DISTINGUISHED VISITORS.

Hot Lakes Chronicle, Volume 4, Issue 183, 3 June 1896, Page 2

DISTINGUISHED VISITORS.

When his Excellency tho Governor was here a few weeks ago ho then stated his intention of returning with Lady Glasgow and family before they took their flight Southwards for tho opening of Parliament. Tho promises of vice-royalty are sacred and though it is fulfilled at + he fag-end of the season it is satisfactory wore it only to prove that though neglected by his " trusty ministers" Rotorua has still sufficient attractions in tho eyes of the Governor and his family. On Saturday night tho party arrived by special train comprising besides tho Governor, the Countess of Glasgow, Lady Helen Boyle, (His Excellency's sister), tho L;idies Augusta and Alice, and the Hon. Allen Boyle, the latter a youngster who has yet all his troubles in front of him.. His Excellency Admiral Bridgo also accompanied the party and Capt. Feilden, A.D.0., was in attendance. Tho suites of rooms in the Grand Hotel overlooking Hinemc.il Street had been reserved for the visitors and it is satisfactory to know that they were pleased with the arrangements. On Sunday Wliakarewarewa was visited by the whole party. The Wairoa geyser was equal to the occasion and 'with but little " encouragement" played grand!}'. Admiral Bridge was especially delighted N\ilh this part of the programme for though lie had visited the district in former years and seen tho Tink and White Terraces in all then - loveliness he bad not been fortunate enough to witness a geyser in such a state of activity. Luncheon was provided at tho Geyser Hotel by Mrs Nelson and afterwards tho visitors proceeded to Tikitero and viewed its weird and enthralling terrors. In the evening the Earl and Countess and family attended divine service in the Anglican Church when tho Bishop of Waiapu preached,

the service being conducted Ly the Revs. S. Trig]..' and Goodyear. On Monday morning His Excellency, accompanied by Capt. Feilden. A.D.C., loft for Wairakei where they will view the points of interest, as also those at Joshua's Spa. This v. ill occupy a day or two, hut it is expected that Napier will be reached on Friday night and Wellington on Saturday.

-Alter His Excellency's do; irtero on Holiday the ladies of the pari v accompanied by Admiral Bridge spent a very pleasant day on the lake; visiting Hamurana and Mokoia Island on Messrs Macdonald and Boord's steam launch.

On Tuesday a pie-meditated trip to Wairoa was abandoned, as the day was cold, and in lieu thereof Whakarewarewa was again visited in the forenoon. In the afternoon under the cioeroueship of Mill. Maedonald (who acted in this capacity throughout the whole of the visit), a ramble iimongst the interesting sights around the native pa at Oliinemutu was indulged in. Here, in front of Tame te Kapua, the Countess had her photo taken by Lady Alice Boyle. A handsome native mat with feather border was brought out by one of the wahines and arranged to the best advantage. The natives grouped themselves around the sitter and the picture was most effective. Afier leaving the pa the party called ac tho Lake House Hotel where afternoon tea was prepared by Mrs Urquhart. A sketch of Mokoia Island, as viewed from thebalcony, was made bv one of the ladies. Lady Glasgow and party, accompanied by Capt. Preston who arrived last night, left for Auckland this morning highly delighted with their visit. Admiral Bridge- remaius here till Friday. During the stay of the vice-regal party the whole of the coaching arrangements were in the hands-of Messrs E. Robertson and Co.