a referendum was held in southern rhodesia in october, with voters offered the choices of responsible government or union with south africa, with 60% voting for the former. in july 1923 the advisory council officially requested that northern rhodesia be made a crown colony, and in early 1924 an order in council was issued by the british government, stating that the territory would get a governor and legislative council. herbert stanley became the territory's first governor on 1 april 1924, and a legislative council was created in the same year. its members were initially appointed, until the first elections were held in 1926.