"Minute of Conversation with Mr. Secretary Stanley, revised by Clay and Grote.
"The deputation consisted of Mr. Whitmore, Mr. Grote, Mr. Raikes Currie, Colonel Torrens, Mr. J. Pottinger, Mr. Clay, Mr. Gouger, and Mr. Mills; they were received by Mr. Stanley in the presence of Mr. Lefevre and Mr, Earle.
"The conversation commenced by Mr. Stanley remarking that the soil of the proposed site did not appear from the evidence presented to him to be decidedly fit for colonisation; it must be admitted by all that it would be very desirable to know moie upon the subject. On this, Mr. Gouger asked to be allowed to point out on the map the places where there was reason to believe water and good soil were to be found. This was done, reference being made in particular to the evidence of Captains Gould and Sutherland; after which Mr. Stanley appeared to consider the proposed locality fit for colonisation, and did not recur to the subject.
"He then asked what probability there was of the funds being obtained which were necessary to found the colony; he particularly mentioned the £35,000 for the purchase of land, and the £50,000 which it was necessary the individuals should possess who first emigrated to the colony. Mr. Grote, in answer, expressed his opinion that these funds would be raised with facility if an Act of Parliament were passed on the principles recommended by the association, but until this were given us, no one would consider the project a reality—Mr. Currie, Mr. Clay, and Mr. Mills confirmed this opinion. Mr. Clay here suggested that the best course would be, for a Bill to be brought in at once and to be passed through the House without delay, provision being made in the Act for its not being put into operation until the conditions which Mr. Stanley required should be fulfilled. This would make that a reality which was now a thought, and would completely distinguish this
