THE 'ARGUS’ ON THE GOVERNOR.

Evening Star, Issue 3451, 14 March 1874, Page 2

THE 'ARGUS’ ON THE GOVERNOR.

.^ ear A n °t many weeks ago of the affability displayed by the Governor of New Zealand when some man, forgetting the simf* larity between thd names borne by her Ma* jesty s representative and hid own mate, called on one “Jimmy Fergussonl 1 to catch hold of some rope or other which he was'de* sirous of having made fast. But although his Excellency can be civil and condescend* ing to boatmen, it may be seen that he doe's

not bestow his' favors on all alike. He draws the Hue at mayors and deputations generally;' These, it appears, he has a mortal aversion to, and not only refuses to allow them tb address him as “Jimmy Fergusson,” but will not allow them to address him ’at aft if tib can by any possibility avoid it. After stating that Sir James is still continuing hii tour through the Middle Island, our correspondent goes on to say that His Excellency does not seem to have made

himself over popular. “He hates proces. ious and addresses, and has offended a great many people by’ refusing their well-' meant but no doubt troublesome attentions. In some places where municipal dignitaries were awaiting his arrival to present acU dresses, he drove past without pulling upjl In one case where he pursued this line of eonduct, the guests at the djeuner which had been prepared for his entertainment refused point blank to drink the health of Her Majesty s representative, aud so tho Crown was diehohbfed in his pdrsda. If Sir Jame*

were a* pnvate gentleman, of course lie Would bo free to go his own way without comment, whatever people might think concerning the taste of thus snubbing any body of functionaries or laymen for being a little over-zealous in their kindly attempts to do him honor. But we cannot overlook the fact that he is the connecting link between the colonists and the empire, a H .virtue of his position is bound to do . in his power to attach the people he vicariously rules to her Majesty’s throne and person. We do not think, however, that anyone will say his conduct has been calculated to produce any very warm feelings of regard for the Imperial connection. Addresses to a Colonial Governor are presented to him in his official capacity, and although, as a rule they contain some expressions of good-natured feeling towards him personally, they are primarily intended to set forth the subscribers sentiments of devotion and loyalty to the Crown. It is evident, therefore, that whatever dislike a Governor may have for the formal duties of his office, he can not refuse to receive addre'ses of this description without coming between the Queen aud her subjects in a manner which we feel confident would be as displeasing to the former as it is irritating to the latter. Any gentleman who cannot accept the worries of vice-royalty along with its pleasures and substantial rewards, had better resign his position- It would be unwise to loosen the silken bonds which -unite the empire, simply to suit his convenience.