DESPATCHES FROM THE AGENT-GENERAL OF VICTORIA.

Press, Volume XVI, Issue 2193, 29 April 1870, Page 3

DESPATCHES FROM THE AGENT-GENERAL OF VICTORIA.

Despatches have heen received by the Chief Secretary of Victoria from Mr Verdon relative to a number of colonial topics, the principal of them referring to the Cerberus, the troops, preserved meat, and immigration. THE CERBERUS. Communications respecting this vessel took place with the Colonial Office and the Admiralty. The Victorian Government objected to a condition sought to be imposed on the employment of tha Cerberus that she should be subject to the control of the senior naval officer on the station, and be liable to be removed from Victorian waters. Earl Granville has intimated that tho Lords of the Admiralty will not insist on either condition, provided the local Government undertakes to provide for the efficient manning and development of our reserve. THE TROOPS. Mr Verdon writes that though the Government have not yet finally determined on'their policy, it is probable that the troops, will be withdrawn from the colony, but that facilities will be afforded for the employment of engineers, artillerymen, and drill instructors. _lEAT PRESERVING. The agent-general gives particulars of the shipment of meat preserved by Professor Gamgee's process. The Crusader, which is now* on her voyage to. Melbourne, brings a number of packages. Some of it will be used on the voyage, but the greater portion is addressed to the Government. Two quarters of mutton are packed in oat hulls, and the air is displaced by carbolic acid; other two quarters of mutton are packed in oat hulls and common salt. Six quarters of beef and a shoulder of pork are packed in tallow, and some ribs of* beef, a sheep, a loin of pork, and spare-ribs of beef are packed in an iron tank. Professor Gamgee ia of opinion that the only change that will be noticed will be that some mould will be lound on the meat in the boxes ; but the meat in the tank ought to arrive in excellent condition. Mr Verdon had made application to the Naval Victualling Yards at Deptford for samples of preserved meat, and for a description of the process by which it was preserved. But information wa3 refused on the ground that similar applications had been received from Australian companies and refused, the authorities being of opinion that it would enable the companies to oppose them in business. There was, however, no objection to deal direct with the Government of Victoria, and give them information or supply machinery to carry out the process, and Messrs Hogarth and Co., of Aberdeen, were referred to in the event of further communications taking place. EMIGRATION. A meeting was held in London in February, convened by Mr Goschen, the President of the Poor Law Board, which was attended by the agents of all the Australian colonies. Mr Goschen explained that under the Act

11 and 12 Vict., parishes w T ere authorised to assist paupers desirous of emigrating. But the Act had never been carried into el-Vet. lie proposed to send a circular to the poor law guardians on the subject. The Imperial Government was anxious not to do do anything to give oil's nee to the colonies, and as complications might arise if unsuitable persons were sent to the colonies, he proposed that the guardians should select no one to be sent to the colonies without the consent of the agent-general. The gentlemen present expressed a very strong opinion that the local Governments; would object to pauper immigration uuder any circumstances, but suggested that Mr Goschen should communicate officially with the different colonies, and this he promised to do. A number of associations had been formed to assist deserving families to emigrate. There was a co-operative one at Wigan, from which Mr Verdon had selected a few families, who will receive free passages by the Great Britain.