His term of office was chiefly marked by his permitting the premier, Sir George Dibbs, to obtain the prorogation of parliament on 8 December 1893, after that minister had incurred a vote of censure.

In July 1894, after his ministry had failed to carry the general election, Dibbs desired Duff to nominate several persons to the legislative council on his recommendation.

Duff declined to accede to his wish on the ground that the ministry had been condemned by the colony, and in consequence, Dibbs and his colleagues resigned.

[5] In February 1895, he became ill while visiting Hobart and returned to Government House in Sydney, where he died of multiple liver abscesses and sepsis on 15 March, shortly before his 60th birthday.

[6] On 21 February 1871, Duff married Louisa, youngest daughter of Sir William Scott, ninth bart.