The Nelson Evening Mail. SATURDAY, MARCH 16, 1867.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume II, Issue 63, 16 March 1867, Page 2

The Nelson Evening Mail. SATURDAY, MARCH 16, 1867.

RECEPTION OF THE GOVERNOR. Last evening, a meeting, called by the Provincial Secretary, took place iv the Provincial Hall, to consider what steps should be taken 10 welcome his Excellency the Governor on his arrival in Nelson. On the motion of Mr. Poynter, Sir David Monro was called to the chair. The Chairman, in openiug the meeting, read the advertisement which called it together, aud stated the object proposed to be attained. It was supposed his Ex- j cellency would arrive here on the 26th, j which was inferred from a telegraphic communication received by the Executive, but no answer had been received to a subsequent telegram wishing the precise day to be fixed. His Excellency was probably at this moment visiiiug the country districts of Otago and the South, places which he had not seen for several years. It was weil known that wherever he had gone in the provinces of Canterbury, Otago, and Southland, he bad been received by the population with the greatest enthusiasm, and with demonstrations of respect that must have been eminently gratifying to himself, and his visit was calculated to make a pleasing impression on the minds of the people who had welcomed him. There could be no doubt that Nelson, one of the oldest provinces in the colony, in which the Governor had ever shown the warmest interest, would give him a similar recep-. tion on his arrival, and not be behind the sister provinces in all proper demonstrations of respect and loyalty to the representative of the Queen (applause). They would, he was sure, give the Governor a cordial welcome such as a British people attached to the Crown always give to (he representative of the Crown. Sir George Grey had, he thought, further claims to the respect of the people of the colony and to their demonstrations of good feeling, which he merited not only as the reprer seutative of the Queen, but as a New Zealaud settler. His Excellency had a great stake in the colony, and took the liveliest interest in everything that concerned its welfare ; and he should not be surprised if, at some future day, when the time of his official duties should expire, and he ceased to be representative of the British Government, he settled in New Zealand, and gave the whole of his attention to such matters as tended to promote the progress of the colony. In the twofold character of the representative of the Crown aud a New Zealaud settler intendicg to promote the welfare of the colony Sir George Grey deserved a hearty welcome from the people of Nelson. It was true he had not visited the province for a long time, but he was not forgotten on that account, and would, he was certain, on his arrival here, receive that attention and respect to which he was fully entitled (applause). The Chairman having requested the gentlemen present to proceed with the business of the eveniug, Captain Rough proposed, That all public bodies volunteers and cadets be requested to meet his Excellency on landing, and to accompany him iv procession to the Provincial Hall, and that his Honor the Superintendent and Executive be requested to receive his Excellency at the Government Buildings, and present an address on behalf of the settlers of the province. The Provincial Secretary seconded the motion which was put and carried. Mr. Kingdon moved the following resolution : — That a Committee be appointed to consult with the Executive, and the heads of all the public bodies, etc., for the purpose of giving effect to the resolution just agreed to, that such Committee consists of Sir David Mouro, Mr. A. J. Richmond, Captain Rough, Mr. Oswald Curtis, Mr. Robert Burn, Mr. Wells, Dr. Cusack, Mr. James Graham, Mr. HuddJer Eton, Mr. Kingdon, Mr. Everett, Dr. Renwick, Mr. M'tavish, Mr. I. M. Hill, .Mr/ Akersten, Dr. "Williams, Mr, Brunner, Mr. Gibbons, Mr. Knight, Mr. Crisp, with power to add to their number. .

Mr. Flood seconded the resolution which was, after a brief discussion, carried nem dis. Mr. Crisp explained that he was the representative of a by no means unimportant public body, lie meant the Band of Hope. It was the intention of this juvenile body to join in ary demonstration of respect that might be shown the Governor on his arrival here. It was intended to give the little people a tea at the expense of the gentlemen present (laughter). It was also intended to have a representation of "John Barleycorn," to which the gentlemen present were invited, and of course they would pay their owu expenses (great laughter). Mr. R. Burn proposed aud Mr. Graham secouded, that the Governor be invited to a public dinner ; and that stewards be appointed to superintend the arrangements. The motion was carried unanimously. A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the proceedings. The Committee met after the meeting.