We have been flavoured with the perusal of a communication
of a late. date from Perth. Governor Hutt appears to be indefatigable in his endeavours to promote the interests of the colony ; but he has most formidable difficulties to contend with, in the shape of the dispersive
system, which his popular predecessor, Sir James Stirling, encouraged. Land may be bought in almost any quantity at the Swan River for 2s. 6d.
per acre ;_ and yet the inhabitants blame the Governor for stopping the
sales of Crown lands, and fancy that the only obstacle to their rapid accumulation of wealth is want of land. This reminds one of the story
told by Burkhardt of a man at Mecca who died in consequence of the enormous quantity of water which he drank from the sacred fountain, but who departed this life under the firm conviction that his malady
was occasioned by inability to drink enough of the holy beverage. The Swan Riverites are in like manner devoted to an equally fatal and diluent system ; and it' they be saved, it will be in spite of their own desires.
We perceive one consequence of the dispersive system in the necessity of appointing numerous Magistrates. For the colony contains
many little communities separated from each other, and requiring di.S.
fillet administrators of the law. Sir James Stirling appointed as many Justices as he liked, at 100/. a year each, paid out of' the Parliamentary
fund. Governor Hutt, we suspect, has given great offence by announcing that he disapproves of this system, and by refusing to increase the number of Justices.
The expenditure for 1840-41 is to be 5,0001., as fixed by the Governor and Council.
The arrival of an intelligent capitalist from the North of Ireland, with information that many were preparing to follow his steps, was justly welcomed. The Governor was busy in ascertaining the capabilities of his colony. Some extensive surveys had been made, and some rivers discovered ; one of which was named the Hutt (in compliment to the Member for Hull) by Lieutenant Grey, the discoverer.
A plot of land, eighteen acres in extent, had been laid aside for. a public playground ; and it was determined by the Governor and Council that at least fifteen acres should be allotted for the same purpose in other and future towns.—Colonial Gazette.
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