No. 73

I have the honor to report that I have suspended Mr Thomas
Basil Humphreys from the exercise of his Office as a Member of
the Legislative Council until Her Majesty's pleasure shall be known.

2. This course was taken with the unanimous approval of the
Executive Council, and in accordance with the almost unanimous
Resolution of the
Legislative Council, of which I enclose a Copy, with a transcript
of the proceedings upon which the Resolution was founded.

3. I have some doubt whether the Legislative Council acted
wisely in attaching so much importance as they did to the
abusive language alleged to have been used by Mr Humphreys at a
Public Meeting in Victoria;

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but when his disrespect to the Council had been formally brought
to my notice in the manner in which it was laid before me,

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and after the strong opinion of the Executive

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Council, Members of which, unofficial as well as official, were
personally cognizant of all that had passed, it appeared to me
that I could not without lessening the dignity of the
Legislature of the Colony, refuse to comply with their request
that Mr Humphreys should be removed, and suffer his conduct to
pass unrebuked.

4. Mr Humphreys has been acquainted that I would transmit any
statement or explanation which he might desire to furnish, but
he has failed to forward any, though ample time has been
afforded to him.

5. The matter is practically of little importance, though it
has given occasion to a "public meeting" of irresponsible
persons in Victoria, at which a Resolution condemnatory of the
conduct of the Council was passed. The question of suspension
will perhaps practically be settled almost before Your Lordship
receives this Despatch, if you have approved of my suggestion
that the Legislative Council should be reconstituted.

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