THE GOVERNOR'S VISIT TO KUMARA.

Kumara Times, Issue 2894, 6 February 1886, Page 2

THE GOVERNOR'S VISIT TO KUMARA.

THE LUNCHEON. On Thursday, at 12.30 p.in , being shortly after his arrival in Kuroara*, his Excellency the Governor, Sir W.' F. D. Jervois, K.C.8., &c, was entertained at luncheon in the Masonic Hall by the Borough Council. In the unavoidable absence of his Worship the Mayor (H. Burger, Esq), who accompanied the Kumara team as a delegate to the Fire Brigades' demonstration at Napier, and had not been able to return in time, Mr G. R. Rudkin (Town Clerk) presided at the luncheon. On his right sat the principal guest, his Excellency the Governor, J. Bevan, Esq., M.H.R., J. D. Lance, Esq.' M.H.R. for Cheviot, and Major Jervois, nephew of and Private Secretary to the Governor; on the left were Mr R. J. Seddon, M.H.R., the Rev. J. Hosking, Wesleyan Minister, and Mr Watson, °a tonrist, who represents some Bankin" interest at Home. There were between thirty and forty gentlemen present. Among the other guests, we noticed J. Giles, Esq., R.M., J. Clarke, Esq., County Chairman, J. M'Whirter, and P. Dungan Esqs., M.C.Cs., and H. R. Rae, Esq., County Clerk. Dr. Giles and Mr M'Whirter acted as ViceChairmen.

After the excellent spread provided by Mrs Gilbert Stewart had been partaken of, The Chairman proponed the toast of "Her Majesty the Queen;" and then called upon Dr. Giles, who proposed " Health to the Prince of Wales, the Princess of Wales, and the Royal Family." He referred with much eulogy to the popularity with which his Royal Highness was everywhere received, and which he had gained by his own good and meritorious qualities. He was sure all would join him in enthusiastically drinking the health of the Royal Family.

The toast whs drnnk with much enthusiasm.

The Chairman then proposed (he toast to the principal guest, "His Excellency the Governor," who he was sure that, notwithstanding little notice and any shortcomings he may have observed, might rest assured that they had done their best to give him a most cotdial reception. They were earnest in their endeavours to promote loyalty to the Queen.

His Excellency, who was received with applause, said he sincerely thanked the Chairman for the honour he had done him iu inviting him to this entertainment. He thanked those present for the hearty reception they had given him; he was not piepared to find such a reception at the hands of the people of Kumara. He knew Mr Seddon well as the member for Kumara. It was well known how Mr Seddon i was regarded in the House of Representatives. He considered he was a man of no common intelligence; and Kumara bad in him a most able representative. Some gentleman in drinking the toast did him the honour to refer to Lady Jervois. He regretted she was quite unable to accompany him, hut he was sure she would heartily appreciate their good wishes. Durin« his tour he had been quite astonished at the great mineral and timber resources he had seen on the coast. He hoped trade and industry would <m on from strength to strength. But he must not forget; there was no time for' long speeches; he wished to visit the gold workings before leaving for Greymouth, and would conclude by again thanking them most heartily for their kind hospitality.—[Applause.] The Chairman proposed •' The Parliament of New Zealand; coupled with Hie names of Messrs Seddon, Bevan and Lmce." '

Mr Seddon responded. He con sulered his first duly as a represent.-,-live was to see tW her Majesty's miljects were happy; he had Hied to give effect to her Majesty's sentiinems. He was pleased to say that (he people were more liappy and prospe ous uow • there was a marked improvpment. The nii'iers had had a h ml to make the Wi-st CW;t what for they found uothiug but mi bush. F w

himself he was pleased to have .some words of enconragement from his Excellency.

Mr Lance was called upon, but excused himself as time was limited. He might talk for three-quarters of an hour; but be thought that time would be better spent in acquiring a knowledge of gold-mining.—[Hear, hear.] The Chairman proposed " The Mining Interest; coupled with the name of Mr William Morn's."

Mr Morris replied by stating that he thought if the Legislature paid more attention to the mining interest than it h id done hitherto, they would not hear of soup kitchens being required in New Zealand. The miners got on simply by perseverance. As the Governor and members of Parliament present were about to visit The Lead, they would have practical demonstration of the utility of gold mining, which would be better than all he might say.

The meeting then broke up, and his Excellency the Governor, accompanied by the three M.Ps., the County Chairman, and others, then drove off to Dillman's Town and the diggings, where his Excellency had the satisfaction of seing the process of hydraulic sluicing, and testifying to the auriferous nature of the ground by witnessing s >uif washdirt being panned off, and. a small nngget brought to light, which the owners of the claim generously allowed his Excellency to taku with him as a token of his visit to the Kumara gildfield.

The Governor on returning to Kumara took his departure at 4 p.m. by special tram for Greymouth. From Greymouth h<- goes by steamer to Westport, and thence, we understand, to Wellington.