RECEPTION OF THE GOVERNOR AND ADMIRAL FAIRFAX.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 8987, 27 February 1888, Page 5 (Supplement)

RECEPTION OF THE GOVERNOR AND ADMIRAL FAIRFAX.

Early on the 14th February, H.M.s. Nelson, Calliope, and Diamond arrived in harbour, Admiral Fairfax and his Excellency the Governor being on board the flagship. Soon after the Nelson dropped anchor Lieutenant-Colonel Shepherd, Colonel Roberts, Major Pirie, and Captain Baker, of the Defence Force, proceeded from the North Head in the Defence Force launch, to ascertain at what hour it would suit his Excellency Sir W. .Jervois and Admiral Fairfax to land. They came on to the Queen-street Wharf, where a large crowd had collected, and they informed those interested that the distinguished visitors would leave the Nelson at eleven o'clock. Shortly before that hour a guard of honour consisting of twentyfour men representing the Hobsons,. the Victorias and the Royal Irish arrived under the command of Captain Little and Lieutenant Dignan, and were drawn up near the new landing at the south side of the old ferry tee. His Worship the Mayor (Mr. A. E. Devore) and the Town Clerk (Mr. P. A. Philips) arrived in a carriage and pair, and the Admiral's own carriage was also in waiting. Sergeants Gamble and Clarke and a posse of constables kept the crowd back from the landing, to prevent any crush. At eleven o'clock the boom of cannon, opening a vice-regal salute from Mount Victoria, announced that Governor Jervois and Admiral Fairfax were leaving the Nelson, and the yards of the ship were manned The Nelson also fired a salute. After a smart run the steam launch rounded up to the steps, and His Excellency and Admiral Fairfax stepped ashore, accompanied by Captain Fortescue, His Excellency's A.D.C., ana Lieutenant Erskine, flag lieutenant to the Admiral. His Excellency and Admiral Fairfax were welcomed on the wharf by the Mayor, Town Clerk, and Colonel Shepherd, and the guard of honour saluted. The Governor and Admiral, accompanied by the Mayor and Town Clerk in the first carriage, and Capt. Fortescue, A. D.C., and Lieutenant Erskine in the second, were then driven to Government House. As the carriages drove off a cheer was given by the' crowd on the wharf.