Resolution enclosed.

That on comparing the alternative evils of either more delay in bestowing constitutions of representative government on the colonies of Australia, or framing such constitutions page 271without really consulting colonial opinion on the subject, it appears probable that the colonists would rather suffer the delay than the many and lasting bad effects of such legislation; wherefore this House is of opinion that, except with regard to what may be necessary for guarding the interests of Port Philip as distinct from those of New South Wales, which ought to be immediately secured by a separate Act, it is not expedient to proceed further with the Australian Colonies Government Bill until the Governors, Legislatures, and People of the said Colonies shall have had time to consider the provisions of the Bill, in comparison with the several proposals varying therefrom which have been submitted to the notice of this House.