POPULAR GOVERNOR.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 106, 7 May 1934, Page 9

POPULAR GOVERNOR.

REQUEST TO STAY LONGER

"HOSTAGES TO FORTUNE."

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

SYDNEY, May 1.

Last week, when Mr. Bruce was passing through Sydney, a dinner was given in his honour at the Hotel Australia. It fell to the State Premier, Mr. Stevens, to propose one of the principal toasts of the evening—"the» Governor"— and in his speech he referred to the rapidiy approaching expiration of Sir Philip Game's term of office. The usual period of the vice-regal appointment is for five years, but in a few cases the term has .been prolonged "by special request.*' Sir Philip, Game has arranged to start for England "on leave" in a few weeks' time, and to return later in the year. He will have completed four years of his term of office next month, and under ordinary circumstances he will bid Australia farewell next year.

But Mr. Stevens, who knows the trend of public feeling, expressed the wish that Sir Philip Game could find a way to lengthen his stay amongst us, assuring "him that, in that case, he would be doubly welcoine on his return from his holiday. Sir Philip, though he evidently appreciates the compliment implied by such a request, cannot see hie way to accede to it. Replying to the Premier, his Excellency said that nothing would give him greater pleasure than to accept such an invitation, but he had "given hostages to Fortune" and he could not neglect them. His principal object in going Home is to provide for the education of his children and "get them started in the world," and this is a duty that he cannot evade. But no doubt* his expression of regret was as sincere- as. the invitation.

Sir Philip Game has won almost universal confidence and esteem by his courage, his honesty* and his sympathetic kindliness; he has discharged his weighty responsibilities with constant regard for the dignity of his exalted position; and a great many people here share Mr. Steven's regret that; his Excellency cannot stay with us a little longer.