HIS EXCELLENCY AND LADY BOWEN'S PUBLIC VISIT TO OTAHUHU.

New Zealand Herald, Volume V, Issue 1417, 2 June 1868, Page 7

HIS EXCELLENCY AND LADY BOWEN'S PUBLIC VISIT TO OTAHUHU.

On the 13tlx ult., His Excellency, Sir George and Lady Bowen paid their first public visit to OttLhuhu. The day was beautifully fine, and the occasion was in every respect a splendid success. Nor was it merely the celebration of mere festivity that made the visit of His Excellency a remarkable event for this, one of the oldest and most enterprising of our agricultural centres in the Province. Most people have heard of the late Colonel Nixon—foremost in all the arts of war or peace —an agriculturist, a politician, a philanthro- ( pist and a soldier sans peur et sans reproche, which qualities couldnotbe betterillustratedthan in the manner of his death. The story has been frequently written, and there is scarcely a settler between this and Eangiawhia who is not familiar with it. ' For some two years past a monument hasbeen erected to his memory on the junction of the Great South and Mangerei roads, but there was no inaugural ceremony, partly owing to political changes, the uncertainty of peace, and from another reason which need not be mentioned, but wliicli has now ceased to ' exist. His Excellency Sir George Grey was also not to be had, owing to the exigencies of the colony, and it has been reserved for the present Governor, happily accompanied by Lady Bowen, to give eclat to a ceremonial which is never perfect without the presence of those for whose protection mainly the soldier sacrifices his life. The day favored the holding of such a ceremony. The air was bracing ; the sun was refulgent; it was Queen's weather, and Lady Bowen, whose graceful person is most conspicuous on all these occasions since her first coming to this province, gave to the ceremonial that which it would otherwise want —the presence of a lady of exalted position to place at the foot of a true soldier the wreath of immortelles.

The programme for the day afforded, sufficient to attract persons of all taste. In the morning there was to be an inspection of Volunteer Cavalry. Members of the Auckland, Otahuhu, and Howick troops were mounted early and on the road to the places of rendezvouz. In the afternoon there whs announced a dinner to be •riven by the Otahuhu and Ho wick troops to that of the Auckland, in return for the kindness with which the Auckland troop behaved on a similar occasion when the former companies rode into Auckland on a similar occasion. This we need hardly say was as it should be, for next to the chivalry, which is the largest portion of the military character, is that esprit decorps which makes them emulous of the observances of courtesy. The lunch was given at the Criterion Hotel, and it would be an injustice to tho enterprising host of this commodious hotel, were we not to say that it was as worthy of the occasion asitwasthereputationoftheold "Criterion. It was not merely that the tables were loaded with substantial joints, and every conceivable delicacy, which is half the battle after a two hours'inspection—but the garnishing and service displayed an elegant taste, which is provocative of heroism even in this kind of engagement. The next items in the programme were the ride of the Cavalry escort to meet his Excellency on his road, the reception, the inauguration of the Nixon monument with Masonic procession!! a levee in the Public Hall, the departure of his Excellency, and a concert and Settlers' Ball. At a little before eleven o'clock the Auckland troop of Volunteers assembled at the Harp of Erin, en route, the Howick troop at Brady's Hotel, and the Otahuhu troop at the Criterion. At a little after eleven o'clock Colonel Kenny rode up, attended by an orderly. The three troops were assembled in the triangle paddock belonging to Mr. Buckland, at the back of the Sale Yards.

The inspection itself was what usually takes place on such occasions, but it seems to us that the time occupied was unusually long. The troops galloped past in single line, in troops, then defiled, and were afterwards put through the broadsword exercise. This much is certain, that the length of time greatly interfered with the programme for the day, and the order of the procession and ceremonial that was to take place. It was nearly three o'clock before the Cavalry were disengaged, so as to go and meet his Excellency and Lady Bowen. They started, however, in magnificent order, and met their Excellencies near Penrose.

Meanwhile the various Masonic bodies were coming up in carriages and the appearance of Otahuhu was as gay as it is possible to conceive. The decorations were varied and ingenious. The colonnade in front of the Criterion Hotel and the balcony above it were adorned with branches of the nikau tree, the tree fern, and other evergreens. Flags waved from the projections of the building, and lines of flags were spread across the road at various points. The establishment of Mr. John Hall, post office, displayed a profusion of bunting of all nations. Arches of the same kind were extemporised at various points between Otahuhu and the Mangarei road. The Travellers' Rest, Everett's, the Glasgow store, Sutherland's, were all decorated with bunting, perennial shrubs and flowers. The Otahuhu Public Hall was surmounted with the national ensigns. Perhaps the most conspicuous decoration was that of Fort Richard (the estate of Robert Robertson, Esq.,) from whose ornamental flag-stafF nearly the whole code of signals was flying. This charming spot is a miniature Primrose Hill. At this time (three o'clock) the town looked exceedingly gay. The leading settlers from Papatoitoi, Panmure, Onehunga, with their families were pouring in from all directions, even as far as Drury, the Mauku, and Waiuku. Every kind'of trap brought in its burthen of ladies and children. These were ranged on either side of the road between the turnpike and the Public Hall.

A few minutes after three o'clock the cry was raised, " Here they come, " and a cloud of dust announced the approach of their Excellencies above the rising ground on the Otahuhu side of Penrose. Viewed with a glass, the coup d'oeil was attractive. An advanced guard of Cavalry led the way, followed by the carriages of their Excellencies, His Honor, the Superintendent and Mrs. Williamson, Mr. Justice Moore and Mrs. Moore. To hia Excellency's carriage were yoked four splendid grey horses. Mr. Prank Quick being, as usual, Armigero and the beau ideal of a modern " whip." The carriage was worthy of the beautiful team which drew it, and too much cannot be said of the public spirit of this enterprising firm, but for whose energies these occasions would want ccrtainly one of the features which have made them so eflective. His Excellency's carriage was followed by those of his Honor the Superintendent, and. the Provincial Secretary, Mr. Justice Moore, and a number of others which had fallen in on the way from Auckland. The balcony of the Criterion Hotel, the roofs of several of the houses, and the windows of all were filled with people eager to give their Excellencies a cordial welcome upon their first visit to the locality. There was of course the usual demonstration. Three cheers for Sir George Bowen, three cheers for Lady Bowen, which being concluded were vociferously rede* manded by- the one extraordinary individual Trhobas "kept ) much in the sun," Passing

" the Criterion" there was a cloud of dust, and so 'the way up to what is called "Star Acre," where the address of tho settlers was to be presented to Sir George Bowen. This piece of unoccupied ground was most convenient for the occasion, for it afforded sufficient space for the escort to deploy without crush or hindrance. The mounted Yolunteers were ordered off " .right and left," and in this manner a circle was formed, within which were enclosed the carriages of tho principal visitors and residents. A large concourse of people occupied the vacant corners, and those who could not find room, mounted their neighbours' fences, or out-build-ings, or other places from which a view of the proceedings could be obtained. . The folio tving gentlemen had been appointed to attend His Excellency during his visit:— Major Walmsley, Jno. Wallace, Esq., James Wallace, Esq., Jno. Kerr, Esq., M.G.A. (Panmure), James Robertson, Esq. (Mangerei), Ucbert Kobertson, Esq. (Fort liichard), J. Styak, Esq. (Papatoitoi), Albyn Martin, Esq. (Papatoitoi), W. I*. Logan, Esq., W. Goodfellow, Esq. A very elegant room had been fitted up at the Criterion Hotel for the accommodation of Lady Bowen, but circumstanccs did not admit of her occupying it. That her Ladyship should not want any attention due to her high position, a number of ladies, the wives of the most influential settlers, were appointed to receive her, namely : Mrs. John Wallace, Mrs. Albyn Martyn, Mrs. John Styak, Mrs. E. Waters, Mrs. John Buckland, Mrs. Dr. Elmsley, Mrs. John Gordon, Mrs. Captain Massey, Mrs. P. D. Yonge, Mrs. E. Bobertson, Mrs. P. Gould, Mr;. Walmsley, and Mrs. Bassett.

Across the middle of the ground where his Excellency was to ho received, was the word Welcome inscribed in good letters, but wo cannot say that Otahuhu is as skilful in decorating as Onehunga, or even places more distant from Auckland. But there was on the other hand the great advantage of space, and what was wanting in bunting was abundantly compensated by colors of the ladies' dresses and bonnets, which had, at all events, the advantage of sunshine and the chance of being seen.

His Excellency alighted from his carriage, Captain Hamilton, who had been appointed to present the address from the settlers, approached and read as follows:—

ADD HESS or SETTLEHS TO THE OOTEHNOR. To His Excellency Sir George Ferguson Bon-en, Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George, Governor and Commander-in-Chief in and over Her Majesty's Colony of Now Zealand and it Pepondencies, and Vico-Admirol of the same. Mav it pleaso your Excellency,— Wo the inhabitants of Otahuhu and the surrounding districts welcome you as Governor of Now Zoalund. In cordially -welcoming you on this your first public visit to us, we earnestly wish you every health to onable you to successfully perform'your arduous duties.

Wo offer our welcome to Lady Bowen, and congratulate ourselves that we have tho honor nnd pleasure of her presence on this occasion. Wishing yourself, Lady Bowen, and family, health and happiness, and that we may bo favored by your long and frequent residonco amongst us, We sincerely hope that under your Excellency's rule the agricultural interests of our district will be prosperous. Signed for and on behalf of tbe inhabitants of Otahuhu. and surrounding districts, By H. S. Andrews, ") "W. T. Bassett, | § S JAMES RraciJuir, [ '"gS CHAS. SIIEFHEBD, f" S § John Gobdon, J p- § Albi'n Martin, J O Sib George Bowen read tlie following reply : Q-cntlcaien, —I thank you sincerely for this address, and for the hearty welcome which you have accorded to Lady Bowen and myself on our first ceremonial visit to your prosperous settlements, which have now covered with happy homosteadß and cultivated fields, a district that, in the memory of many of you, was a wi derness still untrodden by the foot of civilized man.

I congratulate you on the advantages which you already enjoy in the fertility of your soil, in the 'beauty of your Bcenery, apd in the healthiness and amenity of your climate. I trust that the agricultural progreßd already achieved heio will prove to be only the germ and infant promise of what tho future, under the blessing of Providence, and with the aid of your energy and perseverance, has in store for your district. Or. F. Bowkn.

Otnhuhu, May 13, 1868. Having concluded his reply, his Excellency recognised Mr. John Kerr, M.G.A., Mr. Styak, Mr. Andrews, Mr. Martin, Mr. Gordon, Major Walmesley, and cordially shook hands with each. Three enthusiastic cheers were given for her Majesty the Queen, " three for his Excellency, and three for Lady Bowen, which her Ladyship gracefully acknowledged. The cavalry wheeled about, and next led the way to the Nixon monument, where the ceremony especially appointed for the day was to take place. We should here mention that the lessees of the toll-bar had determined, in honor of the occasion, to allow tho Cavalry and all the carriages forming part of the viceregal procession to pass through free of toll. This was a concession highly creditable to them. The scene from the base of the Nixon monument was particularly imposing. The road here forms nearly a semi-circle, and as everything was in perfect order—the cavalry in single file on either side of the way, a guard before and behind his Excellency's carriage, and a numerous body of settlers, mounted or in vehicles following closely up—the general effect was very impressive. The cavalry again inclined right and left in front of the monument, leaving space for those of tho principal settlers and visitors within the enclosure.

Captain Every Maclean read the following address to His Excellency : —

ADDRESS OF INAUGURATION' COMMITTEE. To His Excellenoy Sir George Ferguson Bowen, Knight Grand CroBS.. &c. &c.. Slay it please your Kxcellcncy— We, the undersigned, being a committee appointed by the subscribers, friends, and admirers of the late Colonel Nixon, beg most respectfully to inform your Excellency that this monument has been erected by the settlers from funds supplied by public subscription, as a tribute of respect for the private worth and distinguished public services of their late lamented fiiend Colonel Marmaduke George Nixon, late major of Her Majesty's 39th Regiment, and Colonel of the Koyal Cavalry "Volunteers, Flying Column, and Colonial Defence Force of the province, and member for Franklin in the General Assembly, who, when called upon, nobly offered his eervioes, forsaking his agricultural and pastoral pursuits to suppress rebellion, and fell mortally wounded whilst leading his troops in action, at Bangiawhia, on the 21st of February, 1861. That this Committee,whilst acknowledging tho kind donations of those friends and subscribers who have assisted in the erection of this memorial are mindful that they would be failing in duty were they not to express their gratitude for the generous gift of tbe site, upon which thi3 monument stands, which by conveyance has been granted by Mr. Edmund Foley to Mr. Albyn Martin and his heirs for ever. They are also indebted to Mr. Kdward Rumsey the architect whose competitive drawing was finally accepted and approved of.

That in the auspicious ceremonial of this day, the committee iiope both settlers and colonists will fceep in remembrance the worth of their departed friend— aiming in their respective walks in life to achieve something by which their own namns and memories may fce endeared to future generations. Wo beg most sincerely to thank Lady Bowen for this kindly visit to our township, and to wish her, yourself, and family, long life and great happiness. We have the honor to be, your Excellency's most respectful and obedient servants. Signed on behalf of the inhabitants of Otahuhu and surrounding districts. His Excellency read the reply as follows Gentlemen, —I have listened with deep interest to the address which has just been read, and which contains an outline of the character and career of a galldat soldier and patriotic colonist.

,!9th Begiment, ia which Colonel iW -Lrrrnf 1)6818 0n its Colourß T » » nd the motto of Fnmns in Indis —for. it : was the first English Begiment ever sent to the East, and took the most prqminent part in thejjelebrated battle whioh laid Pn? UD I M ?n British empire in India ; and 80 Colonel Nixon, ae a member of the colonial legislature. as commander of on important division of the coloniai forces, and as a settler of energy and high character, has earned no mean share of the honour One to the early promoters of thatheroic. work' . tho;colonisation.of the/Great Britain of the southern hemisphere. He crowned his. long and honourable career in the military and civil service of his Queen and country by a Rlorious.death. The monument to be inaugurated this day is an appropriate tribute of respect to his memory; and I earnestly trust with you, that aft who have taken part in this auspicious .-caremony, w,U keep in remembrance the worth of their departed friend, aiming in their respective wuiks m lite to achieve something by which their own names and memories may be endeared to future generations," condition, gentlemen, permit me to assure you that Lady "Bowen and 1 thank you sincerely for your good wishes, and for kindly inviting us to be present on this very interesting occasion. -15 iooo Q. P. Boweh.

May 13, 1868. Meanwhile the Freemasons assembled in lull masonic costume, in St. John's Lodge, [ Otahuhu, at 2.30 p.m., when the Lodge ' Y as , O P e -? ed by the H.W.D.P.G.M., Brother Andrew Beveridge. Punctually at 3 o'clock the Brethren left the Lodge-room in procession, according to the seniority of the Lodges, with the exception of St. Jolin's Lodge, Otahuhu, which immediately preceded the ii.W.D.P.G.M. and offioers. Upon arriving at the Monument, the Brethren formed in open order, so aa to. allow the senior Lodges and Provincial Grand Lodge to pass through them to the Monument. Upon the arrival of the Provincial Grand Lodge at the Monument, and his Excellency the Governor and the Committee having taken up their positions around it, the following prayer was ofiered by Brother the liev. David Bruce, Chaplain of Lodge St. Andrew :—

. and Everlasting God, who dost in Thino infinite wisdom determine the history of men and of nations, and dost incline the hearts of Thy creatures to mark the doings of Thy hand, be graciously pleased to vouchsafe to ua Thy countenance on this day, as wo are now assembled to inaugurate the monument raised to the memorv of a departed brother who fell in the defence of tho interests of this country. Q-rant, wo humbly bcseoch lhee, that this tribute to his worth and devotedn es may, through the influenco of Thy good spirit induce all, and especially the young, in every successive generation in this land, to cultivate that spirit ot' patriotism and self-sacrifice which will make thezn all be good subjects, and true servants to The*. Almighty and Holy God, we earnestly entreat Thy blessing on this portion of tho British Empiro, humbly imploring Thee to forgive us all our former fins, and so to duposo our hearts by Thy Heavenly Grace, that all Her Majesty's subjects of both races may live in peaco towards each other and strive to practico that righteousness which is the only true foundation of national prosperity. Most High and most Mighty God, sou e all powor and mercj-, we beseech Theo to surround with Thy favour, as with n shield, our beloved Sovereign Queen "Victoria, and all tho members of the .Royal Fnffiily J greatly to bless Hnr Majesty's representative and all the rulers of tho land, and to cause all tho institutions of the empire to conspire with the tea hings of Thy holy word and the ordinances of Thy holy religion, for the realizing of that time when, according to Thy promise, the blessings of true peace and Christian brotherhood shall, in Thy name, and in the name of thy Son, reign over all the earth. These blessings we humbly ask in the name, and for the sake of our Almighty .Redeemer, Jesua Christ, to whom with Theo, the Almighty Father, and tho Xternal Spirit, we ascribe all glory and honor, dominion and power, now and for ever. Amen.

Tlie monument was unveiled, and the E..W.P.D.G.M. then proceeded with the following ceremony:—

Grand Master.—Eight "Worshipful Substitute Provincial Grand Master, caused the various implements to be applied to the Pedestal, and proved that it had been completed according to the rules of architecture. Whereupon the Substitute Grand 'Master Brother Pierce, ordered the Wardens to do their duty, and the Wardens thereupon applied their proper working tools to the Pedestal, and declared that the work had been properly completed. P. Grand Master.—Right Worshipful Senior Grand Warden Brother Stephenson : What is the proper Jewel of your office ? The Square. Have you applied the Square to those parts of tbe Pedestal which are square ? I have, E.W.P.D.G.M.

Eight Worshipful Junior Grand Warden "Brother Eunciman, What is the proper Jewel of your Office ? The Plumb Line. Have you applied the Plumb to the several edges of the stone? I have, H.W.P.D.G.M.

R. W. Substitute Grand Master.—What is the Proper Jewel of your Office? The Level. Have you applied the Level to tho top of the Pedestal? I have, H.W.P.D.G.M.

The H.W.P.D.G.M. then stated, Having, my Eight Worshipful Brethren, full confidence in your skill in our royal art, it remains with me now to finish this work; whereupon he did so by giving three knocks with the Mallet, and said, May the Almighty Architect, of the Universe shower down his blessings upon this undertaking, and on the happy completion of this our work ; and may it stand firm and sure in all future time until the surrounding structures have crumbled to dust. So mote it be.

The E.W.D.P.G.M. then said: Brethren and Gentlemen, —I congratulate you on the completion of this handsome monument to the memory of one of the most energetic, enterprising, and worthy of our colonists. It is not for me on the present occasion to say much of the worth or tho virtues of our departed friend and brother mason—Colonel Is ixon. Suffice it to say, that having devoted his early years to the scrvico of his country, he retired to this country to spend the remainder of his days in peace. His kind and' affable manner, his courteous disposition, soon gained for him the esteem of a large circlp of acquaintances. While before his countrymen and fellow-colonists he showed himself an example of patriotism and public spirit, in the discharge of his duties as a magistrate, he acted with assiduity and impartiality. Ho took a prominent part in promoting and establishing all our local institutions. In connection, with everything which he believed would advance the interests of New Zealand, his opinions were looked up to with respect. But the manner in which he responded to the call of the Government of this country —to leave his peaceful avocations and take part in the suppression of rebellion —the manner in which he discharged his duties in the field, and the circumstances attending his death, which are still so fresh in the memory of us all, have gained for his memory a place in all our hearts which can never be effaced. This handsome tribute, which has just been completed in perpetuation of his honor and fame, is the only proper tribute that could have been given to his private worth and public virtues. Brethren and gentlemen, I have now to hand over to you this monument to be guarded and protected, and to compliment you on the manner in which it has been completed. The procession returned in the same order to the Public Hall, where, according to the programme, an undress levee was to be held. Their Excellencies having arrived at the entrance alighted. The Hall was decorated with flags. Something more might have been made of this, certainly the best room in the province, and here, according to the programme, an undress levee was to be held. Sir George Bowen and Lady Bowen, accompanied by his Honor the Superintendent and Mrs. Williamson, Mr. Justice Moore and Mrs. Moore, Colonel and Mrs. Beatson, took their places at the West end. Several of the principal residents and their wives wero presented to Sir George and

Lady Boicen, but this is to be said, that, from being the Governor's levee, it soon became anybody s levee. There was some difficulty in ascertaining the names, owing to & number gentlemen: and. .ladies not having, provided' themselves with cards. This difficulty was soon got over, when Lady Bowen walked down the room, and upon several of the ladies being formally introduced to her, invited them to a seat by her side. Several had cards, and several came without. Although all sorts of people passed before his Excellency, they were all, we trust, of the right sort of settlers, in the truest sense of the word. His Excellency gave them a courteous reception; and Lady Bowen was equally gracious. The following are the names of those who left their cards :—

Messrs. C. I\ Andrews, IT. S. Andrews, Thomas Allen, J. Browning, George Alfred -Buttle, Andrew Bereridge, Eev. D. Bruce, Eev. George Buttle, Messrs. Samuel, C. Baird, W. D. Bush, Charles A. Bowden, J. Baddeley, W. Buck!and, J. C. Buckland, E. D. Badley, 3L Clarkson, E. Constable, Hugh Craig, Walter Don-den, William Davies, A. Fleming, Matthew Fleming, Captain J. G. Freer, TJ.A., New Zealand Militia; . Goodfellow (Otara), John Good fellow, sen., Walter Grahame, Jno.Gordon, " • C. Hill, John Hay (Papakura), Hume, Conrad Eelly, Jolm Eerr, S. Lyell, Samuel Luke, W. 11. Logan, John Miller, 11. Gordon, Macdonald, James M clntyre, Eev. John Macky, Capt. Maclean, Hov. G. Gorric (Papakura), Messrs. Thos. North (Hobson-streot), Geo. OughGeo. P. Pierce, James Eobertson (Chairman Mangere Highway Board), Bobert Eobertson, W. E. Eaithby, James Eunciman, Captain Wm. Eattray (Chapel-street), Messrs. William Eattray, jun., Edwd. Ehodes, C.A. Eobertson, John Scarrot (Drayton "Villa, South Eoad), Daniel Stephenson, Thomas Stringer, E. H. Stephenson,Daniel Stephenson, James Stephenson, H. B. Stark, Captain J. Jermyn Symonds, Messrs. C. J. Thorp* Alfred J. Thorp (Wairoa), Thomas Tierney, John Wallace (Flat Bush), William John Young (The Grange, Otahuhu).

The Cavalry Volunteers, during the levee reE aired to the Criterion, where they dined. We ave already said that the dinner was a compliment paid by the Otahuhu and Howick Troops to the Auckland Troop, in return for the hospitality received on similar occasions in this city. The usual loyal toasts were given, and the healths of His Excellency and Lady Bowen drunk with enthusiasm. Sir George and Lady Bowen returned to town shortly before five o'clock.

In the evening a concert was held under the direction of Mr. Joseph Brown, in aid of the funds to defray the remaining debt of the Nixon monument. Madame Mohler, Mr. Austin, and other well-known amateurs assisted. The programme was very attractive, the several pieces being carefully and judiciously selected as follows :—

Peogeamme.—Pakt 1. I "False—Danish. Quartette—Springs Delight. Sons; —T cannot mind my wheel—Madame Mohler. Duet—Tho Sailor Sighs — Madame Mohler and Austin. Trio—Hark ! 'tis the Indian Drum. Solo—Pianoforte. Song—My own, my Guiding Star—Mr. Austin. Song—l'll Stay here nnd Spin—Mr. W. H. Brown. Quartette—Banish, Oh Maiden. Duot—l know a Bank—Madame Mohler and Austin. Song—Cherry Ripe—Madame Mohler. National Anthem. In respect to numbers, general effect, and enthusiasm, all tlie proceedings were a complete success. Nothing like tlie large assemblage of people could liave been expected. What is called " the sympathy of numbers" was complete. The Committee who had charge of the arrangements were indefatigable. Mr. Commissioner Naughton rendered great service by his experience in directing the movement of the large crowd of persons who assembled from all parts. The Masonic procession was one of the principal features. All the six Lodges— St. Andrew's, the Waitemata, the United Service, Ara, Onehunga, and St. John's (Otahuhu) —were represented, and the colours of their respective " regalia" gave a variety to the general effect. Their Excellencies Sir George and Lady Bowen expressed their regret that they could not wait for the concert.

A ball was held later in the evening in the Public Hall, and the dancing was kept up with unflagging energy until a late hour.