THE APPOINTMENT OF GOVERNORS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 2000, 29 November 1888, Page 2

THE APPOINTMENT OF GOVERNORS

[per press association.] London, November 27. In the House of Lords to-day Lord Knutsford made a statement with reference to the appointment of a Governor for Queensland. He said Sir H. A. Blake had pleaded that it will be extremely unpleasant for him to accept Queensland and he bad been allowed to resign. Lord Knutsford continued that Sir H. Blake was eminently fitted for the post and the tact and judgment he had displayed m the administration of affairs at the Bahamas and at Newfoundland amply justified the selection made by the Colonial office. The opposition of the Queensland Government was the result of misapprehension and ignorance of Sir H. A. Blake's qualities, and the serviced he had rendered." The Earl of Derby stated that when first ap pointed, Sir H, A. Blake was regarded as one of the ablest men and fitted for the highest colonial posts. Still it wes only right to withdraw if the colony were prejudiced against him. It is considered almost certain that Sir H. A. Blake will be appointed to Mauritius and the vacancy at Queensland be offered to Lord Balfour of Burleigh. London, November 28. " The Times," referrfng to the question of Colonial Governors, regards Sir H. A, Blake as a more able administrator than Lord Balfour of Burleigh, and it censures the colonists for preferring a gentleman of rank and position above one possessing essential merits. Four noblemen and gentlemen have refused the Governorship of Queensland. It is rumored that the Earl of Hardwick has been offered the Governorship of South Australia. (Received November 29, 1 p.m.) " Melbourne, November 29* Sir Bryan O'Loughlin's motion that Victoria should support the other colonies, m the position they had taken up, with regard to the appointment of Governors was negatived last night by 59 l 0 3« O Q the result of the division being made known, the members of the House and the occupants of the galleries rose m a body and sang the National Anthem.