THE ARRIVAL OF HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR.

Globe, Volume III, Issue 269, 22 April 1875, Page 2

THE ARRIVAL OF HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR.

THE RECEPTION AT LYTTELTON. Great preparations were made in port for the reception of the Governor, the day being observed as a holiday by many of the citizens. Flags were displayed from all the flagstaffs in the place, and in addition a string was suspended from Mr Murray’s store to Mr Forbes’ flagstaff on Norwich Quay. An arch of evergreens was above that part of the railway station where the Borough Council presented their address, and Mr Hawkins and the New Zealand Shipping Company were prodigal with their bunting. The ships in harbour were all nicely dressed, noticeably the Lady Jocelyn, the Hudson, and the Avalanche, but where all did their best it would be invidious to make distinctions. Gladstone Pier Mr Yule’s office was decorated with the Onion Jack, and an arch surmounted by the American flag, with the motto “ Ceade Mille Failthe,” was erected near. It was early when a great many people began to assemble and promenade in the direction of the Gladstone Pier. At the railway station a double arch of flags was put up by the harbour department with the device of “ Welcome” in the centre. The artillery, under Captain Craig, arrived from Christchurch by the 10.30 a.m. train, and proceeded to the Orphanage for shot and shell practice. About twenty-five were present, and about twenty rounds were fired from Battery point, and we understand the practice was most satisfactory. Amongst the bunting displayed on the vessels at Lyttelton was that of the Thomas and Henry, with the commercial code signals “ Canterbury,” “ Welcome,” the former at her main and latter at the fore.

The Phoebe was signalled about 1 p.m., and was inside the Heads at twenty minutes before 3 p.m. As she came up the harbour abreast of the Lady Jocelyn, the men on board that ship and the Avalanche saluted her with a tremendous cheer, and a salute of twenty-one shots was fired by Messrs Hawkins and Go’s men on the breakwater. In order to effect this holes were drilled in boulders, and the salute was fired by means of a difference of three inches in the lengths of the fuse. A carpet was spread from the steamer to the platform, along which the Governor walked on his arrival at the wharf. The harbor pilots’ crew, clad in white, were in attendance, and the moment his Excellency landed, the Orphanage band struck up the National Anthem, and the first gun of the Christchurch Artillery in salute was fired. His Honor the Superintendent and Mrs Rolloston, Sir J. 0. and Lady Wilson, Mr and Mrs Peacock, Mr and Mrs Webb, Dr Donald, and his Worship the Mayor, together with several members of the Executive, were in attendance, and Miss Maude. Rouse presented the Marchioness with a bouquet on board the steamer. It was about ten minutes past 3 when his Excellency landed, and about a quarter past he arrived at the station attended by those” mentioned above, a special carriage, appropriately decorated, having conveyed him from the platform on the Gladstone Pier. -A great crowd were present, and a number of ladies occupied the platform, together with the Borough Council and those in attendance on his Excellency, including his Honor the Superintendent and Mrs Rolleston, Mr and Mrs Richardson, Sir J. C. and Lady Wilson, Mr and Mrs Webb, Dr Donald, his Worship the Mayor, and the Borough Councillors, and a number of others. On the open space in front of the portion of the station set apart for his Excellency’s reception, which was appropriately decorated with flags, &c., were marshalled the borough school children, nearly 500 in number, and it speaks highly in their praise when we say that they were on the ground from 1.30 p.m. to 3.30 p.m. without a murmur, in the hot sun. Every master and mistress in the schools was in attendance, and immediately on the arrival of his Excellency the children, under the leadership of Mr Phillips’ baton, sung “ God Save the Queen.” Behind these again were the members of the friendly societies, the Oddfellows and Foresters, who mustered in great force with their banners, the Foresters displaying a new banner. Hearty cheers were then given, and the following address was then presented on behalf of the Borough Council by his Worship the Mayor : “ To George Augustus Constantine, Marquis of Normanby, Earl of Mulgrave, Viscount Normanby, and Baron Mulgrave, of Mulgrave, all in the county of York, in the peerage of the United Kingdom, and Baron Mulgrave, of New Ross, in the county of Wexford, in the peerage of Ireland, a member of her Majesty’s most honorable Privy Council, Knight Commander of the most distinguished orders of Bt, Michael and St. George, Governor and Commander-in-Chitf in and over her Majesty’s Colony of New Zealand and its dependencies, and ViceAdmiral of the same, —May it please your Excellency—We, the Mayor and Borough Council of the borough of Lyttelton, beg on behalf of the inhabitants to tender youi Excellency a cordial welcome on this the first occasion of your landing at the port of the province of Canterbury. We trust that youi visit will be productive of gratification and will give your Excellency .a favorable impression of the capability of the province, the progress shown in its cultivation and institutions, and the loyalty ’ of its people. We desire to congratulate your Excellency on your having assumed office at a time of general peace and prosperity throughout New Zealand, and hope that under your administration the good feelings existing for the most part between the colonists and the native race will be fostered and extended, and

the progress of the colony advanced. We trust that your term of office will be one of health, happiness, and satisfaction to yourself and Lady Normanby, and beg to subscribe ourselves, your Excellency’s most obedient servants, “ J. T. Rouse, (Mayor) “ Thomas Grange “ William Graham “ William Young “ Adam Chalmers “ William Murray “ George Buist “ H. J. V. Rogers (Town Clerk) “ Henry N. Naldbr (Borough Solicitor)” His Excellency replied as follows —

“ To His Worship the Mayor and the Corporation of Lyttelton. Gentlemen—l thank you for the kind and cordial welcome which you offer to me on this my fiisr. visit to your municipality, and I beg to express to you my sincere regret that circumstances which I could not well control have prevented my sooner visiting this important and flourishing portion of the colony. The congratulations which you offer to me on my assumption of the Government of New Zealand at a period when peace' and prosperity prevail throughout the land are indeed most acceptable to me, and I sincerely pray that those dark days of strife and enmity which so unhappily mark the earlier history of the colony are now passsed forever, and it is most gratifying to me to know that negotiations are even now pending, which promise to set at rest all existing differences, and to terminate that state of isolation which has been so long, maintained by some of the Maori race. With peace at home, with improved internal communication, and a rapidly increasing whit population, I cannot but believe that the speedy development of the great resources of these islands will.be secured, and that New Zealand will long remain the happy home of a loyal, contented, and prosperous race. I thank you sincerely for the kind wishes you express.towards Lady Normanby and myself.” His Excellency, Lady Normanby, and party, then took their seats in the carriages of the special train, and were conveyed to Christchurch. AT CHRISTCHURCH. The display of bunting throughout the streets from an early hour was noticeable. Shortly after ten o’clock the guard of honor furnished by the Christchurch Artillery, under Captain Craig and Lieut. Stansell, paraded on their parade ground; an! having been inspected by the officer in command, proceeded through the city to the railway station, and thence to the port, an Armstrong having been sent on by the first train. Shortly before one o’clock the joint guard of honor, comprising the Engineers under Captain Pavitt and Lieut. Stuart, and the City Guards, under Captain Hawkes and Lieut. Woolfe and Malcolm, the whole being under command of Major Lean, paraded at the drill shed, and marched to the station, followed shortly afterwards by the C.Y.C., under Lieut. Slater. As it was expected that his Excellency would arrive between 1 and 2 p.m,, the streets shortly after the latter hour were crowded with people, and High street from the White Hart to Barrett’s Hotel was lined with spectators, the footpaths from the latter hotel to the railway station being nearly impassable. The railway enclosure was also so lined with spectators that Mr Inspector Buckley with Sergeant Pratt and a posse of police, experienced some difficulty in keeping a clear space. Shortly before four o’clock the first gun fired from Mr Hesketh’s battery of seventeen guns, informed the patient spectators that the train was approaching, and shortly afterwards the special train drew up to the platform. His Excellency and the Marchioness, attended by his Honor the Superintendent, the Hon B. Richardson, and Sir Cracroft Wilson, having alighted, the guard of honor presented arms, and the band of the C.Y.C, played the National Anthem. His Excellency and Lady Normanby then took their seats in a barouche and pair, driven by Mr J. Page. Just before starling the guns of Mr Hesketh’s battery startled one of the horses, and ultimately they set off at a good round pace; happily, however, no accident occurred, and the party landed at the Clarendon without any damage being done. The arrangements made by the railway authorities, under the supervision of Messrs Lawson (traffic manager) and J. G. Warner (engineer), were very complete, and every credit is due to them for the admirable manner in which they carried out the duties entrusted to them.

The station buildings were nicely decorated with an evergreen arch over the entrance gate and plenty of bunting, and altogether everything was done that could be on such short notice to welcome our distinguished visitor. This evening his Excellency, with the Marchioness, will be present at the Citizens Ball at the Oddfellows’ Hall. THE GOVERNOR’S LEVEE. His Excellency the Governor held an undress levee at noon to-day in the Provincial Council Chamber. His Excellency, attended by His Honor the Superintendent, the Hon. E. Richardson, and Captains De Paturel and Phipps, A.D.C., arrived shortly after 11 a. m., when the following gentlemen were presented at THE PRIVATE ENTREE, Hons. Colonel Brett, M.L.C. ; J. B. Acland, M.L.C. ; G. Buckley, M.L.C. ; Ernest Gray, M.L.C. ; J. T. Peacock, M.L.C. ; W. Robinson, M.L.C. ; W. S, Peter, M.L.C. ; Messrs W. J. G. Bluett, M.H.R. ; J. E. Brown, M.H.R. ; H. R. Webb, M.H.R. ; G. B. Parker, M.H.R.; W. Reeves, M.H.R.; Hon. E. Richardson, M.H.R.; Hon. E. W. Stafford, M.H.R.; Sir J. C. Wilson, C. 8., K. 5.1., M.H.R.; Lieut.-Colonel Packe, Commanding Canterbury District; Consul for Germany (Mr T. M. Hassall) ; Consular Agent for Italy (Mr A. C. Wilson); Acting Consul for Sweden and Norway (Mr W. Montgomery); Consular Agent for United States of America. The Right Reverend the Primate of New Zealand ; Mr Justice Williams ; Mr G. L. Mellish, Resident Magistrate, Christchurch; Mr W. Donald, Resident Magistrate, Lyttelton; Mr C. Whitefoord, Resident Magistrate, Kaiapoi; Mr B. Woolcombe, Resident Magistrate, Timaru; Rev J. Buller (Wesleyan Methodist); Rev W. J. Habens (Congregational); Rev R. Ward (Primitive Methodist); Rev S, Macfarlane (United Free Methodist); Rev R. Morton (Baptist); Rev J. Zachariah (Hebrew Congregation); the Speaker of Provincial Council (MrH. J. Tancred); Messrs W. M. Maskell (Provincial Secretary and Treasurer), J. Ollivier (Provincial Auditor), W. H. Wyim Williams (Provincial Solicitor); the Sheriff (Dr Back); the Collector of Customs (Mr Rose); Commissioner of Crown Lands (Mr W. G. jprittan); Surveyor (Mr Hew*

lings); the Mayor of Christchurch (Mr F. Hobbs); the Mayor of Lyttelton (Dr Rouse); the Registrar-General of Land; the Registrar of the Supreme Court (Mr E, S, Willcocks); Judge Gresson.

THE GENERAL PRESENTATIONS. The gentlemen presented to his Excellency were as follows : Messrs E, L. Clogstoun, W. Dymock, Broadfoot, J. Birch, C. C. Corfe, G. Gordon (Town Clerk), A. Ludlam, F. J. Garrick, G. Harper, E. N, Willberg, J. P. Revans, G. Hart, G. W. Raider, T. Connall, T, W. Maude. J, Palmer, J, D. Enys, W. B. Bray, J, J. Fitzgibbon, T. J. Maling, A. H. Cunningham, J. E. Thacker, S. Jones, T. Douglas, R. Walton, A. F. N. Blakiston, T. D. Jones, W. G. Inman, W. Calvert, J. Newton, F, H. Wilson, C. R. Blakiston, W. P. Cowlishaw, A. J. Raphael, F. H. Brittan, E. B. Bishop, P. F, Tancred, F, H. Moore, F. F. Nixon, J. Beawick, W. Wilson, P, B. Boulton, J, H. Lee, 0. H. H. Cook, W. D. Wood, E. J. Ford, J. Gaul, Rowland Davis, E. Jollie, E. O. J. Stevens, E. Denham, R. F. Holdernesse, N, Wolfe, J. P, Jameson, H. P. Lance, L. Harper, C. Walkden, H. E. Alport, J, A. Bird, J. Inglis, J. J, Thomson, J. Gapes, H. P. Murray-Aynsley, W. Schmidt, 0. T. Ick, T. Cass, G. Mclntyre, J. G. Warner, J. Lawson, S. W, Tancred, J. R. French, 0, G. Ross, F, W. Delamain, W. Deamer, Bickerton, P. Hanmer, J, von Haast, A. Duncan, Teschemaker, L. E. Nathan, J. L. Coster, A. Lean, A. Turnbull, T. I. Joynt, P. Campbell, J. W. S, Coward, H, H. Hennah, J. B. Gresson, C. M. Wakefield, H. Slater, G. D. Lockhart, A. W, O’Neill, A. Cardale, E. Chapman, B, Cass, F. dec. Malet, R. W. Fereday, and E. Westenra, Count de la Pasture, Dr Foster, Revs H. C, M. Watson, W. J. Habens, J. W, Stack, H. B, Cocks, Croasdaile Bowen, R. S. Jackson, W. H. Cooper, J, H. Wills, J. K. Willmer, and John Aldred. At the conclusion of the presentation His Worship the Mayor of Christchurch and the members of the City Council except Cr Hart, accompanied by the town ckrk and city surveyor, presented the following

address: “To his Excellency the Most Honorable the Marquis of Normanby, Governor and Commander-in-Chief and Vice-Admiral of New Zealand—We the Mayor and Councillors of the C ityof Christchurch have much pleasure in tendering to your Excellency, as the representative of her Most Gracious Majesty, our revrred Sovereign, a hearty welcome on this your first visit to our city. We believe that your Excellency’s desire is, by every means in your power, to add to the comfort and happiness of all classes under your rule, and to assist in developing the many resources of these islands. Your Excellency, we are sure, will appreciate the advancement the colony has made in the construction of railways and telegraphs, thereby opening up the country for the settlement of a large increase to our population with the advantage of telegraphic communication which we hope to see extended to the Australian colonies, connecting us with Europe and the whole of the civilized world. We are convinced that from your Excellency’s large experience in colonial affairs, all parts of the colony, including the municipalities, will reap mutual advantage therefrom. We also respectfully offer to the Marchioness of Normanby our hearty welcome to this city, and hope her visit will be one of much pleasu re, and that your Excellency and lady will find each returning visit here the means of cementing a mutual friendship wish its inhabitants. Wishing you long life and happiness, we remain your Excellency’s very obedient servants, “ F. Hobbs, Mayor “ C. T. ICK “ T. D, Jones “ E. B. Bishop “ W. Schmidt “ J. Gapes “ A. J. Raphael ■ “ W. B. Calvert “M.B. Hart “ Geo, Gordon (Town Clerk.)”

His Excellency replied as follows : “To the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Christchurch. Gentlemen, —I thank you for your address, and for the very cordial and hearty welcome which you have accorded to me as Her Majesty’s representative in this colony. When I look around me and observe the great works which have been undertaken, the general evidencesof industry, prosperity, and enterprise, which are apparent, and remember that all this has been accomplished in the short space of about twenty-five years, I own that although I am well accustomed to witness the rapid development of new countries, I am lost in wonder at what I see, knowing aa I do the unwonted difficulties with which the early settlers in this district have had to contend. Much, very much, has been done, and although more still remains to be accomplished, I doubt not that the same energy, perseverance, and skill which has marked the early days of this province will still be evinced in the future, and I look forward with confidence to the full and rapid development of the great resources of this district, and of the colony at large. I thank you for the kind welcome you give to Lady Normanby. Our visiti on the present occasion must unavoidably be of short duration, but I hope before very long to be enabled to return, and I trust that I shall then have leisure to make myself thoroughly acquainted with the whole of the surrounding country,” His Excellency then left the Chamber.