The Change of Governors.

Otago Witness, Issue 1503, 4 September 1880, Page 22

The Change of Governors.

Wellington, August 30th.

Sir WilliamFitzherbei t Speaker cf the Legislative Council, held a dinner pan y at Wellington on Saturday night. About 50 persons were present. His Excellency the Governor, in reply to the toast of his health, said he was most grateful for the cordial manner in which the toast had been drunk, and when ho saw men there from all parts of the Colony, he felt their kindness all the more. Had he been allowed to stay his full term he should have formed far more attachments than he had. Had he been at liberty to consult his own inclinations he should have stayed here. He had told bis English friends he was pleased with the climate and the people, and he Bhould iike to settle here after ho bad retired into privato life. Expecting, as he had, to r<rjn<ua iv Now Zeal?nd for the full term, he biwi mada iniv.i'e itrrflngements that would have identified him with the interests and amusements of the Colony ; but all this had hetn swept away. When returning home a few dara ago he had found a telegram on hit t*ble offering him the Governorship of the Cape iv fiucli terms that he could not refuse, and he felt bound to place his services at her Majesty's disposal. He wonld leave the country with feelings of severe regret,

being sorry to break up the numerous S^-iw A had formed j but it was one of the ill fates of Colonial Governors that their careers wera a constant succession of broken ties. So soon as a Governor had formed one set of ties he had to go away and make new ones, fcfovernors themselves were not faultless, but they recaived from a generous public quite as much commendation as they deserved. He had desired during his short stay to make acquaintance with the people and the country, and he had always tried in his relations with the Legislature to strictly uphold the letter- and spirit of the Constitution. This Colony was one of surpassing interest. It had an unrivalled climate, unsurpassed soil vast mineral resources, and a most favourable geographical position — everything to constitute a young and happy Britain, without all the want and misery in the old one ; but the Administration here had not always been above criticism. The future had perhaps been discounted too much, but with care and frugality everything would be right in the end. The re. sources of the country were so vast that it could not go wrong eventually. In proportion to population New Zealand was more in debt than any other country. As a word of parting advice, he would urge New Zealand to rest content with her present precedence and indebtedness. He should not go to the extremity of the last straw, or the result would be disastrous. We were fortunate in getting so able an administrator as Sir Arthur Gordon. He was a most conscientious, and able, and high-minded man, and a better could not be found. He (Sir H. Robinson) had watched his career ever since he began public life. He was the best possible man they could have got. He had many very high qualities, and but one irreparable defect. Sir Arthur Gordon was not an Irishman. They knew Lord Dufferin had said Irishmen were the best administrators in the world. No doubt they all agreed with that sentiment. That was Sir A. Gordon's only shortcoming, and that he could not help ; but being a Scotchman he wonld have congenial feelings with the people of Otago. He had written and congratulated Sir A. Gordon, and told him if he was not happy in New Zealand it would be his own fault. If Sir A. Gordon only did his duty here half as well as he had done elsewhere, he wonld have the confidence and experience the generosity of the people of New Zealand. When at the Cape his thoughts would often revert to the happy days he had spent here, where his affection in so short time had taken such deep root. In conclusion, he hoped the Almighty would pour down abundantly His choicest blessings New Zealand in all future time.