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Southland Times, Issue 1169, 2 June 1869, Page 2

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[§S^ THB AUTHOR RESERVES THE BIG-HT OS TRANSLATION.] SCEJfE 11. At half-past eleven o'clock precisely the train conveying His Royal Highness and suite arrived at the terminus, amidst the enthusiasm of the assembled multitude. G-eneral "Weldon ordered his troops to perform the evolutions incidental to every royal progress. Arms were presented, cocked hats were lifted, swords were drawn, and very wonderful and imposing feats were gone through, to the intense delight of the gratified commander. It was determined very wisely to present but one address to his Royal Highness. By this means, it was thought he would have much more time to devote to the beautiful scenery surrounding Invercargill, to rabbit shooting, and other luxurious and soul-stirring enjoyments. His Honor the Superintendent, after saluting the Prince in the manner customary amongst royal personages — kissing each other on the cheek J — stepped back a few paces, and read the following address in a clear voice : — May it please your Royal Highness — " We, the Superintendent, Executive, and nobility of this charming province* desire to express our feelings of gratification in being permitted to welcome you. " We feel assured that the knowledge of human nature you will gain from personal association with us will amply repay the trouble incurred iv deigning to entrust your royal person amongst the citizens of this important and flourishing city. " It ia our proud privilege to be called the descendants of ancestors whom the haughty Roman conqueror could never subdue. " Tour arrival in Southland at the present moment — after having visited the insignificant province of Otago — enables you to witness the resources, wealth, and energy which is everywhere manifest, clearly evincing our superiority over the ridiculous and poverty-stricken province of Otago." A suitable reply was returned. The Provincial Treasurer, Mr Pearson, with that bashfulness peculiar to great mi ads, came forward to welcome the Duke. Before doing so, he carefully laid aside hia wand of office, the leg of mutton. Indeed it must he mentioned that several attempts had been mnde to wrcsr- from him the niueh coveted prize. Od more than one occasion he had found it necessary to cast indign-mt and reproachful glances at Mr Blaeklock, who unfeelingly endeavoured to carry off the dainty joint. In the beautiful language of the poetHe tursied away, his breast throbbed high, The tear was bursting from his eye.

The Duke shook Bands with him and said Indeed, Mr Pearson, lny'Gierxnan relations have read with great interest yonr admirable - c 'scheirie of immigration. It has excite;d great attention! throughout Fatherland.- The %Ms, of Prussia thinks so highly '; of the feasitortitys jaf : the plan that lie^has requested^ irie .to' band you this patent of nobility. In future, Sir, you will be known as B;tron Sa'iir Kraut. Mr Pearson looked very happy, and a beaming smile o'erspread his countenance. A most interesting ceremony next took place. Mr Duncan M' Arthur was presented to His Royal Highness as the "oldest inhabitant." . His Royal Highness appeared exceedingly pleased, and stated that one of the principal reasons of his visit to Southland was the desire to see a gentleman of whom he had heard so much. Was if true that Mr M'Arthur had been formerly in the army ? Mr M' Arthur stated that he had first smelt powderat theßattle of,Culloden, and perfectly well remembered the Prince's ancestor, the Duke of Cumberland. In fact, he might say that they had been somewhat intimate ; many a crack had they together. The Prince (looking incredulous) — Really, Mr M' Arthur, you surprise me. The Battle of Culloden. Why that occurred in 1745. Mr M'Arthur said he knew it did. He had cause to remember it. Did'nt he save the Duke's life. The Prince (still incredulous) — 'Pon my honor, but you know, this is really — Mr M' Arthur could assure His Royal Highness that such was the case nevertheless. He had earned the character of an old and experienced soldier, as well as bearing the honorable title of the " oldest inhabitant." Mr Pearson said he could bear testimony to one of his quailfications at all events. ; His Royal Highness said he supposed Mr M'Arthur musttheabe thereal specimen of the " old soldier" that somuch had been written and poken of. He would take care to provide that a handsome pension '. would be settled on him. He was too valuable to be lost sight of. Mr ' M'Arthur showed the Prince several genuine specimens of antique arms, and handed him an interesticg work on the drainage question. The Prince, observing Greneral Weldon, 1 appeared somewhat startled. Turning to the Hon. Elliot Torke, he said — Eh, Torke, isn't he very like the Duke of , Wellington, such prominent features. \ The '' Griniral " immediately drew him- > self haughtily up. To be compared to ■ the Duke of Wellington by a Royal ; Prince was most soothing to his feelings. [ What would Sc. John Brannigan say ! when he heard of it. As the " G-iniral " very properly remarked, " Lit him put that in his pipe and shtnoke it." The Prince after a couple of days stay, visiting the public buildings, enjoying the exhilarating sport of rabbit shooting, and holding a levee at which several of i the principal inhabitants received the | honor of knighthood, declared himself thoroughly pleased with his visit. The only place in New Zealand where he had really enjoyed himself, he stated, ■ before he left, was in Southland.