DEPARTURE OF THE GOVERNOR.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 14, 29 April 1871, Page 5

DEPARTURE OF THE GOVERNOR.

His Excellency Sir G. Bowen, took his departure for Auckland in the p.s. Luna, on Tuesday evening. He was accompanied to the Queen’s Wharf by the Hon. Mr Gisborne, Captain Smith, and Tamilian a Te Raupara. The Artillery, No. 1 Co. Rifle Volunteers, and the Veterans had been previously paraded on the reclaimed land, and were exercised in several, evolutions, which they went through with precision,and their soldierly like appearance and bearing were universally remarked. They were then marched on to the end of the wharf, preceded by the Artillery Band, and remained there until the arrival of the Governor, shortly before six o’clock. There was a considerable number of persons on the wharf to witness his Excellency’s departure, amongst whom we noticed Dr Featherstone, the Hon. Mr Fitzherbert —the Superintendent elect, his Worship the Mayor, and many other gentlemen. On the arrival of the Governor, the Band played the National Anthem, the Volunteers presented arms, and the cortege moved towards the steamer. On the Band ceasing playing, his Excellency addressed the Volunteers in a few well chosen words, thanking them for their attendance, and complimenting them upon their zeal and efficiency. Three hearty cheers for the Governor were then given by the persons assembled; after which, the Volunteers gave three cheers in true volunteer style. His Excellency thanked the people, and asked for three cheers for Wellington, which was vociferously responded to. The steamer then went on her way for Auckland via the East Coast. The Volunteers were formed up, and marched to Mr Pearce’s store preceeded by the band,

playing enlivening airs. On arrival there, the several companies were formed into three sides of a hollow square, and the successful competitors for the District Colonial Prizes were called to the centre. Colonel Reader then adressed them in a few appropriate remarks, and presented each man with his prize. Colonel Reader expressed himself as well pleased with the proficiency they had already attained, and impressed upon them the importance of continuing'their practice. He said that he intended to present them with a Sneider rifle, to be competed for on the Queen’s Birthday, and that probably other prizes would be given, so that they might have a good day’s shooting.' The following is the acquittance roll of the first and second sets of prizes for the Wellington and Makara districts :

FIRST SET. Ist. Corporal O’Connor, No. 1 W.R.Y. ... £lO 2nd. Private J. Gray, „ ... 8 3rd. Private J. Halse, * „ ... 6 4th. Private J. M'Manaway, 3LY. ... 5 sth. Captain Crowe, Y.C. ... ... 4 6th. Private A. Levy, „ ... ... 3 £36 . SECOND SET. Ist. Sergeant Wilson, No. 1 W.R.Y. ... £5 2nd. Private J. M‘Credie, W.Y.A. ... 3 3rd. E. T. Gillon, M.I. No. 1 W.R.Y. ... 2 £lO After the above prizes were distributed, Colonel Reader presented to Lieutenant Alfred Brandon, of the Cadets, the prize of £lO for the highest cadet score in the colony.