Untitled

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7648, 27 May 1886, Page 4

It will be seen that His Excellency the Gevernor has received a cable announcing that the honour of knighthood has been conferred by Her Majesty the Queen on Mr. Robert Stout, the Premier of tho colony. A rumour to this effect got abroad during the course of yesterday, and proved a source of general satisfaction, which will, of course, be greatly increased by the confirmation which it has officially obtained. There are few, if any, mon in the colony who will not feel exceedingly gratified at the distinction that ha 3 thus been bestowed upon a meritorious, hardworking, and able man. By dint of his native energy and application, Mr. Stout has raised himself to the high position he now occupies ; and the genial disposition which has invariably characterised him in his official as well as his social relations, while remaining undisturbed by this mark of his Sovereign's favour, will yet grtatly enhance the pleasure which so high a recognition of his merits is sure to impart to all his friends. It does not appear whether the bestowal of this honour is associated with the important event of the Colonial Exhibition now being held in London, and which, in his capacity as Premier, Mr. Stout did his part in promoting, or with the birthday of Her Majesty the Queen, who has just entered on the fiftieth, year of her propitious reign. But, in either caee, it will be regarded by all the residents in New Zealand as a becoming token of He r I Majesty's interest ia this colony and he*

appreciation of tho efforts of iti public men to promote its material and social advancement