§ House in Committee (according to Order).
THE EARL OF CARNARVONmoved, after Clause 5, to insert a new Clause to empower Her Majesty to exercise jurisdiction over British subjects in islands of the Pacific Ocean not within the jurisdiction of any civilized Power; by Order in Council to create and constitute the office of High Commissioner in and over such islands, with authority to make regulations for the government of British subjects therein; to erect a Court of Justice for British subjects with civil, criminal, and Admiralty jurisdiction, corresponding with the authority 3 of the High. Commissioner; giving power to Her Majesty in Council to mate ordinances for the government of British subjects being within these islands; and conferring on the High Commissioner certain powers.
THE EARL OF KIMBERLEYsaid, he was glad the noble Earl had explained the clause—not for the purpose of anticipating any objection that might be made to it, but that their Lordships and the public should understand its meaning. It was necessary that power should be given to control British subjects in these parts, in order to prevent their committing acts that produced great difficulties. The clause would prevent such a state of things from growing up as had been the case in the Fiji Islands.
§ Clause agreed to, and added to the Bill.
§ Further Amendments made: the Report thereof to be received on Friday next; and Bill to be printed, as amended. (No. 88.)