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79 organization of members of parliament and distinguished British gentlemen, the other was merely a confederacy of a few colonists in the obscure and penal settlement of Yan Diemen’s Land. Governor Bourke, in his despatch to Lord Glenelg, October 10th, 1835, gives his opinion upon the subject. He would charitably view the Association as poor, helpless creatures ; for he writes, “ The undertaking must prove a total failure, unless supported by the inter ference and protection of government.” He continues, “ The question is simply this ; how may this government turn to the best advantage of the colony a state of things it cannot wholly interdict; it may be found practicable, by means of the sale of lands in situations peculiarly advantageous, however distant from other localities, to pro cure the means of diminishing the evil of dispersion, and by establishing townships and ports.” Then follows his suggestion to His Majesty’s Ministers. “ I propose, therefore, to let those lands to their present occupiers, being of good character, upon yearly leases at a nominal rent.” Urging promptitude of arrangement, he is pleased to say, “ In consideration of the capital expended by Mr. Batman and his associates, I am inclined to recommend so early an occupation of Port Phillip.” It is time now to expect the decision of the Home Cabinet. Lord Glenelg’s reply to Governor Arthur is dated January 23rd, 1836. What says he 1 “ All schemes for making settlements by private individuals or companies in the unlocated districts of Australia have of late years been discouraged by His Majesty’s Government, as leading to fresh establishments, involving the mother country in an indefinite expense, and exposing both the natives and the new settlers to many dangers and calamities.” This settles the question of occupancy. But the heart of this benevolent Christian nobleman is manifestly interested when he gives utterance to this sentiment: “ The conduct of Mr. Batman toward the natives has been such as to make me regret that I feel it my duty not to advise His Majesty to sanction the proceedings of that gentleman and his associates.” As to Colonel Arthur’s suggestion of the annexation of our province to his island, the cautious statesman merely says that he will consider the question of placing Port Phillip under Van Dieman’s Land, but that he “ already sees it open to some very serious objections.” The hopes of the Association are blighted, the ambition of the Governor is ungrati-
