OF NEW SOUTH WALES. 237 



iii the proceedings to give that punctual attendance that might be 

 required for the interest of those whom they are intended to represent. 

 But even if all were present, the Governor, with his two votes, would 

 always decide the matter in favour of the government ; and as before 

 stated, no new law can be considered in council, unless prepared by 

 the Governor, which must effectually prevent any innovations being 

 brought forward by those who represent the interest of the inhabitants 

 of the colony. The only power they have is a negative one ; that 

 of entering their protest, and having it sent home for consideration 

 by her Majesty's ministers ; but in such case there is little likelihood 

 of its meeting with favour. The official members, on the other hand, 

 are considered as bound to support the Governor or to lose their seats 

 and offices, notwithstanding their oaths faithfully to advise, to the 

 best of their ability and judgment, the government of the colony. 



The principal check on the Governor and his Council is the public 

 press, whose conductors are strenuous advocates for reform and 

 colonial rights, and exhibit much ability. 



The statute of New South Wales expired in 1839, when it was 

 renewed for a year, and has subsequently been renewed from year 

 to year until the present time (1840). So evident, however, were the 

 defects in the administration, that a clause was added to the act of 

 renewal, declaring that the statute was deemed in many respects 

 inapplicable to the circumstances of the colony and the wants of the 

 inhabitants. 



It was made lawful for the colonial legislature to enact any laws or 

 ordinances, subject to the provisions of the statute, for the better 

 administration of justice, and to define the constitution of the courts 

 of law, equity, and juries. This conclusively proves that great 

 difficulty is experienced in governing these rising colonies, and in 

 giving that attention to their wants that they demand; yet Great 

 Britain still manifests a strong desire to retain her control over 

 these subjects, and does not see the necessity of letting them stand 

 alone, and being allowed to feel that they are able to take care of 

 themselves.* 



Petitions have been sent home to Parliament and to the Queen 

 praying for the formation of a new constitution, such as they could 

 place confidence in, and in which the people of the colony might be 



* The Legislative Council has agreed to take upon the colony the charge of de- 

 fraying the expenses of the police and jail out of the revenue. This has also caused 

 much dissatisfaction. 



vol. ii. 60 



