86 Transactions.— Miscellaneous: 
speaking people to the population of the Pacific, and South-eastern Asia 
many Indian and Chinese. The necessity for having one language common 
to all, and easy of acquisition, is hence evident. 
Position of the Australasian Colonies. 
The position of the Australasian Colonies with regard to these islands 
is very important, as the trade of the Pacific is almost certain to be con- 
ducted from their ports for many years to come. There are few safe 
harbours in Polynesia, and the rise and fall of tide is very slight, conse- 
quently the Australasian ports must be largely relied on for many purposes. 
The carrying trade of the Pacific will have to be principally conducted 
by means of small vessels of 80 to 150 tons burthen, either steam or sail, 
or a combination of both. Auxiliary screw wooden schooners or steamers 
will be found most suitable. Australasia can supply these vessels better 
and cheaper than any other country. One or two ports of the western 
coast of America may share in the trade, but the Australasian ports are 
likely to be the most relied upon. 
Colonial shipping will also supply a cheap freight for island produce to 
European markets. At present, outward English shipping to Australia 
cannot always depend upon a homeward freight. Vessels have constantly 
to go from Melbourne, Sydney, and New Zealand to India and China in 
order to obtain a return cargo. The trade of the Pacific will supply that 
shipping with a return freight, and both countries will mutually profit. 
Of course, eventually, the islands will require their own lines of vessels, 
and accommodation will be required in the English docks for the Pacific 
trade, just as it is required for the West Indian. 
The islands will draw from the colonies their supply of coals, building 
materials, flour, and other standing articles of consumption, also a vast 
quantity of material. Towns are yet to be built, roads and bridges to be 
constructed ; small dry docks, mills, foundries, machinery, water and gas- 
works, lighthouses, telegraphs connecting group to group and island to 
island ; indeed, all the wants of civilization have yet to be supplied, and the 
colonies are certain to share largely in the supply. At present the islands 
possess absolutely nothing—cultivation and production have hardly com- 
menced. 
The imports and exports of the British possessions alone in the West 
Indies amount to £15,000,000 sterling. The Pacific hardly imports more 
than £700,000 per annum. The West Indies employ a million tons of 
English shipping—not a vessel leaves an English port for the Pacific. 
It is almost certain that the resources of the Pacific will shortly be 
greatly developed, and the position of Australasian Colonies with regard to 
that development is a very important consideration. Australasia is as 
