NEW GOVERNOR-GENERAL.

Evening Star, Issue 20346, 30 November 1929, Page 14

NEW GOVERNOR-GENERAL.

Wbbx reforeaces began to be made to the fact that Sir Charles Fergusson’s terra of office was shortly to expire the inevitable rumours were circulated about his successor. The last two Gov-ernors-General of this dominion have been notable representatives of the Navy and Army respectively, so that it was not altogether surprising that an eminent airman’s name should be mentioned as the next occupant of the office. When Lord Jeliicoe and Sir Charles Fergusson were appointed it was suggested that their expert knowledge would be extremely useful when matters of defence were under consideration, and it was in following this line of reasoning that a high officer of the third arm of the fighting services came to be mentioned. The speculations are now set at rest by the announcement that the first Baron Bledisloo is to bo our next GovernorGeneral, Thus the arte of peace come in for recognition, for Lord, Bledisloo is an enthusiast in all that pertains to agricultural matters. He has not only cultivated the land himself with success, but ho has been closely identified with many bodies whose objectives are advancement in agriculture. He has written ou problems connected with production, research, marketing, and education in relation to the rural industries. Also he has had a wide parliamentary experience, and among the Ministerial offices held by him was that of Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture. During the war he rendered valuable service to his country in the intricate and tremendous task of controlling the nation’s food. It will thus be seen that in Lord Bledisloo wo shall have a Gov-ernor-General whose interests and activities lie in the directions in which out fortunes are wrapped up. He is a man of vigorous personality, interested in everything that pertains to the life of the people, and given health and strength he should, following the example of his immediate predecessors, make ap abiding impression on this dominion. Twice before wo have had Governors who were keenly interested in farming. These were the Marquess of Norraanby and Lord Islington, but it is doubtful if either had thel expert kncwledge possessed by Lord Bledisloe. At one time birth and rank allied with a good personal record seemed to be the guiding principle in making appointments to the gubernatorial office, but that plan, in compliment to our growth, has been discarded, and now we have men filling the position who, in addition to an irreproachable private life, have rendered distinguished service to the Empire. We have every reason to feel pride in the fact that we have had Lord Jeliicoe and Sir Charles Fergusson in the office of Governor-Gen-eral. Not only did they both win the highest distinction in the service of their King and country at a time of great national peril, but the renown that they gained, then has been increased by the work they have done since, both at Homo and overseas. As was the case with Lord Jeliicoe, the departure of Sir Charles Fergusson will be witnessed with genuine regret. The sincerity and simplicity of his character and his unostentatious friendliness will leave a lasting impression in this dominion.