PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE
Reference :-
།། །། ། །། །། mmimmim C.O. 885.
24 PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON
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BAHAMAS.
Enclosure 6 in No. 1.
BAHAMA Islands.
5 George V., Chapter 1.
AN ACT
To enable the Governor to issue Proclamations on instructions from the Secretary of State, and to give legal effect to the same, and for other purposes.
1. The short title of this Act is The Proclamations Act, 1914.
2. It was thought that circumstances might arise, owing to a state of war, in which it might be advisable that the Governor should have the power to issue Proclamations whose effect should be valid in law, and that authority should be taken for the payment of any expenses incurred in connexion with the defence scheme. On His Excellency's instructions the Bill for this Act was prepared and submitted to the Legislature convened in special session for the consideration of this and another measure, namely, the Emergency Relief Act. Although the Bill is somewhat unusual and gives very great powers to the Governor, it received the unanimous support of both Houses. An explanation of its provisions was given to the House of Assembly by the Speaker.
3. Section 2 empowers the Governor, on instructions from the Secretary of State when war exists between His Majesty and any foreign state or country, to issue Proclamations, and declares that all matters therein contained shall have the full force and effect of law, as if the same had been embodied in an Act.
4. The 3rd Section enacts that all expenses incurred in carrying out the defence scheme of the Colony are to be paid out of the Treasury in the usual manner. By the 4th Section the duration of the Act is limited to one year, and from thence to the end of the then next session of the Legislature.
5. I advised His Excellency the Governor that his assent might properly be given to this Act.
F. C. WELLS DURRANT,
Attorney-General's Chambers,
11th August, 1914.
Enclosure 7 in No. 1.
BAHAMA Islands.
5 George V., Chapter 2.
AN ACT
Attorney-General.
To enable the Governor in Council to make provision for affording relief in case of any emergency arising from a state of war.
1. The short title of this Act is The Emergency Relief Act, 1914.
2. The Executive Council discussed the effect that the existing state of war is likely to have on local trading conditions, and, having regard to all the circum- stances, were unanimously of opinion that in all probability the time would come soon when relief in some shape or form would have to be provided. The crippling of the sponge business, the cessation of the calling of the Hamburg-American Line steamers at Long Cay and Inagua, and the probable difficulties in the way of importing foodstuffs, and the consequent rise in price, were important factors which determined the advice of the Council that a Bill should be submitted to the Legislature conferring power on the Governor in Council to deal with the situation. 3. The Act is designed to confer wide power on the Executive to take steps for affording relief during a state of war, and Section 2 in effect authorizes the Governor in Council to do whatever in his opinion is expedient in this direction. Orders in Council may be made and rules passed for carrying into effect the objects of the Act.
4. Section 3 provides for the payment of the expenses incurred under the Act from the Public Treasury, and by Section 4 the duration of the Act is limited to one year. and from thence to the end of the then next session of the Legislature. Section 4 was introduced into the Bill in deference to the wishes of some members of the House of Assembly.
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BAHAMAS.
5. The Bill went through both Houses of the Legislature without a dissentient voice being raised against it.
6. I advised His Excellency the Governor that his assent might properly be given to this Act.
Attorney-General's Chambers,
11th August, 1914.
48419
No. 2.
F. C. WELLS Durrant,
Attorney-General.
THE GOVERNOR to THE SECRETARY OF STATE. (Received 8th November, 1914.)
(Confidential.)
Government House, Bahamas, 18th October, 1914.
SIR,
I HAVE the honour to report the arrival of H.M.S. Essex at this port yesterday.
2. Captain Watson, accompanied by his Intelligence Officer, Lieutenant Conlon, landed and called upon me.
3. Captain Watson informed me that the Senior Naval Officer, West Indies, was anxious for arrangements to be made for periodical reports as to Great Bahamas Bank, to the northward of Lobos Cay. To obtain these reports it was necessary that frequent patrolling should be undertaken. There is reason to suspect that the waters about the Bahamas are being used by the enemy as a rendez- vous for their supply ships. It is impossible for our warships to be detached solely on the work of watching the waters of the Bahamas, and Captain Watson suggested that this work could be undertaken by some of the local boats. After making inquiries what vessels were available for the work, Captain Watson was of opinion that the Board of Trade lighthouse tender "Carnarvon was the most suitable. I therefore sent for Mr. Holden, the officer acting in command of the "Carnarvon," and told him of the requirements of the Navy, and instructed him to place himself under the orders of Captain Watson, of H.M.S. "Essex." I attach a copy of the instructions issued to Mr. Holden by Captain Watson.
"
4. The cost of the employment of the "Carnarvon on this special work will have to be settled between the Admiralty and the Board of Trade.
5. Mr. Holden in his work may require to employ local schooners and pilots. I have authorized him to do so, and any expenditure incurred under this head will, in the first instance, be paid for from the funds of the Colony, and subsequently the claims will be sent to the Admiralty.
for
6. Mr. Holden is at present Acting Commander of the "Carnarvon" Captain Lobb, R.N. (retired), on leave. Mr. Holden willingly undertook to carry out Captain Watson's instructions. To avoid any possibility of difficulties, may suggest that the Board of Trade be asked to request Captain Lobb on his return to comply with any instructions issued by the naval authorities in these waters?
7. I forwarded you the following telegram yesterday,* and in order to insure
its passing the United States Government Censor, I had to word it as I did :- "At request of Watson Essex I have sanctioned Mr. Carnarvon hunting for him, kindly advise Carnarvon's father at Bordtride."
"0
The proper reading is:-"At request of Captain Watson, H.M.S. "Essex," I have sanctioned Board of Trade tender "Carnarvon
patrolling for naval authorities. Kindly advise Board of Trade." I have sent you a telegram to-day as follows:- Refer Navy List."
8. H.M.S. "Essex left this port at 4.30 p.m. yesterday.
I have, &c..
* 40064: not printed.
B 2
G. B. HADDON-SMITH,
Governor.