THE GOVERNOR'S MOVEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume XX, Issue 95, 23 April 1889, Page 8

THE GOVERNOR'S MOVEMENTS.

His Excellency the Governor was engaged'in private business atthe Grand Hotel, Princes-street, this forenoon, and this afternoon proceeded to Potter's Paddock, accompanied by Lady Onslow, to witness the football match between the Poneke and Grafton Clubs. This evening His Excellency will be entertained at a banquet given in his honour by the Masons of Auckland. During to-day elaborate preparations were made at the Choral Hall, which is to be the scene of festivity, and the banqueting-room presents quite a gay appearance. Around the walls, over the orchestral platform, and in front of the gallery, flags, flowers, and foliage are tastefully arranged, and on the floor of the hall are three heavily-laden tables running lengthwise, and another table parallel with the orchestral platform. The three grandmasters will occupy the seats of honour at the head of the iong tables, in the centre being the chairman of the evening, Mr G. S. Graham. The guests will occupy seats at the table running across the hall, and His Excellency the Governor will be seated on the right of the chairman. The catering has been entrusted to Mr Canning, and elaborate preparations have been made. On the centre table there is a very handsome pedestal designed by Mr Cassels to represent the Masonic fraternity supporting tho crown. Tho pedestal consists of two massive squares covered in blue velvet, at either corner of the lower square beinga handsomely-worked pillar surmounted by a globe representing the world. On the top of the second square is a massive silver epergne, and this again is topped by a cake and crown of neat design. A variety of Masonic emblems are also introduced in conspicuous places, and the whole forms an admirable piece of workmanship and reflects much credit on the designei*. On tho tables there are dainties of almost every description, the display of locally-grown grapes being especially fine. At intervals there are ranged sixteen glass fruit stands filled with tho most luscious of Auckland products, and each stand is surmounted by a large cake carrying a Masonic flag. There are also 16 flower stands containing choice cut- ; tings, and 40 plants in pots, the fresh appeari ance of which imparts avery pleasing aspect to the scene. Provision is mado for 150 at the banquet, and it is expected that there will bo something approaching that number present. The orchestral seats havo been reserved for ladies, and light refreshments for their use will be laid in the anterooms.

His Excellency has deferred his departure for' the South until Thursday in deference to a request made that ho should lay the foundation stono of tho Costley Homo for the aged poor at Epsom. In consequence of this alteration in tho programme His Excellency will not leave Auckland until Thursday morning, and then he will proceed to Wellington overland, via the Hot Lakes.

(BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION).