SIR JAMES ON THE COAST.

Westport Times, Volume VII, Issue 1133, 16 December 1873, Page 4

SIR JAMES ON THE COAST.

[WESTPOBT EVENING STAR.] Our neighbours at Greyinouth and Hokitika have some cause for congratulation. Not so much by reason of having enjoyed the privilege of seeing a real live Governor in their midst, but the more so because of the opportunity thus given them of gaining some personal knowledge of the man. Abstract ideas of individuals, like abstract ideas of quantities, are deceptive, as is the nature of imaginary presentments of things unseen, and the popular idea of what the Governor is, or is not, forms no exception to the rule. Sir James has proved himself to be not so much the " bloated aristocrat " fiat some would have painted him 'ere they knew aught of himself or his surroundings, but a sensible, wise gentleman, fitted by inherent qualification and training to govern this somewhat democratic commonwealth both [wisely and well, uninfluenced by personal predelictions or political partialities. He has shown that he is capable of talking commonsense, and while listening with gentlemanly dignity and patience to the compliments lavishly rendered him as representative of the Queen, he has hot permitted the overflowing loyalty of the people to blot out from remembrance the difficulties and responsibilities of his position as a tyro in New Zealand politics. " Some men are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them." Sir James Fergnsson certainly does not come under the latter category.