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Lyttelton Times, Volume XII, Issue 749, 11 January 1860, Page 5

VISIT OF HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR TO MARLBOROUGH. [Abridged from the ' Nelson Examiner/ Dec. 31.] Oa Thursday, the Bth Dec, his Excellency and suite, attended by Messrs. Wemyss and Adams, started for the new province of Marlborough. On their arrival at Fox Hill, they sat down to an excellent luncheon provided by Mrs. Gaukrpdger, after which they proceeded in a heavy rain to Hooker's accommodation house.

The next morning the weather fortunately having cleared up, they were at an early hour on the road again; and arrived that evening at the house of Messrs. Buckman and Jeffery, having called at the Top-house on the way. It is but fair to state that his Excellency expressed himself much pleased with the accommodation that he received on the road.

On Saturday, at about, twelve o'clock, the party halted at Mr. Paisleys station, where a number of gentlemen were assembled to receive his Excellency. After partaking of luncheon, a start was made for Langley Dale, the residence of Mr, Adams, where they arrived about six o'clock. On Sunday, several gentlemen waited upon his Excellency at Mr. Adams's house; and on Monday about twenty of the most influential of the settlers escorted him to Beaverton, where he was warmly received by the inhabitants of the town. His Excellency expressed himself very much ploased. , An address from the inhabitants of. the Province

was then presented to him, to which his Excellency replied in appropriate terms. After the deputation hud left, his Excollonoy rocoivod a number of Maorios, the Rev. 11. F. Butt acting m interpreter. On Tueaday, as had been previously arranged, his Excellency, accompanied by about 25 horsotnen, rode through to Picton, the capital of the Province, whore H.M.S. Niger was lying ready to take him on board. On reaching the town, perhaps as pretty a sight presented itself as can well be imagined. There, completely land locked by wooded hills, lay thoship; and the presence of a man-of-war of nbout 1,100 tons, lying within half-a-inilo of the beach, was a great fact, and one of which the inhabitants might be justly proud. After luncheon at Mr. Downes' house, his Excellency proceeded to the site of the new institution, the first public building in the town, which now presented a very animated appearance, Captain Oracroft having kindly lent a number of flags, which were hoisted in every possible place, while the ship's band added greatly to the enjoyment of the scene. An address was thenpresented to the Governor, by Mr. Downes, the president of the institution, to which his Excellency courteously replied. His .Excellency then proceeded to lay the foun-dation-stone of the new building, which had been quarried in the neighbourhood, and very carefully executed by Mr. Bevan, of Picton; the date in raised figures being cut on one face of the stone. A bottle, containing a few current coins, a newspaper, and a copy of the address, was deposited in a cavity prepared for its reception* The Rev. H. F. Butt then offered an appropriate prayer; and the ceremony was concluded by the band playing "God save the Queen."

In the evening a public dinner was given to his Excellency, Captain Kenny in the chair, at which Colonel Mould, Captain Cracroft, and several of the officers of the Niger, were present, the whole party numbering about forty. Several toasts were drunk, and the proceedings were carried on with much spirit until ten o'clock, when his Excellency went on board.

On Wednesday morning, his Excellency, accompanied by Captain Steward, Colonel Mould, and the Rev. H. F. Butt, walked to the Maori pah at Waikawa, and on their return immediately joined the Niger. A large party was assembled on the beach, and on the boat pulling off, three hearty English cheers were given, which we are sure were not a mere matter of form, but that the settlers were actuated by a true spirit of loyalty and respect, not only to his Excellency as the representative of our Sovereign, but to Colonel Browne in his private capacity, as a most amiable, pleasant, urbane, true English gentleman. Shortly after his Excellency's arrival on board, the Niger got under weigh; and certainly it was a, beautiful sight to watch her slowly steaming down one of the most magnificent harbours in the wortd. A stiffbreeze was blowing at the time, but so sheltered is the harbour that there was only a slight ripple on the water; and as the ship majestically glided past Mabel Island, and gradually disappeared round.the point of one of the hills that overlook the Sound, carrying with her the hearty good wishes of the lookers-on for all on board, we could not help thinking of the time whan this must become the resort of many large ships from all parts of the world, and that Picton really was, as a gentleman there present expressed, a real God-made town.