THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL.

Clutha Leader, Volume XVII, Issue 875, 24 April 1891, Page 3

THE GOVERNOR -GENERAL.

I observe the members of the Federal Council, at present sitting at Sydney, seem to be generally in favor of the Governor-general being appointed by the Queen inscead of elected, only three members voting for Sir George Grey's motion for election and 35 against it. For the present at least, until further developments, I should think it was better the Governorgeneral should be appointed by the Crown. A Governor appointed by the Qu^en is the principal tie which binds us politically to the Mother Countiy. Again, one of the principal duties of the Governor is to hold the balance even between contending parties, and this duty he would be better able -to perform if a comparative stranger than if he was a colonist. Ten thousand a year, apparently decided on as the Governor-general's salary, instead of Sir George Grey's proposal for L6OO, seems a good lump of money, but perhaps not too much for the exalted position of Governor-general of the Australian Commonwealth. Anyhow, at that price we must have some distinguished man. No one under a baron or member of the House of Lords. A.s there was lately some discontent as to the appointment by the Home Government of Australian Governors, perhaps in the appointment of a Governor-general it might be as well for the Home Government to give us a list of names of titled men, willing to accept the post, and let us take our choice.