DEPARTURE OF HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR

New Zealand Herald, Volume VIII, Issue 2346, 2 August 1871, Page 2

DEPARTURE OF HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR

A number of persons assembled ye 3 t day to witness the departure of Ui 3 E xce u e the Governor to "Wellington, where he Lady Bowen and family will take up residence during the approaching session There was a special parade called of the diffe. rent corps of Volunteers, who mustered i n Barracks at 11 o'clock. Considering the in 6 convenient time of day, there was a Ve i" good attendance. The following corps w „*/ on the ground:—The Rifle Battalion tht Engineers (who presented a most soldierly appearance), under the command of Captain Dargaville, the Artillery Volunteers and bUrt under the command of Captain Featon, and L large number of Cadets from the \Ves]eT College, Blue School, and in connection with the battalion. These boy soldiers presented a very smart appearance in their blue uniforms, trimmed with red, and wheeled and marched most creditably, considering the short time thoy have been under trair-.V About twenty of the Auckland Troop CavaU° paraded, and afterwards accompanied Sir George and Lady Bowen to Onehunga. l ne entire fores was put through one or°two evolutions by the commanding officer, after which they were marched by fours, and headed by the band of the Artillery end Engineers, into the grounds of Government House. Here they took up a position in the following order : The Rifles, Engineers, and Artillery formed a hollow square on the lawn, in front of the principal entrance, and the cadets lined the pathway leading to the gates from Government House. A large number of our citizens were assembled on thelawu, between fifteen hundred and two thousand' and tho piazza was crowded with ladies and gentlemen who had been bidding farewell to Sir George and Lady Bowen. From eleven to a quarter to twelve largo numbers of people thronged tho reception roomami Sir George and his lady took leave of their numerous friends in a most feeling manner. Among those who were present wera His Honor the Superintendent, Join Williamson, Esq. (late Superintendent), tb* Hon. Dr. Pollen, and many other offieipl' Ihe band discoursed a number of popu'nv selections of music, and the entire scene was one of a most animated character, the dav being beautifully fine. In front of the main entrance the handsome carriage lately built by ifessrs. Cousins and Atkin was drawn ap, with the cover down. A few minutes before noon the Governor appeared, leading Lady Bowen (who appeared to be much affected) by the hand. After she had stepped into the carriage, Sir George stepped in front of the Volunteers and briefly addressed them. He said he thanked them very sincerely for the manner in which they had turned out that mornim . They had a most soldierlike appearance, and were a credit to the colony. On behalf of himself, his wife and family, he thanked their numerous friends, and the public generally, for the constant courtesy which they had extended, and the kindly feeling which had always been evinced toward them. He bade theui all good-by, and might heaven shower its choicest blessings on their heads. K ■ again bade them good-by. (Loud cheers.) Tho Volunteers then presented arms. The Governor got into the carriage, and took his seat beside Ladyßowen, and the carriage drove off amid considerable cheer 3. On reaching the ontside of tho grounds the cari-iage, preceded and followed by the Auckland Troop, drove off to Onehunga. A number of co ■ riages, containing friends of Sir George and Lady Bowen, accompanied the party to Onehunga, where they were met bv the Onehunga Rifles, who acted as a gua*-d of honor. After again shaking hands with their numerous frieuds, His Excellency and Lad 7 Bowen embarked on board the tuna, which steamed away for Wellington amid the cheers of those assembled upon the wharf. We must not forget to mention that a salute of seventeen guns was fired from Eort Britomart at 1 ° o'clock, by the members of' Ho. 2 Companv, Naval Volunteers.