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The New Zealand Spectator and Cook’s Strait Guardian, Wednesday, August 14, 1861

The Airedale arrived this morning from Auckland and Nelson with the gratifying intelligence that Sir George Grey had been reappointed Governor of New Zealand. The despatch of the Duke of Newcastle conveying the information of the appointment of his successor to Governor Browne, which will be found in our columns, was read in the House of Representatives on the 29th, where it produced the liveliest satisfaction, and by this time the news has circulated throughout the country, and we have no doubt has contributed more to the establishment of peace in New Zealand than any other measure that could be adopted. The old friends and supporters of Sir George Grey will hail with unfeigned feelings of joy his reappointment to the government of this Colony as the step most calculated to remove the present troubles, and ensure a restoration of prosperity, while those who formerly opposed him have learned more justly to appreciate his value by the contrast which as been afforded by his successors. Among the Native population the feeling on hearing the news of the return of their old friend and benefactor will be that of unbounded joy, since they will feel confident that their grievances will be carefully considered, and that they will receive justice from the Government. The despatch of the Duke of Newcastle reflects the greatest credit on his judgment and good sense, while he shews every consideration for the personal feelings of Governor Browne. A clean sweep has at last been made, a thorough cleaning root and branch, has been effected, a weak incapable Governor with his Camarilla and Ministry are removed and prevented from doing any further mischief, and for this we cannot be sufficiently thankful. The country will now breathe more freely and will soon give proofs of the relief it has received by returning [sic: to] peace and prosperity. The despatch intimates to Governor Browne that some other place will be found for him, which we suppose is what he most cares about;—the great event for New Zealand will be Sir George Grey’s arrival which we understand may be expected to take place before the end of this month.

It is very gratifying to us who have been from the outset strenuously opposed to Governor Browne’s unjust and suicidal policy, to find at length that the cause of justice and truth has triumphed, and that the anticipations which we have frequently expressed in this Journal have at length been realized in Sir George Grey’s reappointment to the Government of New Zealand;—and this satisfaction is still further increased by the conviction that his reappointment has saved the Colony from the misery and bloodshed, the desolation which must have resulted from the continuance of Governor Browne’s term of office. Happily at the eleventh hour this change has been made, and we may thank God and take courage.

Our precis of Auckland intelligence will acquaint our readers with the progress of affairs in the General Assembly since our previous dates. Notwithstanding their disclaimer of any attempt at a factious opposition, an effort was made by a No-confidence motion on the part of the late Ministry to try and regain power, in which they were defeated by a majority of one, and the Fox Ministry may now be considered as firmly installed in their places; some changes have been made in the composition of the Ministry, and the Assembly will continue in session to the end of the month for the despatch of necessary business, but there is an end for the present to all party struggles and a complete extinction to the aspiring hopes of Mr. Stafford and his friends; while the fact of Sir George Grey’s return to the Colony will diffuse universal confidence and satisfaction.