COMMERCIAL RELATIONS. 51 



countries like tho United Kincrdoni liavo experienced tUo effects of 

 such transitions, and liavc been slower than this Colony to recover. 

 During 1895 there was a material recovery of Conlidence in New South 

 Wales, and that in spite of a deficient niiiifall ; and 18U0 is opening,' 

 with yet increased buo3^ancy. 



fSydurij and Neuccastle as Ports. 



Naturally, with the largest share of the trade of these colonies, the 

 shipping returns of New South Wales are likewise the most extensive. 

 The harbour of Sydney, not seldom with nearly a hundred great ocean 

 steamers and sailing ships on its waters, affords the most indisputable 

 evidence of being a busy port, for which its natural advantages 

 entirely fit it. It is, indeed, the iDUsiest port in the Southern Hemis- 

 phere. For many miles the depth of water is ample for tonnage of the 

 deepest draught ; its tides average but 3 feet 4- inches, and the flow 

 and ebb of water in the centre of the stream is almost imperceptible. 

 Again, the harbour is almost entirely landlocked, even tho com- 

 paratively narrow opening through the Heads being unseen from any 

 part of Sydney, while the great rollers coming in from the Pacific 

 expend their entire force upon the rocks which face the entrance or 

 upon the nearest shores of Middle Harboui-, another extensive water- 

 way at present given over to the Sydney excursionist, but which will 

 some day add to the importance of Sydney as a port. The accom- 

 panying plan of Sydney Harbour will serve to show the dimensions of 

 tho port better than many pages of description would do ; and the 

 multitudinous bays and coves, separated for the most part by high 

 land, afford ample protection in all weathers. 



Upon the shores of Sydney Harbour the CTOvernmcnit have consti-ucted 

 some 15,500 feet of the wharfage, the major part with a de])th along- 

 side from 25 to 30 feet at low tide ; and the private wharfs are very 

 numerous, and in the aggregate of fully equal extent, though the 

 depth of water alongside varies considerably. Still, many of tho 

 private wharfs will accommodate vessels drawing from 20 to 25 feet, 

 and one has a depth of no less than 35 feet. The bottom, too, being 

 soft, even, and free from currents, vessels may rest thereon at low 

 water without risk. These 7 miles of wharfs are fitted with ample 

 crane power and storage, and additions are constantly in ])rogress. 



At Newcastle, there are also about 12,000 feet frontage of (-Jovern- 

 ment wharfs, which will accommodate vessels drawing from 20 feet to 

 23 ft. 6 in., in addition to 1,500 feet of private wharfs. 



The dock accommodation in Sydney is extensive. The tM'o Govern- 

 ment graving docks on Cockatoo Island stand fini5t in importance. 

 The Sutherland Dock is 600 feet long by 81 in width, andjvould 

 admit a vessel drawing 32 feet ; while the Fitzroy Dock is 170 feet 

 long by 59 in width, and Avould admit a vessel drawing 2U feet. 

 Next in importance is Mort's Dock, 410 feet by GO feet, which wdl 

 accommodate vessels with a draught of 19 feet; and there are, m 

 addition, a number of floating docks and patent slips at Sy.lney, and 

 two patent slips at Newcastle. 



It would be possible to extend information of this description very 

 greatly. The lighthouse and tug services are excellent; and the 



