DUNEDIN.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3123, 20 February 1879, Page 2

DUNEDIN.

This day. His Excellency, in replying to the address presented by the Mayor said, inter alia :—lt is my duty to eschew anything of controversial and party character, but there is one point on which I had.determined if an opportunity offered to make a few remarks before leaving the Colony, and I know of no occasion on I which it could be done so fitly as this when I see this large assemblage around me. Since I cama to New Zealand I have travelled its shores from end to end, have visited its principal towns and rural district* and in all parts have I met with a

loyal reception combined with an expression of veneration for the old country. I place implicit reliance in these heartfelt expressions, and I venture to believe that the advocates of separation from the Mother Country will receive very scant approval. I have heard with much regret that of late it has been advocated that it would be to the advantage of New Zealand to have instead of a representative of Her Majesty to govern over it—an elective Governor. (Cries of no, no !) lam glad to hear these exclamations. I know that the subject has been mooted, and consider I am justified in mentioning it because it is not only of local but also of Imperial interest. lam not going to enter into the argument as to whether an elective Governor is a good or bad thing. Intelligent Americans, of whom I have met many, have told me that they consider the one difficulty in the working of their constitution is that the head of the Government of their country is elective. But I want to put it plainly what is the meaning of this idea of an elective Governor — simply separation from England. If this were put plainly before the people they would not entertain it for a moment, but under Buch a covering as is now assumed it is possible that it might become a political cry, and once started the people might be carried away by it, and mischief arise. lam not now speaking as your Governor, and you can gimply take my words for what they are worth, but of this you may rest assured, neither the Government, the Parliament, nor the people of England would ever think of recognising a colony that would refuse to receive Her Majesty's representative. (Cheers.) I have spoken warmly on thi« subject, because I feel strongly en it, and I should grieve to see anything occur to weaken the ties now existing between this Colony and England. Finally, I must again express my gratitude for the reception I have been accorded here to-day, as I consider the greatest 1 reward I can receive is to feel that I have gained the respect and esteem of the inhabitants of New Zealand. (Loud and prolonged cheers.)