CO885-(10-11) — Page 447

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10874.

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE

C.O. 885

Reference :-

SIR,

No. 367-

(NEW ZEALAND.)

LAW OFFICERS to COLONIAL OFFICE.

Lincoln's Inn, November 10, 1865. We are honoured with your commands, signified in Sir Frederic Rogers' letter of the 27th of October ultimo, etating that he was directed by you, Sir, to transmit to us the enclosed copy of a Despatch from the Governor of New Zealand, accompanied

by a petition from the Anglican bishops in New Zealand, and a memorandum by the Colonial ministers.

Sir Frederic Rogers was also pleased to state that the petitioners pray-

1. That they may be allowed to surrender their Letters Patent.

2. That the Royal Mandates under which they were consecrated may be declared

to have been merely the authority for their consecration, and to have no further effect. 3. That the power may be recognised in them of consecrating bishops in the manner described.

Sir Frederic Rogers was further pleased to state that he was directed by you, Sir,

to request that we would favour you with our opinion whether there is any objection

in point of law to an acquiescence in the prayer of the petitioners; and, if not, what legal steps would be necessary to give it effect.

In obedience to your commands we have taken this matter into consideration, and have the honour to

Report

That, before we express an opinion upon the very grave and important question submitted to us, we should be glad to be informed whether any statutes or ordinances have been passed by the Legislature in New Zealand relative to bishops in that Colony created by Her Majesty's Letters Patent; and, if so, to be furnished with copies of such statutes. We are not aware of any Act of the Imperial Legislature relative to the bishopric of New Zealand, except the 15 & 16 Vict. c. 88., the effect of which will, of course, be taken into our consideration.

The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P.

&c.

&c.

&c.

We are, &c.

(Signed)

ROUNDELL PALMER. R. P. COLLIER.

R. J. PHILLIMORE.

0

16278-636.

25.-2/86.

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PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON

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