§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACHasked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether Sir Arthur Gordon, who was appointed Governor of New Zealand about a year ago, still retains the office of Governor of Fiji and High Commissioner for the Western Pacific; whether the adequate performance of the duties of their offices must not be materially impeded by the distance and difficulty of communication between New Zealand and the Pacific Islands; and, whether Her Majesty's Government have considered the advantages that might accrue from uniting the office of High Commissioner with that of the Naval command on the Pacific Station?
MR. GRANT DUFFSir Arthur Gordon is still High Commissioner for the Western Pacific; but Mr. Des Vœux is Governor of Fiji, although Sir Arthur 1116 Gordon still retains the supervision of certain Fijian questions, principally connected with Native affairs and the titles to land, of which subjects he has exceptional knowledge and experience. To the second Question it is difficult yet to give a positive answer. There are few facilities for communication between Fiji and the other islands of the Western Pacific, and Sir Arthur Gordon, who has a very deep interest in the work of the Commission, is, as at present advised, of opinion that he can perform his duties, which are, as the right hon. Gentleman knows, gratuitous, at least as well in New Zealand as in Fiji. The question whether the officer commanding Her Majesty's Naval Forces in the Pacific might not with advantage be invested with the powers and functions of the High Commissioner has been the subject of much consideration; but Her Majesty's Government have not been able to satisfy themselves that the impediments to such an arrangement can be overcome.