THE GOVERNOR.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 9816, 27 August 1897, Page 6

THE GOVERNOR.

VISIT TO AUCKLAND.

(PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM )

AUCKLAND, August 26.

The Tutanfkai arrived at Onehunga at noon, his Excellency and suite remaining on board till the hour of the reception, 2 p.m. The Mayor, Mr Sutherland, presented an address, and the school children sang the National Anthem. Among those present were the Mayor of Auckland and a number of members of the Assembly. Mrs Yates, ex-Mayoress of Onehunga, was introduced to his Excellency on board the Tutanekai. Te Hb'iena Maniha, a Mangere chief, presented an address of welcome to his Excellency on behalf of the Maoris of Mangere, and his Excellency kindly replied. At 2.45 p.m. the Vice Regal party left for Auckland. The Regal carriage, drawn by four handsome greys, contained his Excellency, the Hon. Thos. Thompson, the Mayor of Auckland, anM Captain Ward, A.D.C. Enormous crowds of spectators assembled at the city bovmdary at the top of Kyber Pass to witness the start of the city procession for the Municipal Buildings. On their arrival at Auckland the A Battery fired a salute of fifteen guns, 1000 school children sang the National Anthem, and the Auckland Volunteers formed a guard of honour.

The Mayor, Mr Dignan, presented a loyal address on behalf of the citizen 3 expressive of good wishes for his Excellency, Lady Ranfurly and family. His Excellency in reply, expressed regret that Ins stay was of such a transitory character, but lie was anxious to viait as early as possibly the city which was the former capital, and the beauty of whose harbour and position was second to noje. It was his desire and earnest hope that he might be able to spend a portion of every year in their midst. The New Zealand Natives' Association presented an address offering his Excellency a hearty welcome to the land of their birth. His Excellency thanked the Association for their address, which had pleased him greatly. He trusted the sons of England and Now Zealand would long have feelings of love, brotherhood, and tranquiHty existing between them. About 10,000 people witnessed the ceremony, in front of the municipal buildings, and 20,000 the procession, the whole route along. After the presentation of the addresses the procession moved to the Government House grounds, where his Excellency entered Government House.

On being interviewed Lord Ranfurly said, in reference to his future movements, he would return to Wellington on Tuesday 'next. It was the desire of Lady Ranfurly and the family to visit Auckland in February. The/ would have accompanied him on his present visit, but he heard that Government House was not in a fit state.

Hid Excellency is staying at the Northern Club. *