HIS EXCELLENCY-The object is that our very efficient and valuable colleagues should be present on the occasion. The election takes place, I believe, on the 17 inst.?
Hon. P. RYBIE-Yes.
His EXCELLENCY-Then if we assemble on Monday, the 19th, will that answer all purposes?
The unofficial members accepted the date.
HIS EXCELLENCY-Very well, then, hon. gentlemen, so let it be.
A few technical amendments which had been leftover were then made in other parts of the Bill.
The ACTING ATTORNEY-GENERAL-With the exception of the clauses which have been postponed this finishes the Bill. It is not necessary for the Council at this stage to go into the by-laws. The Ordinance provides that the by-laws should be made by the Sanitary Board and submitted to the Council. Those appended to the Bill were published merely for information and discussion.
THE RETIREMENT OF MR. JACKSON.
His EXCELLENCY-I am sure I am right in regretting on the part of this Council the loss of our able and valuable colleague, Hon. Mr. Jackson, who has rendered such very valuable services to the Government and this community. Fortunately, he remains amongst us and as we all, I am quite sure, work together for the good of the community, I have no doubt Mr. Jackson's able advice and counsel will always be as much at our disposal—the official members—as at your disposal. The Government has had nothing whatever to do with this arrangement.
My hon. friend on the right (Hon. P. Ryrie) observed, we were very anxious to retain the services of Mr. MacEwen, at all events until we had finished with the Health Bill, but whatever arrangement has been made between these hon. gentlemen is their own affair and not ours, but I have no doubt that, at least I hope that, as my hon. friend on the right said, we shall see Mr. MacEwen amongst us again.
Hon. P. RYRIE-It is a foregone conclusion.
Hon. C.P. CHATER-Your Excellency, I don't think there was any arrangement between the two gentlemen. Only having a great deal to do, and as his stay is not likely to be long, Mr. Jackson wanted to devote all his time to the duties at the Bank. It is best it should be known there is no arrangement. It is simply that one had too much to do and had to resign. There is no doubt, as my hon. friend has said, that Mr. MacEwen will be elected.
His EXCELLENCY-I am glad you have made those remarks. If any little word escaped me which may give rise to a wrong impression let me remove it at once. I will read Mr. Jackson's letter which is just as you say.
5th September. SIR, I have the honour to request you to inform His Excellency the Acting Governor that I wish to resign my seat at the Legislative Council. I do so because I feel I cannot spare sufficient time to do justice to the appointment.
What I meant was that if these gentlemen conferred together as to what they thought best for the public service and they came to that agreement it was not an arrangement with the Government.
ADJOURNMENT.
The Council adjourned to Monday, 19th inst.
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