HC Deb 31 July 1894 vol 27 cc1406-7
MR. HENNIKER HEATON

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any telegram has been received at the Colonial Office from the Governor of New South Wales announcing the resignation of the Dibbs Ministry, and the refusal of the Governor to appoint a number of gentlemen to the Legislative Council on the recommendation of the retiring Ministry; if so, whether he is in a position to communicate the contents of the Governor's Message to the House?

THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. S. BUXTON,) Tower Hamlets, Poplar

Sir George Dibbs' Ministry desired to add 10 gentlemen to the Legislative Council, the Governor thereupon offered to add three. This proposal was, however, declined, and the Government thereupon resigned. Mr. Reid is now engaged in forming a Government.

MR. W. REDMOND

Has a Colonial Governor the power to refuse to nominate gentlemen to the Legislative Council when recommended by the Government?

MR. S. BUXTON

A Colonial Governor has the power to refuse the proposals of his Ministry, but he is under the obligation, if they resign in consequence, to find another Government to carry on the business of the country.