The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 10

Minute

Minute.

The view the Governor takes of the relation between himself and his responsible advisers is as follows:-—

1st. In all matters under the control of the Assembly, the Governor should be guided by the advice of gentlemen responsible to that body, whether it is or is not in accordance with his own opinion on the subject in question.

2d. On matters affecting the Queen's prerogative and imperial interests generally, the Governor will be happy to receive then* advice, but when he differs from them in opinion he will (if they desire it) submit their views to the consideration of Her Majesty's Secretary of State, adhering to his own until an answer is received.

Among imperial subjects the Governor includes all dealings with the native tribes, more especially in the negotiation of purchases of land.

He will receive and act on the advice of his responsible advisers in reference to the amount of money they may desire to have expended in any one year in the purchase of land, but beyond this he considers himself bound to act on his own responsibility.

The Governor alone is responsible to Her Majesty for the tranquillity of the Colony, which would be endangered by the ordinary and inevitable change of opinion consequent on a change in his advisers.

It follows as a necessary consequence of these views, that the Chief Land Purchase Commissioner and his sub-ordinates must take their orders from the Governor alone.

Before giving his assent to Acts passed by Provincial Councils and other matters of a legal nature, the Governor will require the annexed certificate from the Colonial Secretary and Attorney-General; and in approving appointments to vacant offices, he will require to be assured that the gentlemen recommended are fit and eligible for their respective situations.

(Signed)

Thomas Gore Browne.

(Signed)

Henry Sewell.

Frederick Whitaker

,