1
153
far
8824
12460
returned to the Colony but the Unofficial Members of the
Council asked for further time for consideration. It seemed
doubtful whether they would be able to come to a decision
in the near future and, since several of them were
proposing to leave the Colony for the summer months, it was
not improbable that the matter would have to be deferred
until the autumn. I therefore telegraphed to you on
February 23rd asking that the time allowed for the
acceptance or rejection of the award might be extended
until the end of this year. However, on the 7th of March
they informed me that they were prepared to continue and
conclude the debate at the next meeting of Council. At that
meeting, held on the 13th March, the resolution was passed
without a division but, as indicated in my telegram of 15th
March, subject to protest.
4.
I enclose copies of the reports of the
proceedings at the two meetings, together with copies of
the Sessional Paper which embodies Sir John Oakley's award. The grounds of the protest will be found in Mr. Pollock's speech, in the terms of which his unofficial colleagues had previously concurred. It will be observed that the speech raises questions of a legal nature and that it is suggested that these should be referred to the arbitration
of Lord Parmoor,
I forward this suggestion for your
consideration but, as I stated to the Council at the time, it appears to me that not much is likely to be gained by that course, as it is always open to the War Office to say "We admit all your contentions as to the meaning of the Circuler and as to the figures of the award but it is the Colony that wants the Military establishments moved and we will not move them except on our own terms." I do not therefore press for the adoption of the suggestion
especially