§ The House went into a Committee of Supply.
Mr. Francis Baringmoved, "That a sum not exceeding 7,417l. 1s. 8d. be granted to his Majesty for defraying the expenses of the settlement in Western Australia, from the 1st of April, 1835, to the 31st of March, 1836."
§ Mr. Humeprotested against this grant, which was in violation of the pledge given on the establishment of the colony. He wished to know how many of the original settlers remained, and what were the expenses of the colony? They should either withdraw, or be compelled to support themselves.
Mr. Baringwas not prepared to inform the hon. Member as to the expenses further than was set forth in the estimate, all the items of which he knew to be necessary.
§ Mr. Humewas of opinion that, under those circumstances, it would be expedient to postpone the Resolution until the necessary information could be obtained.
§ Mr. Horace Twissobserved, that all the persons in the colony would be starved if the grant were withheld.
§ Mr. Warburtonasked why, as the colony of Western Australia was established, not under Government, but under private auspices, it should have an establishment like that at Southern Australia, which was a Government colony.
§ Mr. Humemoved, as an amendment, "That the sum be reduced to the grant of last year, namely, 5,806l. 5s."
The Chancellor of the Exchequerhoped his hon. Friend would not press his Motion to a division, as great inconvenience would be experienced by delaying or circumscribing the grant.
§ Mr. Humecertainly would not press the Committee to a division on that occasion; but on the bringing up of the Report, he should feel it to be his duty to take the sense of the House upon the point.
§ Grant agreed to.