ABSTRACT
On 21 July 1853 Lieutenant-Governor Young tabled in the Legislative Council a draft constitution providing for a Council nominated for life and property qualifications for voting for the Legislative Assembly. The Colonial Office rejected the constitution. After elections in August 1855, a new Legislative Council developed a compromise Bill of an elected Legislative Council elected by holders of freehold worth £50; leaseholders holding £20 annual value; and tenants of £25 annual rental. The Legislative Assembly would be elected by males over 21. This was a radical constitution; the results of the popular will of electors and opposed by the Governors but not, apparently, the Colonial Office.
