ARRIVAL OF THE GOVERNOR.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XV, Issue XV, 25 November 1880, Page 2

ARRIVAL OF THE GOVERNOR.

Auckland, Thursday,

Sir Arthur Gordon landed at 1 1 o'clock yesterday. The Premier went off in the Customs launch, and accompanied His Excellency ashore, landing in the captain's gig under a salute from the Danae of 17 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, and the Governor was obliged to walk through the mud surrounded by the jostling: crowd. At the entrance of the city was a triumphal arch, on wbiih was inscribed, "Sir Arthur Gordon. Welcome to our city." A guard of honor was furnished by the Volunteer*, alongside which were ranged the Armed Constabulary, and Fire Brigade. The Friendly Societies did not muster. On a platform near the arch the City Counoil presented their address. In his reply, Hi» Excellency Baid : — "I thank you for the kind wishes you have expressed with regard to myself and family, as also for the flattering anticipations wbieh you have been good enough to form with regard to my future connections with the colony. Be that connection of long or short duration I accept it as an augury of good omon which I trust I may not deserve to forfeit." • Cheers for Sir Arthur and Lady Gordom were called for by the acting-Mayor, and responded to by the crowd. His Excellency then entered a carriage drawn by four greys, accompanied by the Premier, Captain Knollys, A.D C, and Mr Brown, his Private Secretary, followed by two carriages with the acting-Mayor and City Councillors, and one with Father Fynes. which comprised the cortege, and drove off to Government House. Along the rouie there were few attempts at decorations save in Queen-street by flags or otherwise. The shipping was dressed and some of the places of business were closed. On reaching Government House, the Viceregal party were received by the acting Mayor. As His Excellency alightsd, the Band played the National Anthem and the Volunteers presented arms. Mr Waddell said: — "Your Excellency, if our evergreens are not so fresh now or our roses bo blooming as could be wished, it is solely because we miscalculated the time of your arrival and they were got ready too soon." His Excellency replied: — " I greatly regret that any disappointment has taken place. We were dependent upon the wind, and waves but I am pleased to be here at last." His Excellency and suite then entered Government House, the Premier, Attorney-General and Sir G. M. O Rorke following them. Meanwhile the Volunteers marched off and the crowd dispersed. The

whole affair was atrociously bungled, and it was the poorest reception ever* given to a Governor in Auckland, which was partly owing to the long delay, followed by the short notice and threatening state of the weather,