THE PREMIER'S VISIT TO THE NORTH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XIV, Issue 5017, 14 December 1877, Page 2

THE PREMIER'S VISIT TO THE NORTH.

LEAVING "WELLINGTON. The Premier and the Native Minister, accompanied by Mr. J. C. Brown, member for Tuapeka, who acted bo efficiently as whip of the party, left Wellington last night in the Hinemoa for Napier, where they will arrive early to-day. A telegram sent by the Press Agency on Wednesday, stated that Mr. Macandrew would form one of the party on the Northern tour; bnt this part of the programme appears to have been altered, for a later despatch from our own correspondent received last night, announces that Mr. Macandrew intends proceeding to Otago at the close of the present week. After visiting Napier, the Premier will go on to Gisborne aud Tauranga, thence come on to Auckland, where the arrival of the Hinemoa will, no doubt, be so timed, as to enable the public generally to take part in the welcome which will be given to the Premier and his party. Sir George Grey and Mr. Sheehau are invited to attend a banquet at Taranaki to be given by the people there, and presided over by the Mayor of New Plymouth. The Premier's progress will thus be one of marked ovations North and South, and it is a curious fact that Napier and Taranaki, the places which were deemed the strongholds of the prominent members of the late Ministry, should be among the earliest places to which the chief of the new Ministry should be invited as a welcome and popular guest. THE AUCKLAND RECEPTION COMMITTEE. A well-attended meeting of the committee appointed to make the necessary arrangements for the public welcome to be accorded the Premier, and those of the Auckland members who supported him, was held at the Temperance Hall, Albert-street, yesterday afternoon, —Mr. J. M. Shera in the chair. Mr. Shera was appointed permanent chairman, Mr. P. Darby treasurer, and Mr. John King secretary. Considerable discussion took place as to the form which the reception should assume, and various methods were suggested, elaborated, and debated. Ultimately, an influential Executive Committee was appointed to carry out the details. Between thirty and forty additional gentlemen were added to the General Committee, aud various matters of minor importance having been considered and arranged, the meeting dissolved. A meeting of the Executive Committee was held immediately afterwards.

Although all the details are not finally decided on, yet it is likely that the reception will embrace the erection of two triumphal arches, one at the junction of Custoin-house-street and Queen-street, and another further up the latter street. The Mayor of the city will receive the Premier at the lower arch, and there read a short address ; after which the party will proceed up Queen street in a carriage and six horses, with postillions, all of which Mr. Quick has handsomely and gratuitously proffered to provide for the occasion. In the evening Sir George Grey and the members will be invited to attend a meeting in either the Choral Hall or the Theatre Royal, wheu an address embodying the general sentiments of the public will be presented to the Premier, who will then address the meeting. Arrangements will be made for providing accommodation for ladies at this evening assemblage.