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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]

[introduction]

page break

All who are in a position to speak from a knowledge of the facts, have no hesitancy in asserting that, even in these days of peace, and responsibility of Ministries, a colonial Governor well earns all that he gets. If he be in any sense a luxury, he is a well-appreciated and decidedly inexpensive one. But, however opinions may divide on that point to-day, there can be no question that in the earlier times the position of Governor in New Zealand was one of extreme difficulty. Looking down the list of names and reflecting upon the varied characteristics of the gentlemen who compose that list, it must be acknowledged that in the main the Queen has treated her young colony exceedingly well. Probably all the former Governors deserve to be kindly remembered, and it is a fact that all save one (who certainly did not stay long enough to be liked), are kindly remembered; but there are two whose memory should ever be especially dear to New Zealanders. One of these died in harness in 1842; and the other, though he took office in the Colony just half a century ago, is still in the land of the living. No slight is cast upon the memory of the other illustrious officers in pointing out that it is the duty of the colonists to raise statues of Governors Hobson and Grey. The former because he was the Colony's first Governor, and sacrificed his life to duty as surely as any hero in battle; and the latter for the reasons that will be found sketched in detail below. The pictures given are the best obtainable, and will serve to call up pleasant memories of the past. It may not be out of place here to remark that there is abundant evidence that the people of New Zealand most sincerely hope it will be a very long time before Lord Glasgow's name can be added to the list of “Former Governors.”