INVERCARGILL.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3099, 23 January 1879, Page 2

INVERCARGILL.

Wednesday. ■ To-day is devoted to enthusiastic enjoyment, ft ever before here has there been such unanimity of feeling.,. Politics hare altogether given way to pleasure, and all shades of opinion are joining in the general expression of joy at the connection by railway of three chief cities' of the Middle Island. The streets are literally draped with flags, for the shipping of Bluff harbour have placed the .whole of their flags at the disposal of the Demonstration Committee. Lines of flags cross the streets in all directions. The new theatre has been specially decorated for the banquet this evening, which promises to be the greatest success of the kind ever experienced. Over 400 tickets have been issued to ladies to the upper portion of the house, and fully three hundred gentlemen are expected at the' banquet, as over 120 guinea tickets have already been sold, whilst the attendance from invitations alone is expected to reach 100. The Volunteer are now assembling at the the drill shed; from whence they will march to thq railway station in Esk street, and form a double'line from the station to Dee street. On the arrival of the train, seven guns will be fired by the Artillery, the Mayor and Councillors of Invercargili and the members of the Demonstration Committee being on the platform to receive the visitors on alighting. The members of the Ministry and other influential persons will proceed through the Volunteer lines, headed by the garrison bands as far as Dee street, from whence they will be conducted to their several hotels from Dee street until 10 o'clock when the banquet is expected to conclude. The electric lights will be exhibited from the statue of Minerva on the top of the Athenaeum. After "that hour the gas illuminations and fire brigade torchlight procession will commence. The weather could not have been more propitious, and the barometer is high. The demonstrations promise to be an unqualified success. The weather is lovely; warm sup, with gentle breeze. All business is suspended. Eire cannon in position for salute. Firing takes place as soon as the express train arrives. The banquet promises to be a great success. About

one hundred and eighty people will sit do,wn. 4 p.m. f The following telegram has just been »eeeived from Gore:—"Just before reaching the railway bridge at Gore," Mr Conyers (Commissioner of Bailways), who was standing on the second 'engine l'6f<the train, overbalanced himself and fell ' rvff the train, cutting himself badly over j rhe head. Elood issuing from his ears;. Bad gash over eye. Now insensible."— This news is spreading like wildfire through the large concourse of people who are assembled, and is casting a gloom over the, whole affair. „......,.,....,.. .„ .. .. : Thisday. The report this, morning on Mr Conyers is that there are slightly favorable symptoms, but he still continues in a very precarious staie. Dr Skae and two others' are in attendance. ■>■. , ,-r