The Press. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1903. DEPARTURE OF LADY RANFURLY.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 11730, 3 November 1903, Page 4

The Press. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1903. DEPARTURE OF LADY RANFURLY.

It is, we feel sure, a source of sincere regret to the people of Canterbury that they will not have the opportunity of personally bidding farewell to Lady Ranfurly before she leaves the shores of New Zealand. Her many gracious and sympathetic actions, the admirable influence which she has exercised in her high position, and, if we may be allowed to say so, her charming personality, will long be gratefully remembered by the people of these islands. The Governor of a colony has great power and influence, not only by reason of the position ho holds in our constitutional system of government, but in shaping the social life of the people. The example set at Government' House is one that will be largely followed either for good or ill. Needless to say, that in the social world the Governor's wife exercises even more influence than the Governor himself. If she succeeds in making Government House not only a centre of refinement and good taste, but also of good works, the influence will spread far and wide, and the benefit to the colony will be very great. It is hardly necessary for us to remind our readers how much New Zealand owes to Lady Ranfurly in the direction we have indicated. It has been the lot of Lord and Lady R-nnfurly to preside over the destinies of the colony during a most momentous period in the history of the Empire. The [>outh African war, the death of Queen Victoria, the Coronation, the Royal Visit, were events which threw many added anxieties and responsibilities oft all in high places. On every occasion, as it came round, one felt, so far as the colony was concerned, that the right note had been set and the right course had been followed at Government "louse. During the war Lady Ranfurly exhibited the most sympathetic interest in our troopers at the front, and it is hardly necessary to say how much her tact and gracious thoughtfulness and hospitality helped to make the Royal Visit a success. -*er artistic taste and general culture have at all times added grace and refinement to the hospitalities of Government House, and sue has been ever ready to help in works of charity and benevolence. Lady Ranfurly will take with her the sincere esteem and regard of the people of New Zealand, and the heartiest good wished for her future welfare. On the other hand, wo arc fain to believe that her Ladyship's stay in New Zealand has not been without its store of happiness to herself, and that she will take away with her some pleasant memories of the colony and its people.