The necessity to exclude the French having compelled King to occup}^ the Derwent, lie prosecuted his plans with the hope of approval, hut some time elapsed hefore he could find an officer to take charge of the new settlement, King^ reported that the gallant Robhins, who returned to Sjdne^H in March 1808, had performed his duty entirely to his satis^* faction. He sent detailed accounts of the siirveys of Port Phillip and of King*s Island, The latter was unfit for agri- tural settlement. Of the former Piobhins said it was
- an extensive and fine harbour, but has only small portions of grouu<
capable of aclvantagoong cultivation, tind a great scarcity of fresh watery ftlthoiigb sufficient for a settlemeut and supply ing ships." **It non reinaina to determine^' how far it would he advisable to make a settleineul at Port Phillip. From its being situated at the western extremity of tin entrance of the Straits, it may be advisiible some years hence, and indee< absolutely neceasary. How far it may be considered as an immediate object, I must submit to your Lordship's consideration." Almost simultaneously it seems to have occurred to Lord Hobart and to Governor Xing that the new settlements might be promoted by draftint; settlers thither from Norfolk Island, In June 1803 Lord Hobart recommended a partial removal, and that advantages at Port Dalrymple, Iving'i Island, or Port Phillip should l)e offered to the retiring settlers. There were then a thousand people on the islantl. In Aug. liS03 King suggested a partial removal- Though the want of a harbour was inconvenient in many respects it presented a great obstacle to escape of convicts. The island had, moreover, "provided entirely for its numbers sinc^ 1794," and had from its fertihty been of great assistance I Sydney, He could make no ^* positive recommendation/ as much would *' depend on the accounts from Van Diemen' Land." When, at a later date, the *' total abandonment**! of the island was suggested by the Secretary of State, Kin, "humbly submitted (30th April 1805) that it would oii<j many grounds be injurious. "^'-^ By furnishing salt meat; largely to New South Wales, and *'preservmg the lives o: many British seamen,"' the little settlement had been of infinite use. For the ** extending settlements" it would continue to be so. ■' King to Lord Hobart, 9tli May 1803. •* Though KiDE remonstrated againet the total abandonmentj it will btfj Been thatne hasTjeea upbraided for recommending it.
