THE GOVERNOR ON CONSTITUTIONAL GOVERNMENT

Temuka Leader, Issue 363, 15 March 1881, Page 3

THE GOVERNOR ON CONSTITUTIONAL GOVERNMENT

At Christchurch, on Saturday night last replying to his health at the banquet, the Governor expressed his gratitude at the welcome accorded him. He was not surprised that Canterbury was always conspucious for its loyalty, and here as in all the colony the represen- [ tative of the Queen had been received with respect. It was fortunate in the the constitution of the colony the I position of the Governor brings him into close connection ' with no political party. For J 5 years he had governed Crown colonies exclusively, and for the last five years had exercised authority more than usually absolute. It may hi asked if a man who had those powers would submit to the restraints of Constitutional Government. The reply he held was that in countries where he was Governor the inhabitants' outnumber those who hold power and were of a different race, and j it was necessary for justice to nil ; that power should be vested in one man. ! In English communities, however, the i form of Government existing, as in this j colony, was the only one desirable, and j the power must rest with the people themselves. If it were asked had he learned his proper constitution dl place, he said “ Yes.” His estimate ot the functions of a colonial .Governor were those of Lord Dufferin :to oil the machinery of Government, and keep it going easily. The man who had had despotic power was not likely to fight for shreds of authority which could not replace what he liad been used to. He had had the pleasure of the acquaintance of the founders of Canterbury—Lord Lyttelton and Mr Godley, and he felt especial interest in Canterbury. His conviction was that the depression was temporary, and from seeing the resources of the colony he felt that its future prosperity was sure. J