§ MR. HENNIKER HEATON (Canterbury)asked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether he is now in a position to give the result of the Privy Council decision on the dispute between Governor Broome and Chief Justice Onslow of Western Australia; and, what course the Government have decided on in regard to Governor Broome?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Baron HENRY DE WORMS) (Liverpool, East Toxteth)The Report of the Committee of the Privy Council, which was approved by the Queen, found that of the three charges formulated against the Chief Justice, the first afforded no sufficient ground for a formal charge, though the Chief Justice had acted indiscreetly; that the conduct imputed to the Chief Justice in the second charge arose apparently from irritation produced by the first charge; and although the language of the Chief Justice was characterized by much impropriety, yet, as it was not then published, it did not in itself afford adequate ground for a charge intended to lead to suspension from office; that the third charge was more serious, as the Chief Justice had given for publication language of great animosity to the Governor, as well as confidential information, which he had no right so to communicate, and that on this charge the Committee had had some hesitation in not recommending the confirmation of the suspension of the Chief Justice; but, as no misconduct of a moral character, or connected with judicial duties, had been imputed to him, they recommended that the suspension be removed. Her Majesty's Government have not felt themselves called upon to take any action with regard to the Governor.