19 DECEMBER 1863, Page 2

The Australian Colonies are in a ferment, even the judges

joining in public meetings to protest against the revival of transportation to any part of the continent. Even as it is, bushrangers in New South Wales plunder small towns with impunity, and the colo- nists affirm that wherever they may be sent the convicts will sooner or later make their way to the settled districts- It appears to be beyond question that if the plan be persisted in the colonists will resist, and it must not be forgotten that even the Cape Colony, which has not begun to talk of setting up for itself, rebelled against the introduction of prisoners.