A.—No. 1

106

. DESPATCHES FROM THE GOVERNOR OP NEW

the troops in the presence of the enemy. The funds of the Colony were accordingly employed in the very expensive work in question, which the Colonial Government then and since, in common with others, considered to be useless. E. W. Stafford.

No. 46. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir George Grey, X.C.8., to the Eight Hon. Edatard Cardwell, M.P. (No. 49.) Government House, Wellington, Sir,— 28th May, 1866. I have the honor herewith to transmit a petition addressed to Her Most Gracious Majesty by Mr: Whitaker, the Superintendent of the Province of Auckland, praying that the Northern portion of the Colony of New Zealand, may be created into a separate and independent Colony. 2. I, at the same time, have the honor to enclose a copy of a Memorandum I have received from my Eesponsible Advisers to the effect that, in their belief, a compliance with the prayer of Mr. Whitaker's memorial would be most injurious to the welfare <jf the Colony. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. G. GEEY.

May 15,1866.

Mr. Stafford, May 28, 1866.

Enclosure 1 in No. 46. Copy of a Petition from His Honor F. AViiitakee. To the Queen's Most Excellent Majesty. The humble petition of tho Superintendent of the Province of Auckland sheweth — That an election of a Superintendent for this Province of New Zealand has recently taken place, when Tour Majesty's petitioner was elected without any opposition. That the principal ground of the unanimity which prevailed in favor of your petitioner's election, was his well known view in favor of the erection of the Northern portion of these Islands into a separate Colony. That Tour Majesty's petitioner has long felt that a separate Government would be very advantageous, but his more recent experience, as Superintendent of this Province, has thoroughly satisfied him that a separate Government is essential to the peace, order, and good government of this portion of Tour Majesty's Colony. Tour petitioner therefore humbly prays that the Northern portion of the Colony of New Zealand may be speedily erected into a separate and independent Colony. Auckland, New Zealand, Feedk. Whitaker, loth May, 1866. Superintendent.

Enclosure 2 in No. 46. Copy of a Memorandum by Mr. Stafford. Eecommended that in accordance with Mr. AVhitaker's request tho accompanying petition bo transmitted to the Secretary of State. Ministers do not concur in the prayer of the petition, and believe that a compliance with it would be most injurious to the welfare of the Colony, and would not only materially retard its advancement in the future, but also take away from its ability to provide for its existing burthens. Wellington, 28th May, 1806. E. AY. Stafford.

No. 47. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir George Grey, X.C.8., to the Eight Hon. Edward Cardavell, M.P. (No. 53.) Government House, Wellington, Sir,— 29th May, 1866. In reply to your Despatch No. 18, of the sth of Eebruary last, I have been requested by my Eesponsible Advisers to state for your information, that the practice of giving a Colonial allowance to Officers of Her Majesty's vessels serving on the coast of New Zealand, was discontinued at the express desire of the Imperial Government, conveyed in the Duke of Newcastle's Circular Despatch of the 20th of July, 1862. My Ministers are also of opinion that, in the present state of the finances of New Zealand, the Legislature would not be disposed to entertain any proposal for renewing it. I have, &c, . The Eight Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. G. GEEY.