HC Deb 15 June 1883 vol 280 cc691-2
MR. DAWSON

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether the period for which special resident magistrates were appointed for will not terminate on the 30th instant; if so, when the Right honourable gentleman will bring in his measure relating to this matter; and, whether it is intended to prolong the present system of special magistrates, and in the persons of the present holders of these positions?

MR. TREVELYAN

Sir, it is the case the period referred to will terminate on the 20th of this month. Authority has been obtained from the Treasury to continue the present system for three months longer. The intention of the Government is to continue it pending the legislation to which the hon. Member refers.

WESTERN ISLANDS OF THE PACIFIC—AUSTRALIAN COLONIES—ANNEXATION OF NEW GUINEA BY QUEENS-LAND.

SIR MICHAEL HICKS - BEACH

asked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether ho can now lay upon the Table the Despatch from the Governor of Queensland with respect to the annexation of New Guinea, and in- form the House of the decision of Her Majesty's Government on the subject; and, whether the recent Correspondence with other Australasian Colonies, with respect to the annexation of certain other islands in the Pacific, will be presented to Parliament?

MR. EVELYN ASHLEY

The Despatch from the Governor of Queensland has arrived, and is being prepared with other Parliamentary Papers to be shortly laid on the Table. The Government have not yet arrived at any final decision on the matters dealt with in that Despatch. As to the telegraphic correspondence with respect to certain Islands in the Pacific, the shortness of Notice has prevented me conferring with the Secretary of State; but I have no doubt they will, before long, be presented to Parliament.

SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH

I shall repeat the Question in a day or two to the Head of the Government, for it is a very important matter.