacco,—1 case Piece goods.
Stores not in the manifest but for Sale.—Sugar—cocoa nut Oil,—Candles,—tanned Hides,—Fishing lines,—and Hooks,—Soap,—Matts,—Rattans
THE
WESTERN AUSTRALIAN
JOURNAL.
The Natives are still in and near Perth encouraged to remain, we presume, by the distribution of rations, which are daily served out to them some distance from the town. We regret this encouragement has been given them, as it is an inducement for them to neglect their accustomed haunts, and leads to a greater intimacy than it appears to us advisable to cultivate; we reserve however any remarks, we may have to make, upon this point, until we are better informed as to the object proposed to be attained by it. A better opportunity for accomplishing any projected scheme, could not possibly present itself, we anticipate therefore in a short time we shall be enabled to report favourably of the progress made by the Superintendent of Native Tribes, and his assistant in the knowledge of the native language, as well as in establishing a friendly intercourse.
We consider it of the first importance, that the public should refrain from giving them either Money or Bread; it is true they are extremely importunate, and are becoming most accomplished beggars, but their importunities must be resisted, otherwise in the course of a short time force must be used, to effect that, which a determined line conduct would have accomplished, The privations these tribes are exposed to, are by no means so great as is generally imagined, they may be seen daily with loads of fish, whilst our fishermen return without any success;, we are surprized an attempt has not been made to bring the Natives into a system of barter instead of giving them bread &c whithout any return; their dexterity in spearing fish can at all times command any quantity their necessities may induce them to exercise sufficient energy to acquire, it is to be supposed therefore, that by giving a certain quantity of bread in proportion to the fish brought in, they would be stimulated to additional activity
Since writing the foregoing, a public notice has been transmitted to us for insertion, which will be found in another column, and to which we direct the attention of our Readers; we would remark however, although it may be a satisfaction to the public to know, that sixty stand of arms are in readiness to be produced on an emergency, still we have not hitherto seen, any occasion for apprehending danger and the treacherous method of revenge, practised by the Natives, in the event of its being provoked, would render a recourse to arms, when the mischief was done, as futile as ridiculous.
The improvements at Perth and Fremantle, have been for some time rapidly progressing, and from the substantial style of the buildings, the former being of brick, and the latter of stone, throw the earlier specimens of domestic architecture deeply in the shade. At Perth, the walls of the new barracks, are nearly completed; the carpenters work we understand is all prepared; in the course of a week or two we may expect therefore, to find this unsightly gat in the main street, filled up. The palings surrounding each Perth allotment according to the Government regulations, have a pleasing effect; and were the space of ground appointed for the barracks, and parade ground, inclosed, which we suppose will be done before long, a connected line of fencing will extend through the principal street. Several private buildings are in a state of forwardness, which we shall notice when their completion enables us to speak more decidedly of their respective merits. It is to be regretted that some steps are not taken to form a foot path, along St. George's Terrace, and Bazaar street, materials for the purpose are at hand, and we should conceive every householder would willingly subscribe towards a portion of the expense. The plan we should propose would be, first a layer of clay, secondly, upon this a well cemented brick causeway. We are open to any further suggestions relative to this subject, the consideration of which we submit to the earnest attention of our Readers. Great expense has been incurred at Fremantle in errecting stone walls, around each allotment, in order as it was supposed, to secure them from the drift sand; the object however, has been defeated, in many instances; and the unsightly appearence of these walls, we should hope will lead to the discontinuance of a regulation, which condemns the Inhabitants to perpetual imprisonment.
The difficulty genearlly felt in a new colony of obtaining suitable instruction for the youths, of the higher classes of the community, has been experenced here; we are happy to find however, this grand desideratum is likely to be afforded us, our esteemed colonial Chaplain having directed his attention to this desirable object.
Many families of respectability, we feel convinced, are detered from emigrating, in consequence of their reflecting that their children must of necessity run wild in the trackless woods of a new settlement; we rejoice, we are enabled to remove these scruples, as applied to us, by a reference to the establishment of a private Seminary at Perth, under the vigilant eye and guidance of a Gentleman of great ability, and considerable practical knowledge.
We have already noticed, the public institutions set on foot in the towns of Perth, Fremantle, and Guildford, which it gratefies us to report, all classes have been laudably zealous, and active in promoting; we augur much good irom the encouragement of these establishments, and trust they will continue to meet with the warm patronage, their objects so strongly recommend. At Perth we percieve some allotments are appropriated for the purpose of a School toom, and the building, we are informed is contracted for, and will soon be completed.
The Soldier Speared at Clarence
Last week we had only room to notice that Jenkins a Private of the 63d. who was speared by the Natives at Clarence, was recovering; we are happy to add, that he is expected before long to be in a state of convalescence. The particulars of the savage attack, are as follows; A party on their way to the Murray had casually put in at Clarence, where Jenkins was stationed, and requested him to let them have some water. He went to the well, for the purpose of procuring it, where he had to descend a small ladder; he had scarcely reached the bottom, when he heard a noise as he described it like the tramping of cavalry, at a short distance from him, and immediately afterwards received two spears in his back and shoulder; he mounted the ladder again with difficulty, and when at the top several more spears were hurled at him, two of which lodged in his side and arm. Thinking it is persuaded, that they had effected their diabolical purpose, they hastily retreated. From the manner in which the attack was made, there can be little doubt but this man was singled out as an object of revenge; and when we call to mind, that he was one of those stationed at Carnac to guard the native prisoners, we have no hesitation in affirming, that some acts of restraint, in the exercise of his duty have rendered him the victim of their displeasure. He perceived the whole of the tribe behind a hill at some distance from him, and, whether intentionally or not, it is difficult to determine, but the faces of those engaged in this brutal outrage were concealed so effectually by their hair being drawn over them, that Jenkins was unable to recognise any of their features. From this as well as many other instances, we have seen, that an injury once inflicted, upon any of the tribes, never is allowed to pass without retribution, we would therefore caution all those who come in contact with them, to be particularly circumspect in their conduct towards them, and to avoid what is termed larking, as such jokes may per chance be misinterpreted. Mr. Norcott we are informed had a narrow escape from that determined villian Yagan a few days ago, he happened to give him more than his share of biscuit, and endeavouring to take it away, when Yagan's ire was aroused, and his spear instantly pointed; this was done in the presence of several persons who restrained him. The reckless daring of this desperado who sets his life at a pin's fee, has been the subject of general observation, and we firmly believe for the most trivial offence even with a loaded musket at his breast, he would take the life of any man who provoked him. He is at the head and front of any mischief; it has been suggested that he should be again confined, but this we believe would only leave an opening for an equally daring successor. The chuckling style in which Yagan gives us to understand the manner in which they effected their escape from Carnac, is highly amusing; but a short time ago, he walked up to the door of the Jail at Fremantle, and after exchanging civilities with his late Keeper, marched off pointing significantly at the Jail, and then Carnac.
