THE PLATFORM.

Te Aroha News, Volume VI, Issue 363, 27 April 1889, Page 3

THE PLATFORM.

The plabform for the reception of the Governor was erected ab the entrance to the railway station in Qneens-treet, a short distance from the triumphal arch, and was prettily adorned with evergreens, nikau, flowers, etc. It was 50 feet long by 29 feet wide, and was constructed to accommodate 150 persons. It was approached by four ilights of steps, and sloped gradually from the rear to the 20 feet reserve, covered with a canopy, for the accommodation of Lord Onslow and suite and the Mayor and Mayoress. Provision was made for official visitors, high officers, foreign consuls, and a party of Maoris including Paul Tuhaere, of Orakei, and the remainder of the platform was devoted to, for the most part, members of Parliament, representatives of municipal

oodies ancl^ public institutions, with their wives. The platfouu was overyuhero adorned with evergioens and graceful wreathe of flowers, tmd the corners were simnounLcd by heads of the fci or cabbago tree and nikau. The columns supporting the canopy were draped with evergreens and beautiful with clusfcis of cub ilowors. The following- is a list of those who were invited to seats on the platform :— Sir George Giey, K.C.B. ; Councillors W. Crowther, E. Cooper, D. fl oldie P. Dignan, IX F. Evans, (Jha.s Atkin. J. M. Lennox, James Davies, J. J. Holland, J. W. Hewson, J. Trenwith, John Grey, W. J. Smith, Robeit Fan ell, J. Swales, Chas! Layer, J. Patei&on, Y. Wan en ; Mr Consnl i). B. Cruiekshank (France, Chili and Hawaii), ]\Jr Consul Johan&en (Denmark), Mr Consul Hermann Brown (Germany), Mr Consul Connelly (United States America), Mr Consul Comisky (Italy), Mr Consul H. P. Barber (Sw sden and Norway). Mr Consul H. Roes George (Portugal). Mr Consul Masey 'Belgium) : Messrs R. Hobbs, M.H.R.,F.Lawry,M.H.R.,Hon.E. Mitchelson, M.H.R., Mc-ssis \V. P. Moat M.H.R., R. Monk, M.H.R., F. J. Moss, M.H.R., T. Thompson, M.H.It.; Justice Gillies ; H. C. Brewer, Registrar ; F. J. W. Gascoyne, Sherift; Dr Giles. R.M. ; Mr Ciendou, R M.; M. Mccol. Chairman Haibour Boaid ; J. M. Brigham, Sec. Harbour Board : Wm. Morgan, Mayorj Newmarket; C. B. Button, Mayor. Bii-ken-head iH. B. Sjaley, Mayor, Parnell ; S. J. Ambury, Ma>or, Newton ; J. U. Upton, Chairmau Board of Education ; Sir G M O'Rotke, M.H.R.; Hon. Col. Haultain ; Revs. Dr. Cowie, Bishop of Auckland ; Dr. Luck, Roman Catholic Bishop of Auckland; Messrs E. A. Mackechnie, President Society of Arts ; Wm. Aitken, Vice-Presidont Society of Arts ; Dr Campbell, \ r ice-President Society of Aits : MessisF. D. Fenton, TicePresidenb Choral Society; R. Tudehopo, President Trade* and Labour Council; Capt. Colbeck. Chairman Chamber of Commerce ; Capt. Morton, .ship Pleiades : Capt Gla/obrook, ship Alastor ; Mr E. Hesketh, Vice President Auckland Law Society ; Sir F. Whi taker ; Messrs Tho.s. Cotter, City Solicitor ; Jas. Coates, City Banker : G. Price ; Dr Honeyman ; Messrs L. D. Nathan, President Auckland Racing ClubEdward Barbley, J. L. Holland, J. Simon?, Art Gallery Hano-ino- Committee • Sir W. Fox, Mr J. C. Firth, Captain Davenoy, Chas. Laßoche, \V. S. Aldi^, J. A. Pond. A. E. Isaacs. D. L. Murdoch, W. Kensington, P. Hay man, F. G. Ewington, R. C. Barstow ; Hons. P. Dignan, Dr. Pollen, W. Swanson, ML.C.'s; Commander Fredericks, H.M.s. Dart; ExMayors Clark and Prime ; Mr S. Jackson, Dr. Laishley, Mr Theo. Cooper ; Revs. A. Carrickand D. Bruce, Presbyteiian ; Rev. E. Best, Wesleyan ; Rev. J^ Chew, Congregational ; Rev. T. Spurgeon, Baptist; Rev. A. J. Smith, Chairmen of the Arch Hill Road Board, Mount Eden Road Boaid, Eden Terrace Road Board, Remuera Road Board.

OTHER DECORATIONS. In addition to the bunting displayed on the arch, Queen-street and the wharf were « r ay with ilags of all colours and designs. The Auckland Harbour Board Offices "the Sailors" Home, the Municipal Buildings, fclie offices of the various foreign Consul?, and many places of business in Queenstreet, closed for the holiday, displayed flags, as also did the Albert Park fiag3laff. The Auckland Fire Brigade Station, and the lirebell tower in Albert-street, made a good show of flags, and in Victoria-street there was a fair display. The various vessels in port were resplendent in bunting, from the full rigged ship down to the little schooner ; and, altogether, the scene presented was a very gay and animated one. One of the most conspicuous decorations in Queen-street, some distance from the scene of the Governor's reception, was displayed at the corner of Durham-street by Mr T. H. Gile?, consisting of the white"-lettered legend, "Auckland welcome:, Lord Onslow," on a red ground.

THE SPECTATORS. When the time appointed for the reception had arrived the vicinity of the triumphal arch and platform in the main thorough fare was thronged by a dense crowd of several thousands of people, in holiday attire, all more or less anxious to get a good view ot the new representative in the \ colony of Her Majesty's authority. Their [ eagerness did not appear to be in any way [ damped by the unpleasant weather, and their enthusiastic greeting to Lord Onslow and the Countess was a proof in itself of the fact that the feeling of loyalty to old England and her repiesentatives in the Antipodes is, in this colony at any rate, quite as strong and fervent as in possessions of Her Majesty nearer Home. Amongst the crowds looking on there was a body of about 150 Sunday-school children of St. Thomas's Anglican church, who were en route to a picnic, with flags and bannerets flying. They halted just opposite the Palmer?ton Buildings and remained till the ceremony concluded, when they continued on their way down the wharf, marching in charge of the Rev. Mr Dv Rieu and Mr Hamilton. The crowd near the plat- : form wei-e kept in check by a number of mounted troopers and by a strong body of police uuder Inspector Brobaui.

THE GUARD OF HONOUR. The guard of honour at the reception , consisted of a body of 100 naval volunteers, who arrived in town last night shortly before eleven o'clock from the Hamilton ' encampment.. They consisted mainly of Auckland Navals, but their number was recruited by debachments of Ponsonby and i Waitemata Navals. The guard was under • the command ot Capt. Commandant Le < Roy, Lieut. Commanding Parker, Hon. •, Capfc. Fenton, Lieuts. Gerrard and Smith, i Dr. Walker, surgeon to the Naval Com- j panics, was also in attendance. The No ,

Garrison Band, under Bandmaster Hunter, also arrived last ovening from Hamilton, and took parb in tho reception bo-day.

ARRIVAL OF THE GOVERNOR. Afc half-past nino the guard of honour \va s drawn up ripposite the dai?, and all was in readiness - for the reception. Councillor Crowther acted as City Marshal. Shortly >>efore the iime fixed for the ceremony, '.he vice-regal party left tho Grand Hotel, and entering tho carriages provided for thf.m they drove down Shortland-ttreet, Customs-street West, Little Queen-btrcet, and Quay -street. In the first of the two carriages were scatod His Excellency Lord Onvslow and the Countess of Onslow, and Mj A. E. Devore (Mayor of Auckland) and Mrs Devoro. In the second carriaero were i Captain Savillo (the Governor's aide-de-camp), the Lieut. -Commander of the British gunboat Dart, Colonel Hume (lnspestor of Volunteers), and iJr Y. A. Philip* (Town Clerk). Entering the bottom oi Quoen-«hceb from Quay street punctually at 9.30 a.m., tho party drove slowly under the triumphal arch, and thence up Quoen-streeb to the platform, the guard ot honour presenting arms as. the procession reached the foot of the dais.

"GOD SAVE THE QUEEN." On arrival of the Governor and party ab the dais, the volunteers presented, avmf, the invited guests who occupied beats rose, and the band played "God Save the (^ueen." Lord Oiislow ascended the stops to^ tho plahiorm with the Mayoress, and His Worship the Mayor with the Counters, and tho member* of the Governor's pavty who occupied the second carriago followed. Seats had been veson ed for His Excellency and party under the alcove, where His Honor Mr Justice Gillies and tho Ri^'ht Rev. Dr Cowio (Bishop of Auckland) also occupied seats ot ho.iour.

COST U M ES WORN. His Excellency, of comse, was dressed in his oHicuil uniform. The Countess wore a grey silk, brocaded with whito tlowcrs, and a handsome while silk panel down the side; white lace bonnet., with very pale pink velvet trimming ; and over her arm she carried a very handsome fawn cloak Tho Mavore-s wore a ruby silk, tiimir.ed with moiie, bonnet to match, and plush mantle trimmed with jet.

MAYORAL ADDRESS. His Worship the Mayor (Mr A. E. Devoio), addressing Lord Onslovv, said : <% May it please your Lordship. I have the honour to welcome you to New Zealand, and to a«&ure you in the name ot the citizens of Auckland that your arrival heie haa given greab gratification to the citizens at large, who think tho selection of Auckland as the port of your arrival a most appropriate one, as Auckland wa& one of the fir^t settled towns in the colony, and is now by far the most prosperous. Your Lordship has anived in this colony at a time when our prospects seem brighter than they have been for some time past. Tho long-continued depression from which New Zealand has suffered, seems to be at an end, and w e anticipate, and indeed we hope, during your term of otiice there will be a much-needed increase both of commerceand population. Theciti/onswish your acceptance of an addie^s of welcome which, with your penimsicn, the Town Cleik will now lead.

MUNICIPAL ADDRESS. Mr P. A. Phillips then read the address as follows : — " To His Lordship the Ri^hfc Honorable the Earl of Onflow, K.C.M.G., Governor of New Zealand, etc. May ib plcaso your Lordship, — The citizens of Auckland desiio to respectfully welcome your Lordship to our city, on this your fir&c arrival in New Zealand. We have hcaid of the great esteem in which you aic held in Gieab Britain, and Her Mo&fc Gracious Majesty, Queen Victoria, has greatly honoured the colony in appointing you to be cheGovernor. We trust that during your tenure of office this young and vigorou& coionv may con* tinue to increase and pio&per, and we hope your Lordship's residence in New Zealand may be piolonged and pleasanf. We also respectfully we'eomo the annalwith your Excellency of tho Countess of Onslow and family, and hope that you and they may be frequpnt visitors to Auckland and resident? among us. With loyalty and respect wo, on behalf of the citizen* of Auckland, subscribe ourselves. "' His Worship the Mayor: "In beggin your Lordship's acceptance of this address, I do so with the feeling that all the sentiments contained in it will be echoed throughout the colony." (Applause.)

THE GOVERNOR'S REPLY. The Earl of Onslow said : — Your Worship and citizen-^ of Auckland, X tender you all my hearbiebb thanks for the cordial welcome bestowed, upon your behalf, and on behalf of the citizens of Auckland, on landing on the shores of this great colony, as Governor of which it ha^ pleased Her Moot Gracious Majc&ty to appoint me. I am glad to hear from what has been paid by His* Worship the Mayor, and from what I heard in the mother country which I havo just left, that the prospects ot thi.s colony are more favourable than they have been for some time past. As you hive presented thib address to me with a few introductory words, you will, perhaps, Mr Mayor, allow aae to say a few words beyond the icply to the formal expressions contained in the leply to your addres a . I feel that lam here "in a somevvhal anomalous position. 1 have in niv pocket a commission from Her Majesty the Queen appointing m e to by Governor and Coinmander-in-Chiei over the colony of New Zealand and its dependencies. Yet that commission does not supeisede the one appointing Sir William Jcrvou to be Governor until such time as 1 have been sworn at the gent of Government. Therefore I accept the address as a tribute of personal regard rather than as an earnest of the loyal welcome which T feel aura you all feel towards the representative of Her Majesty, and I have no doubt I shall experience when I return at a future date, when I come amongst you as Her Majesty's representative. (Applause.) You may perhaps be surp ised that I should have landed , at Auckland rather than at the seat of ' government, but when I was first appointed to the office which I have the honour to . hold, I desired at once to act in the spirit : of a constitutional governor. I looked i about for advice from the colonial repre- : sentative, and rereivod it from one of the < most popular and highly-esteemed men i in England — your Agent-General, Sir '. Francis Dillon Rell. who advised mo : to take the largest ship, and to fol- \ low the precedent bet by that veteran i colonial Governor, tho Marquis of Nor- '. man by, who la.nri«d at Auckland on De- j cember3rd. IR7I I must ask you to excuse me if I rPA*>rve any romarks on what may ha\e occurred to me or to tho?e I have I just left as to the imtnodiato prospects of '. New Zealand, and if I also defer any remarks upon the duties which I apprehend '. to belong to the office of Governor, or tho i efforts which I hope to bring to boar in < their discharge, till I have had an i opportunity of speaking as Governor ] after the due assumption of that office, con- I tenting myself with the observation, that ib i ia my ambition to serve the Queen faithfully, and to emulate her noble example in the <

sr, discharge of constitutional functions, and n, to win the esteem of the people of New Zealand by an impartial exercise of the duties of Governor. (Applause. ) liis Worship tho Mayor then called for i three cheers for His Evcellency, which in were responded to heartily, and one cheor )»' more for the Countess, whfch was also like1. wise given vigorously, and then called upon 2- Major Gascoipne to introduce Chief Paul d Tuhaere, as representing the native popud lation.

I MAORI ADDRESS. 0 Major Caecoigne introduced Chief Paul d of Orakei, who read an address in Maoii, of rl which the following is the interpretation :— :1 Auckland, Anvil 22nd, 1889. c Welcome hy the Cnua<s of the Province of Auckland to Him Excellency this c GovBUNOJt of New Zealand,— Ist. Welcome, Governor Lord Onslow. • Welcome, thou stranger from afar. Wel- " come, 0 descendant of nobilicy. Welcome through tho woid ot Queen Victoria to como 3 hither, where lies the Covenant of tho 1 Treaty of Waitangi to protect its people, the two races, English and Maori. Though 3 other Governors have como before you, and others will come after, there is but one duty, to guard cho Treaty of Waitangi that l> it be not cast away. . 2nd. Our fathom, the Chiefs, who weli corned iormer Govei norland English people - to Waitemata 1 , ha\e died, and we, the ehil- ' dren, who are living now, express the !• wishes or tho chiefs of the two province, . that you be persuaded to stay in Auckland. This town is. a big one and fair to look upon, a waim climate, with fine scenery, level land to promenade upon for Governors who ! have descended ft 6m high standing. Tho wish oi tho chiefs ot Wcukato, Taupo, Rotorua, Tauranga, Hauraki, Kaipara, the Bay of Islands, and the surrounding diatiiet-, i"s that our European friend? join us in asking you \.o livo with us in Auckland, , because here it lias been the scat of Government, tl.o loading hou>e is hero, and will you renew the old order of tilings ? 3rd. The great desiro ot tho chiefs of this : island : That, you live amongst, your Maori pcoplo ; the House of neprcnentatives, that it may lie biought back to Auckland again, 'lth. Wo pray that >our Excellency give your regard to your Maoii tubes ; that you piotect them inicier your Government, as we tni.Su tho'-e who come after your E.vcellenc/ s-hall do. May God tave the Queen and tho Koval Family. May God pioteet you all. From your Excellency's iiionds, who welcome you. — (Signed) Xv P\ori T>jah\eki;. iS IKOUIMA POUTOTAUA. PAOIIY TaHKHA. KnriniM ltiiwt'Lr. W.u'i'A'ic Tautavi Puna Kjharoa. Uim Hoiri.pv. li viculnk LJtaki la. TviKi: P\itu'\ lllliA PATKOKO. Tnu Tcviir.vK.M. I*.1 *. ill* Excllllncy : I a.n particularly interested toicceivc this welcome from Her M.ijesty'- Maori subjects. I am glad to tamk that J come amongst you at a time Avlien everyrhinf/ is at peace between you and your fellow oolontst-i from England. There wa& a dark page in the history of 'New Zealand when Governors did not come ( heto t > hold out the hand of peace to tho Maori, bub that io ali pa-b now ; wo arc all friends again, and you are oecure in 3 our lights and in your lands. Her Majesty the Queen, when I had tho pleasure, or the honour, of seeing her before I loft England, told me that &ho took a greater inteiesb in her Maori subjects than in almost any others of the great people over whom she rules (" Hear, hear ! " and applause. ) lam j^lad to think that 1 como amongst you with a message of peace, and I trust that peace and prosperity may spread thioughouc the Maoii people and throughout this wonderful colony of New Zcolind. (Loud ap-pl.iu.-c.) liis Woi&hip the Mayor presented the Countess with a handsome bouquet ot flowers, and also introduced Her Ladyship to Chief Paul, with whom she shook hands cordially. The Governor and paity then returned to the carriages, and. diove to Government Hoase. The firs . carriage was occupied by the Governor and Countess and the Mayor and Ma. yoress, second carriage by the Governor's ps,rty,anri other carriages containing membeis of the City Courcil. The loufco was up Q..ieen-sfcreet, up Welles-loy-street East, and along Symonds-streefc to Government House, the streets and evei v available elevation on tho way thither being thionged with enthusiastic spectator?.

THE MASONIC RECEPTION. The brethren of the oratt assembled at the Masonic Hall, Piinces-&lreet, at nine o'clock lhi-< morning for the purpose of proceeding to Government. House to welcome His Excellency. At. 9.30 o'clock the brethren formed into procession outride the hall. The Lodges raaic hed in the oider of tenioiifcy, Lodge Ara leaing, the oilicers of this lodge being — D. F. Evans, Acting W.P.M.;~A. Kidd, P.M.; S. I). Hanna, S.W.; T. Uobson, J.W.; W. L. Mitchell, Treasurer; 6. Powjley, Secretary ; Jlev. It. ividd, Chaplain : A. Hanna, Organist; M. Chapman, S.D.; E. Butler, J.D.; James Boskill, J.G.: a.ud E. Tonge, Tyler. Lodgo Waitemata. — C. C rrey, W.M. ; Capt. Olive, IP.M.; Charles Crozier, S.W. ; Wm. Dunn, J.W. ; \Y. Hatswell, Treasurer ; H. G. Wado, Secretary ;W. Grey, S.D. ; W. Stewart, ,")'. D. ; James Gerrard, J.G. ; E. Tonge, Tyle.". St. Andrew's Lodge. — J. Pa^e, W.M. ; F. Macrae, P.M. ; Symon& , D.M. ; Anderson, S.M. ; Beverge, S.W, ; Thomas, JAY. ; Rev. Gould, Chaplain: Ellison, Tieasurei ; Tewsloy, Secretary ; R. Robertson, S.D. ; T. Fmlay, J.D. ;"l>r. Walker, Organist; 0. Sbrathorn, J.G.; .*and E. Tonge, Tyler. The United Service Lodge came .next. — W. Craig, W.M. ; G. Leaning, J. W. ; A. Brock, Secretary; IT. A. Ellison, S.D. ; F. Reid, Organist: John Harley, St .evard ; M. Keesing, J.G. ; E. Tonge, Tyloi '. Lodge Eden.— F. Warren, W.A U j T. Jones, P.M. ;J. Warren, P.M. ; XV. C>ox, Treasurer; and W. S. Williams, Seci -etaty. Prince of Wales— Mr Windsor, \ V.M. ; J. P. Clark, P.M. ;E. Davis, S.W. The representatives of other lodges from the suburbs and country marched accord ing to j seniority. All were in full regalia, as, pecial dispensation having been granted to wear ' it. The members of the Provisional C rt-and Lodge of Mai k Master Masons broug tut up the rear. Upon arrival at the door of Go vwnment House the Masons ranged upon c itober ' side, thus allowing the Grand Lodj jo crt", Mark Masters to ascend the verat tdah,' forming a double line to the hall-< {©or. , Here were also assembled G. S. Gra ttam, D.G.M., EC;G. P. Pierce, P.G.M., LC; Sir Frederick Whitaker, P.G.M., B.C. Messrs W. P. Moat, M.H.R.; W. Loc Ider, Revs. Tebbs anrl Nelson, and other J fiark Master Masons. Mr George Powley a cited as marshal. After waiting about a quf i«*er of an hour the sudden increase of the cr owd showed that the Governor was approach iwg. Presently Mr W. Crowther rode on he eseback down the line, followed in a lew minutes by the bund and £>uard cf hono air. Then the carriage containing L ©rd Ooslow and JMr Devore arrived. The M.a yov

formally handed over Lord Onslow to his brethren of the craft, and returned to the Grand Hotel with the Countess of Onelow .and Mrs Devore. As fcho Governor stepped on to the platform all gentlemen present uncovered their heads, whilo loud cheers were given. Lord Onslow was received by the heads of the English, Irish, and Scotch Constitutions, Messrs G. S. Graham, G. P. Pierce, and Sir F. Whibaker. Mr Graham stepped forward and said :—: — "Your Excellency, on behalf ot the Freemasons of Auckland, I have been ontrusted with bhe duty and pleasure of presenting you with this address : — "To the Right Worshipful Biothor, the Right Hon. Earl of Onslow, P.G.S.W., of England. Right Worshipful Sir and Brother, — On behalf of tho Freemasons of Auckland, we beg to offer you a cordial and fraternal welcome to Now Zealand. We hail will greab pleasure the advent of so distinguished a brother in Freemasonry i\s yourself, and wo cannot bub feel that your residence amongst us will tend to promote the welfaio and prosperity of bhe crafo throughout the colony. With hearty good wishes for the health and happiness of yourself, Lady Onslow and family, and trusting that your sojourn amongst us may be in every way agteeableand enjoyable, we havetho honour to subscribe ourselves, Right Worshipful Sir, yours truly and fraternally — Goo. S. Graham, D.G.M., E.G. ; Geo. P. Pierce, P.G.M., 1.C. ; Frederick Whitaker, P.G.M., S.C." Tho Rev. C. M. Nolson, D. P.G.M., then addressed His Excellency. He said :—: — "On behalf of tho P.G.M., Dr. Dawson, who is absent on duty at bhe Easter encampment ol volunteers, the duty has devohed upon me, on bohalf of bhe Mark Master Masons, to presenb you with the following addie&s : — "To theft. W. Bio. the Hon. thcE-nlof Onslow, K.C.M.G.,, L\G.R.\V. Rich I Worshipful Sir and Brother, — It afford*- of great pleasure, on behalf of the Mark Master Ma«on«i of Auckland, E.C., to welcome you in New Zealand. The ecreat interest you have always taken in Mark Masonry, and the exalted position you occupy in connection with the degree, is already woll-known to ond highly appreciated by us. You come amongst v*, worshipful sir, not as a stranger, bub as «i brother, who has made such a mark in our order as can never be effaced, and while wo honour you as therepresentativeofour Gracious Majesty the Queen we would beg you to accept our most sincere and fraternal regards as- a representative of that Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of which we have tho honour to be humblo but most /loyal members. — (Sd). F. W. E. Dawson. P.G.M. ; C. M. Nelson, D. P.G.M. : W. P. Moat, I'.G.D. : P.G. Treasurer, T. \V. Kitt, P.G., SUndaid Bro. P.G. Secretary. ' '•Worshipful Brethren, I have received your iriondly fraternal address with feelings of no small gratitude. To be welcomed, not as a stranger, but as u bi other, in a Luid where 1 am not personally known, adds another proof ot the value to all men ot being included in onrdo^ree. Cemented by this common bond I am led to hope that-, my biethten of the Cia^b who arc 'o numeious, so influential, and so widely s oread throughout the colony will be favourably predi&po&ed kuvards my humble eHorts, worthily to represent Her Gracious Majesty the Queen, chat bhey will not readily mark whatever may be done amiss, bub will rather seek to interpret all actions in the spinL suggested by the principle; inculcated by our order." His Excellency replied : — " Worshipful Bi obhers, --It has afforded mesincercpleabuie to receive in your name, representing as you dc tho important District Grand Lodge of Auckland so cordial and fraternal a welcome on landing ,on the shores of New Zealand. It shows, if proof were wanting, that brotherly love — tho first principle of Freeraasomy, is as strong j n this important province of the Empire as in bhe heart of the Grand Lodge of England itself. As a Past Grand Warden of that Lodge it will be a pleasure to me to explain to Hia Royal Highne&s the satisfaction which I feel in learning that Freemasonry in New Zealand does nob yield in vigoui, in prosperity, or in loyalby to any of her sister colonies in the Australasian Colonies. It! His Excellency gracefully bowed to the assemblage and passed inside the Government House amidst prolonged cheering. The Brethren then res-ponded and marched back ro the Masonic Hall, wheio they were relieved of their regalia. About 150 Free Masons were presenb in regalia. Others were necessitated by duty to be amongst the City Councillois and also in the guard of honour. The two addresses presented by the Fiee Masons to His Excellency were tastefully illuminated by Mr Gulliver. On the top of tire left border is the shield of England, 01." the right that of Scobland, on the left bottom corner is that of Iroland, and on the right bottom corner is that of New Zealand. In r»he centre of tho top is the level, the Masonic emblem which indicates bhe rank of the distinguished brother as P-G.S.W. of England. Beneath is Lord Onslow'si heraldic coat of arms, while at bhe bottom centre is a shield, bearing the Ma-Honic emblems, the square and compass. The Mark Masters' address is handsomely illu initiated, and the border is formed of the various Masonic emblems. Hi 3 .Excellency and Lady Onslow, accompanied by His Worship the Mayor, left for Ellerslie at noon to attend the Auckland Racing Club's meeting. A race book artistically bound in full calf with gilt lettering, the British coat of arms on one side and His Excellency's crest on the other, a splendid specimen of the bookbinding arb executed ab the Star Office, was piosenbcd to Lord Onslow and the Countess for their convenience in observation of the various events. His Excellency intends to be present at the Poneke v. Grafton football match at Potter's Paddock to-morrow afternoon, and will proceed South overland at six o'clock on Wednesday morning. Messrs Thos. Cook and Son are making the necessary arrangements for coaches, etc., for His Excellency, via Rotorua, Taupo, and Napier.