DEPARTURE OF THE GOVERNOR.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1319, 8 September 1880, Page 2

DEPARTURE OF THE GOVERNOR.

(BY TELEGRAPH.) Auckland, September 7. Sir H. Robinson, replying to an address from the City Council, presented at Government House, said : I can assure you that if I had had liberty to consult only my personal inclination in the matter I should not now be bidding to New Zealand farewell. Indeed, it is with a feeling of heartfelt regret that I view the apnroaching termination of my official connection with this great and important Colony, and in taking leave of it I haVe to express my sense of pleasure which I have derived from a residence in it. I have also to acknowledge the manifestation of respect and good feeling made by the citizens of Auckland upon my short but very pleasant visits to your town. The

first favorable impressions which I formed of New Zealand have 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 be found in any part of Her Majesty's wide dominions. I fear the acquisition of such an inheritance has led 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 don't 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 of 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 whble 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 thinkof 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: From my far-dis-tant home in South Africa I shall watch your progress with unabated interest, and observe your prospects with undiminished feeling, The Mayor said he had only to reiterate the good wishes which he had already expressed for the future Welfare and happiness of his Excellency. The Mayor and Councillors then bid his Excellency farewell, and left at half-past : four. In the afternoon his Excellency drove down to the Rotomahana accompanied by his private secretary and the Hon. J.' Williamson, M.L.C, v As the steamer left the wharf he appeared on the upper deck accompanied by Lady Robinson and family. About SQO people • assembled on the wharf. The Mayor called for three cheers I for his Excellency, which were heartily given, as well as three cheers for Lady Robinson.