§ SIR WILLIAM M'ARTHURasked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether Her Majesty's Government have received any communication from the Natal Church Council with reference to the vacancy in the See of Natal, which has been caused by the death of Bishop Colenso; and, whether the Government have taken, or intend to take, any action in the matter?
§ MR. EVELYN ASHLEYSuch communication has been received from Natal, and the Secretary of State is waiting for Sir Henry Bulwer's observations. But, as at present advised, he does not think it is desirable that Her Majesty's Government, by issuing Letters Patent, should fill up the See of Natal. There will be no objection, however, to the issue of a mandate for the consecration 1339 of a Bishop to exercise episcopal functions in Natal.