No. 54, Legislative

I have the honor to inform you that I have after consultation with my
Executive Council decided upon immediately convening the Legislature
for the purpose of re-considering their decision upon the proposal
contained in the Duke of Newcastle's Despatch marked, Separate, dated
15th June 1863 in reference to the Crown Lands and Revenue of this
Colony.

The discovery of gold will probably induce the local Legislature to
modify the views expressed in their Resolutions transmitted by my
Predecessor in his Despatch No 3 dated 12th February 1864.

I apprehend that I am acting in accordance with the views of Her
Majesty's Government in affording the local Legislature the earliest
opportunity of occupying their proper position in reference to the
management of the Crown Lands under the altered circumstances of the
case. I will not however deem myself justified in assenting to other
terms than those proposed by Her Majesty's Secretary of State for the
Colonies in the Despatch before adverted to.