HC Deb 31 May 1861 vol 163 cc375-6
MR. ADDERLEY

said, he wished to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether the Bill passed by the New Zealand Legislature for constituting a Native Council, differing in its relation to the Colonial Government, from the Bill of last Session, has received Her Majesty's assent and confirmation?

MR. CHICHESTER FORTESCUE

said, his noble Friend the Colonial Secretary had announced in "another place" that he had invited Sir George Grey to place his services at the disposal of the Government as the Governor of New Zealand. His duty would be to bring to a conclusion, if possible, the unhappy war now raging, and, in the second place, to consider the whole question of native administration, putting it, if he could, upon a better footing for the future. Under these circumstances the Government, wishing to leave Sir George Grey free to deal with these questions, did not think it their duty at present to sanction the Bill alluded to by the hon. Gentleman, but would review the whole question when it was reported upon by Sir George Grey.