Australian Colonies.

In this group, and although dwelling in different Colonies, yet the majority of them in close neighbourhood, there are now no less than one million of settlers. It is needless to say that they can be in no danger of subjugation. That European power would be very strong which undertook to conquer a million of Englishmen living at the antipodes. But they very properly desire to protect themselves against partial descents, and injury to their homes and property, and since the rumours of European war they have shown great ardour and resolution on the subject. It would be the greatest mistake, in my opinion, to doubt the spirit and the self-reliance of any of our large European settlements.

In the Australian Colonies the principle has been laid down, that after fixing a number of troops to be assumed as the quota required for Imperial purposes, all additional force sought for by the local governments should be paid for (provided that this country can spare them) by the Colonies themselves. Accordingly, four companies have been assigned to New South Wales and four to Victoria, and those Colonies page 288are to pay for the whole of the expense beyond that strength. South Australia has just asked for troops, and has been apprised that it must submit to the same rule, which there seems no reason to expect that it will dispute. Tasmania does not pay, because it still comprises a large population of convict origin, and it has been thought fair that its security should be provided for at the Imperial charge. For how long a time and to what extent this ground should continue to be admitted will be practical questions, on the recurrence of each successive year, for the discretion of Her Majesty advisers. In Western Australia there are only a company of the line, part of a company of sappers, and a few enrolled pensioners, employed to guard English convicts.