Local and General.

Southland Times, Issue 909, 2 March 1868, Page 2

Local and General.

.» Since our last Summary, via Suez, but little has transpired of importance. The new Governor, Sir George Bowen, has assumed office ; and what with receptions, levees, balls, &c, bids fair to become popular. Bat when he has to contend with the Maori question, and the present financial condition of the Colony — two , very important elements in New Zealand politics — it will soon be discovered whether he possesses the extraordinary ability his friends speak so highly of. There is but little interest displayed by the colonists in the forthcoming visit of His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh. This arises from no want of loyalty, but simply from a general feeling that hospitality to princes ought not to go hand in hand with the grovelling adulation so freely accorded to the son of the Queen in other colonies. "When he does arrive in New Zealand, he will receive a right hearty and loyal welcome. Mr Eox, a prominent colonial politician, has returned from England, and, at a public dinner given to him at Wanganui, he proclaimed himself a moderate Provincialist; but there is little doubt, as soon as he becomes thoroughly acquainted with the altered circumstances of the colony, since his departure, that he will embrace the chief policy of the Centralists' policy — a strong Government, and full justice to the outlying districts.