WOODVILLE.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 2999, 4 February 1881, Page 2

WOODVILLE.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) February 8, 1881. The reception committee appointed by the public meeting to receive His Excellency the Governor commenced work early yesterday morning to make preparations for a "suitable reception _ to the Queen's representative. A triumphal arch was erected opposite Mr Moore's store at the entrance to the township, composed of evergreens and flowers, neatly interwoven with a large banner spread across the front, eighteen feet wide, with the word " Welcome " in large A white letters worked on a red ground, which presented a very pleasing effect? and was much admired. His Excellency and suite, accompanied by the Hon. Mr Rolleston, arrived about 5 o'clock yesterday afternoon, a little before they were expected, as a telegram received by the chairman of committee in the morning gave the probable time of arrival as about_ sunset, consequently the attendance was not as large as it might have been, nor the arrangements so complete, nevertheless all passed off in a very creditable manner. The school children, to the number of about 100, were drawn up on one side, and, led by Mr Crawford, sang the National Anthem. Mr T. Moore, chairman of the reception committee, then came forward, and read the following address: — To His Excellency the Hon. Sir Arthur Gordon, Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the Colony of New Zealand, &c. May it please your Excellency,— Whereas we, the inhabitants of Woodville and surrounding districts, being loyal subjects of Her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria, desire cordially to welcome you here as her representative in this colony. We do so the mow heartily, because it is the first occasion on which we in this district have been so highly favored as to receive a-* visit from a Governor of New Zealand, We having been honoured by your presence this day amongst us desire to tender you our congratulations upon your accession to this A most r onourable appointment. We, in remembrance of your most noble family, and of your own fitness for this important and dignified office, trust that it may please Almighty God to grant you the needful health and strength for a right fulfilment of your important duties. We, although struggling settlers in this out of the way bush district, feel confident that your Excellency will be pleased to accept our humble marks of welcome, accompanied with our warmest wishes for your prosperity as Governor of New Zealand, and that your stay amongst us may be a joyous and happy period to Lady Gordon and yourself, and a time of great prosperity to the colony. We are, on behalf of the residents of Woodville and surrounding districts, yom- Excellency's most humble and obedient servants,

W. G. Crawford Thomas Moosb Joseph Sowry V Enoch Walker A. Htjrst Committee appointed by the settlers of Sy Woodville.

His Excellency replied briefly, refering in feeling terms to the hearty reception given him, and the kindly reference made to his family, and also heartily thanked the people of Woodville for the manner in which they had that day received him. Three cheers f«e then

g!ven for Her Majesty the Queen, and then for His Excellency the Governor. The vice-regal party theu visited the public school, and expressed themselves highly pleased with that building. In the evening a deputation, consisting of Messrs Walker, Sowry, Hughes, Hutchings, Moore, Fountain, and Murphy, waited upon Mr Rolle9ton, in reference to the wants of the district, and received a promise that he would, on his return to Wellington, lay them proTiinently before bis colleagues. The deputation then thanked the hon. gentleman for his extreme courtesy, and withdrew.

The party proceeds to Wellington this morning via the Wairarapa.