Page:Diary of ten years.djvu/381

 363 shall be able to send you copies, as well as to London. The portions of the report relating to the introduction of labour, the sale of Crown lands, and all the suppletive parts are mine. I could not get the others to work; every one seemed desirous to shift the trouble off his own shoulders. Many were ready at finding fault, but slow at every other thing.

The natives have been very unsettled amongst themselves for some time. One of them, Naral by name, killed one Nanderry in Perth, and fled. A number pursued him, and I believe have killed him. Others have now gone out in turn to look for revenge. Such is their savage life.

Saturday.—Mr. Grey having spent a day with me, went away this morning. He is quite pleased with this country, and confesses he came here full of prejudices against it, which are daily wearing away. He also finds many of his South Australian theories (for he was one of those people) completely contradicted here and overturned.

Sunday.—We have had Mr. Mitchell, the clergyman, here for service, for the first time. We had service in the morning, as usual, at Irwin's, when I read Burder's admirable sermon of "Looking unto Jesus;" and, this evening, we had a plain practical illustration of the first Psalm, from Mr. Mitchell; we have also hymns and psalm singing.

Friday.—I was detained in Perth since Tuesday morning until now, preparatory to the Governor's departure. He insists upon taking law proceedings against several debtors to the Government. I do not like it, but cannot help it.

Saturday.—I have written out two or three sketches illustrative of the manners and habits of the natives. I know not whether anything will come of it; perhaps if I think them worth it on a second perusal, I may send them to you in some shape or other. Mrs. Irwin has urged me to do it.

Sunday.—I have just come from Major Irwin's. Mr. Mitchell lectured there this evening. We read morning service there as usual. Mr. Mitchell comes at five from Guildford.