No. 18

I have had the honor to receive Your Lordship's despatch
No. 15 of 26th October, 1866, directing the return of Mr
Arthur N. Birch to his post in the Colonial Office.

2. I would beg Your Lordship to extend for a few months—until
the conclusion of the Legislative Session—Mr Birch's
leave of Absence. There is no one here who could so appropriately
preside over the new Legislative Council as the Officer recently
Administering the Government. There will be much irritation
evinced in the settling of many questions incidental to the Union
of the Colonies and Mr Birch has most happily escaped from
creating enmity towards himself in either section. He is totally
unimbued with the local jealousies which prevail and the mere
fact that his connexion with the Colony will soon cease will
give a weight to his opinion in controverted matters which I fear
would not attach to that of any other Public Servant at my
disposal.

3. Under the very peculiar circumstances, I feel assured
Your Lordship will pardon a delay in carrying out your orders.

4. I enclose a letter which Mr Birch has addressed to me
on the subject of Your Lordship's despatch.