46 A HISTORY OF THE COLONY OF VICTORIA 



Collins on 30th December, 1803, in these words : " I think there 

 is a necessity for a small establishment being left at Port Phillip, 

 in the most eligible situation, as well for the purpose of advising 

 any ships that may hereafter arrive, as for other advantages that 

 will attend that measure. Perhaps a trusty sergeant and superin- 

 tendent might be sufficient at present until further instructions are 

 received from England on this head." And in writing to Lord 

 Hobart on the 1st of March following, the Governor of New South 

 Wales advises him : " Although I cannot but regret that Port 

 Phillip has been deemed unfit for a principal establishment, yet, as 

 I conceived it necessary to leave a small establishment at that 

 place, I have given the necessary directions for that purpose ". 



Perhaps it is not an inappropriate recognition of this neglect 

 of instructions that the name of Collins is perpetuated in Victorian 

 history by having been bestowed on the finest street in the finest 

 city on the Australian Continent. 



Later it will be seen that the settlement of the country, officially 

 condemned as unsuitable, was effected by private enterprise, not 

 only without Government aid, but in spite of the active opposition, 

 amounting almost to forcible prohibition, of the ruling authorities. 



