RECEPTION OF THE REPRESENTATIVES IN AUCKLAND.

Globe, Volume III, Issue 217, 18 February 1875, Page 2

RECEPTION OF THE REPRESENTATIVES IN AUCKLAND.

The following account of the reception given to the colonial prize firing representatives on their arrival in Auckland, is taken from the Cross of February 10th : Yesterday afternoon was partially observed as a half-holiday amongst business men, for the purpose of giving a reception to the representatives at the late rifle contest. The Provincial Government offices were closed, but several employers of labor kept their establishments open, thinking, perhaps, that the p.s. Luna would arrive at such a protracted hour that they would not require a cessation from their duties for a few hours. Shortly after the Luna was signalled, a great deal of excitement was manifested, and, on her approaching the harbor, the upper portion of the wharf was literally crowded. The Luna, on coming alongside, was boarded by large numbers of people anxious to greet the representatives. On Lieut Skinner being recognised, a loud cheer went up, and the champion of the cavalry shooting also received a warm reception. The representatives came up under the command of Major Gordon. After some delay in landing, they marched up the wharf, headed by the band attached to the Volunteer Naval Brigade. At this time there was a very large number present, the streets being thronged with onlookers, whilst the upper windows of the adjoining hotel were filled with ladies, anxious to view the scene, and bunting flying in every direction. The champion for 1875, Lieut. Skinner, was carried up on the shoulders of two of his comrades, to the corner of Queen street, and was received with most enthusiastic cheers. The Volunteers having been drawn up in line, his Worship the Mayor, amidst vociferous cheering, said: “ Gentlemen,—lt affords methegreatest pleasure to welcome you on your return from competing as the Rifle Representatives of the colony. While the citizens of this city are naturally pleased that the champion comes from the Auckland province upon this occasion, it would not make any difference in our desire to accord you a hearty welcome, aud do honour to whom honour is due, whatever province the Champion may hail from. And I sincerely trust the present plan o(

having these matches yearly, in various parts of the colony, will remove local prejudice and jealousy. I am requested by the committee appointed to receive you, to ask you to afford them the pleasure of entertaining you to morrow evening at the Choral Hall. Once more let me, on behalf of the citizens of Auckland, bid you welcome.—Lieut. Skinner briefly responded, and expressed his acknowledgments in suitable terms. Three cheers were then given for Lieut. Skinner, for Poelnitz (winner of the cavalry belt), for Colonel Lyon, for the representatives, and for the Southern shootists. The volunteers present, who joined in the demonstration with their Southern friends, consisted of the cavalry, under Captain Isaacs; the Artillery, Captain Burns; the Engineers, Captain Anderson; the Rifle Brigade, Nos 2 and 3 Companies under Lieut Davis; the Victoria Company, under Lieut Thompson; Auckland Scottish, under Captain Mowbray; the Hobson Company, Captain Dignan; the Fire Brigade and the Navals under Captain Le Roy. The Auckland Volunteers escorted the representatives to the drill-shed by the following route:— From Queen street up Custom House street into Albert street, through Wellesley street into Hobson street, down Wellesley street and into Queen street, from there up Shortland and Princes streets to the drill-shed, where they were dismissed. The march was enlivened by the strains of the bands of the Artillery, Engineers, and Hobson’s Company’s band. On arrival at the drill shed the men were dismissed after a few complimentary remarks from the commanding officer;