§ MR. C. BULLER, in the present state of public business, could not think of bringing forward his Motion on the subject of New Zealand. He therefore withdrew his Notice, reserving to himself the liberty of renewing it when he might deem it necessary. At the same time, perhaps, the right hon. Gentleman would give an assurance which would be most satisfactory to the settlers, that it was not the intention of Government to allow the Session to pass without introducing some measure in reference to this Colony. Such an assurance would allay great anxiety.
§ SIR R. PEELI am afraid the only assurance consistent with my duty which I can give is, that such an intimation shall be conveyed to the hon. and learned Gentleman as to the intentions of Government as shall enable him to bring forward any Motion which he may think fit at a period of the Session which will ensure full inquiry. The House, no doubt, bears in mind all that passed during the last Session as to this Colony. To the opinions I then expressed, and to the principles of the policy on which the government of New Zealand should be conducted, I still adhere; and no efforts have been spared by the Government, so far as circumstances would admit, to give effect to that expression of opinion on my part and on that of the Government. We are in this predicament. Captain Fitzroy having been recalled, a gentleman eminently distinguished for his 968 success in another Government was appointed to the Government of New Zealand. At the period at which the last accounts came he had been but a few weeks in office; and I must add that, from the general tenor of the reports received from him, the favourable opinion entertained by the Government with regard to his ability, firmness, and resolution, has been entirely justified. In his last report he stated that he was about to leave the seat of Government for the purpose of directing an attack against a chief who had been connected with Held in the Bay of Islands. He was to have at his command all the available military force of the Colony, and was also to be assisted by a naval force. Under these circumstances, the next accounts may bring a report of a most important bearing on the state of the Colony, and the result may be that the Bay of Islands will be reduced to complete subjection. I cannot then give any other assurance than that I have before intimated.