THE GOVERNOR AT MILTON.

Evening Star, Issue 3400, 14 January 1874, Page 3

THE GOVERNOR AT MILTON.

{From the Herald.) On intimation being received of the Governor’s intended visit to Milton, the borough Council determined to invite his Excellency and suite to aluncheon as they passed through, but in deference to his wishes that idea was abandoned. It was resolved that no formal address should be read; simply that his WorgHip and the Council should meet him on his arrival in town and bid him welcome to Milton, &c., without any formality. Learning that his' Excellency had ordered luncheon for himself and suite at Philp’s Commercial Hotel, where Sir George Bowen was entertained on his late visit, the Mayor and Councillors iqet there yesterday, shortly after one o’clock. The scholars attending the Grammar School find Miss Davidson’s school, to the number of about SOO, were formed into procession at the school buildings, apd jnaychgd to St. George’s Hall, in front of which they took up their position, to await the arrival of his Excellency. A few minutes before two o’clock a drag, drawn by foiu? greys, was seen approaching the township, and within a few minutes thereafter his Excellency, who handled the ribbons, pulled up at the Commercial, the childrenand all present joining in most hearty cheers. His Honor the Superintendent at once introduced the Mayor to his Excellency, and the Mayor in his turn introduced the Councillors and others. His Worship in a few words bade his Excellency welcome to Milton. His Excellency observing the children ranged on the opposite side of the street, said most heartily, “I delight in children; I must go and see them.” He accordingly walked across, the street, commenced i chatting to "the youngest girls, and' walked along the line in the most kindly manner, say- : ing something to each ; and so affable was his ; manner, that the children were quite at home

with him at once, answering his questions unreservedly. Ho inquired of them as to whose class they were in, the number in the class, the position they occupied, what they were learning, &c. Of the larger boys he inquired as to their knowledge of foreign languages, the books they wore reading, &c. In the course of this free and easy examination, a boy emerged from the ranks, stood before his Excellency, and read the following address : “ The children of Tokomairiro welcome yon. Our parents and teachers have taught us to love and honor her Gracious Majesty, Queen Victoria, for her many great and noble virtues. As her representative we welcome you. We have also read, and heard our fathers speak, of your own virtues and of your manly and outspoken sentiments in your public speeches and actions, which form a marked contrast to the general tone of society in these Colonies. For the respect we bear to yourself and to your good lady, who is a stranger to us, we give you a hearty welcome.” He afterwards inspected the Athenaeum, and at three o’clock left for Tuapeka.