THE GOVERNOR'S VISIT TO GREYMOUTH.

Grey River Argus, Volume X, Issue 853, 21 April 1871, Page 2

THE GOVERNOR'S VISIT TO GREYMOUTH.

THE BAIL. Our report of the Citizens' Ball in our issue of yesterday was necessarily short and incomplete, as it was impossible to do justice to the whole proceedings in time for press. One of the most gratifying features of the Ball was the demonstration made by the Volunteer Fire Brigade, who lined the streets at short intervals from the Melbourne Hotel to the Masonic Hall. Each man held a lighted torch, and the effect was exceedingly imposing. His Excellency has requested us to express on his behalf his extreme satisfaction and surprise at the effective manner in which the arrangements of the Brigade were carried out. On His Excellency entering the ball room the band, which was under the management of Mr Norberg, played the National Anthem. The ball at once commenced by a quadrille, "which, by the admirable discretion of the Committee had been fixed as "all sides" — that is to say there were no " sets"— and every person took part in the dance on equal terms. The Governor opened the ball, hio partner being tlie wife of tKo Majoi 1 , and their vis a vis his Worship the Mayor and Mrs Harrison. His Excellency during the evening danced with Mrs Revell, Mrs Harrison, and Mrs Roberts ; and at a littJe after twelve o'clock the company proceeded to supper, which was provided in the large billiard room underneath the ball room. The arrangements for the supper were most complete. The Stewards managed to prevent any inconvenient crowding, and every one found a place at the table. The display on the tables was really wonderful, considering the difficulties under which the providore had labored, owing to the shortness of notice and other circumstances. Sir George Bowen was guilty of no undue praise when he said that neither in London or Paris had he sat down to a better table. After a sufficient edge had been taken off the appetites of the company, His Worship the Mayor proposed the first toast, which of course was "The Queen," which was drunk in silence — the band only playing a stave of " God Save the Queen." The next toast was the health of "The Governor," and in proposing it the Mayor referred generally to the fortunate circumstances under which His Excellency had visited Greymouth ; and to the advantages that might be expected therefrom. His Worship — rather unwisely as we think — adverted to the necessities that existed for placing the whole of the Grey district under one Government, and gave some pointed explanations of the inconveniences of tie present system. There could be no objection to the text of His Worship's speech, but it is always considered advisable to avoid politics on occasions of this kind. The Mayor then expressed the great pleasure with which the inhabitants of Greymouth received the visit of his Excellency, and called upon the company to drink the toast with " all the honors" — which included continuous cheering and a hearty chorus of " He's a jolly gpod. fellow." His Excellency, in replying, expressed his thanks to the County Chairman and the Mayor for the hearty reception he had received in Westland, and more particularly in Greymouth. It was wonderful to him that on the spot where a few years ago stood the primeval forest, untrodden by the foot of civilised man, he was now entertained at a table, the whole appointments and provision of which could not be surpassed in London or Paris. With regard to the political allusions of His Worship the Mayor, His Excellency said that, considering that the people labored, as was said, \H\der a frightfui pressure of Government — Provincial and Municipal — the scene before him created an impression in his mind that they survived wonderfully under the infliction. His Excellency then proposed the health of the County Chairman and the Mayor of Greymouth, in doing which he expressed his deep thanks for the kindness and heartiness of the reception he had received. The County Chairman, in reply, simply stated that his task of receiving the Governor on behalf of the people of Westland had been rendered easy by the excessive desire and willingness of His Excellency to be pleased. His Worship returned thanks on behalf of himself and fehe Corporation, and expressed the hope that the visit of the Governor would prove mutually ad-

vantageous. The company then proceeded to the ball rtora, and dancing was resumed, and contimed until nearly five o'clock. The ball was in every sense successful. The number of visitors, although large, did not occasion unneccessary crowding, and there was an entire absence of "stilt," which enabled thje company to enjoy themselves thoroughly. There were fully 120 persons present during the evening, and we have reason Jo hope that the ball, was celf-supporting, and that the guarantee fund will not be taxed. We must not omit to state that a body guard to His Excellency was supplied by by the Fire Brigade, which kept duty on the premises, and essorted His Excellency from the ball-room to his hotel. His Excellency was so much gratified by this attention, that he desired his Aide-dc-Camp to write a letter of thanks to the Brigade. THE DEPARTURE. His Excellency left Greymouth yesterday morning by the Colonial Government steamer Luna. At ten o'clock, the Governor, accompanied by his Worship the Mayor and other gentlemen, left his hotel and embarked from the wharf, opposite the Albion Hotel. A guard of honor, under the command of Captain Hamilton, was present, and the Volunteer Band played the National Anthem as His Ex- j cellencypassed along the gangway. Hearty cheers were given by the persons assembled on the wharf, which His Excellency courteously recognised in the usual manner. Immediately the Luna cast off, the p.s. Dispatch, which had previously sounded the bar, took on board the Volunteer Band, several members of the corps, and other gentlemen, and followed the Luna over the bar. The Luna crossed in excellent style, and was soon in full speed for her destination. The signal staff at tlie station was dressed with all the bunting available, and the Luna acknowledged the compliment by dressing in nautical fashion. In a short time the Luna was out of sight, and thus ended the visit of Sir George Bowen to Greymouth. His Excellency has expressed himself a3 being exceedingly grateful to the inhabitants for their kindness to him, and it is only fair to add that the whole of the arrangements in connection with the reception of the Governor were carried out without a hitch of any consequence, and that the citizens generally have been highly pleased with them.