NEW SOUTH WALES. 7 Europe." In the event of war with Holland or Spain, it 1788-6 would furnish England with a naval station of the greatest value. 9. The common apprehension of danger resulting to the Bajanceof mother country from voluntary emigration was not a matter for serious consideration^ when viewed in connection with the commercial and political advantages to be derived from it. 10. Convicts might be transported to the new territory Economical under much more favourable circumstances as regards uoim. expense and other practical considerations, than to any other country, and with far greater opportunities for their ultimate reformation. Such was Matra's line of argument. Sir George Young sketched the prospective advantages of the settlement in the following form : — 1. The geographical position of the country placed it thmIc* within easy communication with the Spanish settlements in South America on the one hand, and with China, the Spice Islands, and the Cape of Good Hope on the other. The facilities for extensive trade thus disclosed were not all ; for should war break out between England and Spain, Naval English ships would then have the immense advantage of a *^****"* great naval station in the South Sea. 2. The variety of soil and climate comprised within the sou and territory would enable the colonists to produce almost all the products known to the commerce of European nations, — ^^ not to mention the great probability of finding in such Metals. an immense country metals of every kind." 3. The settlement of a territory so happily situated " would not only lead to the establishment of '^ a very exten- commeroe sive commerce," but would greatly increase our shipping ^Lg. ^ and number of seamen." In addition to many other products, the New Zealand flax plant might be largely cultivated, NewZeaiand and by that means the English navy might be rendered independent of Russia for its supply of cordage and canvas. Digitized by Google
