ARRIVAL OF SIR HERCULES ROBIN SON AT CAPE TOWN.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2202, 17 March 1881, Page 3

ARRIVAL OF SIR HERCULES ROBIN SON AT CAPE TOWN.

[“ Cape Argni,” January 24th ] The U.R.M S. German arrived in port from England at dusk on Friday evening last, and as it was known that tho newly-appointed Governor of the colony, Sir Hercules Bibin. son, Q.0.M.G., was on board, speculation was rife es to whether His Excellency would land in the face of the furious south-easter blowing at the time. A large crowd of persons assembled in front of the port office, while others dashed off in cabs to tho docks in order to anticipate His Excellency's landing. Night closed in, however, and the German making no sign of coming into dock, tho crowds dieporsed, it being bruited abroad that His Excellency would land at nine o’clock on the following morning. At daylight the magnificent steamer entered the dock, and took up her usual position alongside the East Quay, The general manager of the Union Company, Mr T. E Fullar, M.L.A., was early on board, and shortly before nine jo’clock the members of the Ministry and heads of departments arrived. The vessels in dock and

many in the roadstead were gaily decorated with bunting, and a guard of honor of the 91st Highlanders, under Captain Oraufurd, was drawn up facing the vessel, Shortly before ten o’olook hie Excellency made hie appearance on deck, and after various introductions and congratulations had been exchanged, he crossed the gangway to the quay, when the guard of honor presented arms, the band struck up, and the men on the German’s yards gave three hearty cheers, and the castle battery thundered forth a salute of 17 guns, her Majesty’s corvette Dido, lying in the roadstead, following with a similar salute from her heavy guns. Owing to its being Saturday morning, there was anything but a largo attendance of spectators on the quay, and but very little demonstration was made. His Excellency and Lady Robinson, accompanied by Lieutenant-Colonel Owen, and escorted by a detachment of Prince Alfred’s Own Volunteer Cavalry, then proceeded to Government House, the crowds collected at various points along the line of route cheering warmly. His Excellency the Governor is accompanied by Captain St. John, 85th Regiment, Military Secretary; Lieutenant Bowern, R N,, Private Secretary, and Mr Newton, Assistant Secretary. It had been announced that the swearingin ceremony- would take place almost immediately after His Excellency had landed, and a good number of people had consequently assembled at Government house by 10 o'clock. Upon an intimation being given that the hour had been altered to 12 o’clock, the crowd rapidly melted away, and many were absent when the state-room was at length thrown open. Shortly after noon His Excellency arrived, being attended by the Ministers and the members of hia personal staff, Sir George Strahan bringing up the rear. Mr Willis, as olerk of the Executive Council, read the letters patent, constituting the office of Governor and High Commissioner, The oaths of office having been tendered by his Honor the Chief Justice, who was accompanied by Justices Dwyer and Smith, His Excellency subscribed his name to the same, the band struck up the National Anthem, and the ceremony ended, Sir Hercules bowing to those present as he passed out of the room, accompanied by Sir George Strahan, whose manifest delight at having got out of a most awkward and thankless position,was noticed on all hands.