Page:The founding of South Australia.djvu/144

 1835. "One year has now elapsed since the formation of the {South Australian Association. Thirteen months ago the Association consisted but of two persons, Mr. Rhodes and myself. Since that time how much has been accomplished? After delays the most vexatious, an Act of Parliament has been passed empowering the King to found the so long talked of colony. This first step, achieved amidst annoyances and obstacles, only to be imagined by those who have been engaged in this or similar work, has not, however, been followed up with so much success as might reasonably have been expected. The appointment of commissioners, necessarily delayed in consequence of Mr. Grote's absence from England, was unaccountably neglected by Mr. Spring- Rice, until he was dismissed from office, and all hope of the thing proceeding until the new Government was settled, was renounced by the whole body of colonists. The new year is ushered in by considerable political ferment, caused by the general election, and, before the meeting of Parliament, little will be thought of by ministers but party intrigues and plots for retaining office &hellip; Lord Aberdeen rules at the Colonial Office, while Stuart-Wortley and Hay are the Under-Secretaries.

"The body of emigrating capitalists is now very small. Six months ago there were certainly more than 200 respectable families desirous of emigrating, but the man}' and long delays which have taken place during the progress of the work have consumed not only the patience but the capital of a great number, most of whom, therefore, are dispersed, some having gone to America and some to our own colonies. The party commonly attending at the Office can hardly be said to amount to two dozen families, and of these but very few are possessed of much property. Edward Wakefield is in Lisbon.

"January 12th.—I returned to town from Barkway,