The necessity to exclude the French having compelled
King to occupy the Derwent, he prosecuted his plans with
the hope of approval, but some time elapsed before he could
find an officer to take charge of the new settlement. King
reported that the gallant Robbins, who returned to Sydney
in March 1803, had performed his duty entirely to his satisfaction. He sent detailed accounts of the surveys of Port
Phillip and of King's Island. The latter was unfit for agritural settlement. Of the former Robbins said it was
"an extensive and fine harbour, but has only small portions of ground capable of advantageons cultivation, and a great scarcity of fresh water, although sufficient for a settlement and supplying ships." "It now remains to determine[1] how far it would be advisable to make a settlement at Port Phillip. From its being situated at the western extremity of the entrance of the Straits, it may be advisable some years hence, and indeed absolutely necessary. How far it may be considered as an immediate object, I must submit to your Lordship's consideration."
Almost simultaneously it seems to have occurred to Lord Hobart and to Governor King that the new settlements might be promoted by drafting settlers thither from Norfolk Island. In June 1803 Lord Hobart recommended a partial removal, and that advantages at Port Dalrymple, King's Island, or Port Phillip should be offered to the retiring
settlers. There were then a thousand people on the island. In Aug. 1803 King suggested a partial removal. Though the want of a harbour was inconvenient in many respects it presented a great obstacle to escape of convicts. The island had, moreover, "provided entirely for its numbers since 1794," and had from its fertility been of great assistance to Sydney. He could make no "positive recommendation," as much would "depend on the accounts from Van Diemen's Land." When, at a later date, the "total abandonment" of the island was suggested by the Secretary of State, King "humbly submitted (30th April 1805) that it would on many grounds be injurious."[2] By furnishing salt meat largely to New South Wales, and "preserving the lives of many British seamen," the little settlement had been of infinite use. For the "extending settlements" it would continue to be so.
