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Long residence and local knowledge would doubtless be of great assistance to the Executive in the preparation of measures to be submitted to the Legislative Council. Practically such assistance could always be obtained if the status quo were maintained, and I may state that I invariably consult the Unofficial members before bringing measures into Council of purely local interest.
If Your Lordship should desire to make or recommend any concession to the Petitioners, I would advise the appointment of an Unofficial member with a seat in both Councils.
I am aware that there are serious objections to such a step, and that those objections have been pointed out by several of Your Lordship's predecessors.