In June 1871 King Cakobau created a House of Delegates, with elections taking place soon afterwards.
The House passed amendments to the constitution, which provided for a Privy Council consisting of a high chief from each province, the governors of provincial councils and members of the cabinet, and an elected Legislative Assembly composed of Europeans.
[2] Former mayor of Melbourne James Stewart Butters was elected speaker.
[3] Seven of the elected members decided to go into opposition and formed the Constitution Party with Robert Wilson Hamilton as chairman.
[2] Fresh elections were due to be held in 1873 with Fijians allowed to vote.