A—No. 3a

DESPATCH FROM THE SECRETARY OF STATE RELATIVE TO THE NATIVE COUNCIL BILL.

PRESENTED TO BOTH HOUSES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, BY COMMAND OF HIS EXCELLENCY.

A—No. 3a

FURTHER PAPERS RELATIVE TO NATIVE AFFAIKS.

COPT OF A DESPATCH FROM HIS GRACE THE DUKE OF NEWCASTLE, TO HIS EXCELLENCY GOVERNNOR GORE BROWNE. Downing-street, 27th May, 1861. Sir, — In my Despatch of the 25th inst., I informed you that having regard to the existing posture of affairs in New Zealand, Her Majesty's Government had felt it their duty to place the Government of the Colony in the hands of Sir George Grey. Before arriving at that decision, I had written a Despatch conveying to you the conclusion at which I had arrived respecting the Act for the establishment of a Native Council, which was enclosed in your Despatch No. 120 of 26th November; under present circumstances, however, Ithink it will be most convenient that the instructions of Her Majesty's Government in this important subject should be addressed to the Officer who will be responsible for giving effect to them. I shall therefore communicate those instructions to Sir George Grey, by the Mail which will leave England for the Cape on the sth proximo. I have, &c, Newcastle. To Governor Gore Browne, C. 8., &c, &ec, &c.