ARRIVAL IN WELLINGTON OF THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 13, Issue 1041, 20 April 1869, Page 3

ARRIVAL IN WELLINGTON OF THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH.

(Abridged from the "Independent.") On Sunday, the llth inst., at about 12 o'clock, when people were at church, the noble vessel H.M.S. Galatea steamed through the heads and entered tbe harbor. The day was rainy, with a heavy mist lowering over the hills, so that the usual signal could not be observed at the Flagstaff Station, and our first intelligence of the Galatea's arrival was the boom of a gun from the Wild Duck as the royal ship steamed into the heads. As the intelligence became known, the excitement displayed was very great, and hosts of people were to be seen eagerly making for the Queen's wharf. By-and-bye the vessel came to anchor, and then several boats put off. No one, however, was allowed to go on board, except representatives of the Press; who obtained, through the courtesy of the officers, a fewloose copies of Sydney paper's. It so-m became known that the Duke would nofc lam. that &&y, so, w th-$ afteraooa, Ms Excellency Sir George Bowen went on board the Galatea and had an interview with his Royal Highness. After a short time his Excellency returned, and as the salute guns of the Galatea were heard when he left the vessel, it was supposed that the Duke accompanied him, and a very large crowd of people collected t at Brown's Wharf in the hope of. welcoming the illustrious visitor. But it was not to be. The Governor landed, but the Puke was still on board, so the excitement was allayed for the time, and everybody looked to the morrow when he was to land and have a public reception. Monday morning dawned with gloomy weather, but by and bye the sky cleared up. The day, however, was not a pleasant one, as the stiff breeze blowing brought its usual accompaniment of dust and grit. Notwithstanding all these disadvantages people were up betimes, and towards eleven o'clock, there was a continued concourse towards the wharf. The scene was exceedingly gay and picturesque in the space adjoining the wharf and stretching up Featherston-street. The windows, and in many cases even the roofs of the houses were crowded with spectators; the streets and a portion of the Reclaimed Land were ocoupied by the Volunteers, Cavalry and Rifle Companies; the two stands erected were crowded with gaily dressed ladies, while all around and far along the beach banners and flags fluttered in the breeze. It must be noted that the different Volunteer companies presented an admirable appearance. The Veterans were as carefully equipped as if — as in old days— they were about to undergo a regimental inspection, under the strictest of martinets; the Grey town and Hutt Cavalry were admirably mounted, while the other Rifle Companies belonging to the City, the Hutt, Taita and Porirua, were all excellent alike in equipment and training. But it is now past 11 o'clock, and soon the Duke will arrive at the landing place, so preparations are quickly made for his reception. The Cavalry, the members of the Fire Brigades and the Bands, are formed into procession in the street, while the various Rifle Companies are arranged in line along both sides of the Wharf, from the Reclaimed Land to its first T on the right. This leaves the centre of the wharf which is laid with a long strip of carpet, for the Royal procession. At the landing there is a solect group of persons collected. The crush and jostle is so great that it is difficult to see who altogether are there. We notice his Excellency Sir George Bowen, the Hon. Mr. Stafford, the Hon. Hall, the Hon. T. M. Haultain, His Honor Dr. Featherston, Mr. J. C. Crawford (R.M.), H. D. Pitt, (Capt. R.A., A.D.C. to his Excellency the Governor), Lieut.Colonel Reader, Commodore Lambert, Archdeacon Hadfield, and a host of other people. THE LANDING. We are all standing in suspense, when suddenly the boom of the Galatea's gun is heard, as the salute is given when the Duke leaves the Royal vessel. All is now expectation. The Maori band who face the edge of the wharf begin to move their arms and limbs ; the rest of us press forward to get good places. Then there is a lull for a little, and at this point Captain M'Barnet steps between the linos of troops, and says in a clear stentorian voice that three cheers .are to be given when his Royal Highness lands. Only a few moments elapse and then the galley rounds the outer T of the wharf. Nearer and nearer comes the boat bearing the sailor Prince. The excitement of the Maoris become uncontrollable. They gesticulate ; they dance ; they throw their arms and weapons wildly in the air, while they yell like fiends let loose from Pandemonium. But all tbis fierce yelling is of the most friendly character. They are bidding the Duke welsome. Haere mai ! Haere mai ! they yell with stentorian power, and the boat 3 crew seem profoundly puzzled to know what on earth they mean. Still there is no doubt about what those hearty British cheers mean, which pealed forth from thousands of throats — make the welkin ring with their melody. And now the Duke has landed, accompanied by tbo Hon. Elliot Yorke — a procession is formed, and all proceed down the wharf, at the end of which his Royal Highness is met by his Honor Dr. Featherston, who presents him with the address of welcome as already published : — His Royal Highness replied as follows :-— Me. Supeeintendent and Gentlemen. — I thank you sincerely for the address which you have just presented to me, and I avail my self of this occasion to request you to express to the inhabitants of the province. of Wellington my warm acknowledgements for the hearty welcome with which they have greeted me to-day. The impression made upon me this day by the kind and cordial reception which has been accorded to me on this my first visit to New Zealand, can never be obliterated from my mind, and deeply will the Queen, my mother, be gratified by the proof wfliich it affords, that the great interest which she takes in the welfare of this distant portion of her empire, and which she has been anxious to mark by my presence amongst you, is met on their part by feelings of affectionate devotion to Herself, Throne, and Family. It is my most earnest prayer gentlemen, that in the portions of this island now so unhappily disturbed by the savage hostility (characterised by the groatest cruelties) of certain hostile natives, the blessings of peace may speedily be restored, through the energy which already has been displayed by the colonists and the guidance of Almighty God. Your expressions of affectionate interest in all that concerns my future welfare and usefulness in the career that I have chosen, are such as to demand a no less cordial response on my part. I assure you they will never be forgotten. Alfeed. To the Superintendent on behalf of the inhabitants of the province of Wellington. His Honor then read an address from tho Maoris, to whioh his Royal Highness made a suitable reply. the appeabanoe oe the duke. As His Royal Highness read the reply, there was an excellent opportunity of observing his personal appearance. He is middle-sized and slightly built, and yet possesses a well proportioned figure. His

dress, a very dark blue frock coat and tweed trowsers, with the orthodox black hat now worn, was at once quiet and gentlemanly, though there was a certain florid taste shown in the large amount of jewellery worn in the shape of rings. His features are regular and well shaped, the nose acquiline, the brow, smooth and large, the mouth and chin cut cleanly as a sculptor's work. He read his reply to the address rapidly but in a clear voice. THE PEOCESSION. After the reply had been read, the Duke entered a handsome barouche and four, accompanied by His Excellence Sir George Bowen, the Hon. Elliot Yorke, and Commodore Lambert. . A second carriage contained the members of the Ministry, and a third the American, French, and Belgian Consuls. The procession was then formed according to the following programme : — Mounted Police, Central Fire Brigade, Wellington 3?ire Brigu&e*, "&ei;acameiib o£ Oavalry, _Ban<3, : 03d IF&llows snd. otkev Friendly Societies, Maori Chiefs, Detachment of Cavalry, His Honor the Superintendent and Members of the Provincial Executive, The Governor's Carriage, containing •£_. g g His Royal Highness the d£* oa . Duke of Edinburgh, o-p£? 13 goHisExcellency the Governor g o g J_j M His Royal Higbness's F % »d Equerries. g g W*\ . . ? w* His Excellency's Ministers, His Honor Mr. Justice Johnston, The Sheriff, Officers in command of H.M.S. in harbor, The Consular Body, Members of the Town Board, Members of the Royal Reception Committee, Hon. Members of the Legislative Council, Members of House of Representatives, The Clergy of various denominations, Members of Provincial Council, Officers of the Militia. Private Carriages. On the word of command being given, the procession started, passed the Bank of New Zealand, and proceeded along the Beach. It was an imposing spectacle. The whole Volunteer force looked remarkably well in their neat and picturesque uniform, and were apparently thoroughly efficient in drill and training. Captain Boys' troop of Greytown cavalry made quite a feature in the spectacle. The men were all picked plucky fellows, mounted on excellent nags, which they managed to perfection, and their arms and accoutrements were in perfect order. The Hutt cavalry also turned out admirably, while the city and country volunteers, the members of the Fire Brigades, the Bands and the Friendly Societies, all made up a procession more imposing than has ever yet been seen in any part of the Colony. THE SCENE AT GOVEENMENT HOUSE. .Rapidly the procession moved along past the houses crowded with gaily dressed gazers at the windows ; past the Odd Fellows' Hall ; past the Hotels with their prominent transparencies ; past Mr. Owen s establishment, whose large show windows instead of being filled with temptation to extravagance in the form of bareges, silks and muslins, were filled with infinitely more dangerous temptation by the presence of a bevy of pretty girls ; past Brandon's corner; up Molesworfch street, and Government House is reached at last. Here the Duke's carriage < was driven in, and all the other carriages formed in line up Molesworth street. The volunteers also lined the street. On entering the domain we found a pretty and interesting scene. Ladies gaily dressed, and gentlemen in orthodox black were marshalling in order 1500 little children, who on' the signal being given sung the National Anthem, with infinite spirit and effect. It was pleasant to hear their silvery voices pealing forth in that beautiful National Anthem, so expressive of devotion and loyalty, and the effect was very impressive. THE LEVEE. After the children had been dismissed to obtain a treat in tho shape of tarts and buns, a large number of people proceeded to the Government buildings to attend the Levee of his Royal Highness. The following gentlemen had the honor of being presented to him :— - Peivate Gentlemen. — Messrs C. Tringham, T. M'Kenzie, R. Russell, W. Gibson, H. E. Tuckey, Julius Yogel, W. Seed, A. de Bathe Brandon, Alex. Kerr, J. H. Wallace, N. Marchant, J. F. Hoggard, D. Lewis, W. M. Bannatyne, G. Crawford, W. Pagon, W. Gray, C. D. Barraud, E. Bellairs, W. Bromley, J. T. Stewart, W. Gisborne, A. J. H. Elliott, Nancarrow, G. Cowie, S. Furness, H. S. Wardell, J. E. Evans, G. M. Snelson, J. Telford, J. M. Stuart, J. R. George, J. Masters, J. Cruikshank, Powles, Borlase, C. T. Batkin, Ben. Smith, J. M. Taylor, Moffatt, J. Rigg, E. Pearce, J. E. Nathan, J. Burne, J. C. Gavin, D. Inwood, R. Haybittle, J. Petherick, J. Knowles, S. Smith, J. Jury, A. Domett, E. Wakefield, G. E. Elliott, 0. France, H. E. Liardet, J. Petherick, jun, R. Lambert, A. R. Baker, E. J. Toxward, W. H. Quick, G. S. Cooper, E. C. H. Snelgrove, H. Halse, E. H. Ingpen, W. H. Watt, E. Hooper, W. Heaps, W. Tustin, G. F. Harris, R. Macalister (jun.), W. Routledge, R. Macalister, J. E. Smith, J. Woodward, J. W. Jordan, J. Rhodes, Puckey, G. Didsbury, M. Read, Wakefield, A. Kerr, J, Hackworfch, A. P. •Stuart, J. Dunn, E. Lewis, W. F. Cheesman, C. Johnston, W. Hickson, H. Snow, G. Beetham, C. J. Harrison, W. Best, W. B. Rhodes, J. Halliday, S. Johnson, C. W. Schultze, W. Dorsett, G. Allen, 0. Wakefield, W. L. Hirst, E Montalk, G. H. Luxford, H. B. Ellerm, E. C. Stevens, G. M. Kebbell, G. Ridding, Captain L. Moss, C.V.F.8. ; R. J. Duncan, Hon. Sec. R.R.C. ; S. Waters, Assistant Hon. Sec. P.R.C. Cabinet Ministebs.— The Hon. E. W. Stafford, the Hon. John Hall, T. M. Haultain. Consuls.— M. D. M'lntyre (United States,) J. Johnston (Norway and Sweden), F. A. Krull, (Hanseatic). Ecclesiastics. — Archdeacon Hadfield, the Very Rev. F. Petit Jean, A. Stock, W. M. Fell, H. W. St. Hill, T. Scon, E. Pertuis, J. S. Muir, B. A. Selig, J. Paterson, C. W. Rigg, W. H. Ewald, F. B. Fancourt, W. Kirk. Officials. — The Registrar General (J. B. Bennett), the Shenfl (J. C. Crawford), the Chairman of the Town Board (Joe Dransfield), ColonialMarineEngineer (J. M. Balfour), Inspector of Police (F. Atchison). Militaey Officees. — Majors Paul, Campbell, and Captain Carey. Militia and volunteer Officers. — Captains Hunter, R, Hunter, R. Pharazyn, J. H. Bethune, J. Isherwood, H. F. Logan, Whitewood, R. Johnston, N. Grace, H. Taylor, Monaghan, W. Johnston, A. Brathwaite ; Lieutenants Igglesden, N. Valentine, Bunny, G. Aickin, Grace, Plimpton, Buchanan, Welch ; Ensigns Barron, A. Grace, Tagg, Levin, Monteith, Gray, Hedges, Gillon, Holmes, Widdop, Ladd, Sidey, Caffin. Doctobs. — A. Johnston, Grace, Kilgour, Boor. Repeesentatives of Feiendly Societies.—S. Levy, G.M.; D. T. Smith,

D.C.F., A.0.F. ; W. Johnston, P.C.R., 1.0. R .; E. Bannister, P.G., L.A.L. ; 0. Millward, L.W.L.; J. Hammond, P.P., A.0.5. ; J. H. Marriott, P.G.L. Maoeis. — Tareha, M.H.R., Ihaia Porutu, Mohi Puketapu, Wi Tamihana te Neke, Ihaia te Wakamairu, Raniera te Ibo, Hotene, Horomona, Torerni, Hemi Parai, Karaitiana, Wikiriwhi, Heheta, Ngatuere, Te Manihera, Wi Tako, Hohepa, Tamaihenga, Mohi Ngaponga, Henare Tomoana, Hemi Te Miha, Matai Pene Taui, Paiura. Iv addition to the above list of presentations at the lev*~-e, we aro aware that the names of a number of influential persons who had private entrCe were unavoidably omitted. \ ADDBESS FBOM THE PEOVINCE OF MAELBOEOUGH. An address was presented to H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh by W. H. Eyes, Esq., Superintendent of Marlborough, at the Levee, yesterday. I Th© So&owing is his "Royal Highnesses I reply : — Grenblemen, — I ihani: you sin,b&t&j for the address you have presented to me, and for your expressions of loyalty and devotion to tho Throne and person of her Majesty ; for myself lam grateful to you for this welcome to your adopted home, and in return wish you every prosperity. (Signed) Alfeed. To the inhabitants of Marlborough. BIDE TO THE HUTT. The Duke of Edinburgh, in company with his Excellency tho Governor, rode out as far as Makara in the afternoon. On Wednesday, wo hear, the Prince will drive as far as the Hutt. It would appear that some unfriendly painters have been depicting New Zealand to tho Prince, who, however, expresses himself agreeably disappointed with the picturesque beauty of our scenery. THE CLOSE OF THE DAY. j At the close of the levee the troops were dismissed and the populace dispersed to their homes. The city all day was lively in the extreme, almost every house or shop being decorated with flags. The display of bunting made by Mr. E. W. Mills across Lambton Quay was specially noticeable for its beautiful and picturesque effect. At night the streets were crowded with people who had come out to witness the illuminations. The six bonfires on the hills surrounding the town lighted up the surrounding scenery and gave a thousand picturesque lights and shades such as a painter would have loved to see. Thus ended the first day of our welcome to his Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh. Everything passed off most successfully, everybody tried their utmost to achieve that result, and but one spirit animated every section of the community. The Reception Committee and their indefatigable Secretary deserve the highest credit for the manner in which they have carried out the first part of their programme, and we have no doubt that the remainder of it will more than fulfil expectations. THE CITY. The bands played several inspiriting , airs during the march along the Beach, and also outside Government House. There were three bands, viz., tbe Veterans, the Artillery, and the Hutt, all the members of which evinced great proficiency. At night there was a splendid display of fireworks, rockets, Roman candles, blue lights, and squibs. TEANSPAEENCIES. Prominent amongst the many decorations of the day were the transparencies. They were of all sizes, from the size of a shop front to that of a dormer window, and of all imaginable devices, abounding in mottos and monograms. The figure of the Prince seemed to be the piece de resistance in most of the designs ; but mythological figures incongruously associated with modern emblems and ideas, formed no inconsiderable portion. There also seemed to be a run on ships, every one of which was enjoying that luxury of the sailor — a fair wind and full sails. In one piece Mercury might be seen with his inseparable Caducous gracefully sliding on a sphere ; while the figure of Britannia might be seen propping up the ruins of | Baalbec, and having a tete-a-tete with some Homeric god, who was backed by an umbrageous forest aisle. In another place, you might see an attractive depiction of a pile of fruit, topped by a monster and prickly-looking pino apple. Coming along the beach you might see a life-like figure close under the stern of the Bellerophon, having apparently just accomplished the dextrous feat of mixing a cocktail. By going a pace or two forward to look for the bow of the Bellerophon, you find yourself suddenly in front of Dumbarton Castle. But no sooner has this roused your somewhat hazy recollections of Jane Porter's Scottish Chiefs than you find yourI self in front of a prominent figure of the Pantheon and Juno, and her saored peai cocks look down on you with an Olympic indifference. Greek mythology is evidently a favorite with the artists of Wellington ; but to prevent its being too abstruse entirely, a dash of modern is always thrown in ; and Neptune might be seen acting as a royal coachman to Britannia, and Triton with a conch-shell doing a sort of marine out-rider, while in the back ground was to be seen a Yankee clipper, or something of that sort. Horaldry, too, came out strong, and many a pretty picture of the old legend might be seen — the lion and the unicorn fighting for the crown ; and in one royal arms we were particularly struck with the mathematical accuracy of the artist, who had drawn the feline moustaohios of his leonine majesty as nicely as a bunch of knitting needles in a pincushion. But, joking apart, they all looked very well when lighted up, much better than in the garish day. It would be too tedious a job to attempt a description of them all in detail.