Page:The founding of South Australia.djvu/124

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118
THE FOUNDING OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

decide at once. The subject was so familiar to the minds of many of the committee, that they could at once see what ought to be done. Gowan followed on the same side. I then reported that I had seen Lefevre several times lately, and could assure them that no hopes remained in my mind of being able to found a chartered colony. Mr. Stanley was decidedly averse to the delegation of sufficient power for the purpose. I related some parts of the conversation between Lefevre and myself, and then read the letter and resolutions which I wished the committee to adopt at that meeting. Hawes then put his resolution for adjournment, and Torrens proposed his amendment for adopting the letter and resolutions. A long conversation followed, but the event was in favour of the letter and resolutions. They were therefore read and re-read, until approved. D. Wakefield read the draft of the Act of Parliament, but this was rejected on the ground of their not being sufficiently advanced in the negotiation. Towards the conclusion of the meeting Grote, Clay, and Ward came in, and ripped open some points which had before been disposed of, thus much embarrassing the affair. Each of these had his own peculiar crotchet—Ward was strong on self-government—Grote on the probability of raising money, and Clay on the position of the committee with the public. Ward was sensible enough with his hobby; but Clay was trifling. Grote asked Norman, Currie, Clay, Hawes what they thought about the chance of getting money. Norman, Clay and Hawes differed with Currie in a trifling degree. They were very cautious in what they said about it, but Currie said he thought there was no doubt whatever of ample funds being raised—this he qualified again by saying that he would not put his opinion on paper; he said it in his private capacity and not as a committee man. They all thought there was a fair probability of the money being raised, and the resolution was framed accordingly."