THE GOVERNOR’S RECEPTION IN AUCKLAND.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2108, 25 November 1880, Page 3

THE GOVERNOR’S RECEPTION IN AUCKLAND.

[PBB PEEB6 ASSOCIATION SPECIAL WIBE.J AUCKLAND, November 24. Sir A. Gordon landed at 11 o’clock. The frequent showers of rain which fell during the morning and the unpromising state of the weather were considerably against the success of any demonstration at the landing. Fortunately the rain cleared off about 10 a.m,, and the weather continued passably fine during the reception. The Premier went off in the Customs launch and accompanied his Excellency ashore. The vice-regal party landed in the captain’s gig, under a salute from the Danae of seventeen guns. The chairman and members of the Harbor Board received his Excellency at the watermen’s steps. No carriage was provided from the landing to the dais in Queen street, at the entrance of the city, and the Governor was obliged to walk through the mud, surrounded by a jostling crowd. At the entrance of the wharf was erected a triumphal arch, which, though erected last Friday, thanks to the genial influence of timely showers of rain, presented a less tawdry appearance than might have been expected under the circumstances, while the profuse display upon it of floral contrivances, such as wreaths, crowns, diamonds, triangles, stars, and other fanciful representations, assisted materially to enhance its general effect. It was surmounted by the word “ Welcome.” Immediately beneath were the Royal arms, flanked by the letters “V.R.,” and still lower down was the motto of the city of Aberdeen, ‘‘Bon Accord,” with his Excellency’s coat of arms between the two words. The side arches bore the City Council’s and Harbor Board’s arms respectively. The city side of the structure con- ! tained the inscription, “ Sir A. Gordon, welcome to our city.” A guard of honor was I furnished by the Volunteers, alongside which

were ranged the Armed Constabulary, Fire Brigade, and Salvage Corps. The friendly societies did not muster. At the entrance of the platform near the arch his Excellency was received by the acting Mayor, who was introduced to his Excellency by the Premier. On the platform were the Mayor elect, Mr J. McOosh Clark, several representatives of local bodies, and half a dozen clergymen, but only one member of the Legislature, Mr J. A. Tole, the member for Eden. On his Excellency ascending the platform, the acting Mayor offered his Excellency a cordial welcome on behalf of the citizens of Auckland, and expressed the hope that his appointment would be a harbinger of better times. The Town Clerk then read the address of the Council, which had been beautifully illuminated. It expressed a belief and hope that His Excellency might be as fortunate in promoting the interests of this colony as ho had been elsewhere, and that the city might afterwards be honored with the presence of himself, Lady Gordon, and family. His Excellency replied, as follows : —'* Mr Mayor and gentlemen, I thank you for your address. It is deeply gratifying to me to perceive and to acknowledge that loyalty towards their sovereign which is manifested by her subjects in this distant part of Her dominions, which has induced you to greet her representative amongst you. I thank you also for the kindly wishes you have expressed with regard to myself and family, as also for the flattering anticipations which you have been good enough to form. With regard to my future connection with the colony, be that connection of long or short duration, I accept it as an augury of good omen, which I trust I may not desire to forfeit.” Cheers for Sir A. Gordon and Lady Gordon wore called for by the acting Mayor, and responded to by the crowd. His Exosllenoy then entered a carriage drawn by four greys, accompanied by the Premier, Captain Knoll, A.D.0., and his private secretary, followed by two carriages, with the acting Mayor and city councillors, and one with Father Fynes, V.G., who represented Archbishop Steins. The complete cortege drove off to Government House. The Harbor Board members, the Education Board members, the clergy and representatives of the press wore left standing on the platform, either to squeeze their devious way through a struggling crowd in the dirty street, or else exercise their patience until the surging tide of humanity had flowed past. Along the route there were but few attempts at decorating by flags or otherwise, save in Queen street. None of the places of business closed save the stationers. The shipping were dressed well with bunting. On reaching Government House the ViooBegal party was received by the acting Mayor (Mr Waddell) and the city councillors’ officers. As his Excellency alighted, the band played the National Anthem, and the volunteers presented arms. Mr Waddell said —Your Excellency, if our evergreens are not so fresh, nor our roses so blooming as could be wished, it is solely because we miscalculated the time of your arrival. They wore got ready too soon. His Excellency replied—l greatly regret that any disappointment has taken place. We were dependent on the winds and the waves, but I am pleased to be here at last. His Excellency and suite then entered Government house, whither the Premier, Attorney-General, and Sir G. M. O’Borke followed them and paid their devoirs. Meanwhile the volunteers marched off, and the crowd dispersed. The whole affair was bungled, and was the poorest reception ever given to a Governor in Auckland. The attendance of the citizens was comparatively small, and did not comprise anything like a fair representation of the wealthy and influential persons. This may be_ ascribed to the mismanagement of [the committee who took the matter in hand. No invitations were issued to Sir G- M. O’Borke, the Speaker, and the members of the Legislative Council, nor to the officials, clergy, and professions, and no half-holiday was proclaimed, while the other arrangements were equally unsatisfactory. His Excellency will probably leave Auckland in a day or two for Wellington, in order to be sworn in, but he will visit the Northern districts at an early date, in _ order to make himself acquainted with their circumstances and requirements.