246 A HISTORY OF THE COLONY OF VICTORIA 



well and feelingly on this occasion, framing his remarks probably 

 upon a higher moral plane than most of his audience were accus- 

 tomed to. The shabbiness of the surroundings, emphasised by the 

 dismal weather and the general air of makeshift, contrasted with 

 the high-flown language of the address of welcome, which assured 

 him that Melbourne contained "most of the appendages of an ad- 

 vanced civilisation," probably accounted for his concluding words, 

 that " our energy as a people must make up for our want of means ". 



As the rain cleared off towards evening the deferred festivities 

 were carried out. The town was illuminated, so far as such a feat 

 was possible with tallow candles and oil lamps as a basis ; bonfires 

 blazed on all the near eminences ; salvoes of firearms continued to 

 be heard far into the night ; and cheers went up intermittently 

 from many jovial gatherings, where the homely ration grog worked 

 up as much enthusiasm as the costliest champagne. 



Having settled down to business again, the residents, holding 

 vague and generally exaggerated ideas of the powers vested in 

 their new governing official, proceeded by petition, deputation and 

 otherwise to call his attention to the many wants which they had 

 vainly represented to the Sydney authorities. Amongst the most 

 pressing requirements they demanded a lighthouse at Williamstowni 

 to guide vessels in reaching the river, and something in the shape 

 of a wharf for their reception in Melbourne. Further, that the 

 wharf should be connected with the business part of the town by 

 one good street, traversable in all weathers; that the tree-trunks 

 and stumps should be cleared out of the principal thoroughfares ; 

 and that Collins Street at least should be provided with continuous 

 footpaths. 



From the nature of these demands it was evident to Mr. Latrobe 

 that what was required was some form of municipal government, 

 which would give the citizens the conveniences they asked for, 

 but at their own cost. He entered fully into the idea of improve- 

 ments, and in view of the flourishing revenue of the Custom House 

 promptly ordered the erection of the lighthouse at the mouth of 

 the Yarra, and some other conveniences for the shipping in the 

 river. 



But the authorities in Sydney kept a jealous hand on the purse- 



