THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH IN AUCKLAND.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XIII, Issue 1027, 15 May 1869, Page 2

THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH IN AUCKLAND.

On Saturday last the preparations in Auckland for the reception were in a forward state. The decoration of the triumphal arches was being pushed forward and flag-poles were being erected upon every corner and conspicuous point in the city. Everyone looked forward with confidence to the completion of the arrangements by Tuesday on which day, according to the communication received from his Excellency the Govenor, the Prince might be expected to land.

At about half-past three o’clock on Saturday afternoon, however, the signal was run up on the Flagstaff Hill —“ a man-of-war.” There was a slight flutter of excitement at this stage but as yet everyone believed that the vessel in question was H. M. s. ‘ Challenger,’ with his Excellency the Governer on board. The signal had not been long up before the noble proportions of the vessel were in full view as she rounded the North Head. Her great height out of the water, the massive symmetry of her hull, and the loftiness and beautiful trimness of her spars and rigging were her most notable features. As she came gallantly but steadly up the harbour, under slow steam, the eyes of the people crowded on the wharf were strained towards her. The day was fine, and the sun shone out with a genial warmth from amidst large breaks of clear blue sky, 'with here and there a dark cloud. Nearer the vessel came, and gradually her build and general appearance became more distinctly discernible. But as yet no one could tell her name, though all agreed in saying that she was not the ‘ Challenger’ and opinions

were divided as to her being the ‘ Blanche or the ‘Virago.’ It did not seem to strike any one that t e strange ship was the ‘ Galatea’ herself. Even the most ‘ knowing ones in matters nautical were for once at. fault. The first persons to communicate with the ship were the representatives of the press, who only learned her name when they saw it in large gold letters on her stern. To the astonishment of all it proved to be the ‘ Galatea.’ Whatever might have been the appearance of the vessel when viewed at this time from the wharf, when seen from alongside it was really magnificent. There was the aspect so suggestive of tremendous power in reserve, of perfect discipline which reigned on board, and there was no mistaking her captain. A glance at the figure standing on the centre of the bridge, and leaning forward in an attitude of quiet observation, would have satisfied anyone that it could be no other than the Prince himself.

His Honor went onboard, and forwarded his card to his Royal Highness, when he was received by the Captain on the quarter deck. After dusk, his Royal Highness landed privately and visited the city, and was present at the Prince of Wales Theatre throughout the whole performance. At about half-past 6 o’clock on monday morning, H. M.s. ‘Challenger’ arrived in in habour, with his Excellency the Governor on board.

On Monday morning the public landing was made, under the most favourable auspices. The Galatea’s gig carrying Prince Alfred, his suite, and others, was escorted to the wharf by Maori canoes. His Royal Highness was received by loud cheers in stepping on shore. He was presented with an oddress by the Superintendent. Shortly after the levee a number of native chiefs, accompanied by Messrs W. Graham and J. Young as interpreters, waited on bis Royal Highness for the purpose of presenting bim with a few appropriate gifts. Kawana Paipai, Haimona, and Arapeta, of Wanganui, presented his Royal Highness with three native mats, two of which were kiwi-feathered mats, and the third a bordered mat (a kitaka) ; also a handsome mere paraors.

The speeches of the three natives were then interpreted. His Royal Hliighness replied, stating that, on behalf of her Majesty the Queen and himself, he felt very grateful to them for their presents, and the more so inasmuch as he was informed that they were very valuable and highly prized among the Maoris. He was glad to have an opportunity of meeting them face to face, and expressing his thoughts to them.