THE MAN AND HIS WORK.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 13742, 25 May 1910, Page 8

THE MAN AND HIS WORK.

(Bγ A PoUTICAr; OnSERVEII.) As one who has had exceptional opportunities of know-ing the work and character of tho new Governor, Mr I*. V. r . Wilson, the political correspondent of the "Daily News," has kindly furnished mo with the "following appreciation:— "It is perliaps an impertinence for tho present -writer to express any opinion upon tho suitability of Sir John Poyndor Dickson-Poyndor—to give the statesman his full, name—for tho great position of Governor of New Zealand. But I may rocord as a fact that the many members of the British House of Commons who aro personally acquainted both with the new Governor and with colonial life, Seem to bo nnanirno'us in their approval of the appointment, which crowns not only an interesting Parliamentary career, but also h long-standing friendship between Sir John and tho Primo Minister of Great Britain. Sir John has still the advantage of comparative youth: he is only 4t years old—and of perfect health. Hk experience of the -world could hardly have been more varied. Ho enjoys the immeasurable good fortune in this Old Country of birth into one of tho re- , cr.gnised county families, a position which has thrown open to him the intimiite acquaintance with statesmen of ail parties and leaders of society. He is endowed with a fair portion of wealth, and ho maintains a town house in London as well as two mansions on his estates. Lady Dickson-Poynder is justly regarded as one of the stateliest, most beautiful, and most brilliant ladies in English society. ■ • ■ •

"Sir John lias an admirablo presence, a ruddy complexion, hair rapidly whiteflinjr, and.a pleasant, and frequent smile. He is most kind of heart, and would not willintjly say a word to hurt anyone. He likes to bo friends with all tho world. Hβ is not actually eloquent, but ho possesses a good, sound stylo of speaking which serves him well for all purposes, and which leaves nothing to chance. Ha has tho broadest intellectual and artistic interests; and he never does a tiling' badly. Ho . and Lady Riekson-Poynder : arc' well known* in London for their willing hospitality. They have the gift of putting their guests at case, I cannot bolievo that •Sii John will ever bo guilty of overstepping tho legitimate bounds of his constitutional influence,, and the very impartiality which 1 have described as the cross-bonch attitude of mind, is tho very kind of impartiality which is more suitable in a governor than in an active ptliticiam He will bo found to favour all good causes, and to Iv 6 genuinely interested in everything that makes for the moral well-being of the people. He carries, with him the best "wishes of iniitimerablc friends."