James Busby's Plan for Native Government
British Resident in New Zealand

The plan which I would now more fully submit was suggested in my despatch of the 26th January 1836, No. 85. It is founded upon the principle of a protecting state, administrating in chief the affairs of another state in trust for the inhabitants. Their flag has been formally recognised by the British Government as the flag of an independant state. The articles of confederation having centalised the powers of sovereignty exercised both de jure and de facto by the several chiefs, and having established and declared the basis of a constitution of government founded upon the union of those powers. Whatever laws His Magesty's Government should consider suitable for the protection and control of the Kings subjects would be proposed to, and, as of course, become acts of the legislator of New Zealand. Whatever courts of judicature His majesty might deem necessary would be established under the same sanction. 

THE HOUSE OF LORDS
PRESENTED BY ROYAL COMMAND