§ MR. A. MILLSasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether Her Majesty's Government have received any information from Sir George Bowen in reference to the crisis in the colony of Victoria?
§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACHSir, my hon. Friend may have noticed a 1401 telegram from Sydney which appeared in the London newspapers a few days ago to the effect that the difficulties which have unhappily occurred in Victoria had been amicably arranged, and which was confirmed by a telegram from Melbourne last night. When my attention was called to the first telegram, I at once telegraphed to Sir George Bowen, the Governor of Victoria, to inquire if it was correct, but have not yet received any reply. I may add that the Papers on this subject, which were moved for by the right hon. Member for Pontefract (Mr. Childers) will, I hope, be in the hands of hon. Members by Tuesday next. I have delayed them for a short time in order to include in them a despatch received two or three days ago from Sir George Bowen on the subject of the dismissal of certain officials in the public service. I think it will appear from this despatch that some exaggerated statements have been made on this subject, and that there is no reason to apprehend that so able and experienced a Colonial Governor as Sir George Bowen will sanction, even should his Ministers advise it, such interference as seems in some quarters to be dreaded with the currency, or the banks, or any action of an illegal or unconstitutional character.