The ostensible object of the interview was to ask if the names obtained were strong enough for the appointment; the real object was to propitiate Hay. Torrens reports that this is completely effected. Hay said that, 'whatever his opinion as to the measure had been, and whether or not he thought we wanted more colonies, his course now must be different. The Legislature had decided that another colony should be formed, and the business of the Colonial Office now was to put the act into execution; he would therefore render the measure all the aid he could. He complained of the attacks which had been made upon him, and said they were unfair.' Torrens replied, 'he had always objected to them, and he sincerely hoped there would be no more of them.' He asked who was chairman now that Whitmore had left us, and on Torrens saying that no one but himself, amongst the old commissioners, was moving in the matter, he said that he should consider him (Torrens) chairman. Torrens, having remarked that he would take care no objectionable names were connected with them, then withdrew.
"This interview is doubtless important, and, if Hay is in good faith, will tend much to expedite matters.
"February 13th.—It was now decided by Torrens, E,. Hill, Brown, and myself, at once to send in the names rather than wait even a day longer for Villiers and Campbell. Accordingly Torrens produced the following letter, which was agreed to:—
"South Australian Association.
"My Lord,
"In obedience to your Lordship's commands, I have the honour of submitting for your Lordship's consideration the names of gentlemen willing to act under the Colonial Office as commissioners for carrying into effect the Act of Parliament for colonising South Australia.
"I have also the honour of enclosing a letter from
