by disappointment and distress to complain. Since the inception of the colony, Western Australians had almost annually complained of one thing and another, and the year 1848 was no exception to the rule. The administrative acts of Governor Irwin had not found favour, and he was criticised freely by men throughout the colony. His method of raising money was the original source of contention, and for some months hard things were said of him. The people complained that he was merely an acting Governor without delegated authority. They had come to depend too much on the Administration, and it was even said that their minds were warped and dependent. A misgiving of what was before them seemed to burden them, and, no doubt, the recurring years of depression and blighted hopes had rendered them pessimistic. They wanted a change of Government, but what sort of change they hardly knew. Of one thing they were certain—they objected to the governorship of Colonel Irwin.
In January news arrived of the appointment of Captain Fitzgerald to the Governorship of the colony, and thenceforward colonists impatiently awaited his arrival. They prepared addresses, containing a list of their grievances, and severely animadverting on the administration of Colonel Irwin. On 22nd March the Legislative Council met to pass the Estimates. Dr. Madden, the new Colonial Secretary, and Mr. R. W. Nash were sworn in as members. Colonel Irwin alluded to the hopeful and even rapid progress the colony had made during the past year, adding that it might be asserted, "without fear of contradiction, that at no former period have its prospects of success been more bright and encouraging." What with exports nearly reaching in value the amount of imports, the arrival of more foreign ships for cargoes, and a demand for jarrah in India, which was likely to be greater than colonists could supply, he believed that a firm basis of success was at last found.
Exception had been taken by a section of the people to the constitution of the Legislative Council. There were seven salaried councillors, and only three unsalaried or non-official members. The officials had, therefore, absolute power, and were liable to the assumption that their votes were interested. The laymen had no power whatever except in debate; every measure that became law had to emanate from the Governor through his civil officers. In 1845 Mr. Leake sought to have non-official members appointed, and Mr. Nash, now a lay member, moved on 20th July, 1848, that a committee be elected to prepare a statement respecting the constitution, which should be forwarded the Secretary for the Colonies. Messrs. W. H. Mackie, G. Leake, and R. W. Nash were chosen to form a committee, and a few weeks later reported and proposed that the number of salaried councillors be reduced; that the unsalaried be increased; and that a negative power be given the latter. They did not ask for initiatory or affirmative power. The report was not accepted, but an amendment was carried recommending the Home Government to add three unsalaried members to the personnel of the Council. When this was agreed to, the Governor was requested by resolution to forward the report to the Secretary for the Colonies.
Proposals had from time to time been made to cut through the bar of the Swan at Fremantle. Governor Irwin was anxious to have this work done, and attempts were made to blow up portions of the rock with dynamite to make a channel for small vessels. A sum was put on the 1848 Estimates for that purpose, efforts were made to deepen the river in shallow parts, and subscriptions were even collected to assist the Government in the undertaking. Beyond deepening the river in certain places, nothing material was done, for the bar sternly defied all their efforts.
These were the last acts of Colonel Irwin as Governor. Owing to the enmity which was shown to his administration, it was a relief to him as well as to colonists when Captain Fitzgerald arrived in the colony. The new Governor reached Fremantle in the second week of August, and was enthusiastically received. Addresses were presented to him by residents of Perth, religious denominations, public bodies, and colonists from remote places. They extended a warm welcome to him, and collated their numerous complaints, and hoped he would redress their grievances. Governor Fitzgerald visited different parts of the colony, the principal public works and institutions, acquiring information that would be useful to him in his administration. The Legislative Council did no business of special interest in 1848, after the arrival of Governor Fitzgerald.
Upon the withdrawal of the tax on sandalwood, tolls were again collected at Mahogany Creek. A subscription was raised among eastern settlers to make a good road to York and Northam. There were two routes popular, and finally it was decided to form the track along what was known as "King Dick's" line. Plans were drawn in 1848 for the construction of a tram line from the Darling Ranges to the coast. In 1847 some relief was obtained in the labour market, but in 1848 clamouring for the introduction of workmen was renewed. Fifty-one juvenile emigrants arrived from London, and the Champion conveyed a second batch of Chinese from Singapore. As a result of agitation by colonists in England, the Colonial Office sanctioned the raising of money, by way of loan, upon the security of the land fund. There was no land fund in Western Australia, and therefore she gained no benefit.
The value of exports in 1848 exceeded that of any previous year, and showed with what good effect colonists proceeded to extricate themselves from their difficulties by these means. The amount reached the gratifying total of £29,598 9s., which when compared with the small total of £7,078 15s. in 1843 exhibits how sincere were the efforts of producers. Of this larger sum, sandalwood is answerable for £13,353 10s. In three years sandalwood had become the primary industry of the colony, wool now holding second place with £9,666, and oil third with £3,571. A regular trade in sandalwood was established with Singapore but the market was not to be relied on, as prices fluctuated. Sandalwood-cutting was pursued with avidity, even to the detriment of other industries.
Further attention was paid to the hardwoods in 1848. Early in the year a vessel reached Bunbury with orders to obtain a substantial cargo for India. It was designed for use for railway purposes, and if satisfactory to contractors an immense trade was promised. Mr. Pearce Clifton, assisted by other settlers, energetically endeavoured to supply the timber, and the vessel was soon loaded. Had colonists been able to supply Indian demands at this time a lucrative and ample industry would have been rapidly established, but they were only capable of cutting limited quantities, and the trade was diverted to other places. The timber that had been ordered by the Royal Dockyards was delivered in 1847-48 at £12 10s. per load, and was highly approved of.
A demand for Western Australian hardwoods had at last arisen, but colonists were quite incompetent to satisfy it. In
