§ MR. G. C. T. BARTLEY (Islington, N.)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, whether Lord Brassey was appointed some months ago Governor of Victoria, Australia; and whether his predecessor has left the Colony; and, if so, when it is proposed that Lord Brassey shall proceed to Australia?
§ MR. SYDNEY BUXTONLord Brassey was selected early in the year to succeed Lord Hopetoun in the Government of Victoria. He will assume the Government on the expiration of Lord Hopetoun's leave of absence in September next.
§ MR. BARTLEYasked, whether there was any precedent for the Governor of a colony, who as such represented Her Majesty, remaining so long in England and going about making political speeches in favour of candidates? [Cries of "Oh," and cheers.]
§ MR. BUXTONThere are plenty of precedents for Governors not assuming office at once, especially in a case like this, in which the late Governor's time has not yet expired. A Governor is entitled, under the terms of his appointment, to so much leave, and that he usually takes, as in this case, at the end of his term. While on leave he is on half-pay, and the new Governor does not take office until the expiration of his predecessor's leave. Lord Brassey, therefore, at the present moment is not Governor of Victoria.
§ MR. BARTLEYThen is there any precedent for a gentleman in this position going about taking part in political campaigns? ["Hear, hear !" and Cries of "Notice."]
§ [No further answer was given.]