RECEPTION OF HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1623, 3 May 1879, Page 2

RECEPTION OF HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR.

The visit of the Governor to Christchurch and the extensive preparations for his reception caused the city to present great activity to-day. In addition to the usual visitors from the country on Saturday, a large number came from different parts to witness the proceedings in connection with his Excellency’s arrival, a number of Maoris being amongst those who wished to evince their loyalty or satisfy their curiosity. From previous notices in the local press the public will have learnt pretty well the nature of the preparations made to receive the Governor. Every portion of the city;(and the suburbs in a minor way) presented a very animated appearance, and bunting might be seen flying almost from “ every line and post" The arches at the railway station, Cathedral Square, and Victoria bridge were admirably constructed and decorated most handsomely with evergreens and flowers, whilst flags were suspended on either aide from the summit. At Cathedral square also, a platform wa« erected for the accommodation of the school children to sing the National Anthem, Towards the hour at which the train was to arrive the representatives of the various public bodies were in attendance at the railway station. A guard of honor, under command of Colonel Packe, was also drawn up in readiness. The train arrived at half-past three o’clock. The band immediately struck up “God Save the Queen," and a royal salute was fired. His Excellency, on landing, wa* met by his Worship the Mayor of Christchurch, and City Councillors, the chairman of the Selwyn County Council, and a numerous body of leading citizens. The following addresses were then presented to his Excellency: — To his Excellency £?ir Hercules George Robert Robinson, Knight Grand Cross of the most distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George, Governor and i ommander in Chief of New Zealand, and Vice Admiral of the same. May it please your Excellency— We the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Christchurch, desire to approßch your Excelleucy with the assurance of our devoted loyalty to Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen, of whom you are the distinguished representative. We also desire, on behalf of the citizens, to express the great pleasure it affords ua to welcome your Excellency and Lady Robinson and members of your family on this jour firs visit to the City cf Christchurch, and trust that it will be one of pleasure, and that we may have the gratification of a frequent renewal of yonr Excellency’s presence amongst ns.

We venture to hope that, when your Excellency shall have become better acquainted with this city, that yon will be pleased with the progress made within the comparatively short period of twenty-eight years, and we trust that under your administration the natural resources of the colony may still be more largely developed. "Wishing your Excellency, Lady Eobinson, and family long life and happiness. We have the honor to bo, Your Excellency’s Most obedient servants. C. T. Ick, &c., &c.

To His Excellency Sir Hercules Eobinson, K G.C.M G., Governor and Commander-in-Chiof of the Colony of New Zealand. May it please your Excellency— The members of the Council of the County of Selwyn. beg leave, on the occasion of yonr first visit to this part of the colony, to approach your Excellency with an assurance of their hearty loyalty to Her Most Gracious Majesty of the inhabitants of this large and populous county. It is a source of much satisfaction to us that, so early after your appointment as Governor of New Zealand, you have been enabl d to pay a visit to this portion of the colony, and we trust that yon will be gratified at the progress which, during the period that has elapsed since the foundation of Canterbury, has been made in the work of colonisation. We believe New Zealand to be moat fortunate in having the Government placed, at on important period of its history, in the hands of an officer to whose remarkable success in the administration of the Government of a neighboring colony the people of that colony have borne such hearty and unequivocal testimony ; and we are confident we may rely on the support of your Excellency to every prudent undertaking calculated to further the permanent prosperity of New Zealand and the intellectual and material welfare of its inhabitants. We trust that your Excellency and Lady Eobinson will be enabled frequently, during your term of office, to visit this part of New Zealand, in which the representative of Her Majesty has ever met with a respectful and cordial welcome. Signed, by direction, on behalf of the County Council of Selwyn, John Hall. Sir Hercules Robinson having briefly replied, the party moved forward, and on leaving the station a procession was formed, which, according to arrangement, took the following order: — Two Mounted Troopers. HIS EXCELLENCY’S CAERIAGE. Four Mounted Troopers. Other Carriages. Battalion Band. Engineers, City Guards. Fire Brigade. Hibernian Band : Hibernians Members Officers. Foresters : Banner Members Officers District Officers. Oddfellows: “Starof Waltham” Lodge, Members Officers. “ Perseverance ” Lodge, Banner Members Officers. “ Benevolent ” Lodge, Banner Members Officers. “Volunteer” Lodge, Banner Members Officers “ City of Christchurch ” Lodge, Banner Members Bannerets Officers District Officers. The Procession halted at the triumphal arch in Cathedral square while the children ung the National Anthem. It then moved on up Colombo street over Victoria Bridge, and from thence to the Hon. W. Kobinson’s Residence in Park terrace.