TASMANIA. 



503 



observed that large vessels at Launceston cannot 

 discharge alongside the wharfs. Besides, on the 

 whole of the northern coast, with the exception of 

 the Hunter Islands, there is no place of safety for a 

 ship in all winds that a stranger would like to run 

 into, the mouth of the Tamar being too much occu- 

 pied with shoals. On the other hand, Hobarton 

 lies on that part of the island which may be ap- 

 proached with the greatest safety, being on a 

 weather shore, whereas the northern side is partly a 

 lee one. In saying thus much, I do not mean to im- 

 ply that a private company, under ordinary circum- 

 stances, could construct a line with immediate 

 advantage to itself, though I will go so far as to 

 say, that in a very few years, comparatively, an ample 

 remunerative return might be expected. What I 

 especially desire to insist upon, is the fact, that a 

 railroad traversing Tasmania from north to south 

 would be a great benefit to the community, would 

 stimulate trade, and consequently production, and 

 would aid in restoring the prosperity which it once 

 enjoyed. 



This beino- o-ranted, let us take into consideration 

 the condition of the labour market in that country, 

 and observe what an opportunity now presents itself 

 of executing a work of prodigious magnitude at a 

 comparatively trifling cost. It will be seen at once 

 that I allude to the population of probationers, pass.- 

 holders, ticket-of-leave men, who now compete with 

 the free inhabitants, and cause the whole land to 



