THE ACTING-GOVERNOR.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 846, 19 January 1883, Page 2

THE ACTING-GOVERNOR.

His Worship the Mayor of Wellington, accompanied by the City Councillors and a number of citizens, proceeded to Government House yesterday afternoon for the purpose of presenting an address to his Excellency the Administrator of the Government. The deputation asssmbled at half-past two o’clock, and after some preliminary arrangements went direct to Government House, where they were courteously received by Sir James Prendergast. Among those present were the Premier, and the Hons. J. Bryce, T. Dick, W. W. Johnston, and E. T. Oonolly. After a few preliminary remarks from the Mayor, the Town Clerk read the following address : To his Excellency Sir James Prendergast, Administrator of the Government of New Zealand, &c.r Wc, the- Nlaym'.. Councillors, and citizens of Wellington, desire, oh’TEe'o‘ccttstt>it' of your resigning the reigns of government to the hands of his Excellency Sir William Jervois, to convey to your Excellency our deep sense and appreciation of the manner in which you have fulfilled the high and important duties of Administrator of the Government. The expressions of the people at all public assemblies held during your term of office prove clearly that you are held in the respect and es ! eem of all classes of the community, not only in your official capacity, but as the dispenser of a warm-hearted and genial hospitality. We earnestly trust that the blessing of health and happiness may attend your Excellency and Lady Prendergast, and that you may be long spared to live in the respectful regard of the citizens of Wellington. Given under the common seal of the Borough of the City of Wellington, this 18th day of January, 1883. — George Fisher (Mayor), Chas. C. Graham (Town Cleik).

His Excellency replied as follows : To the Worshipful the Mayor and the Councillors ot the City of Wellington ; I am deeply sensible of the honor conferred on me by the Corporation of the City of Wellington, and am extremely gratified at receiving such a mark of esteem from the municipal representatives of the inhabitants of the city in which I have resided, not only while performing the duties of Administrator of the Government, but for so long previously. However much I have desired to perform the duties devolving upon me in a manner adequate to their importance, I am conscious that the favorable opinion expressed by you as to my conduct is due rather as having been always accorded to me than to any success on my part in attaining my desire. I thank you sincerely for the good wishes you have kindly expressed for the welfare of myselt and Lady Prendergast.