SIR ARTHUR GORDON.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2322, 26 August 1880, Page 2

SIR ARTHUR GORDON.

Referring to the appointment of Sir Arthur Cordon to the Governorship of New 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 for complaint.. When Sir Arthur Gordon returned to* Fiji last year, it was understood that {ji& stay would not be long, accordingly thelirst^ opening that has been made has led to his promotion to a larger sphere, it can hardly be said that the promotion has been made undeserved. Sir 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 live years ago, ho found the Islands in a state of transition ; he is now leaving them in a state of comparative settledness and prosperity. At that time the wisdom of annexing liji was sometimes gravely and sometimes not veiy gravel}' doubted ; now all doubts as to the annexation policy have ceased to exist. It 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 Gordon’s policy, and sometimes his actions, have been adverse!}' criticised, He has been accused of being overbearing in his conduct towards the colonists; it has also been complained his consideration for the natives has amounted to a weakness. Both his land and his native policy has been found fault with, and occasionally, perhaps, not without reason. But, considering the difficulties he had to fa:c, and the disadvantages under which belabored, the wonder is that he las done so 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. llis Excellency will have difficulties among the politicians of New Zealand that may be found to be more than equal to those widely he has had among the* planters of Fiji ; but in New Zealand ho will have the example of a shrewd and cautious predecessor before him, and this he will have good sense enough to follow.