SIR JAMES FERGUSSONS DEPARTURE.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4275, 2 December 1874, Page 2

SIR JAMES FERGUSSONS DEPARTURE.

The proceedings connected with the departure of Sir James Fergusson from Auckland by the Mikado have been sufficiently reported by telegraph. The following were the observations of Sir James, in reply to the toast of his health, as reported by the Herald :— His Excellency, who was received with cheers, addressing the Mayor and the assembled gentlemen, said he thanked them very much for the hearty manner in which they wished him God speed. He would always remember this expression of their good feeling towards him. His departure had been accelerated fertile public convenience. He had intended to have awaited the arrival of his noble successor, and had arranged to leave the colony by another route in order to have had an opportunity of welcoming him. He found, however, unexpectedly, that by so doing he should have hindered rather than have facilitated accession to office. He therefore determined to take his departure at once. It did not require this expression of feeling on their part to how generous they were. Since his arrival in New Zealand he had always experienced the same generous behaviour and kindness from all classes. He had been treated by their public men honorably and well, and from what he had seen of these gentlemen, he could say that New Zealand had cause to feel proud and happy in the possession of such men devoted to her welfare. In his contact with men of all classes he had received the same uniform treatment, and for which he felt grateful. In his habit of travelling about rather in an unofficial manner he had an opportunity of studying the character of the people he had met, and he had every hope that the future prosperity of New Zealand would be due to the men inhabiting it as well as the material worth with which Providence had blessed it. No man born in New Zealand wished it greater success than himself—(cheers) —and in Ms future career he would at all times use his best abilities to promote her welfare, and they might rest assured notMng in her interests should be neglected. (Immense cheering'.) During the delivery of tMs address His Excellency was visibly affected.