LANDING OF THE GOVERNOR.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1319, 25 November 1880, Page 2

LANDING OF THE GOVERNOR.

(by telegraph.) Auckland, November 24

Sir A. Gordon landed at 11 o'clock. Frequent showers of rain, which fell during the morning, and the unpromising state of the weather were considerably against the success of the demonstration at the landing. Fortunately the rain cleared off about 10 a.iii., and the weather continued passably fine during the reception, The Premier went off in the Customs launch, an(i accompanied his Excellency ashore. The vice-regal party landed in the captain's gig under a salute fro'oi the Danse 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 at the entrance of the city, and the Governor was obliged to walk through the mud, surrounded'by a jostling crowd. At the entrance of the wharf was; erected a triumphal arch. Though expected last Friday, thanks to the genial influence of timely ghowera of rain, it presented a less tawdry than might have been expected under the circumstances, while the profuse display upon it of floral contrivances, such as wreaths, crowns, diamonds, triangles, stars, and other representations assisted materially to enhance its general effect. It was surmounted by the word "Welcome." Immediately beneath the legend were the royal arms, flanked by the letters V.K..; still lower down was the motto of the city of Aberdeen "Bon Accord," with his Excellency's coat of arms between the two words. Theside arches -bore the City Council's and Harbor Board's arms respectively. The city side of the structure contained the inscription, " Sir A. Gordon —Welcome to our city. " A Guard of Honor was furnished by the Volunteers, alonside which were ranged

the Armed Cohstabulary, the Fire Brigadej arid Salvage Corps. The Friendly Societies did not muster. At the entrance of the platform near the arch his Excellency was received by the Acting Mayor, who was introduced to his Excellency by the Premier. On the platform was the Mayor elect, Mr. James M'Cosh Clark, several representatives of local I odies, and half a dozen clergymen, but only one member of the Legislative, Mr. J. A. Tole, member for Eden. On his Excellency, ascending the platform, the Acting Mayor offered his Excellency a cordial welcome on behalf of the citizens of Auckland, and expressed the hope that his appointment would be a harbinger of better times. The Town Clerk then read the address of the Council, which had been beautifully illuminated. ].t. expressed a belief and hope that his Excellency might be as fortunate in promoting the interests of this Colony as he had been elsewhere, and that the cit.y might afterwards be honored with the presence of himself, Lady Gordon, and family. His' Excellency replied as follows : " Mr. Mayor and Gentlemen—l thank you for your address. It is deeply gratifying to me to perceive and to acknowledge that loyalty towards their sovereign which is manifested by her subjects in this distant part of her dominions which has induced you to greet her representative amongst you. I thank you also for the kindly wishes you have expressed with regard to myself and family ; as also for the flattering anticipations which you have been good enugh to form. With regard to my future connection with the Colony, be that connection of long or short duration, I aceept it as an augury of good omen which I trust I may not deserve to forfeit."

Cheers for Sir A. Gordon and Lady Gordon were called for by the ActingMayor and responded to by the crowd. His Excellency then entered a carriage drawn by four greys, accompanied by the Premier, Captain Knoll, A.D.C., and the private secretary, followed by two carriages with the Acting-Mayor and the City Councillors, and one with Father Fynes, V. G., who represented Arohbishop Steins. The complete cortege drove off to Government House. The Harbor Board members, the Education Board members, the olergy, and representatives of the Press were left standing on the platform either to -squeeze their devious way through-a struggling crowd in the • dirty street, or exercise their patience until the surging tide of humanity had flowed past. On reaching Government House, the vice-regal party was received by the Acting-Mayor (Mr. Waddell) and the Councillors and officers. As his Excellency alighted, the band played the National Anthem and the Volunteers presented arms. Mr. Waddell said : "Your Excelleucy,—lf our evergreens are not so fresh, nor our roses so blooming, as could be wished, it is solely because we miscalculated the time af your arrival. They were got ready too soon." His Excellency replied, " I greatly regret that any disappointment haa taken place. We were dependent on the winds and the waves, but I am pleased to be here at last.

His Excellency and suite then entered Government House, whither the Premier, Attorney-General, and Sir G. M. O'Rorke followed them and paid their devoirs.

Meanwhile the Volunteers marched off, and the crowd dispersed. The whole affair was bungled, and was the poorest reception ever given to a Governor in Auckland. The attendance of citizens was comparatively small, and did no comprise anything like a fair representation of wealthy and influential persons, This may be ascribed to the' mismanagement which had been made by the Committee who took the matter in hand. No invitations were issued to Sir G. M. O'Rorke, the Speaker, and members of the Legislative Council, nor to the officials, clergy, and professions, and no half holiday was proclaimed, while the other arrangements were equally unsatisfactory. Owing to these causes'the reception was a failure as compared with former demonstrations 011 similar occasions, and was certainly not calculated to favorably impress the Governor. His Excellency will probably leave Auckland, in a day or tvro for Wellington, in order to be sworn in, but he will visit the Northern districts at Jin early date in order to make himself acquainted with their circumstances and requirements,