§ MR. HENNIKER HEATON (Canterbury)asked the Secretary of State for 707 the Colonies, Will he state the dates of Sir George Bowen's appointment and resignation of the Government of Mauritius; the actual time he was on the island during his Government; the amount of Money he received while on leave, and while administering the Government; and, will he give similar information regarding Sir George Bowen's Governorship of Hong Hong, and the amount of pension on which Sir George Bowen retires?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir HENRY HOLLAND) (Hampstead)It is not desirable to lay a Return upon the Table; but I will briefly give the information asked for. Sir George Bowen assumed the Government of Mauritius on the 4th of April, 1879, and received full salary (60,000 rupees per annum) from that date to the 9th of December, 1880; being in the island 20 months and six days. He was then on leave with half salary (30,000 rupees per annum) for two years. On the 9th of December, 1882, he was appointed Governor of Hong Kong; he assumed the Government on the 3rd March, 1883, and drew full pay (24,000 dols. per annum) till the 20th of December, 1885. He was granted leave on half salary (at the rate of 12,000 dols. per annum) from the 20th of December, 1885, till the 19th of June, 1887; but he will return to resume the Government of Hong Kong before the expiration of that leave. During his previous service of 29 years Sir George Bowen had had only 18 months' leave; and his leave from Mauritius and Hong Kong has been granted under strong medical certificates.