ghout all the Colonies. Most of the Governors that have
held office in Australia will, no doubt, have unpleasant recollections
of its satire.

Every Colony has her leading dailies, and they, taken as a whole, may be
termed loyal supporters of Great Britain and her Sovereign.

The reasons that may be assigned are many.

In the first place, they have to meet the wishes of their subscribers
and, undoubtedly, the majority of the more important have strictly loyal
opinions, and both have become used to the groove in which they have
been running for so many years, probably dating back to the days when
the right of free speech was not so permissible as it now is.

Then again, the Press seemed to think it their duty to accept with
acclamation any representative sent out by the Crown, no matter whether
he was suitable for the position or not, but this has to a great extent
become altered, thanks to Queensland, the most outspoken and independent
of all the Colonies, when her able Premier put down his foot and said
that he should be consulted before an appointment was ratified. Even
then some of the older journals reproved Queensland for her audacity,
but fortunately they were in the minority and had to give way.

Of course, no Governor however dull he might be, would be so injudicious
as to offend the Press, for he would not increase the popularity of his
stay, nor would he tend to strengthen the connecting link; consequently
the chief officers of the Press enjoy many privileges not known to the
outside world; but that's diplomacy.

There are times, however, when the Governors may, either from want of
knowledge or from other reasons, overstep the limits of their duty. The
Press will then in leading articles gently point out the error of their
ways, and offer sensible advice on the subject; if the offender be wise
he will withdraw, unconditionally, and then all will be well; but should
he persevere in his antagonism he will receive a severe slating. This
of course is only referring to extra-ordinary cases, as the Governors as
a rule are allowed a wide scope in which to humour their whims.

From the foregoing it will be seen that, taken from a general point of
view, the duties of the Governors are merely to preside, entertain right
royally and to be good fellows; for this the Colonies are prepared to
pay handsome salaries and bow down to her Majesty's representatives,
professing their apparent sincerest loyalty to the Crown.