THE DEPARTURE OF THE GOVERNOR.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume II, Issue 95, 25 April 1867, Page 2

THE DEPARTURE OF THE GOVERNOR.

The last public act performed by his Excellency previons to his embarkation on Wednesday morning was the presentation of the Rifle Prize Medal, given by the Colonial Government to the best rifle shot in this province during the year. In order to give additional eclat to this ceremony, which was fixed to take place at 11 o'clock, the City Rifles, No. 1, with the Rifle Cadets and Artillery Cadets, and the band, were drawn up in front of Panama House, the temporary residence of the Governor, and a considerable concourse of spectators had also congregated on the spot. About the time mentioned his Excellency, attended by the Hon. Major Richardson, and his Aide-de-camp, Major Gray, came upon the ground, and the band having played the National Anthem, Private George Elliott, the successful rifleman, having been called out of the ranks, was presented by the Governor with the Prize Medal. His Excellency addressed some remarks to Mr. George Elliott on the occasion, but in so low a tone of voice as to be almost inaudible to the bystanders, but he was understood to allude to the competitions which in olden times had taken place with bows and arrows, which had now been superseded by the rifle, in which Englishmen of the present day had gained such a proficiency. The Governor also warmly congratulated Mr. Elliott, and reminded him of the additional interest he felt in his success, from the fact that he was an old friend of his father. We are inclined to regret that this ceremony did not take place at the Review last week, which would have been a more appropriate occasion, and when it could have been performed with far more impressiveness. The City Rifles were then dismissed, whilst the Cadets were marched down to the Beach, Major Richardson having suggested that the Governor would appreciate the compliment if they could find time to accompany him to the place of embarkation, as he wished to say '• good bye " to them. Of course the hint was eagerly taken, and the Rifle Cadets and Artillery Cadets, the former numbering about 50, constituted the guard of honour which received his Excellency on his arrival at the wharf on the Havenroad. We regret to hear that Mr. Louis Draeger, the band master of the Volunteer band, refused to accompany the Cadets to the beach, conduct which appears all the more reprehensible in the person of a paid subordinate in the corps. His Honor the Superintendent and the members of the Executive, together with a very considerable concourse of general spectators, were present when his Excellency alighted from his carriage. ' The

Governor evidently seemed moved by the enthusiastic sympathy displayed towards him, and as he passed through the ranks, he spoke kindly to the Cadets and' wished them each "good bye," which the lads reciprocated by giving three hearty cheers for his Excellency, followed by similar demonstrations for Majors Richardson and Grey. Having shaken hands with a large number of persons present, the Governor then stepped into the Bvisk's boat which was in waiting for him, amidst hearty cheering, and on his reaching the side of the vessel, his Excellency's flag vas hoisted, and the yards manned. In about half-an-hour's time the Brisk had left her moorings, and her progress out of the harbour and up the bay was long watched, with no slight interest, by the numerous spectators on shore. Thus ended the Viceregal visit, and although possibly the Governor may have been received elsewhere more sumptuously and ostentatiously, his own words justify us in questioning whether iu any of his recent progresses he has met with a reception more cordial and genuine than that which awaited him in Nelson. We learn from a telegram, received to-day, that the Brisk reached Wellington, at 7.30 this morning.