New Zealand Mail. PUBLISHED WEEKLY. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1874. HIS EXCELLENCY’S DEPARTURE.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 177, 21 November 1874, Page 12

New Zealand Mail. PUBLISHED WEEKLY. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1874. HIS EXCELLENCY’S DEPARTURE.

sg We cannot permit the Governor to take his final departure from the Seat of Government, without saying a few words, on behalf of the public, by way of farewell. Sir 3 ames Fergltsson lias had the good fortune, during his tenure of office in New Zealand, to win the favorable opinion of everyone whose confidence and respect is worth having. It is true, his Government has been unmarked by any circumstance of a special character. When he assumed the Government, on the 14th of June, 1573, the colony was at peace with the Native race, and had entered on that colonising policy which has already done so much to bring it into prominent notice at Home. It was reserved for the last hour of his administration almost, to witness the revival of party conflict, and to dictate a reply to Sir George Grey on the great constitutional question now agitating the country, which, we take leave to say, is perfect of its kind, and taken in connection with his Excel lencjr’s correspondence with Sir George Bowen on the duties of a constitutional Governor, proves him to be specially qualified to fill the high office which he now voluntarily resigns. But Sir James Fergusson, during his residence in New Zealand, has seen much of the country and its institutions. He has made himself personally acquainted with its natural capabilities, and he is familar with the strong, as well the weak points, in our political and cial systems. He is a close observer, d brings a practical and cultivated aid to the consideration of the pro3ms which lie before him. It is grading, therefore, to know that Sir James jrgussoii has formed a very favorable inion of the colonists of New Zealand, d of the country itself as a home for ■itish people. His interest in New Zeaid will not cease on his return to Engvd, where no doubt he will be called on to take an active part in public life. His Excellency, therefore, New Zealand y count upon a friend who knows and predates its value ; —one who has not 3ii sparing in his censure, if he has uetimes been a little forward in his ise. The colony, whatever may be merits of his successor, will regret Sir jes Fergusson’s premature departure, tile, therefore, we “ welcome the comug,” let us “ speed the parting guest,” •. wish His Excellency a pleasant age, and prosperous career.