THE GOVERNOR'S VISIT TO SYDNEY.

Press, Issue XLI, 25 February 1885, Page 5

THE GOVERNOR'S VISIT TO SYDNEY.

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. TrBOX OTTB OOBBESrONDEHT.I "WELLINGTON,February24. - Quite unexpectedly his Excellency the -Governor announced to those of his advisers how in Wellington that he would leave this evening for Sydney. It has been stated by local papers that hia Excellency sees to Sydney.to confer with Colonel Scratchley on the New Guinea question, with a view to obviate the necessity of a special Commissioner to New Zealand, as previously arranged. This is hardly consistent with fact. For some time past the Government have been expecting Colonel Scratchley in New Zealand to confer as to the colony's share of the contribution in the maintenance of a protectorate, and the latest information on the point was that Colonel Scratchley would arrive about the beginning ef next month. It was well known* that his Excellency was exceedingly anxious to meet Colonel Scratchley here, in order to enjoy the opportunity of discussing with him the subject of colonial defences. Within the last day or two it has transpired that Colonel Scratchley has informed , hia Excellency that it is impossible for him to visit New Zealand just yet. His Excellency has gone to Sydney to consult with Colonel Scratchley on the subject herein indicated. The New Guinea question has nothirg whatever to do with his Excellency's visit to Sydney, as must be apparent to anyone with a knowledge of the question, which is one which can only be settled as discussed by the oolonial authorities and the specially commissioned Imperial authority. Colonel Scratchley, and is not one in whioh the Governor can in any way interfere. His Excellency will probably be absent about a month, and it is considered likely that at the expiration of that period Colonel Scratchley'B engagements will permit him to pay the necessary and promised visit to New Zealand, to confer with the Government on the New Guinea question, and that he will accompany hia Excellency upon the latter*s return to the colony. Daring his Excellency's absence from the colony Sir James Prendergast will act as Deputy Governor. HislSxcellency is accompanied only by his Aide-dc-Camp, Major Eccles. IpBESB ASSOCIATION TELBGBAK.J WELLINGTON, February 84. The Governor, accompanied by Major, Eccles, A.D.C., left for Sydney in the steamer Tekapo at eight o'clock this evening. In " Gazette" issued this afternoon it says that his absence from the colony will not exceed a month, and that it is for the purpose of visiting the Governor of Victoria. The "Gaxette" appoints hia Honor Chief Justice Sir Jas. Prendergast to be Deputy Governor daring his Excellency's absence. .