Page:A Voyage of Discovery and Research in the Southern and Antarctic Regions Vol 2.djvu/58

42 heavily even on some of the more wealthy individuals, have been overcome by economy, industry, and perseverance in developing the resources of the country; and the great difficulties and embarrassments of that time have been succeeded by years of general prosperity and comparative abundance. Since then, also, to the Legislative Council of New South Wales has been added a third class of persons, in the representatives of the people; a measure of very doubtful benefit to the colony, and considered by many to be the first great step towards its separation from the mother country. It now consists of three classes,—first, the official servants of her Majesty; 2nd., Gentlemen of independence, nominated by the Crown; and, 3rd., Representatives elected by the people. Three years only have yet elapsed since the first meeting of the Legislative Council as enlarged by act of Parliament, for the government of the colony, and the admitted general success of the experiment cannot but be in a great measure ascribed to the commanding influence and abilities of the present Governor, Sir George Gipps, and to the firmness, acknowledged talents, and universal love and respect entertained by all classes towards Mr. Leay, the venerated Speaker of the Assembly; and we may hope that under such guidance and example, now that this mode of government may be considered as established, the people will show themselves fit for, and worthy of, the trust