Perth

PERTH, the capital of Western Australia, is situated in the south-west of the State (lat. 31° 57' S.; long. 5o' E.) on ground rising from the Swan river (alt. zoo ft.) about 12 miles from its mouth where lies its port Fremantle (v. inf.). Established in 1829 and for a long time slow of growth, Perth was constituted a city in 1856 and the metropolitan area now extends over 20 miles east and west along the northern side of the river, though the southern side also (South Perth and Victoria Park) is being in creasingly occupied. The climate is of "Mediterranean" type, warm to hot and sunny, with occasional hot winds from inland, and winter rains. (Av. ann. temps. F, with occasional days over ioo° F; 2,783 hours sunshine; ay. ann. rainfall: in. falling during 120 days, mainly May—Oct. inclusive.) Fortu nate in its site and in its river, which, exhibiting throughout its lower course alternating features of both subsidence and recent elevation, broadens in front of it into a large lake (Perth Water), Perth has during recent years been largely rebuilt, and its en virons, including the lower course of the Swan river, improved, in keeping with the State's rapid growth. During the last io to 15 years nearly £5,000,000 have been devoted to this end and land values have approximately doubled. Thus though many of the streets are still narrow, the old, and very plain, city is disappearing and Perth counts amongst its attractions some of the finest ter races, avenues and buildings in Australia (e.g., St. George's Ter race and Forrest Place). A good supply of water is derived from the Darling "Ranges," from some 13 artesian bores (450-2,000 ft.) and this is now (1929) being augmented by the enlargement of the Mundaring Weir to permit of a daily supply of Io,000,000 gallons. The gas and electric tram and lighting and public services generally are upon up-to-date and efficient lines and the city owns some 5,70o ac. of public lands devoted partly to parks, recreation grounds, etc., and including the fine King's Park (1,018 ac.) over looking the Swan river west of the city. The public buildings in

clude Government House, Houses of Parliament, two Cathedrals, besides numerous fine business and educational buildings (such as the University). The population of Perth and suburbs (includ ing Fremantle) is c. 208,000, 47.41% of the total population of the State. Besides being the political and administrative centre, Perth, with Fremantle, is by far the most important centre for trade, commerce, banking, etc., in the State, the natural terminus and departure port for the principal railway routes of a wide hin terland which stretches far inland to the eastern goldfields.

Fremantle

is the leading seaport of Western Australia, the first normal port-of-call for liners from Europe, and the terminus of the transcontinental railway. Its position relative to the State's chief wheat and wool producing areas, and to Indian Ocean, South African and European trade routes, lends added sig nificance. Two moles prolonging the course of the Swan river seawards provide a safe approach 5,000 ft. long and 450 ft. wide and lead in to a harbour having over I o,000 ft. quay space, 36 ft. depth (low-water), accommodation for large modern vessels and excellent cargo facilities. It is thus one of the most convenient ports in Australia but its rapid growth has outdistanced improve ments and large-scale developments upstream and in Freshwater Bay are possible and are contemplated. Fremantle is one of the oldest settlements in Australia (founded 1825). Its population (1933: 25,233) is rapidly growing and the town, which is to attain the dignity of a city in June 1929, is extending along both banks of the river. Activity centres mainly on shipping and railway transportation but a varied industrial activity is also develop ing. Fremantle with a total trade valued (1927-28) at £30,628,000 conducts 65-70% of the total trade of the State and is visited by shipping of 3,300,00o-3,500,000 tonnage annually. Its exports in 1927-28, including 55,341,000 lb. of wool, were valued at £13,624,000.