§ MR. CHARLES BILL (Staffordshire, Leek)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies, whether the Governor of Norfolk Island recently dismissed summarily by telegram the Rev. T. P. Thorman, Chaplain of the Island for the last ten years, while on a visit 1070 to this country, and without any reason assigned; what compensation, if any, has been offered him for the loss of his office, and for the money which he has spent in the improvement of the house, the property of the Government, which was assigned to him as a residence; and, whether, as the laws of the island prescribe that the Chaplain should preside at the election of the Chief Magistrate, it is proposed to appoint a successor to him?
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAINI have learned from the rev. gentleman that he has received a letter from the Governor of New South Wales, informing him that in view of the administrative changes contemplated in Norfolk Island he is obliged to terminate his appointment, and that in consideration of any expenses he may have been put to the Governor is willing to make him a grant of six months' salary. I expect shortly to receive further information from the Governor respecting Mr. Thorman's position; but, in the meantime, I am unable to state what further arrangements are proposed as regards the office of Chaplain. Owing to representations received from the Governor as to the existing state of affairs, he has been authorised to take special steps for the temporary appointment of a Magistrate, which he has power to do under the Order in Council of 24th June 1856.