CO885-(11-13) — Page 578

1077.

MY LORD,

No. 285.

(Leeward IslanDS.)

LAW OFFICERS to COLONIAL OFFICE.

We were honoured with your Lordship's instructions signified in Mr. Wingfield's letter of the 3rd instant, stating that he was directed by your Lordship to transmit to

Temple, 18th January 1883. ua a copy of a resolution passed by the General Legislative Council of the Leeward Islands, and to request that we would advise your Lordship on the question therein raised, whether persons holding offices of emolument under the Crown were eligible for appointment as "unofficial" members of the. General Legislative Council of the Leeward Islands, under the provisions of section 9 of the Leeward Islands Act, 1871, (34 & 35 Vict. c. 107.), and are so eligible under section 5 of the Leeward Islands Act No. 11 of 1878, copies of which set were annexed.

In obedience to your Lordship's commands we have the honour to

Report

That we are of opinion that persons holding offices of emolument under the Crown are eligible for appointment as "unofficial" members of the General Legislative Council of the Leeward Islands under the provisions of section 9 of the Leeward Islands Act. 1871, and the Leeward Islands Aot No. 11 of 1878.

By section 9 of the former Act the three "official" members are to be " members of the General Government of the Islands." The unofficial members, we think, must not be members of that Government, and must be taken one from each of the Island Councils. Provided these conditions be complied with, we do not think that any limitation was placed upon the choice which may be made by Her Majesty.

66

The later Act makes no difference in this respect, the only change being that the official" members are no longer to consist of any member of the General Government who may be selected, but are specifically described, viz. :—

"The Colonial Secretary, the Attorney-General, and the Auditor-General."

We have, &c.,

(Signed) HENRY JAMES.

The Right Hon. the Earl of Derby,

&c.

&c.

&c.

▲ 12316.-263. 2°.—12,784.

FARRER HERSCHELL.

PUBLIC

RECORD OFFICE

Reference :-

CO.

885

12 PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON

ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC- COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH—NOT TO