THE JUBILEE OF THE COLONY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 8156, 18 January 1890, Page 6

THE JUBILEE OF THE COLONY.

THE OFFICIAL PROCLAMATION. [by TSLKGBAPH.— correspondent.] Wellington, Friday. frmt proclamation which will appear in the Gazette of next week authorising the

jubilee commemoration of the establishment of the colony, will be issued, I have reason to believe, by "command of His Excellency the Governor," and will recognise the 29th of January as the date of the first public act done in the colony in Her Majesty's name by a duly authorised officer appointed for the purpose. This, I learn, is in strict accordance with official practice and etiquette in public notifications relating to acts done or to be done by the command of Her Majesty in Her Majesty's name. As to the attitude of Ministers on this question, it has been simply to promote as far as they hod any power to do so the due celebration of tb.9 beginning of the colony by the colonists as a people m whatever manner might be most agreeable, and on whatever day might be selected for greater convenience. Very few of those who have been talking loudest on the subject are likely to see another "Jubilee" of the colony, and the specialty Df such an occasion is held to justify a Jubilee ceremonial in every town and province of New Zealand. I have reason to believe it is true that the official anniversary of the colony will form the subject of legislation next session, with the sole object of fixing it henceforth and for ever, so that there can be no mistake about it. The whole question will be determined by the "opinion" of the law officers. Whatever the decision may be it need not affect in the least the celobration in Auckland or elsewhere. There is, I believe, extant either a recognition by an order Majesty in Council or an Imperial declaration of New Zealand as a " British colony," signed by a Secretary of State for the Colonies, or some other State paper, which settles the whole matter, and will have the effect of clearing away all doubt on the subject. That is tho theory now in favour here, biit until there is some supreme pronouncement on the subject the claim of Auckland to precedence cannot be denied. The '22nd of January is gazetted as the "anniversary of the settlement of the Wellington province, and all the public offices within the district will be closed on that day." INFLUX OK VISITORS. Even at this early date numerous indications are appearing which predicate a large inflow of visitors from the various country districts into Auckland during the Jubilee time, and it is estimated that tho city will be fuller than it has been for years. Several of the local hotelkeepers are already in receipt of telegrams and other advicei, asking that rooms be retained for visitors who intended to be at hand when the Jubilee fun was afoot That the natives are fully alive to the importance of the occasion, and mean not to miss the general rejoicing, is also amply evident. In addition to the three hundred who are to take part in the celebrations under contract with the Jubilee Committee, there will probably be an equal number of independent visiting Maoris who are coming purely for sightseeing, and are defraying their own expenses. Fully a score have arrived already from Opotiki; and Mr. E. T. Dufaur, who is well-known to nearly all the leading chiefs, has received a large amount of correspondence inquiring as to the dates and other details of the festivities, and expressing the intention of the writers of being present during the Jubilee week. Doubtless the Southern and Sydney steamers will also bring their quota of sightseers to aid us in keeping things merry during the colony's first Jubilee. RECEIVING THE GOVERNOR. At a meeting of the General Committee for the celebration yesterday afternoon, the question of making suitable arrangements for the reception and entertaining of His Excellency Lord Onslow, Lord Carrington, the Earl of Kintore, and other distinguished nests was brought under consideration, he chairman stated that Mr. Featherstone had kindly promised Messrs. Dacreand Reynolds, of the Regatta Committee, the use of his fine steam yacht Nautilus for Regatta Day. The Nautilus is indeed a worthy craft on board of which to entertain our visitors, and doubtless they will appreciate her owner's courtesy as it deserves. The a.s. Awhina had also been granted for use during the three subsequent days, and the secretary will make all necessary arrangements in regard to procuring extra accommodation in the way of seating, awnings, etc. Mr. Coates 6tated that several gentlemen had expressed a wish to serve on the Reception Committee and assist in entertaining the Governor and his guests. It was agreed that a meeting to arrange details be held in the Mayor's room on Monday evening next at eight p.m. JUBILEE COMMITTEE MEETING. A well-attended meeting of the Jubilee Committee was held yesterday afternoon in the Chamber of Commerce, Mr. A. E. Bevore presiding. It was agreed to give the patronage of the Jubilee Committee to four performances of the Rarotongans to be held during Jubilee week. A letter was read from Mr. A. E. Dewes, as chairman of a meeting of horticulturists in which they agreed to carry out a horticultural show in connection with the Jubilee if the general committee would contribute £40 to the expenses. It was decided to discontinue any further attempt to carry out the show by the general committee, and to leave the matter in the hands of the horticulturists, and to grant them the £40 asked for. The sub-committee for music recommended the engagement of Hunter's band for three days. In reply to a question from the tenderer for the printing programme, it was decided that the whole amount of the tender be paid at once. It was mentioned by Mr. James Coates, for the information of the committee, that it had been found impracticable for the banks to take a half holiday on Thursday and Friday, but that all the local banks would, in addition to the whole holiday on Wednesday, 29th, also be closed all day on Thursday, 30th.