Resignation of the Australian Governor-General.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXVIII, Issue XXI, 24 May 1902, Page 996

Resignation of the Australian Governor-General.

Much surprise has been caused throughout Australia by the resignation of Lord ITopetoun, the GovernorGeneral. On Wednesday last Mr O'Connor, Government leader in the lipper House, read a cable marked “secret,” sent by Lord ITopetoun to Mr Chamberlain, dated May sth, detailing the action of the Federal House in refusing to pass the Bill providing for an increase of his official salary. The cable went on to

say: “1 have no cause for complaint as to the past, but 1 anticipate grave dit”cutties as to the future for me and my successor. No allowance whatever will be given. On a salary of £lO,OOO per annum 1 am expected to pay my staff, visit the various States, pay all travelling expenses excepting the railway, occupy two great Government Houses, pay for lights, fuel, stationery, telegrams, postage other than official, dispense hospitality, and maintain the dignity of my office. I have already strained lay private resources beyond all justification. and the position is impossible. After grave consideration 1 think you had better recall me after I he ( oronation.”

Mi Chamberlain on May 9th replied: "I deeply regret Parliament has refused to vote the proposed allowance to the Governor-General. Though I feel the termination of your appointment would be a serious loss to Australia and the Empire I do not feel justified in calling on you to make the heavy pecuniary sacrifices necessarily involved by your remaining in office, and cannot refuse to acquiesce should you desire to be relieved from your post immediately.”

I.ord llopetoun the same day sent the following reply:—“l am deeply sei slide of your kindness. Though I have no feeling of personal resentment. I am naturally much disappointed at the turn of events, especially in view of the extraordinary responsiveness of the people throughout Australia.”

Mr O'Connor said he deeply regretted to have to make the announcement. He was sure the Senate and

people of Australia generally would share his regret.

Lord Tennyson, who,as Governor of South Australia, holds a dormant commission to administer the Commonwealth Government in the event of the absence of the Governor-General, states that he knows nothing beyond what has appeared in the papers. From the first it would appear that the Governor-General believed the position would be endowed with provision sufficient to uphold with reasonable liberality one of the great Imperial posts. He considers it impossible now to reasonably uphold it on less than £lO,OOO a year, with additional £BOOO for allowances. Otherwise the Governor - General w'ould occupy, in the eyes of the people, a lesser position than he did as former Governor in the colonies.

The “St. James’ Gazette” says that Lord Hopetoun’s resignation was apparently unavoidable, and says it is sincerely to be regretted. The "Gazette” hopes that candidates for the position will have sufficient means and generosity to lavish them.

The “Westminster Gazette” says the colonial standpoint is different to the British, but the decision must be taken as final and the Governor’s establishment placed on a footing of which the salary admits. Lord Hopetoun’s expenditure fs at present £16,000 yearly in excess of his official salary.