THE GOVERNOR'S VISIT.

Southland Times, Issue 645, 18 March 1867, Page 2

THE GOVERNOR'S VISIT.

(by ottb own bepobtee.) At an early hour on Saturday morning the town was astir in expectation of the Governor's visit. It was generally understood in the first instance that the train that was to convey the townspeople and public bodies to the Bluff, to welcome Sir George would start at 8 o'clock, but owing to the receipt of a telegram from Dunedin late the previous evening, these arrangements were rendered unnecessary. It became known that the steamer Brisk, conveying His Excellency and suite, was prevented leaving Port Chalmers, in consequence of stress of weather, and this intelligence cast a gloom over the otherwise joyous spirit of the people. Innumerable telegrams were despatched to Dtinedin during the day, the telegraph offices were besieged by. anxious inquiries whether the Governor was " coming at all," and. generally the dissatisfaction that prevailed - was suggestive of highly irritated feel? ings. All the paraphernalia necessary for His Excellency's reception was in readiness. Public bodies with addresses — the Fire Brigade with engines gaily dressed — the mounted troopers, in all the glory of bright burnished spur 3 and highly polished swords, proudly curvetting on their prancing chargers, but no Grovernor was there to give life or animation to this display. However there was no help for it. The unpleasant fact became obviou3 that Host Jones was compelled to hold over the " delicacies of the season" prepared with unerring skill for the dejeximr, until a future day ; aud in a like manner, to use a figure of speech, the dressmakers were put hors de. combat — the ball was postponed. On receipt of telegrams announcing that the Grovernor was unable to leave Dunedin, the Government immediately caused handbills to be circulated notifying the fact, and postponing the whole of the programme a day. This was a most judicious plan, because it prevented people from imagining that the Governor did not intend paying the Province a visit, and it also gave notice of an inten--

the earliest opportunity, thus inducing people to return to town. Numbers of country settlers constantly arrived, and during one part of the day the town presented a most animated appearance. Crowds perambulated the streets, gazed into shop windows, and indulged in all kinds of pastime ; but it became apparent that the spirit had departed, and that a great disappointment was felt. However, towards evening some new infusion of vigor became observable, and the townspeople, when informed that His Excellency would positively pay Southland a visit, bestirred themselves to adorn their houses, with that true spirit of loyalty observable amongst all classes of British subjects. Tasteful evergreens — choice productions of the virgin forest — blooming flowers that spread their sweet fragrance far and near, became conspicuously observable throughout the town, and each street assumed a verdant appearance, indicative of the prolific resources of the bush that Burrounds the town. Indeed, it became a kind of rivalry between the two principal portions of the town. Tay-street assumed the shape of a primeval forest : waving branches and gently undulating boughs met the eye at every turn : tasteful festoons and choice garlands adorned the houses, amongst which may be mentioned, as the most conspicuous, Messrs Roberts and Ferguson, Robertson, Garthwaite, Goodwillie, Lumsden, Hay Bros., Von Hammer, Coutts, M'Crostie, Kingsland, Cowper, and nearly all the rest of the inhabitants of the east end of the town. Prominently observable amongst these was the tight little craft now in course of construction by a well-known and respected citizen, Mr Puettelkow. It was most tastefully decorated, and well did it indicate the energy and perseverance of its designer. The house of this gentlemen was also profusely adorned with evergreens and flowers, as was ' also tlie theatre adjoining. As if to outdo the people of Tay-street, almost superhuman exertions were called into requisition by the inhabitants of Dee-street. Arches sprung up as if by magic ; shady bowers of the most exquisite foliage became the rage. The Southland Club changed its appearance to a gigantic grass tree, interspersed with all descriptions of tasteful decorations; the Prince of Wales Hotel became almost totally obliterated in the outline of the beautifnl fern tree, the Albion disappeared in ivy, whilst nearly all the other stores, merchants -warehouses, and general places of business wore the appearance of life and animation. Esk-street appeared dressed with flags of almost every nation under the sun, as well as other graceful decorations. Indeed the greatest credit is due to the citizens who •went to the expense and trouble of displaying their loyalty and good feeling on this occasion, especially when there had been such difficulties thrown in their way, such untoward circumstances, enough to damp the ardor of most people. It is to be hoped that nothing may now occur to mar the proceedings connected with his visit, and that the Government will energetically pursue the best method of showing His Excellency the resources and natural capabilities of the Province.