— No. 7 —

Lord Knutsford to the Earl of Glasgow.

Telegraphic.

[Answered by Nos. 8 and 112.]

The figures in your Despatch of 22nd June^* show that the Legislative Council consists of 31 Members of the Opposition and 5 Ministerialists.

If 12 were added to the latter, a large Opposition majority would still remain; therefore the proposal of Premier seems to me a reasonable one. The existence of an Upper House largely disproportionate to what appears to be the present political feeling in the Colony may be imperilled unless a more even balance of parties is secured. Despatch will be sent by mail.