SIR WALTER KENNAWAY.

"x „ .' — '—+- . Sir Walter Kennaway, who has for many years been closely conneoted with the office of the Agent-General and High Commissioner for New Zealand, has the distinction of receiving the, only knighthood which /has come to the dominion on the occasion, of the liberal distribution of birthday honours announced this morning. The son of Sir J. H. Kennaway, Baronet, the new knight was born in Devonshire; and came to Canterbury fifty-four years ago. Cm his arrival in New Zealand he commenced farming, but it was not long before his talents for public affairs became recognised., and from -li-68 to 1874 he occupied a seat in the Provincial Council. He soon emerged from the ruck of private members, and from 1870 to 1874 he filled the important positions of Provincial Secretary and Secretary for Works. During his occupancy of these positions he carried a non-sectarian education ordinance in the Council, and also succeeded in setting aside an endowment of 300,000 acres for educational institutions. He also filled the positions of Commissioner of Crown Lands, Governor qf Canterbury College, and member of the Education Board. In- 1874 he was appointed Secretary to the Agent-General, an office which he still occupies, but from which he will shortlyjetire on superannuation in consequence oi the age limit. In 1891 he was oreated a Com- § anion of the order of St Michael and t George.