VALUE FOR A COAL DEPOT, 309 



point on the eastward of Evans* Bay, with water of 

 sufficient depth for the vessel to lie alongside. It 

 appears important likewise to diminish the distance 

 as much as possible, between the last coaling-place 

 and Port Jackson. The distance from Cape York 

 to Port Jackson is 1700 miles j but, from the in- 

 tricate nature of the navigation south of Cape York, 

 the steamer would be delayed for a longer time than 

 is proportionate to the mere length of the track. 

 She would have to anchor for one night, even if she 

 took the outside passage, while, if she took the in - 

 side route, which is generally most favourable for 

 steam navigation, she would probably have to remain 

 at anchor every night for the three first nights after 

 leaving Cape York. She would likewise require to 

 proceed slowly during great part of the day, and 

 whenever the sun came ahead of her, would have to 

 stop till it had passed, and the glare on the water 

 had faded, so that the passages between the reefs 

 should be seen. 



I have put these arguments in their plainest and 

 most unpretending light \ each observation is a per- 

 fectly practicable one, and applicable to the present 

 state of things. 



I will not conceal from the reader, however, that 

 I should augur for a settlement at Cape York a 

 future destiny of a higher and more important cha- 

 racter than would result from any of those considera- 

 tions 1 have mentioned as reasons for its present 

 existence. The time must ultimatclv come, when 



