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Estimates without laying before it Your Grace's despatches, my reason for such altered policy, I felt a great reluctance in the interest of Her Majesty's Government to take that step, because one of the most important points assumed in those despatches is extremely vulnerable, as will presently appear, and also because in the existing very depressed condition of the colony, I did not think it would serve any good purpose to exhibit Her Majesty's Government as an unrelenting creditor whilst there is the least chance of such policy being altered. If certain calculations on which that policy has been based prove unsound, it is not for me to assume that Your Grace will adhere to a conclusion drawn from incorrect premises, or by premature publicity to render any future concession less gracious.
10. In all these views my Executive Council entirely concurred, and they advised me not to make any alteration in the Estimates already before the Public, as they had been rendered purposely as comprehensive as possible both on the Revenue and Expenditure side so as to leave Your Grace free to deal with them by issuing such instructions hereafter as you might consider requisite or by directing the preparation of fresh Estimates.
11. I believe the latter step unnecessary. Your Grace can convey your wishes to...