property at Melbourne. A short time ago he was there and
not more than two or three days after his arrival the linen which had
been put out for washing, was stolen. Shortly after whilst the family
were sitting at tea, information was given that the bedroom window was
open and upon proceeding to ascertain the cause it was discovered that
a thief had effected an entrance and carried off whatever he could lay
his hands upon.

A letter lately received mentions that six gentlemen's horses in one
locality had been robbed and that Melbourne was full of thieves. (A
laugh.) No opportunity had previously offered of talking to the
Melbourne people upon the subject, they were so occupied in endeavours
to obtain separation from Sydney that every question was lost sight of;
but now the matter was settled he did not apprehend any difficultly in
establishing this point also.

We are a loyal people, and have given abundant proof of our loyalty; but
it is not an unalterable principle. There is an old Spanish
proverb--"The sweetest wine makes the sourest vinegar," and so it will
be with us.

But the British Government must, and will yield, for they will find it
will be to their interest, as well as their duty to grant the reasonable
request of the Australian Colonies. (Cheers.)

Three cheers were then given for the Chairman, and three more for the
Queen, and the meeting terminated.

THE LAND QUESTION

The adjustment of the English land laws to Australian requirements was a
difficult task. The question was discussed in New South Wales in 1855,
but South Australia, under the leadership of Torrens, was the first to
effect reform (1859).

LAND QUESTION IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA

+Source.+--Speeches on the Reform of the Law of Real Property (Torrens,
1858), pp. 5-6, 8-11

Extract from an address to the Electors of the City of Adelaide
delivered in the Theatre on 31st January, 1857. (From the South
Australian Register of February 2nd, 1857).

The next topic which I have put down to address you upon, is one with
respect to which I should have wished to have had time to arrange my
thoughts--it is the cheapening of the law of Conveyancing of real
property. (Applause.) Next to affording fair facilities for obtaining
possession of the waste lands of the Crown, and converting them into
cornfields and homesteads of independent yeomanry, it is the duty of
the State to afford a cheap and at the same time a secure mode