OUR NEW GOVERNOR.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1319, 25 August 1880, Page 2

OUR NEW GOVERNOR.

Referring to the appointment of Sir Arthur Gordon to the Governorship of New Zealand, the Sydney Morning Herald observes: "Sir Hercules Robinson's translation to the Cape has prepared the way for Sir Arthur Gordon's removal from Fiji. This removal will not create surprise, and it will probably not be made a cause of complaint. When Sir Arthur Gordon returned to Fiji last year, it was understood that his stay would not be long, and accordingly the first opening that has been made has led to his promotion to a larger sphere. It can hardly be said that the promotion has been undeserved. Sip Arthur Gordon has had pioneering work to do in the South Seas, and, upon the whole, he has done it ably and well. When he went to Fiji, just five years ago, he found the islands in a j state of transition ; he is now leaving | them in a state of comparative settledneaa and prosperity. At that time the wisdom of annexing Fiji was sometimes gravely and sometimes nat very gravely doubted ; now, all doubts as to the annexation policy have ceased to exist. ■lt cannot be said that the progress of the young colony is solely due to the efforts; of the Governor, but it is only justice to say that it is due to these in no small degree. Sir Arthur Gordons policy, and sometimes his actions, have been adversely critioised. He has been aocused of being Overbearing in his conduct towards the colonists; it has also been complained that his consideration for the natives has amounted to weakness. Both his land and his native policy havo been found fault with, and occasionally, perhaps, not without reason. But, considering the difficulties he had to face, and the disadvantages under which he labored, the wonder is that he has done sa well. Sir Arthur's elevation to a larger sphere has been fairly earned, and we have no doubt that the future will amply justify it. His ExceUsnov will have difficulties among th® politicians of New Zealand that n\ay be found to be more than equal to those which he has had among the planters of Fiji.; but in New Zealand he will have the example of a and cautious predecessor before him, and this he will have good sense enough to follow."