Sydney. DEPARTURE OF HIS EXCELLENCY SIR GEORGE GIPPS. [From the Sydney Chronicle.]

New Zealander, Volume 2, Issue 61, 1 August 1846, Page 4

Sydney. DEPARTURE OF HIS EXCELLENCY SIR GEORGE GIPPS. [From the Sydney Chronicle.]

Saturday being the day fixed upon for the departure from tbit Colony of his Excellency Sir George Gipps, all the Government offices were closed,and most of the Banks, together with many of the shops after Eleven o'clock in the day. Shortly before twelve o'clock, a guard of honor consisting of fifty rank and file of the 11th regiment with the band and Queen's colours, proceeded to Government Hoase, where they remained until bis Excellency Jeft Government House for the Circnlar Wharf. A guard of honour, with the band and Queen's colour of the 99th regiment,under the command of Captain Day, was stationed on the wharf, where it remained until his Excellency had embarked. One hundtedrankandfileof the lith regt.,'under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Blob ran" eld : one hundred rank and file of the 58th regt., under the co nmand of Lieutenant Colonel Wyn yard and one hnndred rank and Ale of the 99th regt., commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Jackson, formed a lane from Government House to the stairs at the wharf, and the whole of the troops were under the command of Colonel Despard. Precisely at twelve o'clock, an address from the inhabitants of Sydney was presented to the Governor by a deputation appointed for that purpose. An Address was also presented from the inhabitants of Camden, and one frpm the Members of the Newcastle Mechanics'lnstitute, forwhich we have not space in our present issue. After the presentation of these addresses his Excellency held a levee, which was attended by the members of the Executive Council. several members of the Legislative Council, the Mayor, and most of the City Council, the Judges, the law-officers, the clergy of all denominations, and about 500 of the most respectable citizens and colonists. About two o'clock his Excellency left Government House, accompanied by the chief Justice, ttie Colonial Secretary, and most of the gentlemen whj had attended the levee. Immediately on leaving the house, his Excellency was cheered by the vast crowd assembled outside, and the cheering was continued with little intermission during the whole of his progress to the wharfs The bands of the different regiments at interval' playing " God Save the Queen.*' An immense crowd was assembled on the Cir-' cular Qnay, and on his Excellency's arrival at that place the cheering wa« most enthusiastic. Tbt Governor's barge was in waiting at the stair, and as soon as his Excellency had entered it a salute of nineteen guns was fired at Fort Macq'uarie. A similar salute was fired by H. M. S. Cmstor, as his Excellency rounded the point at> Fort Macquarie, just below which that vessel was anchored. '" The Palestine\ay at anchor just below the Castor in Farm Cove, and as his Excellency approached her the scene became very animating, the harbour being studded with boats of every description, and three or four steamers plying about. Every point commanding a view of the Palestine was occupied by well dressed citizens, anxious to take a last farewell look of a Governor who, despite all the efforts of the oligarchic faction and their truculent dress, has by his urbanity, demeanor, and justice, endeared himself to the hearts of the vast majority of the colonists of New South Wales. Shortly after his Excellency got on board, the Palestine made sail and got under way, Lady Gipps having embarked about twelve o'clock. There was a fine south-westerly breeze, and the vessel went down the harbour in good style, accompanied by the steamers and various boats. By sunset, the Palestine was hull down from the South Head, and the Government of Sir George Gipps in New South Wales was concluded. Of our late Governor we can only say — " 'Tis ten to one if e'er we look upon his like again." He was a man of inflexible integrity; his political views were of the most enlightened description, and what is more than all, he was the staunch friend of the industrious poor, and the stern and successful opponent of the grasping and cormorant like squattoracy, who but for his own sense of right and his inflexible disposition would long since have ridden rough-shod over the Colony and laid its interests and prosperity prostrate at their feet. May God grant him a safe and prosperous voyage to the land of his birth, and renovated health to enjoy the length of days, which we hope and trust are yet in store for him.