VICE-REGAL VISIT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2085, 21 May 1907, Page 2

VICE-REGAL VISIT.

A ROUGH TRIP. ilis Excellency, Lord Plunkot, and party had some sensational, experiences on their overland journey from Napier. They mot the lull force of the reeont heavy gulo, and tho roads, nono too good at this period of tho year, were almost impassable, and in such condition that many a stalwart stockman might hesitate to make-tho trip. The party were met at Wairoa by one of Mossrs. Redstono and Son's special coaches, in charge of Mr. Nool Redstono, one rtf the best whips in tlio district, and the worst part of tho journey was commenced. Owing to tho impassable condition of the Nuliaka river it was decided to make tho journey via Tiniroto.

Ail early start was made and all went well until the party reached the To Reinga Falls. Here a wasli-out had occurred on the road, and planks had to be laid down in order that the coach could be hauled across, tho horses having been taken out and led round. Soon after this tlio party were faced with a fresh difficulty, a culvert having been swept away. His Excellency and party were safely piloted across tlio torrent, but it was apparent that tlie coach could not®bc got across. The party continued tho journey in Mr. Glassford’s buggy and the coach returned to Wairoa. No further mishap occurred until the party arrived within about 4 miles of Tiniroto. Here a large land slip presented itself, completely blocking the roadway. His Excellency and party then set out on foot through the driving rain, over an almost impassable road on tlioir four-mile journey to sliolter. They arrived at Tiniroto about 7 o’clock.

Tlie party left Tiniroto at ton o’clock yesterday morning and were met at Waeronga-o-kuri by Mr. Redstono with a buggy and three horses. One or two short stoppages occurred betweoen Tiniroto and Waerenga-o-Kuri but these minor difficulties were quickly surmounted, and after their exciting experiences by field and flood His Excellency and party arrived safely in town at 7 o’clock. Press Association. WAIROA, yesterday.

His Excellency the Governor arrived at Wairoa on Saturday afternoon amidst heavy rain; He was presented with an address by Mr. P. Wilson, chairman of the Town Board, and. entertained at a social in tlie evening. He left for Gisborne at 11 a.m. on Sunday. His Excellency was much impressed with the country, though it was seen under disadvantageous circumstances. He intends visiting Lake Waikareinoana on another occasion. The Governor was much' pleased with the cadets as a body; A strong southerly gale has been ’raging for six days, and it is still raining heavily. ~ The river is very high. No damage has been done.

The Governor, proceeding from Wairoa to Gisborne via Tinoroto, was delayed on the road by slips. The coach had to. be left and a private buggy taken on to Tiniroto. The first obstacle was a wash-out, The horses were unyoked and led across single-file, two roadmen and the driver pulling the coach over. The horses had not gone far when slips blocked' further progress. Mr. Glassford, a resident in the vicinity, got the Governor and his secretary across by using the door of his woolshed as a footbridge. They had only just crossed when the temporary footbridge was washed away into the Hangaroa river by tho increase in the volume of water coming down. The luggage had to be thrown over the gap. His Excellency took Mr. Glassford’s buggy on, the coach returning to Wairoa.

THE PROGRAMME. The following programme has been mapped out for’ to-day: 10 a.m.—Public reception at the Band Rotunda in Read’s Quay. Addresses of welcome from the County Council and Borough Council will 'be presented, and at the end of the ceremony His Excellency will present prizes won during the past shooting season to members of the Gisborne Rifles. -

11 a.m.—Public levee at His Majesty’s Theatre. It is hoped that there will be a good attendance at this function as tho Governor lias expressed a wish to meet as many as possible of the country settlers and townfolk of Poverty Bay. The dress circle of tlie Theatre will be reserved for ladies. For gentlemen only ordinary dress will be necessary.

2 p.m.—Entrain for Te Karaka fi. the purpose of opening the extension of the railway line to Puha. Tin party will proceed to the end of tlie line, returning to partake of afternoon tea at Te Karaka. Hotel, t

7.30 p.m.—Official dinner at Mr, Townley’s residence with the Mayoi and Councillors.

On Wednesday morning His Excellency will be driven round the town, visiting Te Rau College, the Distric High School, the Technical School, the Hospital and the Old Men’s Home. After lunch tlie Governor will go for a drive in the country, visiting Te Arai and inspecting the Native Church there. Afternoon tea will be taken with Mrs. P. Barker, Makauri. In tlie evening His Excellency will attend a Masonic function, leaving later by steamer for Napier.

Te Karaka residents will present the Governor with an address to-day. The Railway Department in another column notifies the times at which special trains will leave today for Te Pulia. For the convenience of country visitors to town a train will leave' for Te Karaka at 11

One of the passengers for Gisborne who were over-carried on the last trip north of the Victoria wks! the Inspecting Engineer of the Railway Department. This officer was to hjjive inspected the new section of railway line as far as Puha, to enable the train conveying the Governor to be run over it, but in the circumstances arrangements have been made to run over the line on the certificate of Mr. C. E. Armstrong, the Resident Engineer of the Public Works Department.