ARRIVAL OF HIS EXCELLENCY.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2400, 25 November 1880, Page 2

ARRIVAL OF HIS EXCELLENCY.

His Excellency Sir Arthur Gordon. Governor of New Zealand, arrived in HALS. Danae at Auckland yesterday. The formal landing of the vice-regal party took place yesterday at II a.in. The weather, which had been showery, cleared up just before the demonstration. but the rain left Ibe stairs in a state of mud. His Excellency was escorted ashore by the Premier, the members of the Harbor Board meeting him on bis arrival at the watermens’ steps. In the absence of a carriage. Sir Arthur was made acquainted with the mnd and the mob, and be reached the da i-i in Qnctai street, at the entrance to the city somewhat worn out at the boots and elbows. An elaborate triumphal arch presented a woe-begone and faded appearance, as it bad been erected on Friday last. A guard of honor was furnished by the Volunteers, and alongside the arch were ranged the Armed Constabulary, the Fire Brigade, and the Salvage Corps- At the platform near the arch his Excellency was received by the municipal deities, half a dozen clergymen, and J. A. Tolo. member for Eden", the. dismal group being got tip so faultlessly that their black coats absoIntelv glittered. A complimentary address, in which the composition and grammar were vividly depicted, was read by the Town Clerk.

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, and which lias induced you to greet her representative amongst you. [ tiiank you also for the kindly wishes you have expressed with regard to myself and family, as also for the flattering anticipations which yon have been good enough to form with regard to my future connection with the colony. Bo that connection of long or short duration, 1 accept it ns an augury of good omen, which I trust I may not deserve to forfeit.”

Cheers lor Sir Arthur Gordon and Ladv Gordon were called for by the Acting-Mayor, and responded to by tbe crowd.

His Excellency drawn by four greys proceeded to the (’Jovernment House. Uu alighting Hie Volunteer Band played the National Anthem, the Volunteers presented arms, and Mr Waddell (Acting Mayor) said—“ Your Excellency, —If our evergreens are not so fresh nor our roses so blooming us could be wished, it is solely because we miscalculated the time of your arrival. They were got ready too soon.” His Excellency replied—“ I greatly regret that any disappointment has taken place. We were dependent on the winds and the waves, but I am pleased to be hero at last.’ His Excellency and suite then entered Government House, whither the Premier, the Attorney-General, and Sir G. M. O’Porke followed (hem, and paid their devoirs. Meanwhile the Volunteers marched off and the crowd disappeared. His excellency will probably leave Auckland in a day or two for Wellington, in order to be sworn in, but he will visit the northern districts at an early date, in order to make himself acquainted with their circumstances and requirements. Aucki.axh, Nov. 2d. The Governor leaves for Wellington in the Hinemoa at 2 p.m. to-morrow, ami he will probably arrive at Wellington at ti p.m, on Saturday. The tide pseveuts an earlier departure.