CAPE OF GOOD HOPE.

New Zealander, Volume XV, Issue 1421, 30 November 1859, Page 3

CAPE OF GOOD HOPE.

DEPARTURE OE GOVERNOR SIR G. GREY,

[From the “ Cape Argus,” August 23.] The popular excitement of Saturday is indescribable. It can be compared to nothing that has gone before it) it was unprecedented in Cape history, and it will be many, many years before it is forgotten. Bands of music, flags, royal salutes, and triumphal arches are generally emblems of joy; and it did, at first sight, appear strange that Cape Town should put on such, a gay, holiday-like appearance at the departure of a Governor, who is held to be so wise, so good, and so able. Butj then, what was to be done? The popular heart, so to speak, was full, and feeling such as had taken possession of it could not be pent up: they must find expression in some way. It was suggested that Cape Town should go into mourning,—crape and all that sort of thing; but that would rather have added to the affliction than alleviated it. However strange tha proceedings may appear to those who did not take part in them, and much as they may savor of rejoicing, we can assure our readers that Cape Town was really, not to speak figuratively, in tears. Some, more critically inclined than ourselves, will sneer at this, and regard it as a very foolish kind of weakness; but we regard it as evidence of an amiable disposition. It evinces a warmth of feeling which is not generally believed to be one of the virtues which distinguish Cape Town from the rest of the world. Whatever else may be said, there is no denying that the recall of Sir George Grey is deeply regretted by the whole colony. It is regarded as a calamity; and Cape Town felt on Saturday as people feel who take leave of an esteemed pergonal friend, or a very near relative. Sir George had identified himself with the colony—he was the patron of all that appeared to be for the good of the colony. No great public works are now going on but were aided by him; and the great mass of colonists felt that they had been won over to his confidence and regard. It was not, under all the circumstances of the case, to be wondered at, if in the fullness of their hearts, the people of the metropolis of the colony did exhibit a greater warmth of disposition than is their wont. There is only one thing to be wished in all this, and that is, that every one of the persons who were so warm and so enthusiastic, had been appealed to by the testimonial committee whilst they shared in the proceedings. We feel convinced that there was not one present who would have refused to have given proof of his earnestness. Had each one subscribed according to his means, we might have had a scholarship, a statue, a portrait, almshouses, and every other thing that has been proposed; and we confess that wo do feel somewhat humiliated at the idea that, whilst we were so loud in our leave-taking, our subscriptions are so small.

The proceedings commenced at three o’clock, at which hour an undress levee was held at Governmenthouse. His Excellency and Lady Grey shook hands with all who attended. The streets were then crowded all the afternoon, as it was known that his Excellency and Lady Grey were to embark at four o’clock and every one wished to get a good position. The 59th Regiment lined each side of Adderley-street, and the Cape Volunteers (Rifles, Cavalry, and Artillery) the central jetty. At the entrance to the jetty, a very splendid triumphal arch was erected by Messrs. Upjohn, Templeman, Kirton, htratford, Butler, and others. On one side was the inscription, “ Here we part and hope to meet again,” and the other, “ With regret farewell;” the whole being surmounted with a crown. The Odd Fellows’ flag was surrounded with the signals “ Without fail,” and the English ensign, “ England with success.”

At half-past three, the members of the Commercial Exchange, headed by the chairman, the Hon. John Stein, Esq., walked in procession to the end of the pier- At the first moment of his Excellency’s recall, the members of the Commercial Exchange assembled to express their regret, and, with the exception of one circumstance, the mercantile community have been cn the happiest terms with him ever since he has been the Governor of the colony. His efforts on behalf of the Table Bay breakwater, his immigration measures, and the inauguration of the first railway, viewed from a mercantile point of view, could not be other than satisfactory. There was scarcely a merchant in the eity who was not present. After the mercantile body had been assembled and walked once through the line prepared for his Excellency and suite, the clergymen [came: there were the clergy of the English, Dutch Reformed, and Scotch churches, and many ministers of other denominations. Then came the commissioners and wardmasters, headed by Jhe Chairman of Commissioners, the Hon. H. C. Jarvis, Esq, Whatever else may be said of this distinguished body, that they have evinced a great amount of indignation at Sir George Grey’s recall is plain, and it was but fitting that they should take a share in the proceedings. After the municipality came the Kafir schools. At four o'clock, Adderley-street was densely thronged with people, from the cab-stand to the jetty steps. Every available height from which a view could be had was taken possession of. The roofs of houses, the upper windows of every shop, dwelling house, and store, were crowded. His Excellency’s carriage, in which were himself and Lady Grey, arrived at the cab-stand at about a quarter past four. It was attended by an escoit of the Cape Mounted Rifles. The horses were at once taken out, and the bystanders wheeled the carriage to the triumphal arch. The cheering was tremendous. Sir George and Lady Grey here left the carriage, and, preceded by the band of the Cape Royal Rifles and attended by his suite, they walked amidst the pLudits of the assembled multitude to the head of the jetty, where Sir George shook hands with the merchants most cordially, as well as with the clergy and municipal authorities. His heart was too full, he said, to permit his saying anything. He looked exceedingly careworn and distressed. He* then, with Lady Grey, took his seat in the port-boat, and was followed by the Colonial Secretary, the Collector of Customs, the Auditor-General, and Captain Hill, in another boat belonging to the department. The Odd Fellows, the Masonic bodies, the Rifles, Cavalry, and Artillery, also embarked in cutters and boats, and accompanied the port boat to the steamer. As the little fleet left the pier, salutes were fired from the castle, the post office, and from the ships in the bay. The scene was very imposing. There was not a ripple upon the water; the bay was as smooth as a lake, and the fleet of boats, with sails set and flags firing, were all urged to their utmost speed. Wreaths of smoke curled from the ships’ sides throughout the bay, as gun after gun was fired; and when his Excellency arrived alongside the “ Celt,” a salute was fired from her also. The Odd Fellows, who were the first of the public bodies alongside, sent a deputation of Messrs. Yallop, Stigant, and Stratford on board to wish his Excellency and Lady Grey farewell, and to express a hope that they may soon return. His Excellency thanked the Odd Fellows for their kind wishes. At about fire o’clock the Volunteers boarded the steamer, and his Excellency and Lady Grey shook each of them by the hand, aud assured Colonel Eustace that he would never forget the kindness which had this day been shown to himself and Lady Grey. He desired the colonel to assure the volunteers of his gratitude, and expressed a hope that they would excuse his attempting to speak to them; he said ho dared not trust himself to make the attempt. After staying on board a short time, the volunteers rejoined their boats. Their band played, in honour of Lady Grey, who was on the poop of the ship, and who acknowledged the compliment, “ Here’s a health to all good lasses.” Then there were three cheers for Lady Grey aud three times three for the Governor. The boats then sailed for the shore. Notwithstanding that there could not have been less than 20,000 people congregated, and nearly a thousand afloat, there was neither confusion, disorder, nor accident. The arrangements were admirable, and reflect great credit upon those who superintended them. The band of the Cape Royal Rifles is much improved. Its performances on this occasion were excellent.