III.  Afrika.  957  152.  Transvaal.

XI.  The  temporary  absence  of  the  Governor  for  any  period  not  exceeding  one  month  shall
not,  if  he  have  previously  informed  the  Executive  Council,  in  writing,  of  his  intended  absence,  and  if.
he  have  duly  appointed  a  Deputy  in  accordance  with  the  above  recited  Letters  Patent,  nor  shall  any
extension  of  such  period  sanctioned  by  one  of  Our  Principal  Secretaries  of  State  and  not  exceeding
fourteen  days,  be  deeimed  absence  from  tho  Colony  within  the  meaning  of  the  said  Letters  Patent.

E.R  &amp;  I

152.  Transvaal  Constitution,  1906.

Von  Herrn  Louis  HAMILTON,  Lektor  am  Oriental:ischen  Seminar  der  königlichen  Universität
in  Berlin.

The  Articles  of  Peace  which  were  signed  on  the  31st  May  1902  brought  the  Transvaal  under
British  sway,  and  made  it  a  member  of  the  British  Empire.  On  the  21st  June  1902,  Letters
Patent  were  published  constituting  the  Government  of  tlıe  Transvaal,  and  providing  for  an
Executive  and  a  Legislative  Council,  the  members  of  which  are  to  be  appointed  by  the  Crown;
the  subsequents  legislation  being  accordingly  by  Ordinances.  On  the  31st  March  1905  Letters
Patent  were  passed  providing  for  the  constitutions  of  a  Legislative  Assembly  to  consist  of  the
Lieutenant-Governor  and  not  less  than  6,  or  more  than  9  official  members,  and  (provisionally)
not  less  than  30  or  more  than  35  elected  members.  On  Dec.  6th,  1906  the  present  constitution
was  substituted  conferring  full  responsible  Government  upon  the  Transvaal.  (From  Colonial
Office  List.)

No.1.  Letters  Patent  passed  under  the  Great  Seal  of  the  United  Kingdom,  providing

for  the  Constitution  of  Responsible  Government  in  the  Colony  of  the  Transvaal  !.

Edward  the  Seventh  by  the  grace  of  God  of  the  United  Kingdom  of  Great  Britain
and  Ireland  and  of  the  British  Dominions  beyond  the  Seas  King,  Defender
of  the  Faith,  Emperor  of  India.  To  all  to  whom  these  Presents  shall  come,
Greeting.

WHEREAS  by  Our  Letters  Patent  under  the  Great  Seal  of  Our  United  Kingdom
  of  Great  Britain  and  Ireland,  bearing  date  at  Westminster  the  23rd  day  of
September,  1902,  We  did  constitute  the  office  of  Governor  and  Commander-in-Chief
(hereinafter  called  “the  Governor’’)  of  OurColony  of  the  Transvaal  (hereinafter  called
«the  Colony’’),  and  did  make  provision  for  a  Legislative  Council  in  and  for  the
said  Colony;

And  whereas  by  certain  other  Our  Letters  Patent  bearing  date  the  31st  day
of  March,  1905,  We  did  make  provision  for  the  representation  of  the  people  of  the
Colony  in  the  Legislature  thereof  by  elected  members;

And  whereas  We  think  fit  to  provide  for  the  establishment  of  Responsible
Government  in  the  Colony:

Now  know  ye  that  We  do  declare  Our  will  and  pleasure  to  be  as  follows:—

The  Legislature.
I.  In  place  of  the  Legislative  Council  now  subsisting  there  shall  be  a  Legislature
  consisting  of  a  Legislative  Council  and  Legislative  Assembly,  constituted  as
hereinafter  provided.

1  Presented  to  the  House  of  Parliament  by  Command  of  His  Majesty.  December  1906.