§ MR. ADDERLEYsaid, he would beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies, What reply the Government have made to Addresses from New Zealand for separation of the two islands under distinct Governments?
§ MR. CARDWELLsaid, in reply, that the answer which the Governor of New Zealand had been directed to return to the addresses was, that the British Government were not prepared to encourage any expectation that they would be able to advise the concurrence of the Crown in the separation. At the same time, as it was stated that the Governor had expressed an opinion in favour of some change of Go- 1990 vernment in the northern portion of the Northern Island, he had directed that officer to bring the matter under the consideration of his responsible advisers, with a view to submitting to the Legislature of New Zealand such measures as might seem advisable.