a special mission to Bangkok, to invest the King of Siam with the insignia of the order of G.C.M.G. For this service His Siamese Majesty created him a Knight of the Grand Cross of the Order of the Crown of his kingdom. Sir William returned to Western Australia in 1880 as its Governor, and by his progressive policy, good judgment, and high administrative ability, speedily became a favourite with all classes. The financial condition of the colony was then in a very depressed state, complaints existed as to the public accounts, the audit was in arrear, and there was a debt on current account of £79,000. At the close of the session of 1881 it was gratifying to find that the financial equilibrium had been restored, without any stoppage of public works. At the close of the session of 1882 the financial condition of Western Australia had so much improved through the exertions of Sir Wm. Robinson, that he was congratulated on all sides by the colonists, and received a well-merited eulogy on his endeavours from the Secretary of State, Lord Kimberley.
Sir William Jervois was, undoubtedly, an able Governor, but his successor will, if I mistake not, ere his term of office expires, win equally golden opinions. In these progressive times Governors act a different part to that some were wont to do in the early colonial days. The Governor now, like the king, may justly claim the title of "Father of his people;" he no longer "sits at home at ease," revelling in a life of indolence, and drawing his salary without showing something in return. He goes hither and thither, interesting himself in all pertaining to the welfare of the colony over which he presides, evidencing by his presence, his counsel, and judicious conduct a worthy example for many to follow. Since his arrival. Sir William has not been idle; he has visited everything of note in the metropolis and environs, whilst country townships have been honoured with his presence, to the no small satisfaction of the residents, who have in every instance shown their appreciation of his coming in a marked degree.
