THE GOVERNOR AT AUCKLAND.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2041, 8 September 1880, Page 3

THE GOVERNOR AT AUCKLAND.

AUCKLAND, September 7. Sir H. Robinson replying to the address of the City Council presented at Government House said —“ I can assure you that if I had had the liberty to consult only my personal inch nation in the matter, I should not now be bidding farewell to New Zealand. Indeed it is with feelings of heartfelt regret that I view the approaching termination of my official connection with this great and important colony, and in taking leave of it I have to express my sense of the pleasure which I have derived from my residence in it. I have also to acknowledge the manifestations of respect and good feeling made by the citizens of Auckland upon my short but very pleasant visits to your town. The first favorable impression which I formed of Now Zealand has been more than confirmed by subsequent experience. The country is one of surprising promise, and it abounds in more natural advantages in conjunction than are to bo found in any part of her Majesty’s wide dominions. I fear that the acquisition of such a vast inheritance has led you into an extravagance which may give some trouble yet. You will have to encounter financial difficulties which will tax the wisdom and public spirit of your Statesmen, and try your patience to the utmost. I do not think you will succumb under these difficulties, but they will prove a trial from which you will rise with renewed strength and an increasing spirit for true progress. The country is capable of sustaining with comparative ease exceptionally heavy burdens, but it is well to remember that New Zealand is now the most heavily taxed and greatly indebted land in the whole world. If a well wisher may venture a word of counsel, I would advise you to rest contented with that pre-eminence, and not experimentalise in the direction of the proverbial last straw which might involve the country irretrievably in ruin and disgrace. Once more allow me to express my good wishes for your future welfare and advancement. Though leaving New Zealand I shall continue to think of and regard her, for she has taken too deep a root in my heart to permit my interest in her lapsing with my official connection. Prom my far distant home in South Africa I shall watch your progress with unabated interest, and observe your prospects with undiminished feeling. The Mayor said that he had only to reiterate the good wishes which he had already expressed for the future welfare and happiness of his Excellency. The Governor, in taking his leave, remarked that ho wished that his stay had been a longer one, and his departure not so sudden. He was sorry that his visits to Auckland had not been more frequent and lengthened. The Mayor and Councillors then bid his Excellency farewell, who left at half-past four in the afternoon. His Excellency drove down to the Botomahana, accompanied by his private Secretary and the Hon. J. Williamson, M.L.O. As the steamer left the wharf, hr appeared on the upper dock, accompanied by Lady Robinson and his family. About 500 people assembled on the wharf, and the Mayor called for three cheers for his Excellency, which was heartily responded to, as well as three for Lady Robinson. The shipping wore covered with bunting, and the public establishments also exhibited Hags.