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 Whilst Administrator of the Government of Dominica in 1865, Sir William was instrumental in arbitrating judiciously between contending parties in the Assembly, when a Bill for the change of constitution of Dominica was being passed, and he was highly complimented by the Secretary of State for his coolness and prudence; Lord Cardwell signifying to him at the same time "Her Majesty's entire approbation of his conduct."

Governor Robinson's support of the claims of Captain D. Miller, R.N., an officer of Lloyd's Salvage Association, whilst engaged in protecting their interests from illegal sales of maritime property at the Falkland Isles, in July, 1868, is a matter of history; but the facts of the case will bear revival. A vessel named the "Coquimbana," with a cargo of copper of considerable value, was wrecked there, and illegally sold for a merely nominal sum. Captain Miller was engaged by Lloyd's Association to recover the same for the Committee, but encountered so much opposition from the residents of the islands, that he would have been unable to resist it successfully but for the prompt assistance of the Governor. It is gratifying to note that this valuable cargo of copper was secured to Lloyd's Association, and the Duke of Buckingham expressed his approval of the "energetic and successful" measures taken by the Governor to have the case thoroughly investigated.

When Lieutenant-Governor of Prince Edward Island, in May, 1873, Sir William was instrumental in bringing about a political union of that island with the Dominion of Canada, and received the congratulations of Lords Kimberley and Dufferin for the ability and judgment displayed in effecting that object.

In 1881, Sir William, whilst Governor of Western Australia, made certain regulations under "The Pearl Shell Fishery Regulation Act," by which the lives and freedom of the aboriginal natives were better protected, and justice more