THE PREMIER'S RETURN.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVIII, Issue 208, 7 September 1897, Page 5

THE PREMIER'S RETURN.

ARRANGEMENTS FOR HIS RECEPTION.

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.)

Wellington, this day. The gales and rain of the past three days closed this morning, and from present indications king's weather will greet the arrival of New Zealand's uncrowned representative on his return from England on Wednesday. The arrangements' now in active progress bear testimony to the universal desire that the Right Honorable gentleman should be accorded a fittingwelcome home. Cabinet has decided to close the Government Offices clurim.'- the afternoon of the reception day, and' the banks and insurance offices will also observe a holiday, while the ordinary places of business will shut in the afternoon as usual in compliance with the Shop Act. The Union Steamship Company has shown a very nice spirit in this connection, having first disarranged their Sydney time-table by placing the Waikare to leave Sydney on Saturday in order that the Premier might reach New Zealand at the earliest possible opportunity, and they liave now placed the Takapuna at the convenience of Ministers, who will tints be able to meet the Waikare at the Heads. Mr Seddon and party will tranship to the Takapuna in order that the official programme of the reception may he successfully carried out.

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

Wellington, this day. As the Ruahine will not arrive till tomorrow, opportunity will be taken to combine the welcome to the New Zealand contingent with the demonstration in the Premier's honour. The men will land with Mr Seddon from the Takapuna at the breastwork, and take part in the procession, and in the evening there will be a social gathering in their honour.