CHRISTCHURCH.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 3809, 14 March 1881, Page 2

CHRISTCHURCH.

This day. The Governor's Speech. At a banquet held in honour of the Governor on Saturday night, 200 persons were present, the Mayor of Christchurch in the chair. Eeplying to his health the Governor expressed gratitude at his welcome, but said he was not surprised, as Canterbury was always conspicuous for its loyalty, and here as in all other parts of the colony the representative of the Queen was received with respect. It was fortunate that in the constitution of the Colony the position of Governor brought him into no close connection with any political party. For fifteen years he had been the Governor of Crown colonies exclusively, and for the last five years had exercised an authority more than usually absolute. It might be asked if a man who once had these powers would submit to the restraints of constitutional Governments. In reply* he held that in countries where the mass of the inhabitants outnumbered those who held the power and were of a different race, it was necessary for justice to all that the power should be vested in.one man ; in .English communities, however, and under the form of Government existing in this colony it was desirable that the power should rest with the people themselves. If it were asked had he learned his proper constitutional place, he said, " Yes, his estimate of the functions of a Colonial Governor was that of Lord Dufferin, viz., to oil the machine of Government, and keep it going easily." A man who had held despotic power was not likely to fight for mere shreds of authority which could not replace what he had been used to. He had the pleasure of an acquaintance with the founders of Canterbuiy—Lord Lytton and Mr Godley —and felt especial interest in Canterbury. His conviction was that the present depression was but temporary, and from seeing the resources of the Colony he felt that its future prosperity was sure. He proposed the toast of '• The prosperity and welfare of JNew Zealand."

The premier in replying to the toast of ' The Ministery " said the Ministerial Bench was not a bed of roses. He had entered office at time of a serious colonial depression, but he had unwavering faith in the future of New Zealand, and the recent results had justified that belief. Thanks to the habits of economy among the people, the extension of local industries and the last good harvest, the colony was now on the eve of recovery. The duty of the Government was to assist in developing the resources of the colony, and His Excellency might rely on his present advisers doing so. The clothes belonging to a young man named Georges Innes were found on the beach at Summer yesterday. Innes is supposed to have been drowned while bathing. James Scott, late manager for Chatmos and Farfield's estates was arrested at Ashburton yesterday on several charges, including forgery. The Governor left for the South at eight o'clock this morning by special tram.

A newly married man has discovered that the difference between an umbrella and a woman is that you can sometimes shut up the umbrella.