THE PRINCE IN THE EMPIRE CITY.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 492, 17 April 1869, Page 2

THE PRINCE IN THE EMPIRE CITY.

It is stated that Prince Alfred landed in Wellington amidst a perfect storm of enthusiasm, and amidst a storm of another kind, for it was raining, and the wind was high. Great was the disappointment experienced during the week previous to bis arrival. A contemporary says: —" The choice fruits that have been plucked for the royal lips have been getting stale, the poultry have arrived at a stage of gaminess that is quite inconsistent with the sober character of the barn-door fowl, the evergreens are sadly withered and require renewing from day to day, and blank disappointment has been depicted on every countenance but those of the Maoris who have been feasted at the Government expense, and who in the fulness of their hearts exclaim ' Kapai the Prince, hope he no come for 'nother week.' " The Evening Post thus feelingly comments on the sad state of affairs:—" Punctuality is the politeness of Kings," said Le Grand Monarque, and the want of it in the arrival of H.K.H. is causing great disappointment. Many of the country visitors bave already overstayed the time allotted to themselves, and except the Duke puts in an appearance very soon, will be reluctantly compelled to return to their homes. The green boughs are beginning to wither, and the enthusiasm to subside ; it is stretched to its utmost limits, and will shortly die away altogether. Among other things it is said that his Excellency invited a select party of gentlemen to meet the Prince at dinner, previous to his public landing; tho dinner was prepared and the guests arrived—with the exception of the all-important one, and as nothing better could be done under the circumstances, it was duly discussed. Another attempt met with no better result; and the second dinner was eaten in the absence ot H.R.H.

Q-reat dissatisfaction has been expressed in Wellington with regard to the treatment of theWairarapa Cavalry Volunteers who, entirely at their own expense, went to Wellington to receive the Prince, and after being detained some days and finding their expenses becoming too heavy for them, applied to the Government for assistance, which was refused; they consequently made a start for home, but at the last moment were turned back by Colonel Haultain, who promised to guarantee their necessary expenses. The Government of Nelson, it is said, will spend about a thousand pounds on the reception of the Prince. The children of Nelson, we understand, are undergoing'a course of training in singing the National Anthem, with which it is proposed that they shall greet the Prince on the day of

his arrival. Mr Crisp anticipates being able to muster at least 1000 from different parts. The following programme of the part to be taken by the Nelson Volunteers in the Duke's reception has been arranged by the officer commanding the district: —The Volunteers are to form a guard of honor at the landing place and salute the Prince as he steps on shore. They will then form part of the procession. On arriving at the corner of Bridge and Trafalgar Streets the Prince and procession will proceed up the latter street, while the Volunteers will march up Bridge Street to be ready to receive H.R.H. at the Provincial Hall for the presentation of addresses. A guard of hoaor will again be formed to receive the Prince when he arrives to hold the levee; and will remain to salute him as he leaves the Hall. A royal salute will be fired by the Artillery as the Prince enters the harbor. On his departure one company will form a guard of honor at Panama House to salute H.B.H. as he leaves his residence, and another will be at the landing place to salute him as he embarks. As he proceeds up the hai'bor a royal salute will be fired by the Artillery. A guard will be furnished to give a double sentry over the Prince's residence during his stay in Nelson.