OUR NEXT GOVERNOR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20426, 30 November 1929, Page 12

OUR NEXT GOVERNOR.

Ever since it became regrettably certain that the end of Sir Charles Fergusson's term of office as Governor-General was approaching, there has been eagerness throughout the Dominion to know who would be his successor. This eagerness has served in its' own way to emphasise the warmth of the regard felt for Sir Charles and Lady Fergusson. They have taken so large and secure a place in New Zealand hearts that there has been more than a touch of anxiety in the longing to learn who should come after them. None more worthy nor more welcome, all have been convinced; perhaps, less to be .esteemed and loved. > So speculation became rife, with little to satisfy its vague quest save the mention of this or that name in changing rumour. To-day the questioning is ended, in a way that brings a large measure -of consolation. Lord Bledisloe, renowned for his service j to the State, his ardent enthusiasm for Imperial interests, his deep con- ■ cern for the welfare of the whole I British people spread across the world, his splendid capabilities as an agricultural expert, and his genius for practical affairs, is very highly credentialled for the post he has accepted. Thoroughly schooled in political experience and of proved ability in responsible departmental office of more than one sort, yet manifestly caring more for the things that fill most workaday lives than for official eminence, he is abundantly equipped for service to the King and Empire in such a country as this. It has been blessed &ith recent appointments indicative of the necessary unity of worldwide British defence on sea and land. 1 Lord Jellicoe came to us the Navy, Sir Charles Fergusson from the Army, both answering fully all the hopes that cluster round the office they gx-aced. Rumour, a little while ago, spoke of an Air Marshal as the next to take it. That would have been an interesting sequence. Instead, there is to come one fond of the soil and skilled to win from it material wealth for national profit and delight for eye and mind. It is better so. The chief interests of the Dominion, at the present stage of its economic development, should prove a happy field for Lord Bledisloe's special talents. His appointment has an appropriateness all its own. Going from us, Sir Charles Fergusson will nevertheless remain in New Zealanders' grateful affection. Coming to us, Lord Bledisloe will find awaiting him a place in our hearts like the one Sir Charles has occupied, and be welcomed all the more readily because of the way that place has been filled.