12. Colonel WILLIAMSasked what steps are being taken by the authorities of Nigeria to prevent the carriage of spirits by Government railways up to points so close to the boundaries of Northern Nigeria as to make the smuggling of spirits into that prohibitory area a matter comparatively easy to accomplish?
Mr. HARCOURTThe carriage of trade spirits by the Nigerian railway is prohibited beyond Ikirum, and recently through rates on such spirits beyond Ibaden have been abolished, and local rates between Ibadan and Ikirum have been raised to 50 per cent, over the highest class rates.
17. Sir GILBERT PARKERasked on what grounds Mr. Willoughby Osborne, some time Chief Justice of Southern Nigeria, was relieved of his duties; whether he has been given another appointment; and if so, what?
Mr. HARCOURTOn the amalgamation of Northern and Southern Nigeria the two Supreme Courts were to be replaced by one, and Sir Edwin Speed (hitherto Chief Justice of Northern Nigeria) having been selected for the post of Chief Justice of the new Supreme Court, it became necessary to retire the other Chief Justice (Mr. Osborne) on pension. I have not, so far, been able to offer Mr. Willoughby Osborne another appointment.
Sir G. PARKERMay I assume from that reply that it is the intention, if possible, to give Mr. Osborne another appointment?
Mr. HARCOURTIt would perhaps be unfair to express an intention that I might not be able to fulfil; but it is certainly my hope that I may be able to do so.