; But they are, at the same time, fully sen sible of the great importance of uniformity of legislation on this head, so far as it can be attained without injury to t&se principles o£ Colonial Government; and: the danger,-as," well to public morality as to family interests, which, might arise from the la^r of the Colo nies on the subject of marriage and -divorce differing materially from that of the motteir country and of ea'olr other.
Itiis, therefoi©,' the wish of Her Majesiy's ,Goyei?nnjent that'yots should consult your responsible advisers1 as to the expediency of at once introducing a measure which shall incoiporate, as nearly as the circumstances of the? Colony will?admii, the provisions of the Act'recently passed is England^ ■ ' , Some of the minor provisions of>the Act -may probably prove" incempatihle with, the requirements of ths Colony,, nor-is it my wish, to prescribe uniformity im such unessential particulars^ but tlie serious questions- which, might arise from difference^ of legislation on. that portion of the subject which relates to dissolutioitf of marriage or divorce a vinculo — questions possibly affecting'the validity of marriages contracted? iv one? part of the em pire after divorce in another, and consequent Idgifimacy of offspringf^-rendfer it advisaibla' tnafe if the Eegislaturesof -Victoria should pass- any Act varying to an important degree from the present law of England in this par ticular, you .should reserve it; for the con sideration of Her Majasiy;.- ;; . ..
