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in the Steamer the day. As the existing constitution of this Colony vests the administration of the Government in the Colonial Secretary in the event of the Governor's death or absence, I do not feel authorized to leave the post vacant for a day.
Mr. Justin Ball has been appointed Acting Colonial Secretary.
2. Ordinarily, I would have been inclined not to fill this temporary vacancy for economical reasons and to have rendered Mr. Ball's services available in some other capacity, as the office of Colonial Secretary is the one where I can most readily dispense with assistance.
The Governor, under the present constitution, is immediately responsible for all actions taken in the Colonial Secretary's Office, and I therefore personally attend to the business myself. Consequently, except in unusual contingencies, the absence of the Colonial Secretary can give but little assistance.
3. My reasons for appointing Mr. Justice Ball were that he already holds the highest post next to the Colonial Secretary and has a staff at his disposal.
As head of a Department, this follows from the present unfortunate arrangement of the local Judicial Tribunals. Mr. Ball, with capacity and inclination for work, seldom finds himself occupied more than three or four hours during the day by the...