Reception of the Governor.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2837, 19 March 1878, Page 2

Reception of the Governor.

MEETING OF LOCAL BODIES.

, A meeting of the local bodies for tho purpose of arranging the matters of detail for the visit of His Exaellency tho Governor and suite was held this morning. There wero present—Hu Worship tho Mayor (in the chair), the County Chairman, Chairman Parawai iioard, Chairman Harbor Board, Messrs Thorbui j, Moiinie, Gibbons, McQowan, Wilson, liowe, Eenthaw and Spencer. Capt. Murray appeared to Represent the Volunteers, and Mrs Nikoriina Poutoutara for the Natives ; the Bey. Y. Lush was also present.

The Mayor, after stating the various steps taken up to the present, read the following telegrams which had been received from Auckland:— . . -Auckland, March 18. ' His Worship the Mayor, Grahamstown. His Excellency the Governor will leave Auckland by iNymphe on Wednesday afternoon, and will land at proper time of tide on Thursday morning. Native Volunteers will form a guard of honor. He returns on Thursday afternoon. Wire any arrangements you wish to make. Col. Whitmore and self will accompany. J. Shebhan.

Auckland, March 18.

James Eilgour, Esq , Thames. Unfortunately the Marchioness is too ill to accompany His Excellency. • * G. S. Whitmob*.

Mr Howe said that he considered the first step would be to decide whether they should aot unitedly or separately. Mr Brodie said that as His Kxcellency was invited down to open the road by the County authorities,' in a measure he would be entertained by them. However, they would make their arrangements to dovetail in with those of the other local bodies, and act conjointly with them as far as possible. The County intended to drive the party out to Kerikeri where there would be a grand native display, and then a lunch would be given at the Parkwai Gardens to which only the Borough and County councillors, Harbor Board, Ac, and tLe Governor and purty would bo present. They would have given a banquet, but it would be difficult to draw the line if the public were invited, and it would be sure to create ill-feeling. Mr Davies asked when His Excellency would land.

The Mayor said it was for them to dictate that in accordance with Mr Sheehan's telegram. Mr Brodie said that as large numbers of Naval officers would be coining they would probably come ashore in their own launch. He thought, however, that they should arrange to hare plenty of accommodation. -, . I • r r

Mr Howe proposed, and Mr Thorburh seconded, that a steamer be chartered to bring the vice-regal party ashore. Carried. ■ '■ ■ ■- '-■ 'l :i • '*' • '

Mr Dams said that the Harbor Board had drawn up an address which would be presented at the end of the wharf, and the Governor would then be escorted down the wharf. .

;' Ife was then resolved that the heads of the local bodies alone proceed in the steamer to meet the vice-regal party. The Mayor said that it was understood that the Borough should bear the expense of their own decorations. : "

Mr Brodie said he had calculated,that; 10 carriages would be required. Mr Bowe proposei that 10 carriages be engaged for the reception. It was then decided that the following be the order, of procession:—Carriage with heads of local bodies ; carriage with His Excellency and aide-de-camps, Mayor and County Chairman; carriage for Ministers and. aide-de-camps; two ear* riages for natal officers,; carriages for members of local bodies and press. . The Mayor said thai the party would then be driven to Kerikeri, and then the Couuty Council would provide the lunch, with which they had nothing to do. A levee was then proposed to take place. Mr Brodie proposed that His Excel* lency be asked to hold a levee at 4 o'clock to give the citizens an opportunity to testify their loyalty. Mr 1 nor burn seconded. Mr Carpenter moved that all the words after 4 p.m. be struck out. The Mayor and Mr Carpenter considered that it would not be a success, Mr Carpenter remarking that he did not believe in levees. . . . .

Mr Brodie said that if any loyal citi-. Zens wished to pay their respects to the Queen's B"preaentative they should be permitted to do it. Let tjjjem hare a levee "by all means. ... Capt. Murray seconded. .". The motion was then carried.

Capt. Murray said that the volunteers would make their arrangements to chime in with the arrangement of the local bodies.

Mr Brodie moved that Mr Davies and Mr McGowan be a committee to engage carriages and steamer. .Mr .Howe moved that Capt. Goldsmith be requested to act as marshal, and Mr Hawdon as assistant. Carried.

Mrs Poutoutara said that the Natives were desirous of giving a bail after the dinner, so that .the ladies nuight be entertained.

The Mayor said that he thought it could be arranged, as the proposed dinner would take place at seven o'clock; and His Excellency might be present it the ball from nine till eleven. •

MrsPoiitoutara said that it was proposed to have the ball at St. George's Hall. The natives were very desirous of having the ball. She would telegraph ,to the Native Minister asking if His Excellency would accept of a ball. Captain Murray then moved that those present and the following gentlemen be a committee for making arrangements for the dinner: —Messrs J. E. Macdonald, G. N. Brassey, G. Black, Ehrenfried, Allom, Goldsmith, Fraser, Gellion, Brown, Head, Butt, Marshall, Darrow, T. H. Smith, W. McCttllough, W. Wilkinson, Dr Payne, Dr Perston, W. Souter, J. W. Walker, E. Comer, T. B. Hicks, A. Price, G. McCaul, J. E. Coney, A. Hume, H. S. St Paul, W. Carrick,

Cameron, A. Hogg, F. Tizzard, with power to add to their number. Mossr? Murray, r<p«iici'r, Fraser, Carrick and Wilsou wero 'appointed a subcommittee to mipper committee. Tliis «iis nil the business. A meeting of (lie Borough Council was held Htibscquciitly; tlicro being present— Hia Woritliif) tlui; Mayor, Cra Jiowe, McGoH',lll, and Wilson. It was decided that His Worship declare Thursday a public holiday, and an address was decided on.