17 AUGUST 1839, Page 9

It our latest Sydney papers, we are glad to find

evidence that the Colonists of New South Wales are desirous of aiding the Government at home in getting rid of the convict fool assignment system. A meeting held in Sydney, to petition Parliament in favour of transportation and assignment, had proved a fhilure, although great pains had been taken by some leading men in the colony to procure a full attendance, Ac- cording to one account, two hums red, according to another only one hundred persons, were present. The majority of the newspapers are opposed to the continuance of the convict system. ; and the tigthwy He- rald, the leading paper in New South Wales, has relinquished the at- tempt to defend it. A correspondent, whose communication is approved of by the editor of that paper, writes as fbllows, iil reference to the meet- ing above-mentioned- " Men are transported to this colony as a punish moot for their crimes, not as a pecuniary benefit for their fellow men ; but theme friends of transportation, in the importance of the latter, have totally overlooked the former considera- tion. To hired labour in the West Indies they could give their opposition ; to forced labour in Australia they can afford their warmest and must strenuous support. Charity, it is said, begins at home ; and never, I will venture to say, was the truth of this assertion more remarkably exemplified, than in the con- duct of these selfish politicians. Sincerely do 1 hope the Colonists of Austra- lia will not suffer their names to be tarnished by their avowing a wish to con- tinue a system which, though productive of light and transient benefit, is un- questionably the only obstruction to our future and permanent prosperity. A community that is dependent upon slavery for its support, is indeed degraded ! let them, then, not declare their colony to be placed in such an untbrtunate po- sition. If, however, they should not be possessed of disinterestedness and fore- sight sufficient for this purpose, we shall have one consolation in knowing, that it is already too lute for them to be instrumental in injuring their country."

The South Austradiun Gazette, dated February the 2d, announces, that another special survey of fifteen thousand acres had just been taken by Mr. C. Flaxman, for himself and others ; and adds- " We know of another in immediate contemplation, and we hear of several more. It is impo.e..ible to conceive the spirit which these surveys are infusing among all classes of colonists ; mid we trust they will demonstrate in England, beyond all doubt, that the soil, climate, and situation of South Australia, are far superior to any other known portion of New Holland. Let it always be borne in mind, that several of these surveys have been demanded by some of the largest stock-proprietors of New South Wales—not merely alive to their own interests, but themselves the very best qualified to judge by comparison of the advantages of our more favoured land. "His Excellency has, in the most considerate manner, allowed land-orders to be received to the extent of one-half, or 2,000/., on each special survey ; so that not merely all reasonable complaints with regard to the want of surveyed land arc avoided, but a greatly increased amount of benefit is conferred upon those who have purchased land in England, in so far as a certain number of them eau, by concerting among themselves, choose whatever district they con- sider the most advantageous. It is, however, but fair towards intending emi- grants, to state for their guidance, that as matters are at present regulated by the Commissioners in England, they are not placed on the best fboting on their arrival here with land-orders in their pocket instead of cash. The Governor, as we have seen, has, on his own responsibility, rendered their posi- tion by one-half more easy; but he can do nothing further. It is probable, however, that by the time this Gazette reaches home, the Commissioners will see the propriety of placing the holders of laud-warrants taken in England on the same footing, at least with regard to special surveys, as purchasers in the colony now arc. If they do not, emigrants have the remedy in their own bands,—which is, not to purchase at all till they reach South Australia."

The price of bread at Adelaide had been redaced from ed. to 6.1-,d. for the two-pound loaf.

Some time ago, a considerable number of persons emigrated to this colony from Colonel Wyndham's estate. We are glad to see from the Sussex Express, that they are thriving there— - " Most satisflattory letters have been received from Adelaide, from Colonel George Wyndham's agent, (Mr. Mitchell, late of Ilaslemere,) stating that a purchase of land has been made on which there is plenty of oak timber, and that the country abounds in good stone fbr building. The soil is also reported favourable tbr the production of corn, barley, potatoes, apples, &c. and tar the culture of the vine ; and there is an abundance of stringy bark well adapted for fences. The wages quoted from Mr. Mitchell are as follows—Carpenters and artificers, 10s. to 12s. per day ; shepherds, 25s. per week, with rations ; common labourers, 5s. per duty. Butter appears to be the most expensive article in the colony, being quoted at 3s. per pound ; meat, Is. per pound. It appears that there is an excellent opening in the colony for good shepherds, who would be sent out free of expense."