MR. MCDONALD CAMERON (Wick, &c.)asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, What steps the Government propose to take in connection with the Separation Petition received from the people of North Queensland, advocating the formation of that part of Australia into a new Colony?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir HENRY HOLLAND) (Hampstead)I have fixed a day on which to receive and hear the views of the promoters of the separation of North Queensland; but I am advised that Her Majesty's Government can take no step without Imperial legislation, and I must add that such legislation could hardly be resorted to without some prior resolution, in favour of the change, being passed by the Colonial Legislature.
MR. MCDONALD CAMERONasked if the right hon. Gentleman would present the Correspondence which had taken place on the matter?
§ SIR HENRY HOLLANDAt present I can see no objection; but I. would rather defer an answer until I have seen the deputation.