ARRIVAL OF HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4285, 14 December 1874, Page 2

ARRIVAL OF HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR.

Shortly before sunset last night a steamer, coming from the northward, was signalled from Mount Victoria. It was immediately conjectured that the vessel would prove to be the Lima, which was telegraphed as having sailed from the Manukau at half-past ten o'clock on Saturday morning, though her arrival had not been anticipated before midnight. Soon afterwards the signal flags announced the Luna, which came round Point Halswell a few minutes after seven o'clock, after a very fine and fast passage of thirty-three hours. The Luua steamed direct for the anchorage off Government House, where she dropped her anchor for the night. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary (Dr. Pollen), Mi-. Richardson, and His Honor Mr. Justice Johnston then boarded the steamer, and welcomed the Viceregal party. As the news spread rapidly over the town a large number of people made their way to the small wharf at which the Governor usually lands or embarks, in the anticipation that His Excellency might come ashore. Thorndon-iuiay was also soon thronged with well-dressed people, animated with a curiosity to catch a first glimpse of the Marquis and Marchioness of Normanby. In this, however, they were disappointed, though the fact of Government House being lighted up encouraged them for a time in lingering about. The Luna would remain at her anchorage for the night, and will steam round this forenoon to the wharf, at which his Excellency will land at noon. The following telegram to the Hon. Colonial Secretary, from His Excellency's Private Secretary, has been handed to us for publication. It will be seen that the rumor circulated "on the Beach," and telegraphed to Auckland, is without foundation, namely, that the Governor only desired to be received by the city authorities : " Onehcnga, Saturday. " His Excellency has observed in the evening paper a telegram from Wellington stating that he had expressed a wish to be received only by the city authorities. I am desired to say that this is a mistake, and that His Excellency leaves it to the inhabitants of Wellington to receive him in the manner they may think proper. " Irwin C. Malixg, " 35th Regiment, "Private Secretary."

PREPARATIONS FOE THE RECEPTION 01' HIS EXCELLENCY.

Unfortunately the telegram given above could not be published earlier than this morning, and thus there is no time for those preparations which the public showed every disposition to make for the reception of His Excellency and the Marchioness of Normanby loyally, and in a manner worthy of the city. It is unfortunate that the Mayor should have become impressed with the idea, and should have conveyed it to the Council, that His "isxcenciiuy" <.u.-3*.-uuni£ua—tiic-iiit.enTion"~of- iliu public to make the day one of holiday, and the reception one of some formality. The intimation was not well relished by the Council, but we have no doubt that as much will be done as can be arranged in the few hours left for preparation. The City Council meet at eleven o'clock in the Provincial Council Chamber, from whence they will proceed to the wharf, where His Excellency will be received and welcomed by the Mayor of Wellington, who will present a brief but loyal address of welcome. The Veterans and Highlanders will compose the guard of honor, and the "Wellington "Volunteer Artillery will fire the usual viceregal salute. It has been arranged that the Tire Brigades, with their apparatus, will join in the procession; and it is probable that the various freindly societies will not be conspicuous by their absence. The day will be one of holiday.