IMPERIAL INTERFERENCE IN COLONIAL GOVERNMENT.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4134, 20 June 1874, Page 3

IMPERIAL INTERFERENCE IN COLONIAL GOVERNMENT.

The Sydney Empire reports that on Friday, the 22ud ult., the adjourned debate on the following motion by Mr. Forster was resumed in the New South Wales Assembly ;—l. That this House is of opinion that any attempt on the part of any Governor of this Colony, or of any Secretary of State in Great Britain, whether by despatches or instructions, or otherwise, to interfere with the appointment of members of the Legislative Council of this Colony, or on the part of any Minister of the Crown in this Colony to sanction such interference, so as in any way to limit or restrain the power of the Government of this Colony in such appointment, or to permanently limit the number of members of such Council, or to confine such number to a fixed standard, is contrary to law, and subversive of the rights and privileges of the Government and Legislature of this Colony. 2. That the above, resolution be transmitted by address to his Excellency the Governor. Upon this motion Mi - . Buchanan had moved, by way of amendment, That all the words after the second word “ that,” in the first lino, be omitted, with a view of substituting the words “the fact of such a motion as the one now under discussion having been brought forward by a gentleman who has occupied the positions of a Minister of the Crown and of Prime Minister of this country is striking evidence that a dangerous interference with our rights and privileges, on the part of the British Government, has already taken place; and that in view of the importance, wealth, and influence of this community, and as a guarantee against any further similar interference, and as, in some measure, a security for the preservation of our freedom and independence, this House respectfully suggests that it would be advantageous to the best interests of Great Britain, as well as of New South Wales, that the political connection existing between them should cease, and that the people of New South Wales should be left in the full possession of their independent right to govern themselves without interference of any kind from any quarter.” The House divided on the question that the words proposed to be omitted stand part of the question, and there being no tellers on the part of the noea (Mr. Buchanan being the only one who voted against the ayes), the question was resolved iu the affirmative. The original motion was then put and carried, on the following division : —Ayes, 19 ; Messrs. J. Ilobertaon, Forster, Tunks, Driver, lv. B. Smith, Hauuell, Hurley (C.C.), Lucas, T. Kobertson, Cummings, Oakes, Terry, Booth, Burns, Piddiugton, Macintosh, O'Connor, Buchanan, Garrett. Noes, 13 ; Messrs. Parkes, Lloyd, Parnell, Allen, Sutherland, Greville, Copery, De Salis, Taylor, Hurley (Narellan), Cmmeeu, Baker, Fitzpatrick.