DEPARTURE OF HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR.

Auckland Star, Volume IV, Issue 987, 18 March 1873, Page 2

DEPARTURE OF HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR.

The farewell demonstration in honor of His Excellency the Governor, Sir George Ferguson Bowen, G.C.M.G,, must have been extremely gratifying to His Excellency. The demonstration of to-day was in every respect a popular one, and as such might be accepted as an expression of feelings generally entertained by the public at large. It must be satisfactory for a Governor, after five years' residence in a colony, to find that his. administration has been universally approved of, and to receive unmistakably sincere proofs that he has made many friends and few enemies while occupying a position which, without the exercise of considerable tact, would inevitably give rise to numerous jealousies and heart - burnings. His Excellency, in selecting Auckland as the port from which to take his final departure, has paid a pointed compliment to the inhabitants of this city. He was no doubt actuated in making the selection by a preference for the scene of his first three years' residence in the colony, and for the people who first cordially welcomed him upon his assuming the Governorship of New Zealand. Auckland has welcomed many Governors, and from long custom almost claims as its exclusive prerogative the task of testifying to each successive representative of her Majesty the Queen the feelings of loyalty which animate the people of this, the youngest and most distant, but by no means the least vigorous portion of the British Empire. There is, however, a marked distinction between the welcome accoixled to a new Governor and the farewell to one about to leave our shores. In the former case the demonstration is made more directly in honour of the Sovereign of whom the Governor is but the representative than as a token of esteem for the stranger who has not had opportunity for making either friends or enemies. But in bidding farewell to a Governor the demonstration is a purely personal one, and becomes more or less cordial in proportion as the holder of the office has endeared himself to the people with whom he has been associated during his temporary residence in the colony. Each Governor may claim the right to be received with the honours due to the representative !of the Queen, but instances are not by any means wanting in the histories of British colonies where the departure of a Governor has caused more general satisfaction. at his withdrawal than regret. It is judged by the standard we have indicated that the success of Sir George Bowen's administration can best be estimated, and we think very few persons will be prepared to dispute the assertion that he has been completely successful in winning the approval of the colonists if the demonstration of today is not an altogether unreliable index to public feeling. With this brief preface -we proceed to notice in detail the farewell proceedings in honour of His Excellency and Lady Bowen. The first of these was the FAREWELL BALL cdven by the citizens at the Choral Hall last evening This was attended by about three hundred citizens, including nearly all the leading gentlemen of the city. The ball was in every way a great success, and the arrangements reflected great credit upon the stewards, whose names were as follow :— Sir George A. Arney, C.J. ; his Honor the Superintendent, His Worship t the Mayor, J. Logan Campbell, Esq., Captain Daveney, Captain Fraser, Samuel Morrin, Esq., D. L. Murdoch, Esq., L. D. Nathan, Esq., G. B. Owen, Esq., James Russell, Esq., Thomas Russell, Esq., J. M. Shera, Esq., Hon J. C. Taylor, and B. Tonks, Esq. The ball was opened about nine o'clock by his Excellency leading off with Mrs Gillies, and Sir George Arney with Lady Bowen. The programme of dances was well arranged, and the spirit of terpsichore was widely diffused throughout the ball-room, for all present appeared to be determined to enjoy themselves, and every dance found a large number of votaries. At twelve o'clock supper was served in an ante-room under the able direction of Mr John Grey, of Queen-street, who sustained his well-earned reputation as caterer. His Honor the Chief Justice occupied the chair, the guests of the evening occupying positions on his right and on his left. The Colonial Treasurer (Hon. J. Vogel), and the Defence Minister (Hon. D. McLean), sat next His Excellency, and his Honor the Superintendent with Mrs Gillies next Lady Bowen. After supper the healths of Her Majesty the Queen and the Prince and Princess of Wales were given from the chair.

His Honor then proposed the toast of the evening, the health of Sir George and Lady Bowen. In doing so he referred in feeling terms to the respect and loyal affection which His Excellency and gracious lady had won during their stay in the colony, and the regret which wi ,s felt at their departure. He alluded to the state of the colony upon the arrival of Sir George Bowen, mentioning more particularly the shocking tragedy perpetrated at Poverty Bay, where men, women, and children were ruthlessly massacred by Te Kooti and his band of miscreants. Recalling those times he also recollected the active steps that were taken to punish the guilty parties, and contrasted tho state of affairs then with the peaceful condition of the colony at tho present time. He believed the changed condition of affairs was due to the wise councils under which His Excellency had been acting, and to his own superintending care and watchfulness. He also contrasted the commercial depression of the colony on His Excellency's arrival, and its present comparative prosperity. His Excellency might "be sincerely congratulated upon leaving the colony in such an improved condition. His Honor then referred to the loss which the colony, and especially the lady portion, would sustain by the departure of Lady Bowen. He believed it was a great blessing for a community to have its society led by a lady of high character, refined and polished manners, and one who is a friend of the poor, and makes herself acceptable with all classes of society. After a few more remarks his Honor sat down amidst prolonged applause.

His Excellency, in responding, alluded to the invariable sympathy and the marks of respect and esteem which the people of the colony had manifested towards him. But in Auckland he was best known, and he felt that the manifestations of the people were in a great measure prompted by personal friendship for himself and Lady Bowen, and did not arise solely out of respect for his office. He knew that they

left behind them thousands of warm friends and not a single enemy ; at lesst if reciprocity was necessary to constitute enemies they could have none. He wished them as friends a warm farewell, and hoped that God would bless them and the dear land they lived in. However proud he might be of his promotion to one of the highest colonial positions in the service of his Sovereign, he could assure them his heart would turn back with proud and grateful remembrance to the great colony of New Zealand, where the five happiest years of his life had been spent. His Excellency concluded by proposing the healths of His Honor the Superintendent and His Worship the Mayor. His Honor the Superintendent and His Worship the Mayor suitably responded, each testifying to the warm esteem in which His Excellency and Lady Bowen were held by the people of the colony, and the many kind deeds which they had done during their stay amongst us. Dancing was then resumed, and was kept up until a late or rather early hour.

THE PEOPLE'S FAREWELL DEMONSTRATION.

It was feared from the threatening appearance of yesterday that the Demonstoation Committee would have to forego the procession and other public demonstrations on the departure of His Excellency to-day. The Weather, however, cleared up during the night, and this morning was such an one as made holiday-making really enjoyable. The day was fine and cool, and there was a sufficient breeze to allow of the successful carrying out of that part of the programme which provided for an aquatic demonstration by the Auckland Yacht Club. Some of the places of business were closed all day, but others were opened for a|few hours, closing towards one o'clock. Queen-street had a very holiday appearance. Looking at it either from the top or bottom it had the appearance of a long aisle, with a wavy surging-roof of many colours. Strings of bunting, comprising flags of all nations, were spread across the street from window to window. The whole resources of our naval stores, together with the private, military, and shipping supplies of flags, appeared to have been called into requisition; and being proverbially a nautical community the display was by no means insignificant.

The triumphant archway, erected by the Harbour Board at the town end of the wharf, was the most prominent of the scenes of attraction in the route, it was very tastefully formed of native evergreens, flax, palm, and pohutukaua, with willow branches drooping over the four corners of the arch. Inside we observed in large coloured letters the word FAREWELL. Outside, facing Queen street, amid wreaths of leaves were written in fine characters, , Sir George Bowen". V.E. Lady Bowen. V.E. Nina, Agnes. George. Zoe, Alfreda. On the top of the arch were four small common Union Jacks; the toll-house was was adorned with golden dahlias and ferns, the whole having a very pleasing effect. Two cross streamers of flags, forming an archway, were stretched from the Watemata and Thames hotels respectively to the triumphal arch. A string of bunting was also extended from the offices of the Harbour Board to the premises of Mr H. Anderson, ship-chandler. Messrs Henderson and Macfarlane's store was decorated with a large ensign that almost swept the roadway. Messrs L. D. Nathan and Co.'s store and other business premises were also decorated with flags. A streamer was strung across Queen-street from Messrs Combes and Daldy's store to the Metropolitan Hotel. Mr Williams, sail-maker, was among the foremost of the citizens in doing honour to the passing Governor. He had a string of flags reaching from his store across the street, representative of the English, Scotch, Irish, American, Prussian, and Danish peoples; another show by the wharf entrance, and a third from the City Council Chambers. Mr Samuel Coombes had made his premises conspicuous by floating a streamer from his upper window to the building over the way. The adjoining premises, those of Mr Bartlett, watchmaker, and Mr Waters, confectioner, were decorated with flags and evergreens. Two magnificent strings of flags were extended from the upper windows of Messrs S. & J. R. Vailes' building, at the corner of Wyndham-street, to the Auckland Hotel and Messrs Porter & Co.'s warehouse on the other side of Queen - street. Arches of flags were extended from the premises of Mr J. Cosgrave to those of Mr W. J. Hurst; from Mr J. Mason's to Mr W. J. Young's ; and from Mr Fugate's to a building on the other side of the street. Mr Bartlett's photographic studio was also decorated . with artistic taste. In all parts of the city and suburbs flags were hoisted on many private residences and places of business, giving the place a very gay appearance. Conspicuous amongst this class of decorations we might mention the display made on the flagstaff of J\ Russell, Esq., Symond-street; and we may also add the residence at the corner of Grafton-road and Symond-street, which has always contributed its quota to any illuminations or other public displays that have taken place in the city. THE WHARF. At one o'clock barriers were erected to 1 stop the general traffic on the wharf in order that there might not be too great a crush at the time of embarkation. The whole of the vessels alongside the wharf, and also those in the stream, were gaily decorated with bunting from stem to stern, including that pretty steamer which has lately been added to our mercantile marine, the Paterson. The Government steamer Luna lay alongside the Thames T, looking clean and smart, with 1 her colours flying and steam up, ready to accompany the Hero to the Bay of Islands. The Polar Star, in spite of her misfortunes, had sent aloft the American eagle and jack. The good ship Durham had colours flying from her jibboom end to her taffrail; while a gentleman, in a smart uniform and a sun hat, paced the quarter deck with a huge telescope under his arm. The Naval Queen and all the other vessels had also sent all their bunting aloft, that it was difficult to conceive where the Queen-street people could have procured their flags, as certainly they had not borrowed them from the shipping. The yachts belonging to the Auckland Yacht Club also lay at their anchorage, and dressed in flags ; preparations were also being made on board to get underway in order to accompany his Excellency down the harbour, which it was determined to do if sufficient wind carried them down the harbour. The Hero looked the model of perfection. Everything was in order on board of her both alow and aloft. With decks oilystoned, brasswork gleaming, and shining with new paint, she seemed a fit and proper vessel to convey any august passenger on an ocean voyage. Her cabins have been redecorated, and everything provided for the comfort of the vice-regal party. The ladies' cabin has been specially fitted up for the accommodation of Lady Bowen and family. There need be no fear that her gallent commander, Captain Logan, will be able to entertain his guests in right regal style on the passage across. Tte steamer was moored alongside the outer T of the wharf, and a spacious gangway was erected for embarkation. The steamship was inspected during the morning by hundreds of persons desiroua of looking over the vessel that was to convey

his Excellency and Lady Bowen to their new home.

THE VOLUNTEERS.

The Naval Brigade and band mustered 66 strong at Fort Britoraart, at noon, under command of Captain E. Leßoy and Lieutenant Chapman, and proceeded to the North Shore to take up their position on the North Head, in order to salute His Excellency in passing. They marched down the wharf to the lively strains of the band, and embarked on board the ferry steamer. They will fire a salute of ] 7 guns from Armstrong guns stationed at the North Head. It is intended that while the Volunteers shall load the guns, their wives, their daughters and sweethearts shall fire the salute. The band will then play "Auld Lang Syne," while the "firing party" will wave their handkerchiefs to Lady Bowen. " God Save the Queen " will then be struck up by the band, to be followed by three hearty cheers from the Volunteers, during which the ensign will be dipped as a parting farewell" to Sir George and Lady Bowen. At two o'clock precisely the Volunteer forces mustered in Albert Barracks, and proceeded to Government House grounds to form a onard of honour, and accompany His Excellency to the point of embarkation. The whole were under the command of Col. Lyons. Major Tisdall, to whom had been entrusted the superintendence of the arrangements, was also present as assistant in command. The Volunteers were formed into three battalions, consisting as follows :— Cavalry, under command of Captain Bassett and Drill-Instructor Sergeant Wainhouse : Auckland Troop, Lieutentant Isaacs, 25 strong ; Otahuhu Troop, Captain Bassett; Howick Troop, Captain Roberts. First Battalion, commanded by Captain Batger : Engineers, under command of Captain Dargaville and Lieutenant Anderson, 50 strong; Rifle Brigade, Captains Batger, Morrow, and Barnett, and Lieutenants Matthews and Nathan, 80 strong; Scottish Company, Lieutenant Mowbray, 30 strong. No. 2 Battalion, under command of Captain Derrom : Royal Company, Captain J. H. Burns, 45 strong ; Victoria Company, Lieut. Thompson, 40 strong; Hobson Company, Captain A. Burns, 45 strong. Third Battalion, under Captain McKea, and. Drill Instructor Sergeant Castles, consisting of Engineers, Grammar School, Sir Geo. Grey's, Rifle Brigade and Victoria, 134 strong. The Artillery Corps mustered 37 strong at the rear of the Drill-shed, under Capt. Featon and Lieut. Devore, and proceeded to Fort Britomart with three armstrong guns to fire the usual vice-regal salute. The different volunteer bands accompanied their respective companies, including the Scottish pipers, and played stirring marches along the route.

MUSTER OF THE FRIENDLY SOCIETIES AND

FIRE BRIGADE. The members of the various Lodges of Oddfellows and Foresters mustered at the Oddfellows' Hall, Cook-street, at two o'clock, in full regalia. Brother T. Cole, P.P.G.M., officiated as Master of Ceremonies onJOehalf of the Oddfellows, assisted by .^Brother Leahy, P.P.G.M. Brother R. TaJ>ot, P.S., performed similar services g~ Whalf of the Foresters. The pro«*»«*on ™ headed by a band, and three 'fine banners with appropriate mottoes 7«vere very conspicuous. The R,echabites n*us tere(l at the Young Men's Christian Association, and under the direction of Brother Wilkes, and headed by the A.T.B. drAjn and fife band marched along Albert-streeV'^nd down Cook-street, where they united with the other friendly societies, and walked to Government House. The Orangemen did not take part in the day's proceedings, |^s Excellency the Governor having intiifh^ed a wish to that effect. The Volunteer Fire Brigade, under Mr Superintendent Asher, mustered at the engine-house and harnessed -a couple of horses to the fire-engine, which headed and gave a character to their procession. RECEPTION OF THE GOVERNOR. His Excellency and Lady Bowen, in accordance with previous invitation, received all those who were desirous of wishing them good-bye at Government House, between half-past two and three o'clock. A large number of personal friends availed themselves of the invitation, and there was a very successful and hearty reception.

GOVERNMENT HOUSE GROUNDS,

About half-past two o'clock the combined forces, military and civilian, began to collect on Government House grounds. Here Major Tisdall, the acting city marshal, and the hon. secretary of the Demonstration Committee, T. Weston, Esq., were kept actively employed in carrying out. the arrangements previously announced. Owing, however, to the wide publicity that had been given to the instructions through the Press, scarcely a hitch occurred, each body falling into its allotted place with few directions. The various bodies formed a hollow square in the following order :— The Volunteers as a guard of honour on the green facing the house; the Oddfellows and Foresters formed on the right face of the square, on the proper left flank of house, near the conservatory and main avenue. The Rechabites and Orangemen formed on the left face of the square, next the Supreme Court avenue. The Cadets and Volunteer Fire Brigade lined the main avenue, the Brigade being nearest the gate. The Good Templars respectfully declined to take part in the procession to-day, not out of any disrespect for the Governor, nor want of loyal feeling, but because they were not prepared with regalia and the • necessary ornaments of the order. The carriages for his Excellency the Governor and suite and his Worship the Mayor were drawn up in front of Government House. The carriages of the other gentlemen who took part in the procession were drawn up in the avenue leading from the Symond-street gate. The various detachments of cavalry waited in Waterloo Quadrant until the procession emerged from the Princes-street gate, when they fell in as a guard of honour.

FORMATION OF THE PROCESSION. Shortly after three o'clock the Hon J. Vogel led Lady Bowen out on to the balcony of Government House, and handed her ladyship into the carriage. His Excellency, accompanied by Sir George Arney, followed, and the Hon. Defence Minister, his Honor the Superintendent, and his Worship the Mayor also came out and took their seats in the respective carriages. His Excellency stood up in the carriage, and addressing the large assemblage said: "I wish to thank you, the people of Auckland for the kindness which has always been shewn me by the inhabitants of this city, and for the hearty demonstration of to-day. My heart is too full to say any more just now, but may God ever bless you." His Excellency, who appeared to be much affected, sat down amidst tumultuous cheering and waving of hats. The carriages were occupied by the following gentlemen : —

|^ First carriage : His Excellency the Governor, Lady Bowen, Sir Geo. Arney, and Captain Pitt.

Second carraige : Capt. Machell and the Governor's family. Third carriage : His Worship the Mayor, Councillors Prime, Hurst, and the Town Clerk.

Fourth carriage : The Hon. Colonial Treasurer and the Defence Minister, and big Honor the Superintendent,

Fifth carriage: T. Beckham, Esq., R.M.J the Rev. P. N. Cornford, and the Hon. J. Williamson. Sixth carriage : Messrs. J. Williamson, O'Neill, Luckie, and Kelly, members of the General Assembly. Seventh carriage : Mr White, American Consul; D. B. Cruickshank, French Consul, and Colonel Balneavis. When the vice-regal party had taken their seats the carriages moved on towards the Princes-street gate, the procession forming in the following order :— Advance Guard of Cay ry. Volunteer Fire Brigades. Band, Oddfellows, in fours. Foresters, in fours. Band. Rechabites, in fours. Carriage of His Worship the Mayor Detachment of Cavalrj. >• Two CaTTiages—His Excellency d Suite. w Ph h Carriages of u| t*j His Honor the Chief Justi c. «, ►> His Honor the Superintende and Executive. © < 4 a Cabinet Ministers and Mem rs of Executive Council. O Ph Bishops and Representative Cle ymen. >• Judges, and Members of both Houses of Parliament. . m > pq The Chairman and Members of Harbour f Beard. A W m Consuls, Sheriff, &o. Native Chiefs. Demonstration Committ . Bear Guard of Cavalry. Private Carriages. Band. Battalion-Engineers, Rifle, and ScottSh Volunteers. Battalion—Royal, Victoria, and Hobson Volunteers. Battallion—Various Cadet Carps. At the Princes-street gate the infantry volunteers separated from the procession and marched down Shortland-street io the wharf. The remainder of the procession, in rthe order above indicated, went along Waterloo Quadrantjup Symonds street and dowa Wakefieldstreet to the wharf. PRESENTATION OF ADDRItfWES. Upon reaching the wharf th« procession halted in front of the platform, erected at the lower end of Queen-street. The Cavalry drew up in line in front of the platform. His Excellency alighted from the carriage amidst loud cheering, when His Worship the Mayor stepped forward and read the following address : — " To His Excellency Sir Georg» Ferguson Bowen, G.C.M.G., Governor and Com-mander-in-Chief of New Zealand. " May it please your Excellency :— " We the Mayor, Councillors And Citizens of the city of Auckland beg to express our regret on the departure from New Zealand of your Excellency, Lady Bowen And family. We are deeply sensible of tke valuable services rendered by your Excellency to this colony during your Excellency's administration as Governor, and we feel that by your Excellency's removal a great loss is sustained by the city of Auckland and the colony generally. At the same time we congratulate your Excellency on the especial mark of favour evinced by our Gracious Sovereign in appointing your Excellency to so important a Government as that of Victoria. Ih bidding your Excellency farewell we heartily wish that every happiness that the Disposer of ail Good can bestow may attend your Ex«<allency and Lady Bowen and family. " Signed on behalf of the Corporation of the City of Auckland. " P. A. Philips, " Mayor. " F. Brodie, "Toww Clerk." His Worship said : " Allow mo to add that this address very poorly pourtrayu the feelings which the people of Auckland entertain towards your Excellency, and I wish you every prosperity in the future." His Excellency the Governor, in reply, said :—

" Mr Mayor and Gentlemen, — " I shall always hold in proud *nd grateful remembrance the hearty welcome which the citizens of Auckland « gave me on my first arrival here five years ago, and not less their hearty farewell on my &nal departure from this country. " I assure you that Lady Boweu and 1 will never forget what was so long our happy home ia your fair city, nor the fact that one of our children is by birth a citizen of Auck"ln my reply to one of the addresses presented to me here on my first landing I expressed a hope that we should leave New Zealand 'without the consciousness of a single duty wilfully neglected, or of a single enmity wilfully provoked.' It is a treat satisfaction to feel that this hope has be*tt fulfilled. In conclusion, Mr Mayor and G<mtlemen, I thank you for the constant courtesy and respect shown me by the Corporation of Auckland, and I pray that the blessing of Providence may rest on this City and Province and on the whole Colony of New Zealand." _ „

At the conclusion of the reading of the address and reply there was loud cheering. His Worship the Mayor called for three times three for his Excellency and La^y Bowen, which were heartily given. The Governor called for three* cheers for Auckland, which was also warmly responded

to. His Excellency then walked down the wharf accompanied by Sir «.*orge A. Arney and Lady Bowen, leaning on the arm of his Worship the Mayor. the entry to the whaj.». The various friendly societies mow moved forward on to the wharf, and toot up their

positions on either side, forming an avenue between which the Governor and suite passed. The various companies of Volunteers were drawn up in line at the fetid of the wharf as a guard of honour. As His Excellency and esteemed lady stopped from the carriage the Volunteer band played the National Anthem amidst great cheering. After the vice-regal party had embarked the visitors on board were ordered ashore. The Hero steamed away from the wharf during a salute of seventeen guns ttom Fort Britomart.

Mr Inspector Broham, with his veil-organ-ised police force, was present on the ground during the day to preserve order, but fortunately his services were not required for any serious breach of the peace. There was of course at various times a good deal _of hustlingjandSjcrushing, but it wa* all carried o^withjgood. humour.