FEDERAL GOVERNORGENERAL.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 417, 16 May 1902, Page 2

FEDERAL GOVERNORGENERAL.

FINDS .610,000 SALARY INSUFFICIENT. » HE YIELDS IN DESPAIR. By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright Melbourne, May 15. At a late hour last night, on the motion for the adjournment of the Senate, Mr O’Connor road a cable, marked secret, from Lord Hopetoun to Mr Chamberlain, dated May sth, detailing the actions of the Federal House in refusing to pass a Bill providing for an increase of his official salary. The cable went on to say that Lord Hopetoun had asked to be re-eailed. Tho announcement came as a complete Buprise to the Senate, an 1 was received in silence.

Sydney, May 15,

The Herald says:—“ Lord Hopetoun is leaving us because his official position entails unwarrantable expenditure beyond his fixed salary. We shall all regret it, but probably the feeling throughout Australia will be that the Commonwealth ought to set an example of living within the letter and spirit of the Constitution, and this should be made clear to Lord Hopetoun’s successor.” (Received May 16, 1 a.m.) Melbourne, May 15.

The Federal Cabinet discussed Lord Hopetoun’s resignation. Mr Deakin subsequently stated that he had nothing to add to Mr O’Connor's statement beyond expressing deep regret at the serious loss to the Commonwealth at this stage of its development, when Lord Hopetoun’s long experience, ripe judgment, and great tact would be such important factors in securing harmony between the Commonwealth States. So far no arrangement had been made for Lord Hopetoun’s departure. Mr Tennyson, Governor of South Australia, • who holds a dormant commission to administer the Commonwealth Government in the event of the absence of the Governor-General, states that he knows nothing beyond what has appeared in the papers. It is believed that Mr Barton was informed of Lord Hopetoun’s intentions before he departed for London. Regret is general throughout the Commonwealth.