LYTTELTON.

Oamaru Mail, Volume II, Issue 580, 12 March 1878, Page 2

LYTTELTON.

March 12; ] ~. The barque Loch Cree, under elia/fc e r , |p<"the N.Z. Shipping Company, «sjj(gd from Lonrlon after a iups'from the Lizards to 79 from land to land. She passengers and fifteen Governi^^^^^^^J Kg?* B - ..-■-*- r .^^^^^H

come to Oamaru by special train, and will reach here to-moi-row evening, but at what hour is not yet definitely known. Those who wish to be present will therefore have to be on the alert. We also learn that the Ministerial party will make short stays at Hampden and Otepopo. We trust that the public will muster at the railway-station and give Sir George Grev such a welcome as he undoubtedly deserves, notwithstanding that no special arrangements have been made for giving him a regular reception. It is not alone as Premier that we should greet Sir George Grey. He has many other st'-ong claims to consideration at the hands of every resident in the Colony claims that are'not equalled by those of any other man. Not only does Sir George Grey come amongst us as chief of tlie Ministry chosen from the representatives of the people ; he conies here as a man who has spent many years of his life in the service of his fellow men. We have to look upon him as one who, when the direst of troubles hung over »w Zealand, was chosen by the fmoerial Government as the man best qualified to face and surmount those troubles. We have to look upon him as one who was twice called to the position of Governor of New Zealand, and on each occasion, too, when the Colony was afflicted with a native war. The distinguished services rendered by Sir George Clrey during a long and eventful life, the fact that for many years he held high offices requiring ability of the highest order, that from first to last he enjoyed the especial confidence and esteem of Her Majesty and of the most, eminent statesmen who ever stood around her throne, entitle him to a hearty welcome at the hands of every ciiizen. A meeting was held last evening for the purpose of "perfecting the arrangements in connection with the luncheon. Itwas decided that the luncheon should be given in the Masonic Hall, to take place at halfpast 11 o'clock, and the catering was entrusted to Mr. Earle. Full particulars as to price of tickets, &c. may be found in our advertising columns.