Sir Hector Macdonald

Manawatu Herald, 11 April 1903, Page 2

Sir Hector Macdonald

The “ Ceylon Observer ” of 2Gth March contains references to the case of the late Sir Hector Macdonald.

The paper states that in the Legislative Council a question Wad asked as a matter of urgency, whether Sir Hector Macdonald was returning to the island to resume command of the Imperial Forces His Excellency the Governor said) in reply that “the member had raised a very painful question.” His Excellency continued: “Considering the ankiety Which has heed aroused in the colony by the announcement of Kir Hector Macdonal’s impending return, I cannot hut admit that his intervention is justified, if not necessary. It is known to all that grave, very grave charges have been made against feir Hector Macdonald Although the offences charged are very serious yet they are not punishable under the Ceylon law, and therefore they cannot he subject to an inquiry In any Criminal Court in this Colony. When the charges transpired, Sir Hector Macdonald, with my concurrence, and on my responsibility, went to England to consult his friends and superiors. Ha has decided to return to Ceylon to meet the charges, and 1 have been authorised to convene a court-martial for the purpose. The local press; with a self-restraint and propriety Which should earn for them the gratitude and admiration of all right minded men, have hitherto abstained from Any comment on this painful subject. Therefore it is perhaps linnecessary that we should appeal to them to continue this honourable course and to remember that the case is practically sub Judice, and to say on the subject nothing prejudicial to the trial, which every Englishman and every loyal subject hopes will result, after a full and searching inquiry, in the complete and honourable acquittal of a soldier with so splendid a record of services to his King and Country as Sir Hector Macdonald.” The member wished to know what status Sir Hector Macdonald would hold on returning to the colony. The Governor replied : “My answer to that is that, like all officers who are about to be tried by courtmartial, he will be placed under arrest. He will not again resume bis duties until acquitted by the Court.”