THE GOVERNOR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 8811, 26 February 1892, Page 3

THE GOVERNOR.

DEPARTURE OF LORD AND LADY v ONSLOW.

farewell DEMONSTRATION,

GRAND aquatic DISPLAY.

banquet at dunedin.

farewell banquet to the Governor was ], e ld i'> 10 Garrison Hull, Dunedin, on Saturday oi<rhb, tho 6th February, and w; is attended by '200 gentlemen. The Mayor presided, and was supported at tho head of the table by the guest, of (lie evenin,, the Postmaster-General, the Hons. \V. H. Reynolds, G. McLean, R. Oliver, W. 1). Stewart, M.L.C. ; Hon. T. Fergus, Messrs. 11. S. Fish, 1). Pinkerton, M.H.R., Major-General Sir A. C. Stepney. Amyngsb others present were: Messrs. Scobio Mackenzie, T. Mackenzie, ,7. Mills, W. Dawson, anil W. Earnshaw, M. ll.lv.

Tho proceedings, which wore enthusiastic throughout, terminated with three cheers tor tlie Governor.

LEAVETAKING AT CHRISTCHURCH. CiDUSTCHi'KCit, February 11.

About '2 1 '0 ladies and gentlemen attended the farewell luncheon to the Governor and. Lady Onslow at. the Tuam-street Hall today." Several visitors were in tho gallery The Mayo.- of Christehurch presided. The lion. G. Ward was present. Tho Governor's health was drunk with great enthusiasm.

The public demonstration in Latimer Square to bid farewell to the Governor was a huge success. Seven thousand persons congregated, and tho proceedings were marked with much enthusiasm.

Mr. G. W. Ri'sski.i, presented an address on behalf of tho people of tho provincial district, and Mr. I)i>n;ns one from tho Knights of Labour. Lady Onslow was made the recipient of an album containing views of scenery in and about Christehurch. Tin Ladies Gwendoline and Dorothy were presented with handkerchief boxes made of V'w Zealand woods, a third being given to the Countess for her latest born.

PA RE WE L L B A XQUET AT WELLINGTON. Wellington, February I'2.

A farewell banquet tendered to the Earl and Countess of Onslow by "he Mayor took place at Bellamy's to-night, tables being (aid for eighty guests. Amongst those {•it sent were all the Ministers of the Crown (except tho Colonial Secretary), Chief .Justice I'rendergast, Justice Richmond, the local members of the House of Representatives, the Hons. C. Johnston, Grace, Hart, Ciptain Bourke and officers of IT.M.s. Km.'arooina, Sir James Hector, members of the l iiy Council and Harbour Boards, heads of departments of tho Civil Service, foreign C.-iimi'.s, and others. Amongst the ladies i>rc*e:;t were the Countess of Onslow, Lady Hector, tho wives of Ministers, and others.

ARRIVAL IN* AUCKLAND. The Karl and Countess of Onslow, ar rived in Auckland on the 19th of Febru.irv, with their three children, to pay a farewell visit to this part of the colony before their departure by the Mararoa, on the -Hn February, for Sydney. They came by way of the West Coast, reaching the Muuukau on board the steamer Hinelnoa, from New Plymouth, about 12.D0 p.m., where they wore welcomed by Dr. F.rson. Mayor of Onehunga, Mr. W. Crowther, Mayor of Auckland, and others.

U>Hl» ONSLOW AMI) THE FKKEMASON'S. A special meeting of the District Grand Lorisre, E.C., presided over by the D.G.M., Brother Graham, was held on tho 19th February to receive the W. the Earl of Onslow, P.G.S. W. of the English Constitution. The Scottish and Irish Constitutions *ere represented, and there were in all about 'J4 present. The lodge was consumed in the presence of the Grand Lodges. The District Grand Lodge of England was opened and visitors wero duly received, and the final signature was that of the Earl of Onslow as visitor. Addresses were delivered by liro?. Graham, Kees, and McCullough, Lord Onslow replying.

RECfcl'TtON' AT <Hi V UN M INT HOfSB. Lord and Lady Onslow held a reception at Government House at half-past live p.m. on Monday, to take leave of their friends and the citizens of Auckland. About ,'SOO people were present, who were received by the Earl and < 'ouncess at the entrance to Government House. Afternoon tea was served, and every effort made by the distinguished host and hostess for the enjoyment of their guests.

DINNER AT THE NORTHERN CLUH. Hi* Excellency the Governor was entertained nt a farewell dinner by the Northern Club at the clubhouse, Princes-street,on Februarythe president, Mr. C. C. McMillan, in the chair. About eighty persons wore pre«ont, including officers of the Tuuranga at Bustard.

ADDRESS FROM THE ORANGE INSTITUTION. On Monday, Feb. '2'2, the Grandmaster of the Orange Institution, Mr. W. F. Massey, and Messrs. .1. Jauiieson, D.G. M.. J. Carnahan, G.S., and J. E. Baker, (IT., waited en the Earl of Onslow at Government House, and presented him with an address, to which his lordship suitably replied.

LoKD OSSI.OW AND THE MASONIC GRAND 1.0 DOE.

Lord Onslow, who is Past Senior Grand Warden of England, was waited upon by Mr. Malcolm Niccol, Grand Master Designate of New Zealand, and had a very cordial interview, in the course of which Lord On-low strongly commended 4nl approved the manner in which the ifiairs of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand were being conducted, and the temperate in I Masonic tone which hud recently wiracterised the utterances of tho leaders sf the movement, as giving the best proof of their being worthy of the privilege of local self • government. Lord Onslow further assured Mr. Niccol of his sincere desiro to further the restoration of fraternal relations between all parties, and that no effort on his part would bo wanting to produce so desirable a result.

FINAL DEPARTURE. On February 24 the citizens of Auckland, fit the invitation of his Worship the Mayor, observed the afternoon as a general holiday in honour of His Excellency the Governor (Lord Onslow) and the Countess of Onslow, on their departure for England. Shortly after noon the places of business in all tho lending streets were closed, and business for tho day was to all intents and purposes ended. The public offices and public institutions followe I suit. The Albert Park flagstaff was prettily decorated with flags, while tho Municipal Buildings had bannerettes on the pinnacles of the minarets, which had a very pretty effect. Next in effective display was tho Albertstreet Fire Brigade tower, while the banks, public buildings, insurance companies' oilices, and leading mercantile establishments each exhibited the national colours. At the Foreign Consulates the flags of tho respective nationalities wero flown. In Lower Queen-street, Fort, and Customhouse Streets, arid also at the upper end of the wharf, hunting was liberally displayed, while, down the wharf, against the skyline fluttered in the breeze the coloured Enajs on tho shipping. Tho weather was ' Queen's weather, " being bright and funny, while a pleasant breeze cooled the heat of the sun, and enabled the yachts to flit to and fro on tho blue waters 1,1 tho harbour.

THE LUNCHEON. A farewell luncheon in honour of tho Earl ami Countess of Onslow was given in 'he Choral Hall, Symonds-atreet, and commenced at, two o'clock, it being the first feature of tho day's demonstration. Tho commutes entrusted with tho task ot arming for the luncheon worked admirably.

I.IST OK TIIK COMPANY. Ihe Mayor of Auckland (Mr. W. Crowjiier) presided, with Lord Onslow seated at rijjla and l.ady Onslow at his left. t0 ' 10 Governor was the Mayoress H i row ther), then the Hon. ]'. A. uekley, next to wlioui sab the Countess of ■alloway. .Next to Lady Onslow was Cap--111,1 Gertz, of the German warship Bussard, * ll( ' the Countess of Jersey. Two of tho -j y members of the House of liepresenta.Messrs. T. Thompson and J. M. '! nd the chairman of the Harbour vJf' ' r - C. ('. McMillan, also occupicd •" 3 at 'he- head of the table. Amongst)

the invited quests were several officers of the warships Tauranga and Bussard. As the vice regal party entered the band played "God Save the Queen." There wero nearly '200 guests.

The following is a list of the company :—

The Karl anil Countess of Onslow, the Countesses of Jersey ami Galloway, the Mayor and Mayoress of Auckland, Hon. P. A. lJucklay, Captain Guthrie (A. P.O. to Lord Onslow), Captain Rupert Leigh (A.D.C. to Lord Jersey). Captain 11. F. Anderson, Mr. K. W. Alison, Mr. A. S. A hit icli, Mr. O. Arnold. Mr. ltatger, Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Bloom Held, Inspector Hroham, Mr. 'J'. Huddle, Dr. J'.ayntuin, Rev. Shirley W. Baker, Mr. John Briscoe. Mrs. Briscoe, Mr. C. F. Rournel, Mr. .1. M. Hngham. Mr. and Mrs. W. Horry, Mr. S. C. Brown, Mr. ami Mrs. 11. Brett, Miss Hank*.

Captain ami Mrs. Colbeek, Mr. and Mrs. T. Cotter, Mr. and Mrs. W. S. (Cochrane, Mr. Carroll, Mr. and Mrs. T. Clung, Mr. Currle, Mr. W. .J. Courtney, Mr. Hugh Campbell. Miss Campbell, Mr. M. A. Clark, Mr. Croiulne, Miss Coates, Mr and Mis. 1). B. Ciuiekshaiik, Mr. J. I). Connolly, United States Consul ; Mr. Clarke. Mr. and Mrs. A. Devore, Dr. Dawson, Colonel Do Quineey, Mr. and Mrs. I*. 1.. Pierian. Dr. W. R. Krson, Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Edwards, Mr. L. Khreufried.

Mr. C. !•'. Fearing. Colonel Goring, Mr. Gorrie, Mr. It. K. Girlick, Mrs. iloodinan, Mr. and Mrs. J.dm Grey, Mrs. T. Garrard, Mrs. Ella W. Gamble, Mr. 11. Roes George. Mr. .lames Hardle, Mr. and Mrs. ,1. J. 11 dland, Mrs. 15. Uolmwood, Mr. W. K. llackutt, Mr. T. Hodgson, Mr. Iliggirn, Miss Harris. Mr. and Mrs. M'ni. Johnston, Mr. Johnnsen, Danish Consul.

Mr. W. Kelly, M.11.H. : Mr. 11. K. Kenny, K.M. ; Mr. J. Kirker, Mr. and Mrs. George Kent. Mr. I,aver, Miss A. haver, Mrs. Leu is, Mr. U. V. Luks. Mr. W. S. Laurie, Miss Luioue, Mr. and Mrs. T. W. Leys, Mr. P. l.awry, M.H.U. ; Mr. \V. 1". La wry. Mr.' Arthur Masv, Belgian Consul; Very Her. Munsignor McDonald, Mr. ('. I". Minnitt, Mr. C. C McMillan. Mr. anil Mis. K. M.ihony, Mr. W. MeCulloimh, Mr. .1. Mow lira v. Mr. M. Niccol, Mr. Napier, Rev. C. M. Nelson and Mrs. Nelson, Mr. L. I>. Nathan, Mrs. S. I). Nathan.

Miss Pivsscr, Mr. Jackson Palmer, M.H.It. ; Mr. G. L. I'eacocke. Mr. and Mrs. T. Peacock.

Mr. .lames Unwell, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Kan soil. Mr. A. S. Russell.

Mr. K. Strut hers, Mis. ,1. 11. Smith. Mr. J. M. Sliera, M.H.U. ; Mr. John Savavo, Mrs. li. Stanton.

Mrs. A. K. Taylor, Miss Taj lor, Mr. and Mrs. 11. Tewsley, Mr J. Trenwith. Mr. and Mrs. J. 11. I'pton, Mr. It. I My. lion. J. li. Wliyte, M.L.C., Mrs. 11. Walker, Dr. Walker, Mr. Richard Warnoek, Mr. 11. Woithington. Mr. .1. 11. Witheford.

Mr. J. K. Yates, Mr. K. Yates. The luncheon was served in splendid style by Mr. T. McKwin, the caterer. After the luncheon, the Mayor proposed the toast of " The Queen," which was duly honoured.

The Mayor then proposed " Tlio Health of Hi* Excellency the Governor and Lady Onflow." He said lie was extremely pleased to see such a largo and pleasant assembly to giro a send otF to Lord ami Lady Onslow. (Applause.) They were all agreed that New Zealand through their departure was going to sustain a loss. (Applause.) He sincerely hoped that though Lord ami Lady Onslow were leaving the shores of New Zealand they would not be long absent. All would agree that His Excellency had proved himself to be beyond doubt a zealous, conscientious, impartial Governor— (applause) —a gentleman of great ability and enterprise, fitted not only to be the Governor of New Zealand, but the Governor of any colony in He. - Majesty's dominions. Governor.-" in New Zealand hitherto had had a quiet time of it; but the Governorships of the colonies, it would appear, were going to be, mere or less, disturbed, because everyone now growing was able to nominate a Governor, and for that reason he thought the time had passed when the position of a Governor in the colonies would bo a very rosy one. But whatever the result might be, we were bound as colonists to support in the most loyal manner our Governor. (Applause). When His Excellency arrived, he was described as a tall, slightly built gentleman ; let them look at him to-day, ami they will readily notice the improvement. (Applause.) Well, we boasted that wo had a climate and a country to give and to maintain good health, even when all other climates and countries had failed. Consequently this must be assumed to be a most inviting spot for a Governor to come to. (Applause). Mr. Crowther went on to say that he hoped Lord Onslow's son Huia would revisit New Zealand.

Tho toast was drunk with enthusiasm, cheers being given for Lord and Lady Onslow.

ADDRESS TO THE GOVERNOR. Mr. Ckowtiiek then presented the following illuminated address to His Excellency, on behalf of tho citizens of Auckland :—

To His Excellency the Ri„'ht Honorable the Earl of Onslow, G.C.M.G., Governor of New Zealand, May it please Your Excellency, —The Corporation and citizens of Auckland desire to convey to Your Excellency an expression of their profound respect and sincere admiration for the manner in which you have discharged the responsible duties imposed upon you by our beloved Sovereign under your commission as Governor of New Zealand. Although less than three years have elapsed since the citizens of Auckland hud the honour, upon the occasion of your first arrival on our shores, of demonstration those feelings of loyalty and affection for our Queen which are cherished in this the most distant division of Her Majesty's dominions, you have since that time, by your extensive travels throughout the length and breadth of the land, and the deep interest manifested in its affairs, won the cordial esteem of colonists of all shades of opinion. Very few of the permanent inhabitants of the country have acquired so wide a knowledge of its topographical features and institutions. We regard it as an especially happy circumstance in connection with your administration that native tribes, which had Un■ many years held aloof from the European settlers, have extended to Your Excellency iu their own districts a hearty welcome as the representative of Her Majesty the Queen, ami have submitted their grievances for redress in accordance with the laws of the country. We recognise in Your Excellency's untiring eiForts to acquire an intimate personal knowledge of the country and its inhabitants, and your earnest practical efforts to promote its interests, a good augury for your future influence upon the relations between the colonies and the Mother Country. We are not unmindful of your efforts in this direction in former years, when filling the high office of Parliamentary Under-Secretary for the Colonies, and as Vice-President of the Colonial Conference in ISB7. It affords us great pleasure to know that Your Excellency will be in a position to remove many misconceptions which prevail iu the mother country upon colonial affairs, and to speak with the authority of one who has a person acquaintance with colonial institutions. We cannot close our address without expressing our appreciation of r.he hospitality displayed by the Countess of Onslow during her residence amongst us, and the gracious interest which her ladyship lias always manifested in those matters that come specially within a woman's sphere. We earnestly pray that, in the good providence of God, the future may have in store for Your Excellency, Lady Onslow, and farnilv many years of happiness, and that you will always cherish pleasant memories of the years spent in New Zealand.

This address was signed by the Mayor and Messrs. Tewsley and Ranson, secretaries of tho Luncheon Committee.

Mr. Crowther also presented Lord and Lady Onslow with a carved Maori walkingstick for their son Huia.

THE GOVERNOR'S SPEECH.

Lord Onslow, who, when ho rose to reply, was received with prolonged cheering, said : Mr. Mayor, ladies, and gentlemen, —I owe to you my most sincere thanks, not only for the way in which you have received the proposals of your chairman this afternoon, but also for your kindness in giving us here in Auckland— the last town that we shall touch at in the colonyso hearty a send-off. (Applause.) I think it is extremely appropriate that the last timo that 1 shall have the honour of addressing a New Zealand audience shall be in Auckland—(applause)—because it was in Auckland that l.ady Onslow and I first received that hospitable welcome when wo landed here complete strangers, on the 21st of April, 1880. That welcome was a proof to us, sir, of the loyalty whioh New Zealaniors always display to the representative of Her Majesty the Queen. It was an earnest, and the forerunner of many similar welcomes accorded to us in the other large centres of the colony, in the country districts, and in the Maori villages, with all ot which Lady Onslow and I were both pleased and surprised ; and I think, therefore, that it is fitting that we should here in Auckland completo the leave-takings of our many kind friends in the different centres of New Zealand—(applause) —and that we should have an opportunity oF conveying to you our sense of gratitude for the very kind expressions which have been made use of touching our departure from the colony. I can imagine, sir, nothing more interesting than to spend a few years in your beautiful climate, in the enjoyment of your scenery, in the study of your interesting social and political problems, and to become acquainted with that/

most noble of all the aboriginal races with which the British nation has ever had to deal. (Applause.) If you, ladies and gentlemen, are satisfied with Governors who havo been drawn from the ranks of the Imperial Parliament, I do not think it ill bo necessary for you to return to that scale of remuneration for services rendered which alone made it possible for those distinguished gentlemen who in former days occupied the position of ft Governor in the Australasian colonies, to look upon it as .1 fitting reward for many years of services to their Queen and their country. THE POSITION OK A GOVERNOR.

Sir, —t ho position and the influence of ft Governor have very much changed of Into years, in common with all the institutions around us. It is 110 longer necessary for him to interfere in the everyday administration of the Government, but, on the other hand ho lias not yet become a mere figure head in the State. (Loud applause. ) He is not merely the dispenser of ft regulation number of hospitalities, and, .-pending a certain amount of money every year with the tradesmen of the town. He is not merely an ornamental personage in a gold-laced coat, for lie occupies an important position in the body politic. (Applause.) In the first place, he is the head of the State. Without his signature no official document i* valid, and that signature can only be affixed subject to the restrictions provided by the cor stitution. But above all, ho is placed it' that position without tiny distracting election such as is the case with the President, of the United States— an election which brings into play all the strongest acerbities of political conflict. On the contrary, he is appointed by Her Majesty the Queen, and it does not depend upon him whether every ollieer in t heStute, from tho Secretary of State down to the lowest village postmaster, should tremble for the future of his "screw," or fight with that desperation which, as we see in the United States, the prospective loss of that sordid but substantial reward engenders.

A OOVEKXOU'S IU'TIKS.

| Sir, —the power of a Governor is always controlled by ft majority of the representatives of tho people in Parliament. (Hear, hear.) JJo is not responsible for his actions; his Ministers r.re : and thus you have achieved in these colonies the most perfect ideal of a government of the people by the people for the people—(applause) — and the worst blunder a Governor cun commit is to appeal too often to the suffrages of tho electors, or not to allow them to exercise those rights oftener than once in three years. These, sir, I think, form the first branch of the duties of a Governor. In tho second place, lie is the Ambassador of England ; and as such, it is his duty carefully to watch everything that goes on in the colony which is of interest and importance to the Empire at large ; to see that she takes her proper place in the defence of the Empire, especially of her own shores ; to enquire what, facilities or what obstacles she offers to obtaining of coal and the munitions of war by the enemies of the Queen ; and in cases where Kngland lias entered into commercial treaties with other Powers, to which the colonies have consented, to see that those treaties are duly fulfilled, and above all, to see that no action of the colonial authorities should tend to embroil England with her neighbours without due and grave cause. (Hear, hear.)

THE REPRESENTATION' OK THE COLONY AT HO MI-:.

Tiio third duty of the Governor is less well defined, it is that ho, as the only Imperial officer in tho colony, is to represent not only to the Imperial Government, but also to the traders and capitalists it: England the true position and condition of tho colony. You said, sir, a few minutes ago that there was great ignorance displayed in England as to the condition of these colonies. (Applause.) Well, to some extent that undoubtedly istrue. Those whom we call in England "retired colonists"—for my own part, I would rather describe them as "colonial deserters" — (loud applause)—are generally extinct volcanoes so far as their power of interpreting current colonial opinion is concerned. (Renewed applause.) The only way, sir, in which a person can gain a knowledge of what men are doing and talking about in the colony is, by a free intercourse with the people in every part of that colony : and I will say this, that that duty of the Governor does not entirely cease when he resigns his commission into tho hands of Her Majesty. (Applause.) For a time, at least, lie is able to give a better and a more accurate description of affairs in the colony than those who have been absent from that colony for a number of years ; and if, in addition, ho is fortunate enough to be born to or to have attained a position which enables him to command a platform from which to reach the ears of his countrymen, tho potentialities for good to the colony which .ire iu hid power, are not lightly to be esteemed.

ELECTIVE GOVERNORS. Sir, —I have heard it expressed in pome quarter* that there is a desire on tho part of a section of the people of this colony that the representative of Her Majesty should be chosen by the people of the oniony rather than by the Queen herself. (Cries of "No" and "Yes.") I will not speak now as to what may be the result of such a change on the relations between this colony and England, or between this colony and the Empire; but I would like just to say this, that the only argument which has been used by the advocates of that change seems to have been that you might possibly find that a New Zealander would bo elected to hold the high office which I have now the honour to occupy. It docs not seem to have occurred to them that a great deal more than that is involved in this suggested change. If the Governor were to be elected by the people, it is not reasonable to suppose that he would subordinate his will to that of the representatives of the people. You would have a constant conflict between two co-equal powers in the State, each deriving its authority from the same source, the people—(applause)—and that Governor would not be worth his salt who did not insist on expressing his opinion, and on taking the line which he thought right in the interests of thoso who had elected him. (Applause.) Each estate of the realm would from time to time appeal to the people; and if the Governor wero to receive the support of the people, the power of Parliament would be lowered before the will of one man, and the Governor would be a dictator in the land. Ido not say, and 1 do not think, that there is any section in the community who desires this change—(" No," and applause)—but what I do say is that if we are to have this change, it will bo a great constitutional revolution, and not merely the encouraging of local industries." For fifty years, sir, you in New Zealand have enjoyed tho advantages of British rule and of tho British Constitution ; and during those fifty years, I venture to say, at no time have you felt the burden of that rule lighter, or tho advantages of that Constitution irreater, than when you celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of the assumption of Her Majesty's sovereignty over Now Zealand. (Applause.) I rejoice to havo had the honour of taking part in that celebration, and to have seen tho thousands of happy, contented, and well-dressed people, mingling in perfect amity with tho people of the native race, who at one time wero in arms against us, but who are now amongst tho most orderly and law-abiding subjects of tho Queen.

THE NATIVES OF NEW ZEALANI'. It has been my good fortune, sir, to see a great deal of the native races in this country. I have visited them in all parts of New Zealand, and I have been immensely struck by the exhibition of loyalty to Her Majesty and Her Majesty's representative displayed in the most remote and least known parts of this island. I have been struck, too, with the manner in which tho natives have been, and are, adapting themselves to the English systems of govern-, ment, and to the English Constitution. I do nob think anybody who has had any intercourse with the Maoris will bo prepared to dony what I say when I assert, as a result of my experience, that no hapu [ might say no individual —is without a grievance. I believe it would be as difficult to find a Maori without a grievance as it would be to lind a British farmer without a grumble. (Laughter.) Most of thoso grievances are founded on the not unnatural, but not very reasonable, _ ground of a desire to " have their cake and eat it too." I have had an opportunity of hearing tho Maori grievances put forward upon an occasion with the circumstances of which you are most of you familiar. It occurred last year at Otaki ; and tho speakers who addressed me upon

| that occasion were gentlemen well-known for their eloquence and also the length of their Parliamentary experience. MR. CARROLL'S APPOINTMENT. In the course of the detail of those grievances, none struck mo as more reasonable than that the natives should have an opportunity of expressing an opinion on legislation which was about to be proposed affecting their interests, before it was submitted to Parliament, and that they should have a chance of giving their opinions before the policy of Ministers took the shape of a Bill. This course has much to recommend it ; and I am very glad to think, sir, that my Ministers have been able to see their way to revert to the ancient practice of associating with them in the Cabinet one of the representatives of the Maori districts — (hear, hear)—and 1 would congratulate them further, on having secured for that place a gentleman who is so woll qualified, by his education, by his knowledge of this English language, and by tho length of his parliamentary as Mr. Carroll, who is about to become a Minister of the Crown. (Applause.) It may bo that his presence in the Cabinet will smooth away many difficulties which hitherto have only cropped up when measures have come before the House; and that ho will bo able to assure the Maori representatives that though the Government may reduce the Native Department by degrees, until ultimately it disappears altogether, there is no intention of the Government to neglect the interests of tho native population. (Hoar, hear.)

NATIVE BIRDS OK NEW ZEALAND. Thero was one other request, niado then, which I should like to mention now. Tho Maoris told me that if the pakehas were restrained from shooting the beautiful huia bird, which is rapidly becoming extinct, they, on their part, would protect it, and prevent its destruction. Well, ladies and gentlemen, 1 am happy to he able to announce to announce to you that the Government have advised me to include that bird amongst those, which, like the tui, it is prohibited to shoot—(hear, hear) —and I hope that my friend, Mr. Carroll, will tell his people in that limited district, which is the habitat of the huia, that we have fulfilled our side of tho promise, and that wo hope that they will keep theirs, so that that rare and beautiful bird may never become extinct in Now Zealand. While I am on this subject, and speaking of the birds, I should like to add one other word on their behalf. You have here in New Zealand some of tho most extraordinary birds that exist in any country. You have the kakupo in tho South Island ; you have the kiwi, and the stitch bird on your Little Barrier Island : and if you, the present generation of New Zealanders. allow those birds to become extinct, as they aro rapidly becoming, from the inroads of the stoat, tho weasel, and the prospector— (hear, hoar)—future naturalists will class you with the Goths and the Vandals. (Applause.) My Government have reserved certain areas in which to protect those birds, and probably they will do more ; but that is not enough, sir; for it is necessary that their action should be supported by public opinion, and I venture to'hope that the public opinion of New Zealand in the direction of preserving these extraordinary birds wili be exercised to tho full extent, as a similar opinion has been exercised in California in the protection of tho sea-lion. (Applause.) In California, 1 venture to say, it anyone dared to fire a gun in the neighbourhood of the Sea-lion reserves, lie would speedily make the ocquaintance of Judge Lynch, so high does public opinion run in that country.

DEFKNCK AFFAIRS. Well, fir, upon ;i previous occasion, when I had the honour of addressing a New Zealand audience in the youth, I referred to the satisfaction which I felt at the contribution that you have made towards an Australasian Squadron. Nowhere in New Zealand is Her Majesty's fleet more appreciated than it is in Auckland. (Applause.) That is evidenced by the magnificent dock which you have built hero, and by the cordial and large-hearted manner in which your Harbour Board have coiuo forward to meet the Imperial authorities in their desire to provide additional accommodation for the naval station in New Zealand. 1 am glad, sir, to have this opportunity of publicly expressing my thanks to Mr. Malcolm Niccol and to the other members of the Harbour Board for the generous way in which they have met the Imperial authorities in this matter. (Renewed applause.) It is said that the Australasian squadron took its' origin from a rem irk which fell from tho naval officer Commanding-in Chief to an Australian statesman at the time of the Russian scare in ISBS. That statesman asked him what steps were to be taken to protect Sydney from bombardment? Tho Commander-in-Chief replied, "Ah soon as war is declared I am off with a squadron to Russia to meet tho Russian fleet."' Tho statesman's jaw fell in paralysed despair. But, sir, the Admiral was right. It is nor, the business of the English fleet to protect ports ; the business of the English fleet is to seek out the enemy's fleet, and to blockade it or to fight it. (Applause.) Never, in tho history of the world, has any invasion been successful when the country invaded possessed the command of tho sea. Wo were enabled to send tho expedition to the Crimea, and to maintain our connection with it, because we possessed the command of the sea. Wo wero enabled to send an army to the Peninsula, and to maintain our connections with it, because wo possessed the command of the sea; but Napoleon, notwithstanding the victories he achieved in Egypt, was unable to derive any advantage from that, because we enclosed and smashed him there, since ho did not get the command of the sea. And it is for that reason that T think you have been well advised in contributing to this pquadron. There is always a danger that wherever a foreign Power has possessions a fleet may bo gathered ready to strike a blow, and therefore you were wise in providing an auxiliary squadron, with the counterbalance which it afford a to tho possessions of France, Cermany, and Holland in the Southern Pacific. It is possible that a wolf of the sea may escape the vigilance of Her Majesty's ships, and may seriously harass your floating commerce on the bosom of tho ocean, but as a general rule merchant vessels with ,a fair turn of speed are comparatively safe from attack at sea. Tho danger they incur is nearing or leaving port, where a vessel may be lying in wait. We in England have adopted the idea of furnishing fast ocean vessels with a light armament, and giving them a subsidy to enable them to adapt themselves to the purposes of war. While you may not have in New Zealand a Majestic or an Ophir, you have rapid and powerful steamers, and it is not unworthy of consideration whether it might not bo worth while for you to do something of the same nature as wo have done in England to protect your commerce approaching and leaving your ports. In any case, it would bo less expensive and less costly to you that that which your patriotism —all honour to it !—has done in providing you with costly armaments at your various ports, to fortify yourselves against an expedition which could only be despatched after the English had been defeated, nob merely in one naval engagement, but after her power had been completely broken at sea. It is, sir, this strength of England on tho seas which makes it so necessary, which makes it so,vital, which makes it such a .sine qua von of your existonco, that you should continue to belong to the powerful British Empire. (Applause.)

KAUEWKfjL. Well, sir, I havo had the advantage of contemplating the boautiful scenery of New Zealand from one end of the colony to the ot her. I have seen your awe-inspiring sounds and the beautiful calm of Hauraki and her islands. I have sailed over those seas, bathed in summer sunshine; and long after I leave them, possibly in days of turmoil and anxiety, 1 shall look back upon my happy times in the neighbourhood of Auckland, when I cruised amongst those islands, as a dream and a vision of a visit to the Fortunate Islands that we read of in history. (Applause.) I shall always look upon New Zealand, whenever I think of it, as a land inhabited by some of the most hospitable and the most generous-naturcd of Her Majesty's subjects—a land which possesses all, and more than all, of the natural advantages that have made England the groat country she is ; a land in which you fully maintain tho traditions of your race, that prides itself on the heritage of the glorious deeds of your English ancestors, emblazoned on the page of history ; a land which is not, and I am sure never will be, afraid to assume the responsibilities that devolve

upon it as an integral parb of the British Empire ; a land which Lady Onslow and I will always look upon as the one to which we owe the Benjamin of our family—(applause)—and, ladies and gentlemen, though our bodies may be removed 12,000 miles from your midst, our hearts have such pleasant, such abiding memories of this land that they at least will always be permanently established amongst you. (Loud and prolonged cheering.) The assemblage separated with threo cheers for His Excellency and Lady Onslow, and another cheer for Huia, and the viceregal party then proceeded to Government House, from which point the procession to the wharf shortly afterward started.

THE PROCESSION. The public seemed to be in doubt as to the route which would bo taken by the procession, and the greater part made for the wharves. Shortly before four o'clock, three carriages drove up to Government House, tho carriages for the representatives of the public bodies remaining in Symondsstreot. At this time about 500 persons were assembled in front of Government House, the ground being kept by a strong detachment of police under Inspector Broham and Sergeant- Pratt. A little | after four o'clock the vice-regal party emerged from Government House, and took their seats in the carriages as follows :— First carriage, His Excellency the Governor and the Countess of Onslow and little Huia, His Worship the Mayor of Auckland and the Mayoress, with escort mounted police under Sergeant Kelly ; second, tho Countesses of Jersey arid" Galloway, the Hon. P. A. Buckley, and Captain Rupert Leigh ; third, Lady Gwendoline and Lady Dorothy, Captain Guthrie, the Town Clerk of Auckland, and Mr. G. S. Cooper (Under-Secretary). As the carriages moved oir • from Government House, with their escort, tho assemblage raised a hearty cheer. The route taken was by Princes, O'Rorko, Wellesloy, and Queen streets to the Queen-street Wharf. As tho carriages debouched into Princes-street tho Artillery Band, which had been halted there, under Bandmaster Hunter, moved off in front, tho band striking up the well-known operatic air, " Then You'll Remember Me." As soon as the threo carriages containing tho vice regal party reached Symonds-streot the carriages in waiting there fell in, the order being continued thus :—Fourth carriage, Colonel Dignan, Councillors Garratt, J. .7. Holland, and Dr. Walker ; fifth, Councillors Grey, Warren, Trenwith. Lavcr, and Luks ; sixth, Messrs. C. C. McMillan (chairman Harbour Board), J. M. Biighara (secretary), M. Niccol, J. H. Witheford ; seventh, Messrs. Devore, Alison, and Savage ; eighth, foreign Consuls, Messrs. Brown, Cruiekshank. and H. Rees George; ninth, Mr. S. C. Drown (Mayor of Newton), and councillors ; tenth, Dr. Erson (Mayor of Onehunga), Town Clerk, and Mr. Kenny, R.M. ; eleventh, Messrs. Kent (Mayor of Newmarkot), Dinnison (Town Clerk), and Councillors Heron, Laxon, and Randall: twelfth, Messrs. Adam Porter (chairman Chamber of Commerce), Young (secretary), and M. Clark; thirteenth, Messrs. Udy (Chairman of the Board of Education) andMuir ; fourteenth, Messrs. C. Atkin (Chairman of the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board), A. Kidd, O. Mays, and J. Gordon. The Auckland Choral Society was represented by Mr. H. Brett i (chairman). Professor Carl Schmitt (conductor) and M. H. J. Edmiston (hon. sec.) ; National Association, by Messrs. J. B.itger (president), A. 11. Nathan and W. F. Massoy (vice presidents), J. Hastio (secretary) and T. Buddie. A number of private carriages followed, among others present being Messrs. Thomas Thompson and W. Kelly, M.ll.R.'s. The procession of carriages was followed by a detachment of Grammar School boys (about sixty strong), under the headmaster, Mr. Bourne.

Along the route to the wharf Lord Onslow and Lady Onslow were kept busy responding to the cheers and marks of respect paid to them from tho balconies of houses along the route.

EMBARKATION. It is scarcely possiblo that there could have been in any mind the faintest lingering doubt as to the popularity of our departing Governor, but had such a doubt existed tlio immonse gathering and tho enthusiastic demonstrations on tho wharves and in the neighbourhood thereof would have immediately and effectively dispelled it. Two or three hours before the time appointed for the Mararoa's departure, large crowds of latlios ►and gentlemen, gaily arrayed in holiday attire, began to flock towards the wharves, seeking points of vantage from which to see all that could be seen of tho proceedings, and to catch the last glimpse of evanishing Vice-Royalty. The Queen-street Wharf was tho special centre of attraction, as from ib the steamer had to sail, but tho Railway Wharf, the •Shorthind street hill, the North Shore —in fact, every place from which a good view could be obtained, became crowded as time drew on, and eventually the harbour and its surroundings presented a spectacle which it probably never presented before.

Some time before the hour appointed for the steamer's sailing a strong body of our volunteers marched upon tha wharf, and took up their appointed stations. The guard of honour was composed of the Auckland Naval Artillery, about sixty strong, under Lieutenant - Commander Parker, associated with whom were Lieutenants Smith and Little. The other corps which assisted in keeping the line clear were as follow : — Ponsonby Naval Artillery, under Captain Miller and Lieutenant Caulton ; tho " A" Battery, under Captain Geddes ; the Victoria Hides, under Captain Cooper and Lieutenant Somers ; the City Guards, under Captain Kolin and Lieutenant Montgomery; the Newton Rule.-, under Captain Robertson; and the Royal Irish, under Captain Tobin and Lieutenant Caulton. Tho whole were under tho command of LieutenantColonel Goring, and the staff consisted of tho following officers :—Captain-comman-dant Lcßoy, Majors Piric, Morrow, Skinner, and Tonks; Adjutant Grant, and Surgeons Dawson and Carolan.

About five p.m. tho carriage containing His Excellency, tho Countess of Onslow, tho Mayor and Mayoress drove down the wharf amid cheering and tho enthusiastic waving of hats and handkerchiefs. Arrived abreast of th,o steamer Lord and Lady Onslow alighted, and walked a short distance along the wharf to the specially carpeted gangway which had been propared. As they passed between tho lines of volunteers t.hoy were saluted in the usual way, Hunter's Band playing the National Anthem. Tho Mayor and Mayoress and others accompanied their Excellencies aboard, and took their final adieux. By this time the precise hour fixed for departure had gone by, and as soon as the largo number of people who had taken up positions on her deck, in her rigging, and olsowhere, could be hurriod ashore, Mararoa got under way. As she moved slowly away from tho Wharf, cheer after cheer was given for Lord and Lady Onslow, for their littlo daughters, and for tho infant Huia, His Excellency cordially bowing his acknowledgments from tho upper dock, and the Countess waving many kindly, smiling farowells to her Auckland friends.

THE AQUATIC DEMONSTRATION. It may bo Haul that Auckland did hor best to give the Governor a pood send-off, and tho final scene was characteristic of the placo. 0»o of Auckland's advantages is her harbour, and it is tho natural delight of her inhabitants to show this gift of nature to advantage. lb was, as a matter of course, therefore, determined to say tho last farewell to Lord Onslow and his family from the water; it was an appropriate use of natural advantages. When llio Mararoa drew away from tho wharf and slowly steamed towards 11. M.s. Tiiuranga, there boomed from this protector of our shores the customary salute. Tho scene was now one which few who witnessed it will ever forget. Tho harbour was alivo with vessels of all descriptions—steamers, schooners, yachts, rowing boats, and even tho festive catamaran being represented. The yachts were, of course, the feature of tho programme. Under the direction of the commodore of the Auckland Yacht Club, Mr. John Wiseman, the fleet had assembled shortly beforo four o'clock, and obeying the signal " in line," proceeded down the harbour as far as the mission schooner Southern Cross, returning " all abreast." After further manoeuvres the fleet awaited tho departure of the Mararoa. Now, as the steamer moved away, amid the loud cheers of the dense crowd assembled on the wharves, a pretty effect was made by the rowing boats, which, under the guidance of Mr. C. C. Dacre on board the Vivid, formed a double row for the Mararoa to pass through. Thanks to Captain Chatfield'B

careful guidance the passing through this line was not only accomplished with safety to all crafb, but the slow speed at) which he drove the vessel to the North Head, allowed oarsmen as well as sailing vessels to keep fairly within reach of his powerful steamer. To form a fair idea of the scene it is necessary to state that about 80yachts and boats under sail, some 15 steamers, and rowing boats too numerous to count, were grouped round the departing steamer. When opposite Fort Cautley the guns gave out their parting salute, and the Mararoa, increasing her speed, gradually drew ahead of her floating escort. Soon the torpedo launch, on which were the members of the Harbour Board, alone kept pace with the departing vessel, and the last scene of all was when, on turning to come back after raising one more hearty parting cheer, those on board the torpedo boat saw Lady Onslow raise little Huia for a last farewell, and Lord Onslow, evidently overcome with emotion, retire with his handkerchief to his eyes.