The Waikato Independent. TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 1930. OUR NEW GOVERNOR-GENERAL.

Waikato Independent, Volume XXX, Issue 2312, 18 March 1930, Page 4

The Waikato Independent. TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 1930. OUR NEW GOVERNOR-GENERAL.

The Governor-General designate of New Zealand, Lord Bledisloe, is due to arrive at Wellington to-night, and will be duly installed into his office tomorrow. W r o have bccn J singularly fortunate in our vice-regal representatives in the Dominion in the past. With few exceptions they have been men of exceptional qualifications, who have done much for the country, and have filled their responsible position -with great credit. Captain William Hobson, R.N., was the first to hold this position. He acted as Lieutenant-Governor of the country-under Sir George Gipps, Governor of New South Wales, from January, 1810, to May, 1841, and was then installed as Governor of New Zoajand, which position he held with honour until his death, 10th September, 1842. From that time onwards Ave have had numerous changes in the first position in the land, among the number being men of such sterling worth as Sir George Grey, and Sir William Francis Drummond Jcrvois. Since the position was raised to that of Governor-General wc have been served by Viscount Jellicoe, of Scapa, and General Sir Charles Fergusson, two illustrious gentlemen who have endeared themselves to the people of New Zealand, and have left an indelible mark for good in this land. It would have been a very difficult matter to have been better served than we hav<P been in this important position for many years past. However, there seems every probability that Lord Bledisloe will prove a most worthy successor to our late Governor-General. He has had a lengthy and most honourable career, and in addition to’ having given many years of most valuable service to Great Britain, his appointment seems most fitting from the great interest ho has taken in agriculture, to which he has contributed in full measure. In his new appointment Lord Bledisloe wjll not find the same necessity for active engagement in the affairs of the country as he has exhibited in the past —he has led a strenuous and useful life, being a great worker, and filling a great many public positions with credit—but he will find spheres for usefulness, and his experience and advice will doubtless prove of great value during his sojourn in the Dominion. The office of Governor-General is no sinecure, as some would believe, and the person occupying the position is more than a figure-head. We feel confident that the selection is a Aviso one, and that Lord Bledisloe Avill do his part Avell. His broad view on Imperial matters Avill also be of great value to the country. He is assured of the hearty support of a warm-hearted, loyal people.