THE VOYAGE OF THE BASILISK.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4202, 8 September 1874, Page 3

THE VOYAGE OF THE BASILISK.

The following interesting letter from- a gentleman on board 11.M.5. Basilisk, dated Singapore, July 23, addressed to a gentleman in Sydney, has been handed to the Morning Herald for publication : “You will be glad to know of our safe arrival at Singapore, having satisfactorily set at rest the question of the existence of a new route between Eastern Australia and China. “We have also completed a survey which must, sooner or later, between Sydney ami the recently-discovered shores of New Guinea, lead to a lucrative, trade. The completion of tho survey has, however, tended somewhat to alter my opinion in' recommending the new route as tho preferable one for an ordinary sailing vessel. We found after passing to the west of East Cape, on the north side of New Guinea, calms and light variable airs prevailed, which would baffle and delay a vessel bound to the westward; whilst, at the same time, to the north of New' Britain, a ship taking ‘ Imray’s ’ inner route would probably be under the influence of a fresh fair south-east monsoon. Additional experience off the north-east coast of New Guinea can alone prove if this opinion is correct. We may have met with exceptional weather, but it appeared that the south-east monsoon, when blowing strongly on the south side of New Guinea, on meeting the lofty Owen Stanley range (13,000 ft. high), was so obstructed as only to reach the northern shores in light fitful .airs ! If this should prove the rule, whilst detracting from the value of the route for sailing vessels, it increases its value for steamers, especially as those coming from China would escape a violent monsoon, and enjoy a tranquil sea. The completion of our survey has' added, another reef to Gosohen Strait, which, for a distance of one mile and a-half, has narrowed tho eastern entrance to a width of two miles. Between East Capo and Astrolobe Gulf there runs a continuous chain of lofty mountains, at times dipping their spurs into the sea, but more frequently having a bolt of rich alluvial land dividing them from the coast. This land teems with all tropical produce, and is the home of numerous tribes who, although meeting white men for the first time in their lives, were in general friendly disposed, but as the Basilisk got further to tho west, approaching Astrolobe Gulf, the natives manifested a savage disposition, and on one occasion attempted to out olf a wooding party. The report of a rifle

was, however, quite sufficient to make them beat a hasty retreat. ’ “The whole of the previously unknown coast lino of north-east New Guinea is a succession of deep bays formed by far projecting points ; detached reefs exist in some of these bays, but when outside the headlands no dangers were met with. “ Gold was searched for at every place visited, but without success. The features of the country were generally volcanic, and the rooks igneous. A few pearl shells were seen amongst the natives, but nowhere in large quantities, nor were reefs seen sufficiently large to carry the pearl oyster in great numbers.”