THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL.

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 17973, 19 March 1930, Page 4

THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL.

New Zealand to-day welcomes its new Governor-General, Lord Bledisloe, the ofFicial representative of the King in this country. The Dominion is said by people acquainted with Lord Bledisloe, to be particularly fortunate in its choice, as the new GovernorGeneral is not only a keen agriculturist, but a most lovable character, and a man of particular personal charm. The alteration in the constitutional relationship between the overseas Dominions and Die British Grown and Imperial Government that came about some years ago made it possible for political changes to take place without interfering in any way with the Imperial relationship, as allegiance became due to the Throne and not to (lie Imperial Parliament. This was a masterly stroke of statesmanship, which placed the office ol' Governor-General above the realm of politics, and cleared the ground for a full ventilation of all disputes between the Imperial and overseas Parliaments, without raising embarrassing issues of patriotism and. loyalty. Experience has proved that the change in the -constitutional character of the office of Governor-General does not necessarily limit its field of activitiea. New Zealand is naturally very interested in its new Governor-General. According lo a personal friend of 25 years’ standing, Lord Bledisloe is an intensely shy man, but one of the kindest-hearted men our informant had ever met. There was just a danger, said the friend in question to a representative of this journal, that His Lordship's shyness might at first bo misunderstood, but as the Dominion came to J-notv him better Die more would it appreciate his worth. As His Lordship is himself a praeiiet.l farmer, his 'ntar.Mt in the agricultural development of this country should be more than casual. It is possible that our advanced methods of farming may be new and interesting to His Lordship, while doubtless also the Dominion will learn much from him. There is one thing certain, that Lord and Lady Bledisloe will receive a most cordial loyal welcome from the people of New Zealand.