Hobart

Hobart (till 1881 known as Hobart Town), the capital of Tasmania, stands on the estuary of the Derwent, about 12 miles from its mouth, in the south of the island. The city forms nearly a square, built on several hills, covering an area of about 1300 acres. A fine marine view may be obtained from Mount Pleasant. Besides Government House, the houses of parliament, and the government official buildings, Hobart has a museum, library, two cathedrals, thirty-five churches, and is well supplied with schools, hospitals, and hotels. The hospital for the insane is at Cascade, 2 miles distant. The water-supply is derived from springs on Mount Wellington. The town is lighted with gas, and tramways have been laid. The park known as the Queen's Domain has fine drives, and covers 1000 acres. In Franklin Gardens, in the centre of the town, are statues to Sir J. Franklin, a former governor of Tasmania, and Dr Crowther. The fine natural harbour and quay accommodate ships of the largest size; and there are three first-class patent slips. The cooler and more invigorating air of Hobart attracts large numbers of summer visitors from Australia. The chief industries are the manufacture of flour and jam, tanning, and iron-founding. Hobart has railway communication with Launceston, 133 miles distant, and frequent steam communication with Melbourne (443 miles NW.) and Sydney, and ports in New Zealand. Founded in 1804, the town was incorporated in 1857. The suburbs include New Town, Queenborough, Wellington, Glenorchy, Risdon, and Bellerive. About half-a-dozen daily and weekly newspapers are published. Pop. (1871) 19,092; (1891) 24,905.