The question how far any possible legislation as to immigrants into the United Kingdom might be affected, in the light of treaties with foreign Powers, by any action taken with reference to this law of the South African Republic deserves consideration.
The subject is of such great importance that we think it right, at present, only to indicate these considerations, and to suggest that, before any step is taken, it should be considered in all its bearings.
The Right Hon. Joseph Chamberlain, M.P., &c.
&c.
&c.
We have, &c.
*
RICHARD E. WEBSTER. ROBERT B. FINLAY.
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25457.
PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE
Reference :-
TTLELIC.O.
885
14 PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON
ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC-
COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH-NOT TO
SIR,
No. 123.
(NEW SOUTH WALES, NORFOLK ISLAND.)
LAW OFFICERS to COLONIAL OFFICE.
Royal Courts of Justice, December 10, 1896.
We were honoured with your commands, signified in Mr. Bramston's letter of the 1st instant, in reference to our report of the 31st October last,* on the subject of Norfolk Island.
Mr. Bramston stated that it would be seen from the accompanying Despatch, dated 16th October, that the Government of New South Wales had already realised some of the difficulties attendant on the proposed arrangement with which our report dealt; and that they now proposed that the Island should not be formally annexed to New South Wales; that the services of the Government of that Colony should be administra- tive only, legislation to be conducted as formerly or in such manner as might seem fit to Her Majesty's Government, it being, however, part of the arrangement that the Island was secured to New South Wales or the future federal body when it should be found expedient to ask for its annexation.
That it might be assumed that the object of this decision was to preclude the claim of New Zealand to have the Island annexed to that Colony, and as Her Majesty's Government were anxious to be relieved of further responsibility respecting the administration of the Island, you thought it might be the best plan, if permissible, to vest the administration in the Governor of New South Wales in that capacity, and not as specifically Governor of Norfolk Island.
That Mr. Bramston was accordingly to ask whether such a course would be proper and whether the terms of the Draft Order in Council which accompanied his letter would be sufficient for carrying it into effect.
That he was also to state that in view of the important business to be brought before Parliament next session it was desired to dispense with any legislative measures that were not absolutely necessary, and that you would be glad if we could suggest any means by which it might be possible to deal with this matter otherwise than by Imperial legislation.
We have taken the matter into our consideration, and, in obedience to your commands, have the honour to
Report--
That, in our opinion, the course proposed is proper, and the terms of the Draft Order in Council as altered and initialled by us are appropriate and sufficient.
Having regard to the very special terms of 18 and 19 Vict. c. 54, s. 46 we feel a difficulty in advising that annexation can be properly effected without Imperial legislation. As the matter will apparently stand over for the present, and will not therefore affect the work of next Session, the point can be further considered when the necessity arises.
The Right Hon. Joseph Chamberlain, M.P.,
&o.
&c.
&c.
We have, &c.
RICHARD E. WEBSTER. ROBERT B. FINLAY.
DRAFT ORDER IN COUNCIL.
WHEREAS by the Australian Waste Lands Act, 1855 (18 & 19 Vict. c. 56), it is, among other things, provided that it shall be lawful for Her Majesty at any time by Order in Council to make such provision for the Government of Norfolk Island as may seem expedient:
And whereas by an Order of Her Majesty in Council, dated the 24th of June 1856, it was, amongst other things, ordered that Norfolk Island should be a distinct and separate settlement, the affairs of which, until further order is made in that behalf by Her Majesty should be administered by a Governor to be appointed by Her Majesty
⚫ 90586.-16. 25.-1/97.
• No. 119.
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