§ MR. J. F. HOGAN (Tipperary, Mid)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies, in reference to the recently published Blue-book on the change of government in,Norfolk Island, whether any steps have been taken, or instructions issued, to prevent the unalienated lands being snapped up by strangers at insignificant prices, having regard to the value these lands will acquire in the early future, when Norfolk Island is one of the principal stations of the Pacific Cable; whether the desire of the Norfolk Island community, as expressed at page 25, that the importation of spirituous liquors should be prohibited in the future, as it has been during the past 40 years, will be respected under the new regime; and whether, as it is expressly stated at page 33, on his authority, that the appointment of the Government Resident is a temporary measure limited to the short period of 10 months, another and a permanent scheme for the future government of Norfolk Island is now in contemplation?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. J. CHAMBERLAIN,) Birmingham, W.It will be seen from Sections 1 and 3 of the Order in Council of January 15, published at page 50 of the Blue-book, that the Governor of New South Wales for the time being is empowered to administer the affairs of Norfolk Island, and to constitute and appoint all necessary judges, justices of the 1113 peace, and other public officers. Any future administrative arrangements will therefore be in the hands of the Governor; and with reference to the first part of the Question, I have no doubt that under Section 5 of the Order in Council due attention will be given to all questions connected with the alienation and transfer of lands. The new regulations as to the importation of hoer and spirituous liquors, which Were passed by the Governor in virtue of the powers already vested in him by the Order in Council of 1856, will be found at pages 40 and 41 of the Blue book.