§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLI beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury, whether Sir Henry MacCallum, who succeeded Sir W. F. Hutchinson as Governor of Natal in January, 1901, and arrived in that Colony on lath May, 1001, has already exceeded by several months in his tenure of this appointment the usual term of the holding of a Colonial Governor which is for a period of five years; on what ground has Sir Henry MacCallum's term of office as Governor of Natal been extended, and on whose application; on what conditions was this favour granted to him by the present Government; and whether, having regard to the disturbed condition of Natal during his Governorship, the insults offered by him to the Boer leaders during the negotiations which preceded the peace, and the severity in administration of the martial law regime which have characterized his Governorship of Natal, steps will be taken to bring his official connection with Natal to a termination.
§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANMy hon. friend must have been misinformed. Sir Henry MacCullum was appointed for the usual term of six years which does not expire until May of next year.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLIs not the usual term five years—it was so in Jamaica?
§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANIn Natal I am told it has always been six years.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLHaving regard to the statements in this Question which have not been denied, would it rot be well to curtail Sir Henry MacCallum's term?
§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANI have not dealt with the reflection on Sir Henry—I have only answered as to the term of his appointment.