No. 17

I have the honor to forward copies of documents entrusted to me by
the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly for transmission to "Her
Majesty by the earliest opportunity."

I also transmit a newspaper copy of the debate on this subject from
which you will observe that this "Resolution" was passed on an
occasion when there were only six out of 15 Members of the
Legislative Assembly present—and the "Standing Orders" being
"suspended" for that special purpose.

I will not unless required by you to do so offer any comments upon
this proceeding beyond referring you to my Despatch No [blank] dated
[blank] 1866.

If the six Members, of whom Dr Dickson was one, who passed this
"Resolution" desired to test the "legality of the proceeding
complained of, an appeal to the local tribunals would have decided
the question without reference to Her Majesty.