Page:Handbook of Western Australia.djvu/90

76 of the colonists with the Executive—there was an outstanding debt, and an export of specie consequent on difficulty in obtaining treasury bills; interference with magistrates and officials, and with publicans' licenses was complained of; and the land regulations, especially the high price for land, were thought to be detrimental to the interests of the Colony. It was spoken of as "a land of corn, wine, and oil, copper, lead, iron, and coal—held by few, but requiring occupation by many." It was considered that the Legislative Council did not represent the opinions of the colonists, and that the natural and proper remedy would be the establishment of a Representative Council.

The farmers in the Eastern districts also complained that they did not derive their fair advantages from the introduction of the convict system, the Commissariat having purchased flour from South Australia, and, in consequence, a protective duty was desired. The Government claimed the right to obtain supplies in the cheapest market. One farmer, however, soon followed the example of Government by purchasing flour to fulfil a contract. The removal of convict dépô6ts from the agricultural districts was also objected to; but the camps of the kangaroo hunters had become the resort of vagabonds of all classes, and were a refuge for runaway convicts. The demand for a Representative Council was dropped for fear that it might lead to the removal of convicts altogether. Nevertheless, the Colony was progressing, the imports of 1857 exceeded those of 1850 by double the amount, and the income by £8,498; yet there was illicit trade carried on in the South-West, principally with American whale ships. The Champion Bay district was filling, and a cattle company had located on the Irwin river; surveys also,