§ MR. J. F. HOGANI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether a memorial has been received from the Parliamentary representatives of the central division of Queensland affirming the urgent necessity for the creation of that portion of Queensland into a separate Colony, and citing evidence to show that the inhabitants are practically unanimous in that desire; whether consideration has been given to their representations, and, if so, whether any decision has been, arrived at; and, whether the Governor of Queensland has forwarded a despatch respecting an interview he had on the subject with an influential deputation that waited upon him at Rockhampton on 1st April?
§ MR. SYDNEY BUXTONA memorial affirming the necessity for the creation of the central division of Queensland into a separate Colony, and signed by the members for the electoral districts of Central Queensland, was received in February last, and the representations of the memorialists have been duly considered. A despatch has now been received from the Governor enclosing a copy of an address on this subject presented to him on the occasion referred to, which has also received the Secretary of State's consideration. Her Majesty's Government, however, remain 1538 of opinion that the present is an inopportune moment for dealing with the separation question, and a reply to this effect has been addressed to the Governor in both cases.