§ MR. HENNIKER HEATON (Canterbury)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether a request has been made by the Colony of South Australia to appoint the Chief Justice, the Hon. Samuel James Way, to-the office of Governor of the Colony; and what reply has been given to that request?
§ MR. S. BUXTONNo such request as that stated in the question has been made. Chief Justice Way already holds a commission as Lieutenant Governor, empowering him to administer the Government in the event of the death, absence, or incapacity of the Governor. The Agent General has communicated a copy of a letter from the Prime Minister requesting that, as Government House at Adelaide is not ready, and as economy is desirable, the administration of the Lieutenant Governor, after the departure of the Governor, should be temporarily prolonged. This request will receive consideration at the proper time.
§ MR. HENNIKER HEATONI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Australasian Colonies contribute a 641 sum equal to £40,000 per annum (together with residences, &c.) for the salaries of Governors appointed and selected by the British Government; and whether a recommendation will be made to the Colonial Governments that, in view of the severe depression in the Colonies, one Governor General of Australasia or Viceroy be appointed at a salary of £10,000 a year?
§ MR. S. BUXTONThe answer to the first question is "Yes," and to the second one "No." Such a recommendation would imply a want of knowledge by Her Majesty's Government of the theory and working of the Australian Constitutions.