ABSTRACT
With this uncertainty went a weak administration. Even Phillip admitted that the forms were 'not so regular as could be expected' and the evil, especially in the case of town lands, grew apace.7 Until 1822, 'sitting down' on land was the usual mode of obtaining it and,s even after that date, when survey preceded selection, the numerous unrecorded promises by Governors caused trouble. The delay and confusion, the waste and favouritism of this system led to all kinds of experiments in the twenties, for the influx of free settlers made a change imperative.
