THE GOVERNOR'S VISIT.

Southland Times, Issue 648, 25 March 1867, Page 2

THE GOVERNOR'S VISIT.

» ■ - His Excellency, on Ms return from the Eastern District, on Thursday, where he had been so hospitably received, paid the Theatre a visit in the evening. On his arrival he was ushered to his seat by the proprietor, Mr Puettelkow. The interior of the house was tastefully decorated, and the general appearance was most pleasiag. Owing to the fact of a handbill having been issued in the afternoon, announcing that a ball would be held late in the evening, together with the uncertainty of his Excellency's movements in the Eastern District, as set forth by the Government in the morning's paper, there was not so large a gathering as might have been desired ; still, the attendance was numerous, and the programme most entertaining. The occasion was also the last appearance of Miss Juno, who has for some time contributed to the entertainment of an Invercargill audience. THE SECOND BALL was attended by about half the number as on the previous evenings — viz., nearly 200. Most of those present on the first occasion were compelled to leave town next day, and consequently the second gathering was not so numerous as was at first anticipated. A noticeable feature was the Maoris, in the suite ,of His Excellency, performing a war dancefor the edification of those present. It appeared that this was to be considered as a great compliment — not generally paid — and was given as an expression of goodfeeling on the part of the Maoris towards their Pakeha friends. On both occasions of the ball the ladies freely ■ danced with the Maoris, which appeared to delight them. Indeed the latter were remarkable for their good behaviour and proper deportment throughout the whole of the visit. His Excellency remained for a couple of hours, and long after his departure dancing was kept up with unflagging energy. VISIT TO THE BEISK. It became publicly known that the officers of the Brisk would be prepared to receive visitors on board on Thursday, when an opportunity would be had of visiting this fine vessel. At an early hour on Thursday morning numbers of people might be perceived wending their * way in the direction of the Kailway Station, and at 10 o'clock, the time appointed for the departure of the train, a very considerable crowd was assembled. The railway carriages were quickly filled, but it was found that some would have to be left behind if more carriages were not put on; accordingly two more were added, but still, people continually arriving, induced the railway authorities to place the whole of the carriages available at the service of the public. In as short a time after this was done as it takes to write, the whole of them were filled. Fair young girls were smilingly assisted into compartments by attendant squires,- mothers, with infants, became snugly ensconsed; fast young men from the country, with top-boots and large spurs, eagerly sprang into vacant seats, and generally the greatest excitement prevailed — indeed we do not recollect such animation displayed at a railway station since that at Spencer-street in Melbourne on the occasion of the first Weribee encampment and Volunteer review which took place some years ago in Victoria. However, after all had taken their seats, the whistle sounded, and away we went in first-class style, and arrived at the Bluff in little less than an hour. There was more than ordinary caution used, owing td the large number' of passengers and the extent of the train-^ some nine of the, largest carriages being brought into requisition — containing on an average about 400 people. As soon as the train arrived at the Bluff the excursionists dispersed themselves in all directions: some went picnicing, but by far the greater portion visited the Brisk, where every courtesy was shown by the officers and men to the visitors. About twelve o'clock the return train arrived at Invercargill, when another rush took place, and an equal number x>f people were quickly driven to the Bluff. By the time the second portion arrived at Campbelltown, the English mail/by; the Kangitoto had arrived, and the wharf presented a most lively and animated appearance. The song of the sailors of the -departing Chile, home-bound with-a rich cargo of wool ; the noise and bustle of the landing of passengers and mail by the; Melbpurne : steamer ; the; epntindal arrival and departure of ,l}offcs J from

boats, all filled with sightseers ; gave to the Bluff an appearance of bustle and life, which the oldest inhabitant assured us never was before witnessed. Upwards of 900 people from all sources visited Campbelitownon Thursday last, and it may be said in praise of the watchfulness and carefulness of the railway officials of all grades, that not the slightest mishap occurred, to mar the success of the day's amusement. From all sources the greatest praise was given to the railway authorities. THP HOSPITAL. On Thursday His Excellency, accompanied by Major Grey, the Eev. Mr Thatcher, private secretary ; John Blacklock, Esq., Provincial Secretary ; and W. H. Pearson, Esq., visited the Provincial Hospital and the Lunatic Asylum. His Excellency arrived at the Hospital shortly after 12 o'clock, and was received at the door by Dr Monckton, resident surgeon, at whose suggestion (it being the patients' dinner hour) Sir George first visited the grounds attached to both establishments. He expressed himself much pleased with the manner in which the grounds are laid out and kept, and the extraordinary luxuriance of the several varieties of vegetables growing. His Excellency then visited the patients, having something pleasant to say to each, and inquiring minutely into eacn case and into the effects of the climate on the various diseases, especially whether fevers were prevalent here, and expressing gratification when informed they were not. Before leaving, His Excellency expressed to Dr Monckton the great interest he took in hospitals generally, and the peculiar gratification he had derived from his visit to the one under his (Dr M.'s) superintendence, complimenting him highly on the apparently very efiicient state of the establishment, and the evidences of attention and scrupulous cleanliness everywhere present. The visit was entirely without ceremony, but it was remarked that it was nevertheless one in which everything was subjected to the closest scrutiny : — nothing appeared to escape the observation of His Excellency. Dr Monckton's aquarium was particularly admired, Sir George intimating his intention to procure a number of fish of the same species for one of his own. THE DEPAETTTBE. His Excellency Sir George Grey and suite left Invercargill on Friday morning at half-past ten. On arriving at the Eailway Station the Governor, was loudly cheered by the large concourse of spectators who had gathered to witness the departure.. Although two trains carrying passengers had previously been despatched- to the Bluff, it was found necessary to add two more carriages to the train which was to take His Excellency and party in order to accomodate those who were anxious to accompany our illustrious visitors. When the train started, a parting cheer — loud and long — was given for His Excellency, and our townsfolk then saw the last of the first Governor of New Zealand who has visited the Province of Southland. After a very pleasant ride, the journey was accomplished in forty minutes. On reaching the Bluff, His Excellency, after a short delay at the station, proceeded to the wharf, where a man-of-war boat from the Brisk was in waiting, in which he was conveyed on board. A select party of ladies and gentlemen accompanied His Excellency, and after spending about half-a-hour on board, they were brought back in the Brisks boats. On his way to the wharf, and on leaving in the boat, the Governor was loudly cheered by the large number of visitors (of whom there was over 300) and the residents of Campbelltown. The Brisk began to move about twenty minutes to one p.m., when the Bluff battery commenced firing a salute of seventeen guns, which, for precision, reflected great credit on those who manned the battery. His Excellency proceeds to Stewart's Island, and from thence to Euapuki, and, on leaving there, will return direct to Wellington. I. N. Watt, Esq., E.M., and Topi, the Maori chief, accompany the Governor as far as Euapuki.