NORFOLK ISLAND.

Waikato Argus, Volume V, Issue 373, 20 December 1898, Page 3

NORFOLK ISLAND.

(by electric telegraph—copyright.) Sydney, December 18. In the New South Wales Assembly, during the discussion on the Estimates, on the vote for the administration of Norfolk Island, Mr Carruthers, in reply to a request for a special declaration of the condition ot affuirs in the Island, stated that owing to the disorganisation, the New South Wales Government, at the request of the Impeiial authorities, assumed the administration. As an indica tion of the loose of affairs, he mentioned that a prisoner wrote to the Administrator, and asked for the kty of the goal, as it was inconvenient to jump the wall. In reference to complaints against Colonel Spalding, be saul if Colonel Spalding ha.d failed in the mission assigned to him by the Government, anil he had failed in some respects, Ills task was one which would have severely taxed anyone. Having investigated the charges made against Colonel Spalding be came to the conclusion that the Colonel had Leeu guilty of want of tact, and dissatisfaction would ensue if he were retained. Accoidingly Colonel Spalding has been informed that bis engagement had been terminated, and the position of DeputyChief Magistrate bad been conferred on the medical resident. So far as the other grave charges were concerned, Mr Carruthers ttated that it seemed that tlr. re was a diabolical conspiracy on the Islands said there were sworn affida>W>. that the utmost lawlessness prevailed in Norfolk Island. Mr Lyne said the residents of the Island had intrigued to secure Colonel Spalding's dismissal. He asked the actual cause of bis retirement. Mr Carrutheis said the charge was that Colonel Spalding had acted as agent for litigants, who appealed in the Court hefore him. Colonel Spalding's explanation of the matter he considered unsatisfactory.

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