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His Excellency The Governor has advisedly delayed giving you any definite reply to the prayer of your petition, in order that on a matter of as much importance whatever steps might be taken, should be taken deliberately and after a proper consideration of the subject in all its bearings. The Governor at the same time as you will at once remember took advantage of a personal conference which he had with some of your number, and the purport of which you are no doubt aware had reference to the land question (Short Lease had). It was not adopted hastily, nor without deliberation, and that therefore it was doubtful whether a change such as that proposed would be allowed. And indeed it was questionable whether he would be justified in submitting your petition to the Secretary of State for the Colonies.
I am now to inform you, however, that His Excellency being anxious to give you a fair hearing and having no objection to forwarding a copy of your petition for the consideration of Her Majesty's Secretary of State for the Colonies, and with his decision