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Nelson Evening Mail, Volume IX, Issue 244, 14 October 1874, Page 4

. 1 t\ ; ". ... == „.TkE Governorship of Fiji — It __"wtfi_pered, says the Post, whether on authority or not. we are unaware, that t-uO-3qiony is not unlikely to have the honor of supplying a governor for tbe last addition to the Empire — tbe late Kingdom of Fiji. One of New ZeajUpJ'e*ijolonists, Mr Weld, has already heteo selected to represent her Majesty in the colonies, aod his administration in thai one he is just leaving has iully justified the wisdom of the cboice. So 39^ fcae the experiment answered tbat we should not be at all surprised to learn that there is truth in the rumor idf&lrSir Donald M'Lean may be offered the Governorship of Fiji. ; That tbe ■Home Government entertain a high, and deservedly high, opinion of Sir Donald M'Lean is evident by tbe marks of her Majesty's favor which have been bestowed upon him. It must be owing to appreciation of tbe results of his native polioy tbat his recent selection, ie priority to the Premier, for the honor of knighthood wa. due, aod as tbe native question is likely to be a prominent and difficult one in the new colony it would not be improbable to suppose that the Imperial Government migjjrt desire' to send there as its representative V man skilled in the management of uncivilized races and who has sliSvTt. a special faculty for dealing witb theoofr ''lt-is not for us 00 this occasion to question the means by which Sir Donald ; l_'Lean as Native Minister leV-e'lias attained the results which are asßfrfe'r.t : ' 7 We may have doabts as to tbe prdpriety and wisdom of some of those means, end may think the results scarcely commensurate with the expense. The Here Government, however, is oot likely to enter into any consideration of questions of local politics. It will take res till s, and judge by tbem, _an£ on eu. h grounds we say again tbat "we Bhould not be surprised if it selected -S r Donald M'Lean as tbe most fit m%i to govern Fiji. We may also say that -we Relieve iut result would justify tbe cholc*-*, if the offer were accepted. Sir a mid M'Lran would make au (pujnirable Governor of a Crown Colony fsueb.aa Fiji/. His character and policy ! are not altogether consistent with the ! gedfds -of responsible or constitutional '

Government. This has been felt and admitted here by his colleagues, by Parliament, and by the country, as shown by his being entrusted with the absolute and almoßt irresponsible control of native affairs. As Governor of Fiji his authority would be absolute, and he would, we presume, have the Imperial purse to dip into in giving effect to bis policy. We do not think the Imperial Government could select a better man for the office, but we should regret the loss to tbis colony of one who, although a political opponent, we respect and appreciate. Sickness is prevalent in Wanganui just now. There is senrcely a house in which there are not a few children ill. Plenrisy and bronchial affections are very prevalent. The hospital is full to the door; most of tbe patients are new chums, who appear to have little stamina to work on.