THE Temuka Leader SATURDAY, JANUARY 24. 1903. VISIT OF THE GOVERNOR.

Temuka Leader, Issue 4002, 24 January 1903, Page 2

THE Temuka Leader SATURDAY, JANUARY 24. 1903. VISIT OF THE GOVERNOR.

The visit of His Excellency the Go vcruor and the Uouncess oi Ranfurly is an event in the annals of .Temuka wlucn merits more than ordinary notice. It is, we believe, the first visit any Governor of New Ztealand has paid to Temuka, and consequently ic is of special interest,. Some will say, of course, that Governors are mere flesh and blood like other people,- and consequently affect to regard them as nothing; more. Those who argue like this deceive themselves. The Governor is the visible link which binds us to the rest of the Empire. That in itself is a thing that lifts a man up. to, a higher position than other people, ‘and when we think of the yastness, the greatness, the power, and magnificence of the British Empire, we must conclude that to be selected, as one of the links that bind it together must confer on any man a great distinction. The presence of the Governor is to us a reminder that we are an integral portion of that great Empire, and that we are entitled to a share in its glories and its 1 greatness. This is calculated to foster a patriotic feeling, and inspire a pride in the great nation, and race to which we belong. Many have suggested that we should elect our own Governor, but that would never do so long as we consent to remain...a portion of the British Empire. To elect our Governor would mean “ to cut the painter.” We could not elect our Governor and rera'ajin a British colony, but as the people of New Zealand have no power to do it under the present Constitution Act, we need not discuss it any further. The people, however, have no desire to elect a Governor, and neither have they the slightest desire to separate from the Mother Country. There is no reason whatsoever why they should. They are absolutely free; there are no freer people on earth ; the rule of Great Britain is so mild that it is never felt, and consequently peace and contentment and loyalty are the leading characteristics of 1 New Zealanders. Here there ia an object lesson for rulers of the people all over the world. The liberties of | object lesson for, rulers of the people all over the world. The liberties of the people are as ex-, tended as far as is possible under existing social conditions; they arc trusted with the making Of their own laws, they are all powerful, arid the result is loyalty undisturbed by a dissentient voice, peace, contentment, and happiness.. The Earl of Ranfurly is the representative of the King under whose rule these social conditions exist, and, as such, is entitled to the respect and esteem due to his exalted position. His majesty the King also is, only human flesh end blood, subject like other people to .all the ills that flesh is heir to, but he is,the personification : of the greatness of the British Empire, the central figure-head in whom all authority is focussed. No law is complete without" his Assent, no great act of state is valid without his signature. His Excellency the Governor is the King’s representative in Mfcis colony, and .performs the functions appertaining to a King,. He takes the place of the King in this colony, and no law nor act of State is valid without his signature. It is, therefore, clear that the position of a Governor is a great and responsible one, and that consequently he is entitled to respect and esteem. Apart from all this the Earl and Countess of Ranfurly are beloved, because of their own goodness and kindness and gracious ways. It was an errand of mercy that brought them to Temuka. The veteran’s home is His Excellency’s own suggestion. He has been touched by noticing that soiue of those who fought and bled far the Empire, and who have given the best part of their Jives to building it, were in their declining years in poor circumstances, and he resolved ’o provide a home for old soldiers, so as to make their old age a happy one. In this we have evidence, of His Excellency’s thoughtfulness and good nature. It is hot much to people’® credit that the men who fought their battles and risked their lives in the wars of the Empire shou.d end their days in want and poverty. It is this no doubt that inspired His Excellency in promoting tnis humane scheme for providing the last days of old soldiers with the comforts of a home, andhis action in this respect deserves every consideration. Indeed His Excellency during’ his term of. office in New Zealand has identified himself with everything calculated to promote the welfare of the people, and no Governor has gone about the whole Colooy, and mixed with colonists so much as he has. But the kindliness and goodness are holt, cloaks put on to suit the position, be holds, and to render him popular with the people of New Zealand. He brofughtwith him a reputation lor possessing these attributes when he came to the colony. He is an Irish landlord having albjDrit one thousand tenants on his estates, and throughout the whole of the trouble in Ireland his name has never been mentioned in connection with evictions. Never has anything been said to his disadvantage throughout all the trouble, and never we believe has an eviction taken place on his estate. Thus, in . His Excellency we have not only a man in a very high position but a good ‘and kindly man who feels an interest in . the people, and is desirous of promoting their welfare in every respect. We are glad that on the occasion of his visit to Temuka all the elements that are conducive to happiness compined <to make his visit plea sant. The day w;as the finest of this summer ; the country ail round looked splendid, the beautiful grounds of Creep Hayes pever looked’ lo‘ better advahtage ; pnd nowhere ip I fie British Empire cpuld his Excellency mpet a crown drawn from every class , in the community better clothed or better fed, or showing greater signs of prosperity arid contentment. ..There cgii be no doubt of this. In no part of the world will +he general prowd : appear to better advantage than in New Z|ealand. There are 1 jo p,overly, : no squalor, no ppverty. no rpgs, to 1 he seen, all are well dressed,'and robust in health, and nave aT the appearance of being prosperous. These were the conditions hpoer wm?ch His Excellency visited Temuka, and when they combined with every evi- 1 dence.of the peole’s goodwill to- :

wards him, we can feel satisfied ihat he carried with) Mm pleasant rtu.l- - of his visit.