A LETTER FROM MR GLADSTONE.

Manawatu Times, Volume IX, Issue 1141, 3 January 1884, Page 2

A LETTER FROM MR GLADSTONE.

It will be remembered that during last session several members of Parliament signed and despatched a letter to Mr Gladstone, inviting him to visit this colony. A reply has been received from the right hon. gentleman, m which he says : — " 10, Downing*-Btreet, Whitehall, October 26, 1883.— Gentlemen,— I have the honor to acknowledge with sentiments of respect and gratitude the invitation to visit New Zealand which you have addressed to me on the part of the Legislative Houses of that advanced and important colony, as well as on your own part. It is unhappily impossible for me to comply with the invitation, on actcount of the constant pressure of my ofiicial duties, «which ill admit of my removal even to points much nearer this island and this metropolis. It is not without much regret that I make this reply to your courteous proposal, for I am very sensible of the practical benefits produced .by interchange of visits between m« habitants of different portions of the Empire m close sympathy with us. I have many reasons for wishing to see this interchange frequent and extended, besides the fact that neprly 49 years ago I was first placed m official relations with the colonies, and that early impressions thus produced do not easily depart, but ali general considerations which I feel to be applicable tell m the case of New Zealand with peculiar force, besides the fact that one of my near relations has a distinct interest m its prosperity, and has repeatedly visited its shores, and that one of pay dearest friends was its first aud illustrious Bishop, and took a warm interest m the proceedings connected with its earliest history ; and I consider that m that history, if well worked out, are many of the soundest principles which now regulate the colonial connection, and which promise to make it alike honorable, beneficial, and enduring. — I am, Ac. — (Signed) W. E. Gladstone. — To the Speaker of Legislative Houses of New Zealand."