The BISHOP of OXFORD, in moving the Second Reading of this Bill in the absence of its mover, Lord Lyttleton, briefly explained the object of it. It had been found expedient, on account of its extent, to separate a portion from the diocese of New Zealand, and to constitute it into a second bishopric in that island. The necessary consents had been given by all parties, when it was objected by the law officers of the Crown that there was no power in the Bishop of New Zealand to surrender any part of his jurisdiction, and that it was necessary to bring in either a declaratory or an enabling Bill — for there was some doubt which was necessary—authorising the bishop to separate his diocese into two parts. The Bill, of which he then moved the second reading, was intended to carry out that object.
The EARL of DE SARTsaid, that the Colony were much indebted to the noble Lord for the interest he had taken in this subject. The geographical condition of this island rendered such a separation necessary, for their Lordships were probably not aware of the enormous extent of the dio-cess. There were five divisions in New Zealand. There was no communication between them even by horseback; and the present bishop had been obliged to charter and navigate a small vessel himself in order to visit the different divisions of the island.
§ Bill read 2a.