SOUTH AUSTRALIA,
The Cygnet, of 2.39 tons, the first of tile two vessels intended to be employed in the coast-surveys of the new colony, left Gravesend on Thursday about noon, with one division of the Surveying Staff.
The party consisted of the Deputy Surveyor, Mr. Kingston, who takes the command of this division ; Lieutenant Finimis, next in com- mand ; Captain Sipson, R. N., the I larbouronaster. ; a Surgeon ; five or six Assistant Surgeons; two gentlemen who go out IIS volunteers ; the Storekeeper ; between thirty and forty fine young men, artisans and labourers of various descriptions, the greater part of whom will be employed in the first instance in assisting the Surveyors ; the wives and children of such as are married, and a few single women. The whole amount to eighty or ninety persons.
The Cygnet takes out a large supply of provisions and clothing, an abundanee of stores of almost every description, mid a valuable and complete collection of surveying-insti torrents.
Mr. Montetiore one of the Commissioners, Mr. 11111 the Secretary, and several of the Colonial Officers, were present for the purpose of seeing that every thing possible was done to secure the comfort and health of the emigrants. The poorer emigrants, who obtain a passage altogether free of charge to themselves, appeared to be exceedingly well pleased with the arrangements, arid grateful for the opportunity thus afforded them of improving their condition : tin opportunity which their robust frames and intelligent countenances clearly showed would not be thrown away.
It is intended that the other vessel, the Rapid, shall sail in a few days. This vessel carries out the Surveyor-General, Colonel William Light, who commands the whole expedition. The expedition will proceed in the first place to Kangaroo Island ; and will then enter on a survey of the coast and land adjoining all good harbours, with a view to the selection of the hest site for the first town.
The details of tile instructions to the Surveyors have not yet trans- pired ; but it is understood that unusual precautions have been adopted to insure their health and safety, and the efficient discharge of the important duties they have to perform. At a future time we hope to be able to afford our readers full information on this interesting subject.
It is expected that these preliminary surveys will be completed about the time of the arrival of the Governor with the first large body of emigrants, who will probably sail in about two months. Mr. Kingston has been furnished by Lord Gleneig with despatches for Colonel .Artlitir, the Lieutenant-Governor of Van Diemen's Land, which will secure his aid in case of need.
It is impossible to consider this first step towards the formation of a colony, which, in the opinion of sonic of the most enlightened men of the day, is destined speedily to become a flourishing nation, without feelings of intense interest.
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