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the Attorney General is clearly of opinion that Mr. Gibbons was and is under the Colonial Regulations and subject to the usual procedure, when necessary, of the Governor and Executive Council. His Excellency also refers to the despatch from the Secretary of State for the Colonies of 15th October, 1880, lately received from Lord Kimberley, incidentally confirming that opinion.
Having quoted some passages from the public statement made by Mr. Gibbons in Court on 21st October last, the accuracy of which report Mr. Gibbons has not questioned, His Excellency The Governor requests the Acting Clerk of Councils, at the suggestion of the Honourable the Attorney General, to read to the Council Mr. Gibbons' defence. This document having been read in its entirety, the Governor states that he wishes to invite the Council to advise him on two points, which he put in the following words.
1. Do you, after having read and considered the whole case, believe that the charge of deliberate insubordination is proved? and
2. If so, do you advise me to proceed to the suspension of Mr. Gibbons?
His Excellency adds that, if the Council wishes it, he will summon Mr. Gibbons to make any oral statement.