The Feilding Star. SATURDAY, MAY 29, 1886. Sir Robert Stout

Feilding Star, Volume VII, Issue 150, 29 May 1886, Page 2

The Feilding Star. SATURDAY, MAY 29, 1886. Sir Robert Stout

In the whole history of colonial politics there is no parallel instance where a man has forced himself so rapidly to the highest position an Englishman can occupy, to that of this gentleman who has now been made a Knight Commander of St. Michael and St. George. But a few years ago, the name of Mr Stout was comparatively, if not entirely, unknown to the great mass of the colonists, yet to-day it is " familiar as household words." We heartily congratulate him on the honor he has received at the hands of Her Majesty the Queen, and sincerely hope he will live • many years as a great example to the rising generation, proving by the exercise of patient courage and perseverance the highest positions are attainable by even the humblest, if possessed of average ability. Some of his old frieuds and compeers, whom he has lef t far behind in the race of life, will find carping criticism on his accepting a title which raises him above them in social rank, but that is to be expected. We are gratified to note that Sir Robert is the only gentleman in 'this cwlony on whom knighthood has bean conferred iv the jubilee year of her Majesty's reign. Had others — perhaps equally worthy, but not now occupying such Erominent positions — been similarly onored, the occasion would not have been so marked. The honor is also reflected on the colonists inasmuch as it is their Prime Minister who has beou i!io recipient.