THE NEW CONSTITUTION. Copy of a Despatch from Earl Grey to Governor Grey. Downing-street, Nov. 20, 1847.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 280, 5 April 1848, Page 3

THE NEW CONSTITUTION. Copy of a Despatch from Earl Grey to Governor Grey. Downing-street, Nov. 20, 1847.

Sir, — I have had the honor of receiving your two confidential despatches of the 3rd and 13th of May. The reasons which you have urged in support of the conclusion to which you had come, that the colony of New Zealand is not yet ripe for the enjoyment of representative government, are such as at ouce to command the assent of Her Majesty's servants ; and, deeply as we lament the necessity of doing so, we will not fail to adopt the steps which are required for suspending for a time the operation of so much of the letters patent and instructions transmitted to you in my despatch of the 23rd of December last, as relates to the establishment of representative bodies having the power of general legislation. With this view, it will, however, be indispensable that the aid of Parliament should be invoked, nor is it in my power, without further time or deliberation, to inform you what will be the precise arrangements which Parliament will be invited to sanction ; but I think it advisable to take this the earliest opportunity of acquainting you that we are prepared to act ujnqn your advice, by suspending the operation of the constitution granted to New Zealand, to the extent I have mentioned ; and that it will, therefore, be inexpedient that, until you can receive further instructions, you should take any steps beyond those you may have already adopted, to carry into effect those previously transmitted to you on this subject. — I have, &c, (Signed) Grey. Governor Grey, &c, &c.