Page:History of Australia, Rusden 1897.djvu/245

 KING'S REFLECTIONS. 217 checked by the extortions of their superiors, in a few years have been comfortable. But I am sorry to say that with its first founder order and regularity left these shores. Spirits were introduced. Robberies and murders followed. The settlers, whom Governor Phillip conceived his attention had so placed that independence and comfort would have been familiar with them, were, for the lure of an hour's intoxication, deprived of their farms, stock, and future hopes; and many— left comfortably — were soon compelled to till for a dram-seller's interest the gromid that was so lately their own. Could it be expected that from such classes anyone would support me in promoting plans of industry, when the success of them must prove the infamy of their own conduct ? Icould therefore see that my task would be laborious and discouraging. circumstances or means allowed it. Certain I therefore am that, as a stop to many irregularities is necessary and unavoidable, I may count on having for decided enemies many of those whom I ought to look to for support. The only support I can assure myself of is the rectitude of my conduct, which has been ever my safeguard ; and as I am determined not to enter into the smallest private farm, acquirement of stock, or any other private pursuit whatever, nothing will divert me from the objects I wish to obtain, in which the general prosperity of the colony and its inhabitants will be my ultimate pursuit. In this I hope to succeed, although every disagreeable reform is left to me to imagine and execute."
 * Confidential persons to assist me I brought none, as neither my