THE SUPERINTENDENT'S VISIT TO SOUTHLAND.

Evening Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2358, 22 October 1870, Page 2

THE SUPERINTENDENT'S VISIT TO SOUTHLAND.

(Abridgedfrom the Southland News.) The reception accorded to his Honor the Superintendent, although anything but an elaborate state affair, was one Avith which be may avcll feel flattered. Without the slightest attempt at organisation (if avc except the committee appointed to arrange for the reception dejeuner), the public made holiday, and assembled, as by common consent, to AA r clcomo the now chief magistrate, who - - to his crclit, it should be stated—had expressly intimated his wish to avoid ceremony. There wore, so to sp ak, three receptions—first at the Bluff, next at Winton, and lastly at Invercargill. How this cam® to pass will be best understood by explaining that the railway lessees made an excursion train of the one that run yesterday morning to the Bluff to bring up his Honor, and (by arrangement with the contractors) instead of landing passengers at the Invercargill station on the return trip, gave them the option of a ride through to Winton and back. His Honor availed himself of the opportunity, and was among the number of those who occupied the passenger train that will be remembered as the first in the Colony to run nearly eighty consecutive mil s. 'the railAvay people were, avc fancy, rather astonished at the largo number of excursionists avlio presented themselves at the ticket office; they had calculated, avc fancy, on two or throe hundred passengers, instead of twice that number. At all events tho eight carriages prOA'ided (each fitted to carry 50 adults), were speedily crammed avith citizens, their wives and children, leaving still a large number on the platform looking disappointed. There avas no immediate remedy, however ; but presently it was evident that an effort avas to be made to, in some measure, meet the unexpected contingency—- , not until after the departure of the Bluff train avith it s freight of merry holidaymakers, however. Then the railway employes avere to be seen busying themselves in preparations to convert c ivered and uncovered luggage waggons into passenger cars. This they effected in a rough and ready way by bringing seats of varied pattern from the Exchange Hall, and placing them as well as circumstances permitted. By this means a good many of those who Avere unable to find room in the Bluff train Avere ’enabled to enjoy the Winton trip, ths excursion train on its way up stopping to couple on. When the train reached the Invercargill station on its return from Winton, the platform, and indeed every approach, Avere croAvdod. To most of those present his Honor was a stranger, although at least one familiar face —that of Mr Commissioner Weldon —Avas recogni ed. Tho party, which included several members of the Otago Executive, Avas received without any marked demonstrations on the part of the general public, although many “old identitiespersonal friends pushed to the front to greet his Honor, who appeared to recognise them, despite the lapse of years since their last meeting. The trip to AVintou was accomplished in about an how. On the return to Invercargill, the dejeuner (ook p’ace. The chair was occupied by Mr W. Wo d, M.H.R. In responding to the toast of “Our Guest,” his Honor said: “Although I believe the reunion n v.v aocr mplislied will lead to great ami beneficial results, it must not be forgotten that we have so to speak in a measure at least locked the stable door after the steed has been stolen ; and 1 can only say, that so long as it is my lot to preside over the adnvnistration of affairs my constant endeavor will bo to make the union a happy and prosperous one. Perhaps, gentlemen, yon will understand my feeling in this matter when I tell you I bad a great hand in forwarding this settlement. Pro 1 ably few of you present may kuoAV that I had more to do Avith the founding of this City than anv other man noAV in existence —in fact, it might have been Avith greater justice called Invcr-MacandrcAV than Inver-cargill. As that Avon Id have been a very long name, it is perhaps better as it is. (Laughter and cheers.) It is uoav ten years since I last came In-vc ; many of you may recollect the consequences of that vidt. There was to be a. largo gathering of Murikiku settlers (as this district was then named) to ask for independence on assumed facts that 1 questioned. My arrangements had been made that Messrs Cuttcu and Walker, members of tho Executive, should go down and argue the matter out. They Avere to have gone by sea, but met with delays. As the day of meeting approached, I had to adopt an unusual course, and go over’and myself to the meeting. Tho consequence Avas that separation wa* knocked on the head, chiefly I may say owing to tho arguments on both sides of the question having been fairly heard. But for the misfortunes that subsequently overtook myself separation might never have taken place, and Otago might never have been mulcted of the nvllion that has gone to tho North. 1 regard that as one of tho consequences that arose out of separation. Now, gentlemen, although re-union will certainly bo productive of good results, I fear that perhaps you Avill look for them too soon. Do not expect too much immed'ate benefit. Many say it is impossible for any Government to make bricks Avithout straw, which is the present position of ours. You must recollect that although our customs revenue amounts to L 24,000 per month, only L4OOO of it comes hack to the Piovincial Treasury to he expended bv the body that provides for education, police, gaols, hosp'tals, the harbors, public works. &c The remaining five-sixths go to the ’General Government, Avhich attends only to tho postal and telegraphic departments, the administration of IaAV and justice, and tho payment of interest on debts. In fact,, gentlemen, the sheet anchor is Otago’s territorial revenue, and this we arc willing to share with you in opening up the country .and localising those institutions you would have had if separation had not occurred. No doubt we shall expect a large

portion af that revenue to be derived from Southland, but what I have seen today has confirmed my previous impression that a large estate remains to be utilised, and population only is required. I hope that in a few years it will be doubled ; there are many pleasant nooks and corners where numbers of industrious and happy families may live and flourish. I do not, however, intend to make a long speech. Let it suffice for me to say that on the 15th of next month there will be a meeting of the United Council, when I hope the advantages hitherto enjoyed by Otago in the way of education, r.;ad boards, and municipalities will lie made common to the whole Province. I may mention that Mr Weldon and Captain Thomson have accompanied me, and will arrange matters with regard to their special departments; and that the other day we sent home for ten schoolmasters, in order to provide additional educational facilities. Last, but not leaat, one great advantage will accrue to those of you who arc Government servants—your salaries will he paid regularly every month. (Laughter and cheers). Gentlemen, in returning thanks to yru for the honor conferred, 1 cannot but feel the difficulty and delicacy of my position. I did not come here to make promises, although some members of the Executive arc with me. 1 may say that in future I expect one, member of the Executive will reside here. In conclusion, permit mo to hope that He who rules the destinies of nations as of people, may rule the reunion to the permanent good of all.” On the day of his Honor’s arrival business in Invercargill was thoroughly suspended. Flags were displayed in all directions. Toe crowd of holi lay-makers and excursionists collected at the railway station on the arrival and departure of the trains was greater than on any occasion since the opening of the Orcti Hailway, six years ago, with the exception of the Governor’s visit.