Responsible government in the Dominions: Responsible government in the Dominions

Responsible government in the Dominions (Vol. 3)

Bibliographic data

Multivolume work

Identifikator:: 1896933912

Document type:: Multivolume work

Author:: Keith, Arthur Berriedale http://d-nb.info/gnd/119086794

Title:: Responsible government in the Dominions

Place of publication:: Oxford

Publisher:: Clarendon Press

Year of publication:: 1912-

Collection:: Economics Books

Usage license:: Get license information via the feedback formular.

Volume

Identifikator:: 1896935311

URN:: urn:nbn:de:zbw-retromon-237672

Document type:: Volume

Author:: Keith, Arthur Berriedale http://d-nb.info/gnd/119086794

Title:: Responsible government in the Dominions

Volume count:: Vol. 3

Place of publication:: Oxford

Publisher:: Clarendon Pr.

Year of publication:: 1912

Scope:: XII Seiten, Seiten 1102-1670

Digitisation:: 2022

Collection:: Economics Books

Usage license:: Get license information via the feedback formular.

Chapter

Document type:: Multivolume work

Structure type:: Chapter

Title:: Part VI. The judiciary

Collection:: Economics Books

1410 THE JUDICIARY [PART VI It appears to be clear that at least two of the Australasian Governments (those of New Zealand and Queensland) enter- tain the opinion that, in the exercise of the prerogative of mercy, there should be distinct ministerial advice, tendered under definite ministerial responsibility! Tt is possible that these two Colonies may not be alone in their contention ; and, should your Lordship see your way to give effect to Mr. Ballance’s wishes by definite instructions in that direction, T cannot see that any danger to the Empire need be feared. The rapid strides made by these Colonies in recent years have resulted in the building up of a social fabric differing only in degree from the older communities of Europe ; and circumstances have much changed since Sir H. Parkes wrote in 1874 deprecating any change in the existing practice, because, he said: ‘The persons entrusted with authority, and the relatives and friends of prisoners, move closely together in a community so small as ours.” Ministers are capable of assuming complete responsibility for the adminis- tration of local affairs without exception. Public opinion expressed through a number and variety of channels is speedily exercised and quickly felt. Any abuse of power or danger to the preservation of order, if not checked by the influence of Parliament, would be certainly arrested by the first general election, an event which can never be postponed longer than three years, but which usually recurs much more frequently. 14. In the earlier history of the Australasian Colonies, as in that of Canada, there may have been much to be said in favour of the practice, but the causes which operated to effect a change in the Dominion have not been wanting in Australasia, and should your Lordship see fit to assimilate the practice here to that which obtains in Canada, the principles of responsible government will be complete, while the Queen’s representative will be freed from an anomalous position, and a difficult and undesirable duty. As the result of Lord Onslow’s suggestion, the Secretary of State addressed the several Colonies on the topic, with the result that all agreed in the adoption of the usual rules regarding executive action, under which the Governor should * South Australia in the same year showed the same feeling, the Govern- ment threatening resignation. Prior to 1892 the Governor discussed capital cases in Council, asking the junior member his opinion first. Since then the Cabinet decides on its advice and the Governor approves in Council, being given of course an opportunity of seeing the papers before Council.

Access restriction

Copyright

fullscreen: Responsible government in the Dominions (Vol. 3)

Multivolume work

Volume

Chapter

Table of contents

Download

Volume

Chapter

This page

Image fragment

Citation links

Citation recommendation