THE GOVERNOR'S TOUR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 11058, 9 May 1899, Page 5

THE GOVERNOR'S TOUR.

RECEPTION AT HUNTLY. VISIT TO THE COAL MINES. [bt telegraph,— bepobter.] Huntly, Monday. His Excellency the Governor commenced his tour of the goldfields and country districts to-day, accompanied by Captain Dudley Alexander (private secretary) and Captain Ward, A.D.C. He left Auckland at half-past nine a.m., and arrived at Huntly at ten minutes past one p.m. ARRIVAL AT HUNTLY. As the train neared Huntly three detonators exploded, and it was in tins way that the signal to commence the proceedings in connection with the official reception was conveyed. The third of tho fog signals was really an instruction to the band to commence, the Huntly Brass Band, under Conductor J. Mcintosh, playing the National Anthem as the train drew up at the station. Huntly was en fete for the occasion, the working coal mines, Taupiri Extended and Ralph's Taupiri, were decorated with bunting, while from the Huntly Hotel to the railway station was a stream of banners. The station also was handsomely decorated, for which the stationmaster (Mr. E. A. Dawson) and his staff were responsible. In the centre of the nikau palms and floral decorations hung a banner with welcome inscribed upon it. "V.R." was also picked out in evergreens, while nikau palms were placed to right and left of tho main platform, _ Upon His Excellency and party alighting the band played appropriate selections, and the voices of children were heard singing the National Anthem. The little ones were ranged on each side of the platform recess, Mr. J. Elliott, headmaster of the Huntly School, being in charge. The children sang lustily and well, and His Excellency paid a deserved compliment to the juveniles and their teachers. The Governor was then addressed by Mr. J. P. Bailey (chairman of tho Huntly Road Board), with him being Messrs. W. Tattley (manager of the Taupiri Coal Mines), J. Harrison, T. Oliver, and others, His Excellency being introduced to the principal residents of Huntly by Mr. P. W. Lang, M.H.R., member for the district. A HEARTY WELCOME. A somewhat happy departure was made from the usual proceedings at receptions, for tho usual address was dispensed with, Mr. Bailey simply extending a hearty welcome to His Excellency. It was, ho said, something like 25 years since a Governor of the colony had paid a visit to the Huntly district, and the speaker, on behalf of the residents of Huntly, trusted that His Excellency would enjoy his short stay in Huntly, which, though a coal mining district, gave way to no other in the cordial nature of their welcome, and trusted that His Excellency would look back with pleasure upon his brief stay in Huntly.

THE GOVERNOR'S REPLY. The Governor, in replying, expressed his pleasure at the cordial nature of the reception accorded him, and said he quite understood and appreciated tho important nature of the coal mining industry of the district, as in tho district from which he camo there wero several coal mines. He had seen them in their prosperous days, also when reverses came, and when accidents had occurred ; and while thanking those present for their reception, lie might express the hope that adversity would never come to Huntly, and that accidents would never occur. He appreciated the welcome they had extended to him, and trusted that his visit to the Huntly district would prove of advantage to him. His Excellency's remarks were well received, and after conversing with several of Huntly's most prominent residents the Governor was escorted to Mr. Louis Harris' Huntly Hotel. THE MINES. After a short rest, during which the band played several selections, His Excellency was introduced to Mr. E. Walker (chairman of directors of the Taupiri Coal Company), who with Mr. Tattley (the manager), escorted the vice-regal party to the Taupiri Extended mine. the Governor and party having descended Ao. 1 shaft a distance of 160 ft, they proceeded to inspect the workings. Those present were His Excellency, Captains Dudley Alexander and Ward, Messrs. F. W Lan" M.H.8., R. Walker, W. Tattley, the Rev. Bradbury (Anglican minister), J. B. Bailey, J. Harrison, John Niecoll, E. W lajjtloy, jun., and the Herald representative. It was explained that the seam of coal was about 30ft thick, tho bords being 20ft high and 14ft wide. The party descended what is known as tho engine plant, and along the horse road to the selfacting incline workings. Tho faco of the bords is under Hakanoa Lake, but the mine is, under the circumstances, dry, as a good coal roof is being kept overhead. In the second bord holing and cutting had been undertaken beforo tho arrival of tho party, and a splendid block of coal was ready for dislodgment. After an inspection of tho coal the party retired, and a shot was fired, almost 20 tons of coal crashing down. _ In all about seven workings of the many in the mine were inspected, and the party then returned to the chambei near the shaft, where an underground luncheon was indulged in. The room occupied was the chamber usually used as an office, which had been whitewashed and nicely fitted out for the occasion. An ascent was then made, and the surface being reached the party proceeded to Ralph's Taupiri mine, situated closo to the railway station, and in the centre of tho township, Tho Governor and party descended the shaft, and were shown a 70ft seam of coal, one of the largest in tho colony. Tim workings in this mine being to the eastward, the party were escorted in tho direction of the Waikato River, and to 11 chains under the river, and four chains from tho opposite side of the river, where tho coal seam has been proved for 13ft. The bords in this mino are 22ft high and 14ft wide, with 9ft of coal left on the roof. His Excellency was informed that in the Extended mine men wero employed, whilo in Ralph's section the number of minors working on coal was 50. Tho Governor was interested in the working of the mine, and displayed an intimate knowledge ot coal mining. Indeed, in hi) inspection ot the industries of the Auckland province ho has sought information on many heads, that with many occupying his position would have been entirely overlooked. It is perhaps this ger.uino display of interest that has made Lord Ranfurly so popular in the districts he has visited since the- commencement of his official tour. His Excellency oxpressed his surprise at the extent of the coal seam in the properties visited, and his pleasure at having in Huntly been afforded an opportunity of making himself intimately acquainted with such an important industry. Upon reaching the- surface tho Governor invited several residents to his carriage, in which the vice-regal party dine and sleep. In the evening the Huntly Brass Band paraded outside Mi. Harris' Huntly Hotel, and played several selections.

FUTURE MOVEMENTS. To-morrow a departure will bo made in the Rotorua express at ten minutes to eleven a.m. for To Aroba, reaching the latter place at half-past one. His Excellency will be officially received, after which the VVaiorongom'ai and Te Aroha mines and public baths will be visited, a banquet being tendered the Governor in the evening. Paeroa and Karangahake will bo visited on Wednesday, Waihi and Katikati on Thursday, while Hangatiki, Waitomo caves, Mokau tunnel, and ether places of interest in that locality will be visited on Friday, Saturday, and the remaining days of the present tour. , ,' THE KARANGAHAKE PROGRAMME, [m telegraph.—own coehespondent.] ' • Paeroa, Monday. A slight alteration has been made in the programme connected with the Governor's visit to Karangahake. Instead of being received by Mr. Daw opposite the Crown mines battery, the citizens of Karangahake are desirous ot His Excellency being driven into Karangahake,' and publicly received and welcomed,- after which he will indulge in sight-seeing.: This plan was agreed upon at ' a meeting • held yesterday morning, so that ■ Lord '• Ranfurly \ will he '. driven ; from Taeroa to Karangahake;- and welcomed .there, by adults and children. The weatber during the past few days has been anything but propitious, and the roads and streets-are. rather muddv. >' It is hoped, however, that Lord Eanfurly's- visit will not be spoiled by: inclement weal her. ' , ;.'