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New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4272, 28 November 1874, Page 2

We learned by telegraph of the intention of the Superintendent and the Provincial Secretary of Auckland to take a midsummer trip to England cat the expense of the province, and by telegram we learned, very soon afterwards, that Messrs. Williamson and Sheehan had foregone their intention. We now learn, also by the useful agency of the wires, that this sudden change of idea was not altogether intuitive. It is understood, in fact, that but for the resolute attitude assumed by the Colonial Secretary the interesting pair would have gone to England, and left the province to shift for itself in their absence. Dr. Pollen was unable to see the necessity of those gentlemen proceeding to Britain to promote immigration, and as without the consent of the Government to the delegation of the Superintendent’s powers to another during his absence the ordinary business of the province could not he carried on in the absence of the Superintendent, that officer was perforce compelled to remain where he is. We are not at all surprised that Mr. Williamson should find many excellent reasons to favor a visit to the old country by the Superintendent of Auckland and his henchman, the Provincial Secretary ; but it is just as well that their intention should have been thwarted, a large sum of money saved to Auckland, and the services of both officers preserved to the province which has delighted to do them honor. The Governorship of the Mauritius has been offered by Lord Carnarvon, we observe, to Sir Richard Phayre, an officer who has distinguished himself in the field in India, and especially in British Eurmah, where his experiences were of a kind to fit him eminently for the office to which the Secretary of State for the Colonies has now appointed him. The Home News, in noting the appointment, adds the remark :—“ This is another example of the system under which a new career is opened to those public servants who have attained to a high colonial reputation.”