DEPARTURE OF THE GOVERNOR.

Auckland Star, Volume II, Issue 485, 31 July 1871, Page 3

DEPARTURE OF THE GOVERNOR.

The following letter from his Excellency the Governor to his Honor the Superintendent has been handed to us for publication. We are sure the people of Auckland will be gratified by the manner in which Sir G-eorge Bowen alludes to them on the eve of his departure for Wellington : — J^* "Auckland, July 23, 1871. i ' My dear Superintendent,—We leave jckland for Wellington on Tuesday next, (August Ist), about twelve o'clock (noon), at which hour Lady Bowen and I will be glad to receive at Government House all who may wish to bid us farewell.

" I -wish to take this opportunity of expressing, through your Honor, the deep sense •which Lady Bowen and I entertain of the constant and uniform respect, courtesy, and kindness -which have been shown to us and our fami'y during our residence in Auckland by all classes of this community. " I am very happy to believe that this province is now in a condition which, considering the numerous difficulties with which it has had to struggle, cannot be regarded otherwise than satisfactory. The recently published statistics prove that during the last two years the population has increased (in round numbers) from 37,000 to 62,000, or at the rate of 155 per cent. ; while the advance in rovenue, in trade, and in the other chief elements of prosperity, has been scarcely less remarkable. When it is recollected that the last ten years hayo been, for the most pavb, years of war and dis turbance, these facts show a progress which has rarely been surpassed iv other countries. Indeed, at the present day, the single Province of Auckland, though only thirty years old, already far exceeds in importance many entire colonies —such as Antigua, Barbadoes, and others, which have been settled for upwards of two centuries.

" I enclose herewith a cheque for £20, and shall feel much obliged if your Honor will dislributcthis sum among the local charities. I would oention, in particular, the Benevolent SocHy, tlie Refuge for Neglected and Destitute Children, the Dispensary, and the Orpan Home at Parnoll, in all of whicli institutions Lady Bowen and I have felt especial interest. I regret that the above-mentioned sum cannot be largerput, as you are aware, the Governor is constatly called upon to contribute not only to cbrities, but also to literary societies, races, anfto a variety of other objects, in all parts of Bw Zealand. " WitHhe earnest good wishes of myself, and of vr family, for the health and happiness of i in this province and City of Auckland, —I remain, my dear Superintendent, yours vei faithfully,

I (Signed) G-. J\ Bowen. 'Ill's J>nor the Superintendent, Auckland."