NORFOLK ISLAND.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 299, 19 December 1898, Page 4

NORFOLK ISLAND.

NEW CHTEF MAGISTRATE

SYDNEY, December IS

Tn the New South Wales Assembly during the discussion on the Estimate's on the vote for the administration of Norfolk Island Mr Carruthers, in reply to a request for a special declaration of the condition of affairs in the Island, stated that owing to the disorganisation, the New South Wales Government, at the request of the Imperial authorities, assumed the administration. As an indication of the loose state Of affairs he mentioned that a prisoner wrote to the Administrator and asked for the key of the gaol, as it was inconvenient to jump "the wall. In reference to complaints against Colonel Spalding, he said if Colonel Spalding had failed in the mission assigned to him by the Government, and he had failed in some respects, his task was one which would have severely taxed anyone. Having- investigated the charges made 'against Colonel Spalding he came to the conclusion that the Colonel had been .guilty of. want of tact, and dissatisfaction would ensue.if he jvere retained. Accordingly Colonel Spalding- had 'been informed .that his engagement had been terminated, and the position of Deputy-Chief Mag-istrate had been conferred on the medical resident. So far as the other grave charges were concerned, Mr Carruthers stated that it seemed that there was a diabolical conspiracy on the Island. ,

Mr Sheath said there were sworn affidavits that the utmost lawlessness prevailed in Norfolk Island.

Mr Lyne said the residents of the Island had intrigued to secure Colonel Spalding's dismissal. He asked the actual cause of his retirement. Mr Carruthers said the charge was that Colonel Spalding had acted as agent for., litigants, who appeared, in the Court before him. Colonel Spalding's explanation of the matter he considered unsatisfactory.