37 



had in 1606 sailed through the strait from the east. Failing 

 to find the strait he returned alon£ the south coast of New 

 Guinea to Batavia, where he arrived in August, 1644. 



Van Diemen in his despatch to the Home Directory, the 

 Council of Seventeen, (23rd December, 1644), reports the result 

 of the voyage, and expresses his discontent and disappointment 

 that the expedition had not discovered a strait between New 

 Guinea and the Known South Land, but only a great bay or 

 gulf, and also that they had done nothing but sail along" the 

 coasts, and had gained no knowledge of the country and its 

 productions, alleging as a reason that they were not strong 

 enough to venture to land in lace of the savages. This was 

 very disappointing, since discoveries were of little use unless 

 the country was explored at the same time. " For it is certain 

 that so long as we merely run along the coasts and shores we 

 shall very slowly open up anything profitable, it being well 

 known to everybody that the coast people are ordinarily poor, 

 miserable, and evil disposed; therefore, we must go inland." 

 (Letter: 29 Nov.) Yet, he says, Tasman in his two voyages 

 had circumnavigated the hitherto Unknown South Land, which 

 was calculated to have an extent of 8000 miles of coast ; and 

 it was very improbable that in so great a country, with such 

 a variety of climates, there should not be found something of 

 great importance and profit for the Company. There were 

 also the great northern lands of America, which had been made 

 accessible by the new discoveries, and every opportunity would 

 be taken to explore them from time to time by vigilant and 

 courageous persons ; "for," says Van Diemen, "the discovery 

 of new countries is not work for everyone." " God grant," he 

 concludes, " that in either one or the other [i.e. in North 

 America or the South Land] may be found a rich silver or 

 gold mine, to the satisfaction of those engaged in the venture, 

 and to the honour of the finders." 



It is plain that Van Diemen was dissatisfied with Tasman. 

 He had looked for immediate results in the extension of trade, 

 or at least for the finding of the New Guinea strait, and, 

 disappointed in this, he could not appreciate the importance 

 of the discoveries from a geographical standpoint. 



Tasman's services were recognised somewhat grudgingly. 

 By resolution of the Governor-General and Council (4th Oct., 

 1644) his salary was raised to 100 florins (£9 6s. 8d.) per 

 month, and the reasons are stated in measured language : — ■ 

 " In which two voyages (of 1642 and 1644), he has given us 

 reasonable contentment in respect of his services and the 

 duties he has accomplished. It is therefore on account of this, 

 at his request, and in consideration of his ability, also by reason 

 of his having been again about six vears in (he country ; and, 



