§ LORD ALFRED CHURCHILLsaid, he wished to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether he has received official intimation of the passing by the General Assembly of New Zealand of a Bill constituting a Council to advise the Governor on all questions connected with the management of the Natives; and whether Her Majesty's Government have yet come to any determination in reference to the allowance or disallowance of such Bill?
§ MR. CHICHESTER FORTESCUEsaid, intimation of the passing of a Bill of the nature referred to had been received. The measure was one of great importance as it altered the power and position of Her Majesty's Government, and, likewise, of the Governor of New Zealand. It had received and was receiving the anxious consideration of the Duke of Newcastle; but owing to its important nature, and forming, as it did, only a portion of a very wide subject it was doubtful whether any confirmation of it would be sent out—by the mail leaving to-morrow. At all events, he thought that any communication on the subject should be made through the Governor; and that the first intimation ought not to be given to the colonists through the public press.