PRINCE ALFRED AT AUCKLAND.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 508, 25 May 1869, Page 3

PRINCE ALFRED AT AUCKLAND.

H.M.S. Galatea reached Auckland early on the morning of May 10th. The enthusiasm on the landing of his Royal Highness was great, and when he stepped on the lauding stage a cheer rang out and was caught up and repeated along the whole length of the wharf, and by the people on board the shipping in harbor. Three large war canoes manned respectively by 50, GO, and 70 natives, accompanied his Royal Highness's gig to the landing stage, the natives singing, as they paddled their canoes, a song of welcome. Five hundred volunteers assisted to keep order, and 100 men of the 18th Regiment composed the guard of honor. The carriage used by the Prince was drawn by six grey horses, and guided by the postillions resplendently attired in scarlet liveries faced with gold. Three thousand children were assembled on the lawn in front of the Government House, and on the Prince's arrival tlipv sn.no- the*. "N"n_

tfonal Anthem. The only drawback to the day's enjoyment was the state of the weather. As the hour for the landing approached, the aspect of the weather grew more threatening, and a few drops of rain fell, betokening a heavy downfall of rain as soon as the artillery should reverberate through the atmosphere. Towards the close of the middle of the day, the weather broke and the rain descended without intermission during the remainder of the day and the night. It is stated that the Prince will not leave Auckland before the 25th of May. The Prince it still at Auckland. On the 13th he attended the Citizens' Ball, which was a great success. In the evening the city was brilliantly illuminated. On Sunday next the Prince goes to Kawau. He will have some shooting there on Monday, and return to Auekland the same day, where he intends to remain until the 27th, having promised to attend the races on the 25th and 2Gth. The Waikato Natives are anxious to see the Prince, and the G-eneral Government have received a message stating that a meeting between Prince Alfred and the Maori King has been arranged.