Breakfast being concluded, the Chairman
rose, and said, it was a matter of pleasure to him to meet so large and
respectable a body of gentlemen, some of whom he had known for a quarter
of a century. They had not assembled to petition; it was a truth
deplorable and sad that petitions had hitherto been unavailing and they
were now met to force from Her Majesty's Government, relief from an evil
of which history presented no parallel. (Hear, hear.) Petition after
petition had been transmitted home, but the prayers of the Community had
been constantly rejected. It now remained to try other means.
The Rev. J. West rose and said he felt some embarrassment in addressing
that meeting. He, however, felt grateful for their recognition of his
appointment, and should rely on their indulgence during the few moments
he might address them. The colonists had been led up to a position from
which it was impossible to recede. Van Diemen's Land must obtain a share
in the general freedom, or for ever sink.
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