COLONIAL GOVERNORS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1818, 20 November 1888, Page 1

COLONIAL GOVERNORS.

Brisbane, November 16. Sir T, Mcllraith has cabled the following objections to Sir H. A. Blake to Lord Knutsford:—First, Sir H..BUkn is not known bb a successful administrator of responsible government; second, the importance of the colony entitles it to a Governor of approved ability and discretion ; third, Sir H. Blake'slexperience bas been confined to one year's duty in Newfoundland ; fourth, his previous experience disqualifies him ; fifth, disapproval of nominee in this colony is spontaneous' and general ; sixth, this disapproval is accentuated by a recent constitutional crisis, Melbourne, November 3 6.

A discussion took place in the Legialatiye Assembly last night on a motion affirming the right of the colonies to a voice in the selection of Governor. After a yigorous debate tbe resolution was negatived, Mr Gillies, the Premier, disclaimed any intention on his part to ask f " r * voice in making such an appoiuiuient, on the ground that such a course would probably occasion comp'ication during any political crisis. He objected to any consideration being shown to Queensland and expressed the opinion that the sooner Victoria showed she had no sympathy for that colony and had every faith in the Imperial se. lection the better. Sydney, November 17. Sir Henry Parkes has expressed the opinion that it was only reasonable tbat the colonies should be informed of intended appointments before they were absolutely mado. London, November 14. Mr J. Gorst, in reply to a question by Mr Henniker Heaton in the House of Commons, said that he bad received a request from the Government of South Australia similar to Sir T. Mcllraith's, requesting to be furnished with the name of the proposed new Governor. He had not sent any reply. November 16.

Lord Knutsford has warned • Sir A. Blyth that the appointment of a Governor for Sooth Australia will be deferred until the Queensland question is settled. It is rumored that Sir W. Hart Djke will be selected.

Lord Knutsford in a letter to Sir A. j B'yth, Agent-General for South 4.us-1 tralia, reiterates the arguments i used in replying to the demand of »hg Queensland Premier. The Secretary of State adds that, apart from bis Imperial functions, a Governor occupies <••; position whioh precludes a local Ministry from the possibility of a voice in his selection. Lord Knutsford farther says that he would be unable to ask a higbminded man to accept a Governorship subject to the approval of a colony. November 17. The Times, Spfictator, Observer, and Economist upholds Lord Knutsford's views re the *ppiontment of colonial Governors. Lord Knutsford has informed Sir Arthur Blyth, Agent-General for South Australia that while he will not permit the colonies to share the responsibility of the appointment of the Governors, he is disposed to consult the colonial Governments whenever possible. The telegram from SirThos.Mcllraith,, Premier of Queensland-; containing tho objections to'Sir It. A, Blake's appointment, rras read in the House of Commons to-day, and received with cheery by the Parnellite party. Sir H. A. Blake, who was selected ps Governor of Queensland, has intimated his willingness to retire from th<* position, but Lord Knutsford objects.

November 18. Sir J. Gorst has refused the position of Governor of Npwfoundiand.'