THE LATE SIR HECTOR MACDONALD:

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12241, 9 April 1903, Page 5

THE LATE SIR HECTOR MACDONALD:

THE CEYLON CHARGES. SPEECH BY THE GOVERNOR. By Telegraph.—Press Association.—Copyright. Feejiaxtle, April 8. The Ceylon Observer of March 26 says: — " la the Legislative Council to-day a question was asked, as a matter of urgency, whether Sir Hector Macdonald was returning to the island to resume command. " His Excellency the Governor (Sir. J. W. Ridgeway), in reply, said the member had raised a very painful question, ' but,' he said,' ' considering the anxiety which has been aroused in the colony by the announcement of Sir Hector Macdonald's impending return I cannot but admit that his intervention is justified, if not necessary. It is known to all here that, grave—very gravecharges have been made gainst Major-General Macdonald. Although the offences with which he is charged are very serious, they are not punishable under Ceylon law, and therefore cannot be subject to inquiry in a criminal court in this colony. When the charges transpired Major-General Macdonald, with •my concurrence, and on my responsibility, went to England to consult his friends and superiors. He lias decided to return to Ceylon to meet the charges, and I have been authorised to convene a court-martial for the purpose. The local press, with a self-restraint and propriety which should earn for them the gratitude and admiration of all right-minded men, have hitherto abstained from any comment on this painful subject. Therefore, it is perhaps unnecessary that we should appeal to them to continue this honourable course and to remember that the case is practically sub judice, and to say on the subject, nothing prejudgable ,to the trial, which every Englishman and every loyal subject hopes will result, after full searching inquiry, in the complete and honourable acquittal of the soldier who possesses so splendid a record of services to his King and country,, as Major-General Sir Hector Macdonald.' "A member wished to know what status Sir Hector Macdonald would hold on returning to the colony. "The Governor replied: 'My answer to that is that, like all officers who are about to be tried by court-martial, he will be placed under arrest. He will not again resume duties until he is acquitted by the Court.'" [by telegraph.—press association.] Invercakgiltj, Wednesday. ( At a meeting of the Highland Society of Southland to take into consideration the lamented death of Sir Hector Macdonald and decide whether action should be taken to erect a monument, the chief (Mi. Fraser) said the society was the first to introduce the deceased general to New Zealand, and it was their duty to put forward some suggestion.- Mr. J. L. Mac Donald, for Mr. Colin Gray, of Wallacetown, who came from the same locality and attended the same sohool as Sir Hector Macdonald, moved a resolution in Gaelic, the translation being: "Sir Hector Macdonald, brave warrior, is dead. We mourn deeply his death and we honour his memory." This will be sent to Sir Hector's relatives. It was also resolved, "That the society co-operate with other societies in the colony in raising funds, if necessary, to help clear the memory of Sir Hector or to raise a national monument." At the close of the meeting the Pipe Band played "Mackintosh's Lament."

At a recent meeting of the council of St. Andrew's Scottish Society of Auckland the following resolution was carried, " That this society expresses the deepest regret at the bereavement which has befallen Scotland in the untimely death of Major-General Sir Hector Macdonald, and decides to co-operate with kindred societies in any action which maybe taken to uphold his honour."