MR. STOUT KNIGHTED.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7648, 27 May 1886, Page 5

MR. STOUT KNIGHTED.

[DY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION".] Wellington, Wednesday. His Excellenoythe Governor has received a cablegram that Her Majeaty the Queen has conferred on the Premier the dignity of Knight Commander of St. Michael and St. George. Telegraphing last night our Wellington correspondent says:—"About noon to-day a rumour obtained currency that the Premier had received the honour of knighthood, but Mr. Stout was in no haste to publish his new ligoity. As the day advanced the rumour >ccame general. Mr. Stout would give no lurthcr information tban that he, in common vith others, had heard the rumour. In the course of the afternoon tho rumour was confirmed by a gentleman who said he had the hformation direct from Government House, lie Excellency the Governor being in receipt o' the telegram making the announcement. Nany were in haste to congratulate Sir R. Siont upon his new honour, and the object o these congratulations received them with nuch moderation, and without special appreh;neiou of the weight of his new distinction. ,. The Wellington Post, writiug of the hmour conferred on the Premier, says:— "We cannot refrain from an expression of regret that a similar honour has not been conferred upon the Hon. Major Atkinson, hit predecessor. Sir Julius Vogel, Sir John Hill, Sir Frederick Whitaker, all exPiemiers, have all been honoured with a tilie. Major Atkinson has more than once hem Premier, and his political services in otier capacities have also been great. In politics we do not agree with him, but we acknowledge his earnestness and honesty, ev;n as a politian, while no one can forget hi* gallant conduct in the field when New /-eiland colonists had to exchange the pkughehare for the sword. Had Major Atunson been linked with Mr. R. Stout as jout recipients of Her Majesty's favour, the incisure of content on all sides would, we are certain, have been complete."