TASMANIA.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XII, Issue 898, 5 February 1856, Page 3

TASMANIA.

From the first Januay, by an order of the Queen in Council, this Colony is no longer to be known as Van Diemen's Laud. The reasons for the change are thus briefly recorded :—: — "Tasmania is a designation generally pieferred by the colonists ; Van Diemen's is a name fixed to the north coast of New Holland, and this country (late Van Diemen's Land) is the first known discovery of Tasman. The name of Tasman is recognised by the royal patent constituting the diocese, by several literary societies, and periodical works, and it forms the term by which we distinguish our Tasmanian from our European youth. Tasmania is preferred because Van Diemen's Land is associated among all nations with the idea of bondage and guilt, and, finally, because while Tasmania is a melodious sm\ simple sound, Via Diemen h harsh, complex, and infernal.' 1

Electric TELr.jßA.pir.— ln the Legislative Council of Hobart Town, the Colonial Secretary moved, on the Bth instant, the appropriation of 3000/ for the establishment of an eleclric telegraph between George Town and Launceston. It would be a great saving to the colony, and be the first commencement of a connecting I'ne between Tasmania and Australia, and if the .sum were voted, it would becommenced immediately. Passed Al-o, that the sum of £2000 be appropriated ior the consti notion of an electric telegraph between Hobait Town and Mount Lewis. He considered it would be a considerable saving, doing away wi'Vi thp intermediate station. P'.cmhl