48.
I concur with the views of Colonial Secretary as to the Legislative Council and think its action must be more limited and defined. Since the arrival of Chisholm Anstey in the Colony, the character of the Council has undergone a marked change.
Mr. Anstey declared that he took his seat as an independent Legislator and not as a Crown servant of the Government, and that he was there, if he thought fit, to criticize and oppose the views of the Executive. It has happened that when an Ordinance has been prepared by Mr. Anstey, when not a word of previous objection has been breathed by him in his official capacity, he has taken occasion to attack both Government and Ordinance and to do his best to lower the character and credit of the Government in public opinion by his opposition. I have even known him in Council repudiate the authority of the Superior Law Officers of the Crown when their opinions have been formally conveyed to the Government. Elaborate speeches were frequently made to be reproduced in the vernacular newspapers of the Colony, nor was Mr. Anstey's example without influence.