THE FIRST YEAR OF THE SETTLEMENT 137 



This denunciatory manifesto was not, however, followed up by 

 any overt action. It was probably not expected that it would have 

 any material effect upon the adventurers, but it was a solid basis 

 for future action in dealing with them when the reign of law and 

 order should be eventually established. Indeed, unless the Gov- 

 ernor had been in a position to blockade the coast, or to land a 

 force on the banks of the Yarra to drive the people out, he could 

 do nothing but remonstrate or threaten. And when he saw how 

 very much in earnest the colonists were in their efforts to acquire 

 a more abundant pasturage for their increasing flocks, he had the 

 good sense to recognise that the idea of concentration so favoured 

 by the Colonial Office was not suitable to the great industry for 

 which from the outset the Australian colonies were recognised as 

 being specially adapted. 



A few weeks after the issue of the proclamation, before it had 

 been heard of in Port Phillip, on the 10th of October, the very day 

 of Fawkner's arrival in the Yarra, Sir Kichard Bourke addressed a 

 lengthy despatch to the Colonial Minister, Lord Glenelg, setting 

 forth the particulars of what he calls the "intrusion" upon part 

 of the territory under his Commission. He states that he leaves 

 to Colonel Arthur, who entertains a favourable opinion of the 

 parties, the representation of their personal character, views and 

 resources, but considers it incumbent on himself to protest against 

 any consequences, derogatory to the rights of the British Crown, 

 which might be imagined to flow from the alleged treaty. He will 

 probably not see cause to take any further steps in the matter 

 until he receives his Lordship's commands upon the subject. But 

 he considers there are weighty objections to Mr. Batman's pro- 

 ceedings, on account of the absence of any provision for the 

 control and government of the inhabitants of the intended settle- 

 ment. He thinks it hopeless to expect that any precautions 

 Batman can adopt in the choice of servants and shepherds can 

 preclude occasional disorders amongst a population wholly released 

 from legal restraint, and unless supported by the interference and 

 protection of Government, he is satisfied the undertaking must in 

 the end prove a disastrous failure. He then proceeds at length to 

 review the policy of limitation of the area of settlement which has 



