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set about my daily occupation rather sleepily. Contrary to what is usual, the Governor has become more and more popular every day, and we cling to him with the greater tenacity in proportion as the time approaches for his departure. I came up here on the 22nd, and was congratulating myself upon having some peace and quietness at home these Christmas times, but "there's many a slip," &c., for on Sunday I found that some of my men had sent for a 3-gallon keg of rum, and had laid a plan to have merry times at my place, inviting some of the neighbours. I spoiled their plans by dismissing them all, and locking up their rum, and thereby saved some broken heads I suspect. That was not all, for the next evening (Christmas eve) came a hasty summons for Irwin and myself to the Executive Council, and we sat that night in Council till 12 o'clock. Came up next morning and spent the day with S— and D—; then one day's rest; then went to Perth to attend Council, and next day up to Henley Park (Irwin's), to a wedding anniversary dinner; then next day to Perth again to prepare for the sessions, as we had particular cases of perjury impending. Upon that day also was the auction of the Governor's furniture. Remained in Perth on Sunday. On Monday a deputation waited upon the Governor with an address from all the colony,—i.e., from all classes of colonists. After that he sat in Council with us for the last time, and read a written address to us, to which, being unapprized of it, we had not prepared any answer, but I said what I could think of at the moment. This closed his administration, and also the year of grace, 1838.
