DEPARTURE OF HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXVII, Issue 4357, 2 August 1871, Page 3

D EP A RTU RE OF HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR.

His Excellency the GftTernar and Lady Bowen took their departure for Wellington yesterday by the Government steamer 'Luna,' which sailed from Onehunga. Preparations had been made to give his Excel, lency and Lady Bowen a suitable farewell, and at 11 o'clock the members of the different Volunteer corps assembled at their respective parade-grounds, and, after some preliminary drill in the Albert Barracks, marched to Government House to form a guard of honour. Th« Riflemen and Engineers were formed up in front jof Government House, and the Cadets on each side of the road leading into Waterloo Crescent, the Cavalry being stationed outside ©f the gate in readiness to accompany the viceregal carriage to Onehunga. The piazza was crowded with ladies and gentlemen, among whom were his Honor the Superintendent, the Hob. Dr. Pollen, J. Williamson, Esq., M.H.JR., and a number [of our leading citizens, most of whom had taken a personal farewell of his Excellency and Lady Bowen. Nearly 2,000 citizens had assembled to do honour to the occasion, and tk-joiu with the Volunteers in the ceremony of \eavc taking. The Artillery band was stationed on the lawn, and discoursed some excellent music. At about ten minutes to 12 o'clo<«k, his Excellency and Lady Bowen advancea to the carriage; and his Excellency, having hauled Lady Bowen to her seat, stepped forward and addressed the Volunteers. He said he was very much gratified at the manner in which they had turned out to honour him on "*he occasion of his departure for the South, and complimented them upon their soldierlike creditable appearance. On behalf of hinp.elf, Lady Bowen, and his family, he had to ( thank their many friends and the public fot the courtesy and kindly feeling which tiey had always evinced towards himself land family since their arrival in Aucklanl ; and he prayed Heaven to showerdownits blessings npon their homes and families. His Excellency during the addre»s appeared dieply affected, and at its conclusion he stepped into his carriage, and drove off amidst tbj tumultuous cheerng of the people, the band playiag "Auld Lang Syne." Lady Bowen also evidently felt deeply the severing 1 , of the many pleasant connections and associations which had been formed since her sojourn in Auckland. As the carriage left Government House the guns at Fort Brkomart, manned by the Naval Volunteers, boomed forth a salute of 17 guns, and before it was completed his Excellency and Lady Bowen, escorted by the Cavalry Volunteers, were driving along Symondsstreet, on their way to the place of embarkation. On arriving at Onehunga the viceregal party were received by the Onehunga Volunteers and a large number of people, ■who followed his Excellency to the wharf, and cheered him on his final departure.