The Husbandmen ADELAIDE AND VICINITY 9I Morphett Street to Gawler Place. Beyond slight attempts of this kind to improve the city, he showed extreme indifference to its concerns. When, as already mentioned, the Council, waiving for a time the rule for the exclusion of political discussion, claimed by resolution the " birthright of every British subject " of a representative Legislative Council, Governor Grey gave "mortal offence" in his retort. He promised to forward the memorial to England, but added that " it may very possibly not be received as the petition of the Mayor and Corporation of the City of Adelaide, it being the opinion of the law advisers of the Crown that the Corporation could not have legally proceeded to the late election of mayor." The Corporation disrespectfully retaliated by resolution that the reply of Governor Grey was " in its nature undignified, and unworthy an enlightened and liberal Government." The relations between the Council and the Governor were decidedly strained. Governor Grey was evidently of opinion that the Municipal Act was not suited to the circumstances of the city, and there was the fact that because of its loose wording the validity of the mayoral changes was doubtful. Governor Grey had a Bill drafted which was to empower him to " abridge, amend, or take away " the corporate rights which the Act of 1840 had extended, so that the Corporation would exist on sufferance only, and the sentiments of Councilmen towards the administrator were not improved by his failing to send the Mayor a copy of the Bill. In acknowledging a minute from him generally notifying the intentions of the Government, they declared that the measure was in direct opposition to the principles upon which the Province was founded, and in view of "the impediments which he has placed in the way of their operations, taken in connection with his general management of affairs in this Province, that there is little to hope of advantage to their constituents during the continuance of His Excellency's administration." Six members, however, demurred by protest to the memorial, and to this last attack. The Bill was subsequently sent to the Mayor, and, of course, was not perused with much satisfaction. Councilmen asked that clauses should be added providing that they should have control over the park lands, also for the establishment of a Corporation Court, power to elect a Sheriff for the city, jurisdiction over foot police (to be called Municipal Police), and for power to license " tavernkeepers, storekeepers, auctioneers, carriers, water carts, and vehicles let for hire." The requests of the Council were not granted. Disputes arose as to the possession of the slaughter-houses, and after correspondence and unpleasant feeling Governor Grey allowed the Corporation to retain them without rent. The conditions of the municipal institutions became worse as the year progressed : " members were at almost open war with the Governor, and their internal relations were not of the most cordial character." To obtain money the Finance Committee issued Corporation Scrip, limited to ^5, to satisfy creditors for a time. There does not seem to have been any legal authority for this proceeding, but the scrip was taken and circulated. In October, 1842, Mr. Wilson was re-elected Mayor, and other vacancies were filled. The question of the validity of the elections was also discussed, and four citizens refused to accept a seat in the Chamber.
