HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5581, 17 February 1879, Page 3

HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR.

(Otago Daily Times.) The formation of a committee to arrange for a farewell reception to the Marquis of Normanby on his way through Dunedin is only what every good citizen will heartly approve. There have been, it is true, some rather strong expressions in this and other journals regarding certain political acts of the Marquis during his stay in New Zea'and ; but the heat of the party warfare should not be allowed to find expression in acts of personal discourtesy to tbe individual. We regret, for our part, that it was not possible to afford the use of the Hinemoa to convey the Marquis to Melbourne in a manner befitting his position. We cannot be'ieve that the reported refusal of this vesse l , if correct, was made on any other than public grounds ; but it is unfortunate that there should be even a semblance of pettiness of feelings after the memorable passage-of-arms which occurred between Sir George Grey and tbe Governor on one or two occasions. We do not at all believe that public acts of a Governor should be outside the limits of newspaper criticism, but Avhere there is no ground for imputing wrong motives, even errors of judgment are no justification for personal disrespect. We hope, therefore, the members of the Government, including Sir George Grey, will show a magnanimous spirit when the Marquis of Normanby leaves ourshores, and will afford him all the honors that are due to his rank and to his position as a distinguished representative of her Majesty. The community of Dunedin is certain to do its part, and to respond handsomely to the calls of the committee, and we have little doubt that his Excellency will receive such an ovation in the Middle Island as will close his career in New Zealand in a manner plsasant to himself. It is sincerely to be hoped that Lady Normanby’s health may be so far recovered as to enable her to bear the fatigues of an overland journey.