Governor the Earl of Belmore to The Attorney General.

I have to acknowledge your letter of the 24th instant, recommending me to sanction an increase in the number of the Legislative Council from 27 to 30 Members.

I am aware of the reasons which led to the understanding between my predecessor and his succesive Executive Councils that the number of the Legislative Council should be limited to 27, and I fully admit the force of these reasons.

As, however, it now appears to be very difficult to procure the requisite quorum to enable the House to proceed with its business, and as such a state of things cannot but lead to public inconvenience, I am prepared to sanction, for the reason put forward in your letter, an increase of the number of the Legislative Council to a maximum of 30 Members.