THE GOVERNOR AT DUNEDIN.

Waikato Times, Volume XIII, Issue 1040, 22 February 1879, Page 2

THE GOVERNOR AT DUNEDIN.

HIS OPINION ON ELECTIVE, GOVERNORSHIP. *

[by telegkaph.]

Thursday. His Excellency t in replying to the address presented by the Mayor, said : — " It is my duty to eschew auy thing of a cou troversial or party character, but there is one point on which 1 had determined, if an opportunity offered, to make a few remarks before leaving the colony, and I know of no occasion on which it could be dove so fitly as on this, when I see this large assemblage around me. Since I came to New Zealand, I have traversed its shores from end to end, have visited ita principal towns and rnral districts, and m all parts 1 have had a 1 oyal and enth"siatic reception. I have implicit reliance m their heartfelt expressions, and I venture to believe that the advocates of separation from the mother country will receive very scant approval. I have heard with much regret that of late it has been advocated that it would be to the advantage of New Zealand to have, instead of a representative of Her Majesty to preside over it, an elective Governor. (Cries of " No, no.") 1 am glad to hear these exclamations. I know that the subject has been mooted, aud consider I auj justified m mentioning it, because it is not ouly of local, but also of Imperial interest. lam not going to enter into the argument as to whether an elective Governor is a good or bad thing. Intelligent American politicians, of whom \ h,avp (met mai}y, have told me thu.t thoy -consider the one difficulty m the working of their constitution is that the head of the Government of their Quuqtry is elective j but I want to put it plainly, whfct is. the availing, of thja idea of an elective Groveruor ? pimply, separation from ]$ug!and. ff this were put publicly before tho people, U ey vroukl uu.t wuwtaiu it fo?

moment, but under such a covering as is now assumed it is possible that it might become a po'itical cry. and, once started, the people might be carried away by it, and mischief arise. lam not speaking as your Governer, and you can simply take my words for what they are worth ; but of this you may rest assurtd — neither the Government., the Pallia* ment, nor the peoplo of England would ever think of recognising a colony that would refuse to receive Her Majesty's representative. (Cheers.) I have spoken warmly on this subjeot because 1 feel strongly ou it, and I should grieve to see anything occur to weaken the ties now oxisting between this colony and England. Filially, I must again express my gratification for the reception I have been accorded here to-day, as I consider the greatest reward I can receive is to feel that I have been granted the respect and esteem of the inhabitants of New Zealand." (Loud and prolonged cheers.)