Hobart Town Gazette and Southern Reporter (Tas. : 1816 - 1821), Saturday 12 April 1817, page 2


Hobart Town;

SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 1817.

Sitting Magistrate for the ensuing Week —     REV. ROBERT KNOPWOOD, A. M.

Assize of Bread for the ensuing Week —  

Wheaten, EIGHT-PENCE, or 4lbs. of Wheat; Household, SEVEN-PENCE, or 3lbs. of Wheat,

SHIP NEWS. - On Tuesday last arrived from Port Jackson the ship Cochin, Captain JONES; having on board WILLIAM SORELL, Esquire, the newly appointed Lieutenant Governor of this Colony,   and Mrs. SORELL, and Family. - Passengers, Ensign Ross, 46th    Regiment, Mr. THOMAS WELLS, and Mr. W. A. BRODRIBB, in   the suite of the Lieut. GOVERNOR; and Mr. and Mrs. THRUPP,

and Family.        

Remain in the harbour the ships Cochin and Harriet; the brigs Spring and Jupiter; and the Henrietta Packet.

On Tuesday, at 2 o'clock, Lieutenant Governor SORELL landed from the ship Cochin at the New Wharf, Hunter's Island, under a Salute from that vessel, and the ship Harriet in the harbour. On His Honor's appearance at Government House, he was received by Lieutenant Governor DAVEY, the Deputy Judge Advocate, the

Magistrates, Civil and Military Officers, and other Gentlemen of the Settlement. The Troops being previously paraded, presented arms and a Salute of 13 Guns was fired from the Platform, in honour of the occasion. Although it rained excessively in the early part of the morning, yet at the time of His Honor's landing the weather was   very fine, thereby adding an additional attraction to the numerous

spectators present.

On Wednesday His Honor Lieut. Governor Sorell assumed the command of the Settlements on this Island; previous to which His Honor's Commission was publicly read in front of Government House by the Deputy Judge Advocate, in presence of all the Officers

Civil and Military, and a numerous assemblage of the Inhabitants: the Troups in garrison being paraded, fired three vollies; after which His Honor received the congratulations of the Magistrates, Civil &

Military Officers, and other Gentlemen of the Colony present.

Reports from the country state, that the condition of the land, and the forwardness of cultivation in the different districts are highly satisfactory. We are happy to perceive that sowing of wheat is proceeding with great spirit, and that the plough has entirely

suoerceded the hoe.

On Thursday returned to Town a small party of Capt. NAIRN'S Company of the 46th Regt. who were lately sent in quest of the Bush Rangers; the following particulars of their pursuit we lay   before our Readers:—

After a diligent search in the woods the party at Jericho perceived Michael Howe, accompanied with a Native Black Girl, named Mary Cockerill, with whom Howe cohabited. On the approach of the party Howe darted into a thicket, and effected his escape, after firing at the native girl, who, from fatigue, was unable to keep pace with him in his flight, and was taken. Howe being so closely pursued, threw away his blunderbuss and knapsack. The native girl then led the party to the Shannon River, a distance of 11 miles from Jericho, where they found four huts, which they burnt. While thus employed, they perceived three of the bushrangers (Howe,

Septon, & Geary) at the side of a high hill, contiguous to the river. On the appearance of the party, they were not in the least alarmed, for being in an advantageous position on the other side of the river, they by their gesticulations put them at defiance, and afterwards made off. The party then forded the river, and for two days, continued eagerly their pursuit, accompanied by their native guide, till all traces of them were lost; still their exertions were not in vain, for she led them to the discovery of 56 sheep, the property of different individuals which had been driven into the woods by the runaways. From the severe hardships endured by the party in this arduous pursuit, their provisions being all expended, they were compelled to kill two of the sheep for their present substinence, & the remainder with difficulty they brought with them to town; part of which have been since claimed by the owners.      

The native girl has since been repeatedly examined; and we

have no doubt, some important information may be derived       regarding the numerous depredations of the bush-rangers.  

HOBART TOWN; PRINTED BY ANDREW BENT.