THE GOVERNOR’S VISIT.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2199, 14 March 1881, Page 3

THE GOVERNOR’S VISIT.

THE BANQUET. The banquet to his Excellency was held in the Oddfellows’ Hall on Saturday. Mr Morton was the caterer, and he discharged his duty admirably. About 200 sat down to the tables, which were arranged with a view to compactness and comfort. His Worship the Mayor of Christchurch occupied the chair, with his Excellency the Governor on his right, and the Hon. John Ha 1 !, Premier, on his left. The dinner having been disposed of, and the tables in due time cleared, The Chairman proposed the usual loyal and patriotic toasts, which were duly honored. The next toast was that of “ His Excellency the Governor,” in proposing which the chairman said he would not attempt to speak of the past career of Sir Arthur Gordon. The people of New Zealand all knew quite sufficient thereof to create in their minds an implicit confidence in his Excellency’s administration, and it was needless, at such a time, for him (the chairman), to say anything more on the subject. But there was a point of interest to all present and the inhabitants of the colony in general, which the present occasion seemed to afford a fitting opportunity to make a passing remark upon. He referred to the little scare which had befallen this colony in consequence of commercial depression. Now, he was not acquainted with the North Island of this colony, but if the Canterbury Plains might be regarded as a criterion of the resources of the colony in one very important element of prosperity, he felt tolerably confident that his Excellency in passing over them on his way to Invercargill, would come to the conclusion that the little scare referred to had been somewhat exaggerated—that in fact, the people had been more frightened than was warranted by the period of depression from which he believed they were now emerging into the light of comparative prosperity. His Excellency was, no doubt, aware of the primary cause of that depression. Over speculation bad brought it about, and he had no doubt that, with the aid of his Excellency’s advice, our former prosperity would ro-appoar—not, perhaps, in so flourishing a form as previously, but in a durable and lasting character. [Hear, hear.] He had very great pleasure in proposing the toast of the evening—“ His Excellency the Governor.” The toast was drunk enthusiastically. His Excellency, on rising to respond, was loudly applauded. He said : Mr Mayor and Gentlemen, —It is generally held, and quite justly so, that among the many passions to which the human mind is susceptible, there is none more mean, more base, than that of envy. And, therefore, I feel some humility in coming before you for the first time, with the confession on my lips that- I am, at this moment and at all similar moments, filled with envy—First, of those fortunate people who never are called upon to make public speeches at all—[laughter] —and secondly, of those who—being so called on—are able, without any effort to themselves, to say what they wish to say in language which not only conveys their meaning, but which is both pleasing to hear and easy to express—which not only gives satisfaction to the speaker, os very bad speeches often do—[laughter]— but also to the hearer, which is not always so easy a result to attain. I cannot conceive anything more useful to a man placed in the position which I have the honor now to bold, than the gift of being able to clothe in well-turned phrases and choice sentences the ideas he wishes to bring before his audience, and to do so in such a mariner as shall make them not only feel kindly towards the speaker, but in good temper with themselves, which goes a long way towards inducing people to receive what he has to say with favor. Well, gentlemen, that is a gift which nature has not given to me, and my desire to possess it will not replace the want of its possession. I can thank you for having received me as you have dooo ; I can express my gratitude to you for the welcome I have had ; but I can do so only in the plainest phrases and in the simplest and fewest words. In fact, having said “ Thunk you,” I confess I am at a loss to amplify as I ought that simple phrase into half-a-dozen prettily turned sentences, but I hope you will believe that the feeling is not the less sincere because its expression is not so elaborate as it might be. Whilst thanking you for the honor you have done me, I feel that it would be absolutely absurd on my part if I were to effect surprise thereat. I know that, not only here in this province, which has always been conspicuous for the loyalty evinced towards her Majesty the Queen, and also for the kindliness and respect which it has displayed towards her representative for the time being not here only, I say, but throughout New Zealand, in all places, among all persons, I am quite sure that the office he holds is sufficient to ensuie to the representative of the Queen —unless he has in his personal capacity done something to forfeit it (and I have not been long enough among you to do so yet)—that respect and cordial good feeling to which bis position entitles him. Therefore, I say, I am not surprised by the kindly welcome extended to me, but I do not on that account the less appreciate it, or think of it less highly than it deserves. [Applause.] It is a fortunate thing that in the constitution of this country the position of Governor is one which, if he dischargee his functions rightly, brings him into close connection with no particular political party among you ; and that however high may be the excitement of party contention, oi of different views and objects, yel to meet the representative of the Queen, like the Queen herself, will courtesy and cordiality, is a point upor which all may agree [Applause.] This hai probably been stated in this ball and similai places—more scores of places, perhaps, than ] should like to enumerate —since constitutions i government was instituted in this colony, bu I think it not altogether out of place to repea 1 it on tills occasion. I think it quite possibl , (hat those who have been curious enough t i investigate the antecedents of my careei i may have exchanged doubts or impression ) of alarm at tuy appointment, and have said t i one another what is perfectly well-know: i with regard to my past employment. Fo j many years —about fifteen—l have bee l exclusively engaged in the government o ■ what are called Crown colonies—that is to saj 3 of countries where the whole of the exeoutiv

power and a decided and preponderating influence in legislation is vested in the Governor in person ; and that for the last five years I have exercised an authority even more absolute than is usual in such colonies. And it may he asked, nay, I am sure it has been asked, “is this a good school in which to teach the lessons of constitutional government ? Will a man who has had such powers, submit to the restraints which wo here impose upon the

head of the State.” Well, gentlemen, these are questions which I cannot with propriety attempt to answer or discuss. But the

fact _ that they have been raised is sufficient to justify me in the declaration I wish to make. I hold with the certainty of absolute conviction that in colonies or in countries where the mosses of the inhabitants in great proportion outnumber those who hold the rule among them, of a different race, and different habits and thought of life, that there it is eseential, if we would avoid the establishment of a narrowminded, selfish and cruel oligarchy—that power should bo vested in the hands of a single individual. But, gentlemen, I hold quite as absolutely on the other hand, that in a community such as this, where the great majority are men of English descent and feeling, there not only is no other Government than that whioh now exists at all possible, but that no other form of Government is desirable. [Prolonged applause.] Ido not say it is a form of Government in whioh no mistakes are made. I think there will and must be mistakes, and that only through trial and experience oan wo hope to arrive at that purity of self-government whioh every English community must in the long run possess. [Applause.] I wish that to be known and _ thoroughly understood —that strong as is my conviction that where two races live together, and the dominant race is in a small minority, the executive power, to be justly exercised, must be held by one man ; so, in a community like this, must the power rest with the people themselves. [Applause,] But, perhaps, some people will say, “ That is all very fine—we give you credit for the best intentions, and you probably think you will only fill your constitutional place ; but have you learnt what that constitutional place is ? Hos the last fifteen years of your life permitted you to know what are the restraints imposed by our constitution, and what are the realties which exist behind those prettysounding words ?” That, gentlemen, is a question I cannot possibly answer. I oan only tell you this. My estimate of the functions of a colonial Governor are exactly those which were expressed, not very long ago, by the late Governor-General of Canada, himself one of the ablest of constitutional Governors, full of wit and humour, whioh in the family of Sheridan is an hereditary gift, and full of common sense _ and good judgment of men, whioh are his own, I daresay that speech, whioh made some noise at the time, is now almost forgotten, and I moy, therefore, be excused for repeating what he said. After speaking of the character of the people, it described at great length what he considered to be the functions of constitutional government. He summed up in this way, that the functions of a constitutional Governor most closely resembled the functions whioh belonged to

a very useful though humble office in connection with the working of any piece of machinery. It is that of a man, generally dressed in white fustian, who walks about the compartment in which the mechanism is at work, holding in his hand a tin can with a long spout, from which he drops occasionally a little oil here and there, first in this and then in that joint of the machine. [Laughter.] Now, these functions, humble though they may be, are extremely useful—by the exercise of them the individual in fustian keeps the machine in motion without undue friction, not attempting to interfere with any of the valves, or direct its movements, but keeps it going smoothly and easily all the time. [Applause and laughter.] I may add, in all seriousness, that perhaps a man who has lived for some time in the exercise of despotic power is less likely than one who has not done so, to fight and contend for miserable rags and shreds of authority which cannot possibly replace that which he has given up. [Applause.] I have said that throughout New Zealand 1 am conscious that, if I do not forfeit the right to it, I shall receive a cordial welcome; but I confess it is with peculiar pleasure that I have received yours. Long years ago, when this part of the colony—that is, Canterbury—was first founded, I had the pleasure and the honor of being well acquainted with many of those who promoted its foundation, especially the late Lord Lyttelton and Mr Qodley. The formation of this settlement was justly regarded as a matter of great import, and at one time I had a strong desire to be one of those who came out here to settle. Had I done so, I might perhaps have been one of you, have assisted in building up the province, and be now engaged, like many here, ira exporting my harvests from Lyttelton, 1 never then expected to come here in my present capacity, but the experience I have related to you has been sufficient to give me a personal interest in the fortunes and the welfare of the province of Canterbury and those who dwell in it. [Applause.] Now that I have come here I find it different in some respects from what I expected, but I am not disappointed by any means. I have already said that I do not posses that gift which I so much envy, otherwise I might dwell on the theme at much greater length. As i- is, I feel that the sooner I bring my remarks to a close the better. [No, no ! and applause.] But before doing so,however, I would take the opportunity of saying that I cordially re-echo what your Mayor has said with regard to his conviction that the prevailing depression is only of a temporary character. [Applause.] For who can look at the resources of the colony without feeling that its future prosperity is insured? [Applause] Fully sharing that feeling, I would ask your permission, gentlemen, and yours, Mr Mayor, to propose a toast not on the programme of this evening, but which, if I may be allowed to depart frop it so far, is one that I feel sure you will not hesitate to join me in doing honor to. It is a toast embracing every interest in all portions and parts of the colony, and includes those of every race, and of every language, and _of every class of thought within it. I give you, Mr Mayor and gentlemen “ The prosperity of the colony and the welfare of its people.” His Excellency resumed his seat amid loud and nrolonged applause. The Chairman called upon ex-Mayor Hobbs to propose the next toast. Mr Hobbs felt that the task allotted to him might have been placed in better hands, but he felt proud of the honor done him in consigning so important a toast to his care. He then referred to the prowess of British arms, and concluded with an expression of his belief that volunteer forces who strove to emulate the “ line ” would always be found foremost in action if their services were called upon. He proposed “ The Army, Navy, and Volunteers,” coupled with the names of the Hon. Colonel Brett, the Hon. J. T. Fisher and Major Lean.

The Hon. Colonel Brett in response, made a very humorous speech, in which he dwelt on the extreme gratification it would be to the British army on learning the distinction conferred upon it by the present company, and expressed the conviction that the disasters which had of late befallen the troops of Great Britain might be traced to the appointment of incompetent persons to positions of command. It was, he said, entirely due to the rotten system that existed in Great Britain and Ireland. They might as well appoint to the Bench a lawyer who had never held a brief j a clergyman to a see who had never preached a sermon and never had a living, or call to to the title of doctor a man possessing no diploma, as to appoint to the command of a great army a m»n who had never had command of a company. He concluded by passing a graceful compliment on the colonial Volunteers. Mr J. T. Fisher, M.H R., responded on behalf of the navy. Since his connection with that honorable service thirty-five years had elapsed, and it was during his attachment to it that ho visited the Australian colonies. What he then saw largely influenced his subsequent settlement in this country. He alluded to the active part taken by the navy in connection with the defence of* the British colonists, and wherever their services were required they would always be found to the fore. Although ho had left the service so long ago, he looked back with peculiar pleasure to that period of his life, and attributed much of what success he had gained as a colonist to his early training in the navy. He thanked them for the hearty manner in which they had honored the toast. Major Lean, on behalf of the volunteers, returned thauks. He said ho felt rather at a disadvantage, having to follow in the wake of two gentlemen who were in a position to speak with authority on such a subject. But he could assure them of one thing, that the volunteers would be very grateful for the honor done them, the more especially because it was the only recognition they were likely to get. (This being an allusion to the capitation grant, raised a general laugh.) As matters were progressing, it appeared likely that New Zealand would in a short time present the curious spectacle of the only British dependency which did not encourage volun-

teering. In conclusion, he remarked that the colony had good reason to be proud of its volunteers. There was plenty of material here, and at the present time there oan be raised a force quite sufficient to meet any probable emergency in this country. (Applause.) The Chairman called upon ex-Mayor Anderson to propose the next toast. Mr J. Anderson had great pleasure in proposing the toast of “His Excellency’s Advisers.” He also felt proud at having an opportunity of osaooiating with it the name of the Hon. John Hall, the Premier, a gentleman who was not only well known in this province, to which he belonged, but throughout the whole of New Zealand ; and his admirable administrative abilities were as well known to all. This was not the time nor place to enter into politics, but he might say it was his firm belief that if the country was only wise enough to support the present Ministry, notwithstanding the depression that had come upon us of late, the colony would be raised to that position of confidence and security which it enjoyed before. [Applause]. The Hon. John Hall returned thanks on behalf of his colleagues and himself. It was, he said, well known to them that he never could make an after-dinner speech—[Oh! and laughter)—and the task on the present occasion was a peculiarly difficult one, because he had to return thanks for an essentially political body, and yet avoid politics. He could not, without trenching on the rule which precludes the introduction of politics in a mixed assemblage like this —he could not dilate upon the successes of the present Ministry, he could not explain away their failures, and he could not disclose their plans for the future. But he thought he might, without transgressing that rule, and without being guilty of indiscretion, say that the Ministerial Bench during the time the present members had occupied it, had not been altogether a bed of roses. [Laughter. ]_ They had entered upon office at a time which the Mayor had that evening spoken of in a cheery tone, as a " little scare ” —[laughter) —but which he (the speaker) looked upon as a condition of depression more widespread and deeply-seated that he bad known in the colony. It was a time of serious difficulty in the public finances. But the present Ministry undertook that office with unwavering faith in the future of New Zealand, with an undying belief in the great resources of this colony—whether in the great national wealth of the soil, or the_ energy, determination and enterprise with which they felt sure the colonists would surmount the difficulties before them. The result had so far justified their belief—[applause]—thanks in a great measure to the introduction of habits

of economy both in private and public, as illustrated by the complaint which they had just heard from the gallant major (Major Lean), trusting as they did in the general public—volunteers among them—to sacrifice not only the luxuries, but some of the oonvenienccs of life. With regard to Major Lean’s remarks, they showed that the Government had paid the highest possible compliment to the volunteers of New Zealand by affording them an opportunity of distinguishing themselves all over the world. He (the Major] had said that this would be the only British colony in which the volunteers received no capitation. Well, they would now have the gratification and pride of seeing that the volunteers would go on in spite of no capitation, and sot a worthy example to other volunteers of the British Empire. [Laughter.] The revival in the prospects of the colony was also due in a considerable measure to the extension of productive enterprise, that is, local industries, to a degree which persons not possessing special information can really form very little idea of, also to the good harvest which we had been lately blessed with, and to the increased production of gold. Thanks to these causes, he ventured to think the colony would now find itself in a very much more easy position, and tending towards recovery from that period of depression which existed at the time the Government took office. He did not mean to say that the depression had ceased, or that even distress did not linger still in many parts of the colony, but he did say that they had entered the road which led to a very different state of things—that, in fact, they were on the eve of a complete recovery, and that the time is not far distant when the depression will entirely vanish. Whilst the great struggle for better times rests with the colony at large, the Government had also a duty to perform, namely, to assist the colonists in developing the resources of this great country, and the people might rely upon His Excellency’s present advisers doing that to the very utmost of their power. They claim New Zealand to occupy the position of one of the proudest jewels in the British Crown, a country which any Governor might be proud to rule, and the affairs of which any Ministry might be proud to administer. [Applause.] So far he had said nothing of himself, and he should not have done so, as speaking in his present capacity, had it not been for the kind manner in which Mr Anderson bad spoken of him. He felt it a great honor and distinction to occupy his present position, and he experienced heartfelt pleasure in responding to this toast to Canterbury men, among whom he and Mr Anderson had labored solong ; from whom ho had on many occasions, extending over many years, received the utmost confidence and kindness. In conclusion, he again thanked them on behalf of his colleagues and himself for the kind and flattering manner in which they had responded to the toast of his health.

Mr Thomson proposed the “ General Assembly ” in a few well-chosen words, coupling with it the names of the Hon. J. T. Peacock and Mr Stevens. The Hon. J. T. Peacock retuned thanks on behalf of the Legislative Council. He remarked that although the Council was not generally supposed to be the popular branch of the Legislature, still he thought that here at all events it was very popular. He believed the people respected the institution, and had confidence in its transactions. On some occasions the Legislative Council had to amend Bills coming up from the other branch of the Legislature, and in some instances to throw them out. [Laughter.] It was a painful duty perhaps, hut it was a duty, and one of the functions they had to perform. [Laughter.] He trusted that the Council would continue to enjoy the confidence of the people, and continue to make itself felt useful, and lend its influence for the benefit of the colony, both socially and politically. He had great pleasure in responding on behalf of that branch of the Assembly to which he belonged. Mr E, C. J. Stevens responded on behalf of the Lswer House in very humorous terms. He could not pass by one remark of his honourable friend in saying that the branch of the Legislature represented by him, amended the Bills sent up to it, and must, as representing the House of Representatives, take exception to that remark. Whatever were the shortcomings of the House—whatever good or bad Acts were passed within its walls, they were really the Acts of the people, and what the electors of the colony desired should he done from time to time. And he must say that he believed that on the whole the House of Representatives, of which he was a humble member, did not do so badly after all. [Laughter.] Whatever it did, whether for good or evil, the people of the colony bad opportunity of reviewing its acts, and passing censure upon it if necessary from time to time, by bundling the whole of the members out in the street if they do not please. That is a great comfort to think of on the part of those who held seats in that Assembly, because they knew that a Nemesis was following on them everywhere, and would pounce upon them if they did not do right. [Laughter and applause.] It used to be in happier times—five years—that they were permitted to practice their “ little games, he believed they had been called. [Prolonged laughter.] Now, unfortunately, in a fell hour for themselves —but ho had no doubt a very proper one from the public point of view—they had limited that blissful period to throe years. [Laughter.] In future the members —that is, those of the elective branch of the Legislature—will have the gratification of seeing rise before them every three years the grim spectre of the hustings. [Renewed laughter.] But, under any circumstances, ho believed the House of Representatives would always have a large place in the affections of the people of the colony. He believed the public would take a great and daily increasing interest in the acts of that body, owing to the vast influence upon the interests of the whole colony, upon its advancement and public prosperity, which the proceedings of that branch of the Legislature must inevitably have. [Applause.] Mr Murray-Aynsley briefly proposed—" The Bench and the Bar.”

His Honor Mr Justice Johnston responded on behalf of the Bench. Ho had been over a quarter of a century in this

oolony, and hi* experience hod folly realised hi* expectations in regard to the respect shown for the administration of justice. Speaking of the Native race, he said it had been his lot to witness the relations between the colonists and the Native inhabitants in very close position, and he hud been enabled to form a high opinion of the Native race. The administration of justice had been in this colony, if not altogether faultless, at least beyond any serious criticism, and he believed the Bench of the colony had earned and did possess the confidence of the people. With regard to complaints made in certain departments connected with the administration of justice, the Bench and Bar were, at the present time, consulting as to the beet means of effecting amendment. In the course of his remarks his Honor paid a graceful compliment to the members of the bar practising in the colony. He concluded by acknowledging the honour done him. Dr. Foster responded on behalf of the Bar. His remarks were inaudible where the reporters sat. His Excellency proposed the next toast, “ The Mayor and Corporation.” Ho said— It cannot bo necessary that I should detain you long in asking you to drink to the toast which lam now about to propose. It is that of “ The Mayor and Corporation of the City of Christchurch.” Under the auspices of the Mayor I had yesterday the of visiting some of the principal industrial establishments in this city, and I need hardly say I was very much gratified by what I saw. I may say also that I saw more than I expected. All of those establishments far exceeded in extent and power what I thought I should find. When I see what the city of Christchurch is, and what therefore must be its inhabitants, I cannot doubt that the gentlemen chosen to represent them, the Mayor and members of the City Council—although I have not the pleasure of their personal acquaintance—will fully deserve what I now ask you to do, namely, to drink to their health and happiness. [Applause,] His Worship the Mayor replied on behalf of the City Council. In doing so he referred to the progress made by Christchurch since his arrival here twenty-two years ago. With regard to the body which be represented, he had carefully watched its operations during a lengthened period, having been one of the borough representatives for a number of years, and he could confidently say that the city never had a better Council than at the present time. His Honor Mr Justice Johnston proposed " Our local industries.” He spoke encouragingly of the industrial resources of the oolony, with particular reference to this part of it, and regretted the want of statistical information to enable him to say more on the subject than he was prepared to do. As an evidence of the advance made in the direction of science and art, be spoke of the late industrial exhibition as bearing witness of internal prosperity. The toast was coupled with the name of Mr Allan, chairman of the Industrial Association.

Mr Allan responded. He was gratified to know that his Excellency had found time to visit and examine our local workshops. In no way could the condition of a country be better seen than through its workshops, He was proud to feel that Christchurch bad something to boast of in this respect, and he felt pleasure in being able to bear testimony, as one of the public, that they could not complain of any want of attention and cooperation on the part of those high in autho* rity. A Royal Oommission had been appointed, who had sent in a valuable report, which was now bearing frnit, and would, he believed, continue to do eo. He then alluded to the visits of Ministers to Christchurch, and, in conclusion, said the cause of local industry did not requite any special advocacy at bis hands or any body elee’s - it must continue to prosper. This concluded the list of toasts on the programme, and the company rose at tho signal of the Governor’s departure. Mr Ooombes’ band discoursed excellent music throughout the evening.