Australia

Western, one of the original States in the Commonwealth of Australia; embraces all that portion of Australia W. of bounded E. by South Australia, and N., W., and S. by the Indian Ocean; area, 975,920 square miles; capital, Perth. The coast-line measures about 3,000 miles, and, except on the S., is indented by numerous bays, creeks, and estuaries. From 1850 to 1868 it was a place for the transportation of convicts. In 1890 the State received autonomous government. On Oct. 16, 1906, the Legislature adopted a motion to secede from the commonwealth, the union being detrimeptal to the develpel interests of the State. Pop. 182,553.