HC Deb 13 February 1845 vol 77 cc444-5
Mr. Thornely

moved for a copy of the correspondence between Dr. Rolph and the Co- lonial Secretary, and between the Colonial Secretary and the Governor of Trinidad, relative to the appointment and remuneration of Dr. Rolph, in 1843, as the agent of the Government of Trinidad, for the removal of the coloured population of Canada to that Colony.

Mr. C. Hope

had no particular objection to the production of the correspondence, but wished to put the House in possession of the general facts of the case. In the year 1843, Dr. Rolph, who was then in England, on business relating to the North American Association, with which the Doctor was connected, and which had since become bankrupt, was engaged by the Governor of Trinidad, at a salary of 200l. a year, as emigration agent in Canada for Trinidad. Dr. Rolph, then in England on his own business, was expected to return soon to Canada, but did not do so till a considerable time had elapsed. But, in the meantime, an intimation was given that the appointment was not allowed, whereon the Doctor made a claim for heavy travelling expenses, &c., and for the full year's salary of 200l. though the Governor, who engaged him, stated that he was never employed to go to Canada expressly for business connected with Trinidad, but that it was all along understood that he was about proceeding to Canada immediately on his own business. The Doctor, who did not go there for six months after, and who had never procured a single emigrant for Trinidad, then made this heavy claim. It was thought he was entitled to something, and the sum of 100l. was awarded to him. The correspondence was nearly all in his own hands; he could print it if he chose, and the question for the House was, whether under these circumstances, they would put the public to the expense of printing it. The sum offered the Doctor, but with which he was not content, was 100l.

Motion agreed to.