A COLONIAL TROUBLE.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume II, Issue 222, 15 November 1888, Page 2

A COLONIAL TROUBLE.

THE QUEENSLAND GOVERNORSHIP. London, Nov 12. It was hinted iu the House of Commons yesterday that Sir A. H. Blake, the new Governor of Queensland, had been unpopular in the Bahamas, and that his term in Newfoundland had not been a euccess. The - rapidity of his promotion was attributed by speakers to family influence, and not to any personal merit or ability. Mr Archer, Agent-General for Queensland, replying to the Secretary of State, pointed out that in the case of the Natal nominee being objectionable to the people of that colony he had been withdrawn, and he expressed himself hopeful that this precedent would lead to the cancelling of Sir A. H, Blake’s appointment. The Standard, in an article on the subject, says that while it is impossible for the Colonial Office to delegate its responsibility there is no reason for refusing to consult the Governments of the colony as proposed by Sir Thomas Mollwraith. This plan is habf. tually followed in appointing Ambassadors to foreign Powers, and much stronger reasons exist for taking the same course with regard to the colonies. The Pall Mall Gazette, in an article on the Queensland Governorship, says that because Queensland enjoys responsible Government there is no reason why the Colonial Office should not listen to advice. The article further characterises the appointment of Sir A. H. Blake as indefensible. The Globe upholds Sir A. H. Blake’s appointments.

LIVELY DISCUSSIONS ANDJ»TICLES. SIR A. H. BLAKE’S CAREER. London, Nov. 13. The appointment of Sir A. H. Blake to the Governship of Queensland still continues to excite lively discussions, and numerous articles have appeared iu the Press on the subject. The St James’ Gazette remarks th it demecratio Queensland rejects a brother-in-law of a Duchess, because it wants a real live lord. The Dublin Freeman’s Journal says Sir A. H. Blake was a draper’s assistant in Dublin, whose talent for amateur acting pleased the Earl of Carlisle (then Lord Lieutenant of Ireland) so much so that he gave him a cadetship in the Royal Irish Constabulary, To his own politic behaviour, aided by a lucky marriage, he owes a subsequent promotion. Baron de Worms, in reply to a question in the House of Commons, said it would be most unpreoedent to accede to a request similar to Sir T. Mollwraith's. He delivered an eulogy on Sir A. H. Blake, which was received with laughter by the Parnellitee. Sir A. H. Blake will not leave for Queensland until the question of his appoinment is definitely settled. The Daily Telegranb, in an article on the subject, says Lord Knutsford is thoroughly imbued with the traditions of the Colonial office. In connection with Sir A.’H. Blake’s official career it points out that fighting and ruling the Bahamas is no training for a Governor of a constitutional colony. If Lord Knutsford persists in sending him to Queensland the colony will probably refuse to Vote the Governor’s salary. The Chronicle considers the.feelings of t'm colonists should bo considered, and notes that Sir A. H. Blake was for two years one of the special Resident Magistrate’s selected to carry out the pacification of Ireland, after which ho was appointed Governor of Bahamas in IBBL