The Oamaru Mail. WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1910.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 10499, 6 July 1910, Page 3

The Oamaru Mail. WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1910.

The selection of Sir Charles Bowen for tho second timeSir Charles Bowen. to the Speakership of the Legislative Council is the fitting sequel to the honor of knighthood conferred on him by the King.' The Council paid him the high compliment of a unanimous election, and several speakers added some expressions of well - deserved commendation of his career as a colonist. The appreciation was thoroughly well deserved. Sir Charles is one of a galaxy of men of high character, solid'culture, vjublic spirit, liberal sentiment, and great ability, who in the beginning set the Dominion on the lines along which it has progressed to its present position of wealth and renown. To know Sir Charles Bowen is to realise tile maimer of man who made the Dominion what it is, and to understand tho secret of the progress which distinguishes these islands in tho history of the British Empire. His beginning was different from that of most of his early contemporaries. He gave up a promising career to take to the work of directing the colonisation of a new country on now lines. As secretary to Mr Godley—tho position ho was offered for this purpose—it was his duty to watch the development of things, paying no attention to his own affairs. The lit hers were free to take, advantage of the unbounded opportunities offered them by tho development whicli ho confined his attention to watching. As was remarked by one'of i. the speakers in the general congratulation offered to Sir Charles, he, after the termination of his connection with Mr Godlcv, filled many positions of trust. Among these was tho magistracy of the city of Christchurch, _ a position iu which he made a magnificent record. New Zealand has seen many fine magistrates, but not one of the in has achieved the same measure of success as Sir Charles, in the capacity in which his services arc a household word to this day with the people of Canterbury. In those days there wore no precedents, no advisers, no examples. Tho magistrate of Christchurch had to find things out for himself, to attain to the knowledge of the spirit of the Bench, to deal with circumstances now and in part unox-7 pected. It was the ability and high character, judicial force and readiness of resource' he displayed in this position, and the ripe experience to winch he attained, that obtained for him the position in tho Government of tho country that was offered to him by Sir Julius Vogel. His main work in that position in connection with education has been much spoken of lately and advanced as a. reason for tho honor conferred on him by tho Sovereign. It was a great work, and its greatness overshadowed whatever else he did. But the rest of his work was as those who were associated with him quickly realised and never forgot, very excellent. His election to the Speakership of the Council rejoiced the companions of his earlier years, who saw in that election a fitting recognition of the standing ho held in the Dominion. J.ho knighthood struck the same chord, and once more it is heard in the unanimous second election to the Speakership. We have only to add that the speeches of congratulation, though brief were adequate to the occasion, and we conclude with the hope that he may live long to enjoy the honors conferred on him. and see the younger men encouraged by his example devoting themselves with honor and courage to the service of the Dominion.