THE GOVERNOR'S VISIT.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 1602, 18 February 1867, Page 6

THE GOVERNOR'S VISIT.

[Continwd from Supplemntl."}

Naval 15 it io ai)f. — Captain Thomson, Captain Ktavciy, Lieut Robert?nn, Litut. GoJ<3ic,Wid*bipmanl)kkcii£Cin,4Btrgcfißtß, 36 Volunteers. CADirra—Lieut. Mann, 1 sergeant, 14 Volunteer*. As His Excellency arrived on the reviewground be was loudly cheered by the spectators, and the whole force of Volunteers presented aim-, the band playing tbe National Anthem; line having been previously drawn up, with open ranks, and officers in fn.nt, as to receive the Gereral. « The companies then eltoulib-rcd arms, and, accompanied by the sH-fT-officers, Ilia Excellency panned along the whole line, m fiont and r>ar, making a \-<iry minute in Bpecticn, and risking the Colonel a Ftries of questions as to the companies, ihe arm", and" equipment;:. Ilia Excellency then rcttirted with his mite to the petition from which the movements of the troops were to he reviewed, and in the neighborhood of which some stats had been provided for rpectstors. The ranks then do eel, broke into open column, and marched past in quick time. They marched past •also, in qunrNr-tiiftinncc column, opened to wheeling diYnnce. and de-ployed it.to line; . Colonel Cargill Riving tho commands during all theee dfffi rent movements. Major B.ithjiato afterwards put the companies through manual and platoon exercise; and hy Capt. Atkinson the whole infantry force were put through the luyonet extreme. To spectators, this was one of the most attractive parts of the exercises; and hy His Excellency, who advanced towaids the ranks, it was closely inspected. Tht re were nccceeai iiy in the ranks a few recruite who w. re cnly indifferently acquainted wiih the exercise, but they were bo few as to be scarcely distinguishable among the great major it\ who knew the drill and went through it well; and Hlb ExctUci.cy expressed himself highly pleaded. Colonel Curghl then resumed giving the corororiTitlß, mid a variety of evolution? were effected. Charging, ai.d ti;ri;ii'g to tbe left, on the right centre company, t!:e line ndvinifcd with tbe Artillery covered hi the centre; aud the whole line ltiu.ded. Ko. 1 extended, and No. 2 supported the line, which covired u\> No. 1 and the Artillery. The Artillery and skirmishers immediately t-pencl fire, No. 2 re'ievu»i.< skirmishers retiring- At the same time the reserve was marched to the r. ar in close column of companies. Then a general assembly, the reserve deploying into line, anil volley filing frnm the n^ht of companies ea torn as the front was Clctt-r, the Aitillcry taking up the liring >.» coon us tbev bad ink* n jo-ition. On the alarm for cavalry, the line broke into a column of coinpi'iiiirp, formed square on the rear company, and prepared lo receive cavalry. In fquarc, file firing from the right of facts; n'.ar.dinu ranks coated firing; the kneeling ranks firing a volley. Grounded unns, and reformed cr.lumri. Opened to wl eelh g distance from rear. Deployed into hue. Fired a volley with front rtink kneciing, and iirepared to charge. Charged. Halted. FontK-d close column on No.' 3. Changed front to roar, hy counter march of sub-divisions round centre, which brought the Artillery in front. Opened out to wheeling liistaricefrom the rear-company. Wheeled into line, and advr.ncil in flow time, with general salute, the band play ing, ami ranks opening. United, and give rum nil taint*:. Throughout all thc-e movements, there was an observable improvement in the drill of the companies, and there was a general expression of tutisftctieii that all had acquitted themselves h> well. We ngre-t that during one of the movemmtu, when the companies were advancing in h»'\ an accident o---cu;red !-y which Ciiptr.in Stuvtly, of the Naval Bripade, ia be-In ved to be rather severely injured. A- the line advanced, tiie Artillery opened fire, and it happen-d, by the smoke obscuring H'c ground, and the romprtseed space in which the moiements were made, that the left of the line was pressed out •di-hlly, r-o an to extend too closely to mm No. 1. A'i Crrptain Sternly wan moving to Lid position, the gun waa discharged, and he was so near, that part of the wauling was lodgeel in the back of hid left leg, below tiie kr.e,; joint. He continued at the head of his'company, but iindinyt the wound bleeding much, and becoming faint, he hit the ground, and at the Imperial Hotel was attended to by Dr. Hockeu. The wound, we bt-lkw, is a very painful e-':e, as there was lodged deeply in the fi.-h a portion ot* the wuddine,"hut no serious ev.iin.quetice.-s arc apprehended. A? I'oon as the wound was drcsM.il, Cipt-.iu Sravdy was removed tv his own rtv-ideneo, where, we bvlbvo, he was, as Boon a:i the circumstancts became known, visited by Hid Excellency. PiiK.-jKST.ATION OF I'll ZE-*. The review being ended, three '.-ides of n square were formed by the Volunteer?, and His K.-.eelb-ney di-tributcd a number of'prizv-s for K. de Snooting. To ea.-h prize- talicr, Hia Excellency addressed a lew" words of encouragement or of comment; and we idi'ill indicate the scope of some of the remarks so inivde. The priz-.s that distributed were thotic for Cadet-, and those given by (he Provia cial Government. Tne following list (copied from a printed ptiper supplied by Capt. and Adjutant Atkinson) sho*s the order of the distribution, the value ol the prizes, an! the winning scores:— Cadet Phizes. — Provincial Government: Volunteer Alexander Grant, 35 points, prizf, Silver Cup, value L 4 10s.— 1 tie Honorable Mi'jnr Richardson's prize : Volutit'-er Ci.arleri Cutten, 116 points, Jacob's IV.fle.—Mrs Captain Atkinson1 * prize: Edward .T. C. Tame, 30 points, Gold Cros.i lt'flrt. Provincial Governmkst Phizes. —

Gunner Svdncy Muir, 63 points, latpnz.-, Silver Cup, value Ll3; Captain Andre* M'Farland, 58 points, 2ud prize. Field Glass, value L 8; Volunteer Wm F. Christie 8T,53 potntf, 3rd prize, Alb rt Chain, value L 6; Lieut. Linjiticld Davies, No 1 C.G, 56 points, 4th prize, Gold Pencil C'ise, value L 5; Volunteer Wm Johnson, S.D, 55 points, sth prize, Opera Glass, value L 4 Wa; . Lieut Jas lv. Hannah, 55 points, Gth prize, Gold Locket, value L 3 10a. , , . tt- t. i The prizes were banded to liis r>xcetlency by Lieut-Col. Cargill, who gave a short explanation iv each case. As to Gunner Muir, Lieut-Col. Cargill said that he had shot well and steadily for two year* ; and to Capt. M'FarkSd, Hib

Excellency *ard that he vies glad to see the Artillery lucce-eding with both arms of the service. Lieut. Hannah,.of the came corpj, coming up to receive tbe fifth prize, Hi« Excellency remarked tbat he thought there ought to be a pr»ze or prizee for artillery, as well as for rifle-shooting. The* prizes won «t the recent meeting of the Ot*j?n Rifle Association were next presented hy His Excellency. Match No. 1 (All Comebs): Ranges -100. 500, and GOO yards ; 5 rounds at each. - lot prize, L 7, won by Gunner Hardy, Artillery, 45 points; 2nd, L 4, Corporal Chri-tie. Er»t Taieri, 45; 3rd, L 3, Gunner Smith, Artillery, 44; 4th, L 2, Gunn«r Muir, Artillery, 44; sth, Ll, Petty Officer Bain, Port Chalmers Naval Brigade, 44; Gth, Ll, Sergeant Taylor, No. 2 Company, 43; 7th, Ll, Private Stevens, Dunedin Naval Brigade, 42: Bth, LI, Lieutenant Hannah, Artillery, 42.

Gunner Hardy was described by the Licut.-GVlonel, as having been formerly in lha Naval Brigade-, and as having for three years proved himself an excellent fil, o t. —Thc Governor said that the Artillery Bt'crncd to he great prize-takers, and they were evidently a very fine Company. Corpora! Christie (Taieri corps), was complimented on having won the Champion Ib.lt of the Colony ; and His Excellency e/.prei*ed a hope that Christie might lon/.' Wear it. Sergeant Taylor (No, 2, Scottish) was also cousplim. ntetl, ns the second prizeman in the Champion Mutch ; and upon hits still maitit'iiviin^ bin reputation. Match No. 2 (Mr Mason's Cur): R mg< s, 200, 500, and 600 yards ; 5 rounds at each.— ir-t Prize, Cup and 1,3 in money, Captain M'Farland, Artillery, 44 points; •2nd, L 5, Cot pond Christie, East Taieri, 43; .'led, L 3, Lieutenant Hannah, Artillery. 43; 4th, L 2, Lieutenant Shand, South District Ranger?, 42; .Ith, Ll, Captain liorton, Wniltnri Kanpcrp, 42; Gth, Ll, Gunner Hardy, Artillery, 41; 7th, Ll, Sergeant Taylor, No. 2 Company, ■10; Sth, Ll, Gunner Smith, Artillery, 39: Match No. 3 (Daily Timks Cup): Han-tH 200, 300, 400, and 500 yards; fi rounds at each—lst priz*. Cup (silver), by .Sergeant.'l ay lor, No. 2 Company, 04 pointti;" 2nd, L 5, Gunner Hardy, Artillery, til ; 3rd. L-3, Private Steveun, Dunedin N.rval lirigadt", 00; 4th, I_->, Captain M'Failinid, Artillery, .If); sth, Ll, Gunner Muir, Artillery, 57; Gth, Ll, Corporal Christie, Ka?t Tai-ii, r><> ; 7th, Gunner Miller, Artillery, 55; Sth, Ll, Gunner fcmith. Artillery, 55. Sergeant Taylor was congratulated on o-irinitijrtiiis Cup ; His Excellency adding, " and itii one wcl'l worth having." Mvre'ii No. 4 (Fiilst Stack fob Association Cri-): K-oige?, 200, 500, and GOO ytitdfi; •"> rouiu.'fi at each.—L-t prize, LG, ivon by Corporal Stalker, Waikati Rangers, ■Jl psintK; 2nd, L 4, Serjeant Douglas, No. 1 Company. 42 ; 3rd, L 2, Private Dalai.-), Wuik'.ri Kan-era, 41 ; 4th, Ll, Lieutenant St.--.vi-I/, Dunedin Naval Brigade, 41; sth, Corporal Christie, East Taf ri, 41 ; (j;h, Ll, Private Stevens, Naval Briiratle, 41 ; 7th, Ll, Private W. Christie, Ka^t Taieri, 40.

Match No. 5 (ANvßirr-jc): Ranges, 700 luid SOO yards; 10 rounds at each. in prize, L 4, won by Mr Glassford, (>1 points; 2nd. L 3, Corporal Christie, East Taieri, ;*5 ; 3rd. L 2, Lieutenant Robertson, Wuikori Ratters, 52 ; 4th, Ll, Lieutenant ILmtiiih, Artillery, 43; sth, Ll, Entign Wales. No I Company, 48. .Match No. ti (.Sirco.in Staoj: rotr Association Ci'p) : Haugcs, 7UO, 800, and iiOOyardn; 7 rounds at each. — lst Prize, Cup won by Pfivste Stevens, Dunedin Naval Brifiiid'.-, 5A> points; 2nd, L 7, Serycnnt Taylor, No. 2 Company, 55 ; 3rd,' L 4, Captain M'Farland, Artillery, 53; 4th, L 3, Lieutenant Stttvely, Dunedin Naval Urinate, 53 ; sth, L 2, Corrioral Chri'tie, Ki-it Tait-ri, 51; Gth, Ll, Corpora! Trcse-der, No. 1 Company, 50. Highest score at 700 yards, Ll, Corporal Christie, East Taieri, 2G; highest score at 800 yards, Ll, Private Stevens, Naval Brigade-, 21 ; highest score at 9,00 yards, Ll,"Lieutenant Davies, No. 1 Company, 21. Match No 7 ("Evening Staii" Cup): Ranges, 200 and 500 yards ; 7 rounds at each?—lm. prize, Cup, won by Corporal Stalke-, Waiktir". Rangers, 47 poinU ; 2nd, L 4, Corp'r.il Treseter, No. 1 Company, 44 ; 3rd, L 3, Private Wibon, No. 1 Company, -S3 ; 4th, L 2, Sergeant Taylor, No. 2 C.'r.np-my, 42; sth, Ll, Lieutenant Shand, S.uth Diine-iin Hangers, 42 ; (ith, Ll, ftuuner Muir, Artibery, 41 ; 7th, Ll, f'riva-e W. Christie, East Taieri, 41.

C.irrmral S alfcer was congratulated by Hi- Iftxc.-'leney a:> the winner of " a very JruuL-onic cun—out- well worth carrying off."

Match No. 8 (Consolation) : Ranges, 200, 4"ro. and 500' yards ; 5 rounds at each. — Ist pri'z:*, L 4, ivon by Serjeant Robertsun, No. 2 Cfi:; ; p-.ny, 46 points ; 2nd, L 3, Str'/eaiit Lin>'«iy, North Dunedin, 45 ; 3rd, 1/2, Corporal" Robertson, East Taieri, 44 ; 4th, Ll, Sergeant Hislop, No. 1 Company, 44. Tub eunc'ud.d the distribution ; and

His Excellency said: Otago Volunteers —Iwi.h to e.tpnss to you my great approval ol all I have f Cen this day. I think that what we have witnessed shows that there is the be-^i .nim: here of a very great yiicce-.H—if the work is only carried on. I a'so ivisb to ihank the Volunteer^ of tbe country district', 'or the inconvenience and losa they hive under gone, iv coming into town to aflord me the plcanire of seeing them at this Review. I hope that the Hilisfaetion you have all given to-day will be a stimulus to the movement, and that the .Volunteers of Otago Will become a very numerous body. I think that any people aspiring to become really a itrtat nco le, can never hope to succeed, if they* cannot defend their own homes—(applause) ; aud if, in the event of n war, we tire not utile to repulse an enemy Irom our own shores, we are really unworthy to occupy the rich and fertile counlry we do.—(Hear, hear.) I thank you all very mucn for having come here to day ; and once more I must express my preat pleasure at seeing you so well up m drill. You have sho»vn that you are so, under very difficult circumstances; for the ground you have bad is so contracted, that it was hardly.possible to make any movements with accuracy. I was quite astonished to see you do so well. Lieut-Col.-Cargttl called for "Three cheerd for lli-i Excellency, theCommander-in-Chiel." The call was lustily responded to; and the Governor and his suite then le!t the ground. ' His Excellency had expressed a wish that, iv doing so, he should head the Volunteers, and the whole force marched off, with His Excellency heading

them, until they reached the corner opposite the Imperial Hotel, where His Excellency and suite drew aside, and again reviewed the companies aa they passed into Princes street. '' Three cheers for the Governor'" werengain eiven, and cheers for Colonel Cargill; end His Excellency, bowing acknowltlgcment, rode off, followed by his suite. As tbe Volunteers passed in review, particular and favorable attention was given by the Governor to the Cadet Company. On the Volunteers reaching tho Customhouse, and re forming into line, Colonel Cargill briefly addressed them, expressing his great satisfaction at their whole conduct as having been, throughout, most praiseworthy. His Excellency, he said, had expressed himself highly gratified with their appearance, and with the spirit of the companies from Port Chalmers and the coup try districts. He (Colonel Cargill) confeFjed that he had been in some trepidation lest they should "make a mess of it," but he was glad to say that it had been far otherwise. He might have been a little rough with portions of companies, but, if he had been so, it was for their good, his good, and the good of all of them. They had not shown any very creat numberc, hut they had showed discipline ; and he hoped that when they were nest reviewed by the Governor, they would be able, to show still better discipline and a larger force. Major Bathgate then called for three cheers for Colonel Cargill, and, at the call of Captuin Atkinson, a round of cheers was given for Captain Hope. After some more cheering, and one great " Cheer for Volunteers,'* called for by Mojor Grey, the different companies were dismissed. Duting the review, Lieutenant Shand of the South District Companies, acted as Aide-deCamp to the Colonel. Corporal Woodland, of the Artillery Company, was Orderly to Hi* Excellency, as Sergeant Adam Somcrvillc, of No. i Company, had been on the previous day. THE VOLUNTEER BALL. The annual ball of the different Volunteer Corps was held last evening, in the Provincial Government Buildings. Tlie Council Hall was tho ball-room ; and the Central Hall, still decorated as it waa for the dejeuner ou Thursday, was the refreshment room. The terrace was screened; and it thus afforded not only a uheltcred way from the ball-room to the refreshmentroom, but also plenty of space ior a pleaHiotly cool promenade. There was a large company—at one time, indeed, there were many would-be dancers who could not find floor-apace. His Excellency the Governor arrived shortly after ten o'clock, accompanied by the Hon. Major Richardson and Major Grey. His Excellency remained for about an hour and a hilf. Captain Hope, of the Brisk, wbh present, as were several of his officere. The Volunteers mustered strongly ; Lieut.-Col. Cargill and Major Batbjratc being amongst the company. Dancing waa kept up spiritedly; and the ball was altogether a success. SATURDAY, FimniaitY I6th. Saturday last was spent by His Excellency, the Governor, in visiting various Government and public institutions. His Excellency was accompanied by the Hon. Major Richardhon, Major Grey, aud the Rev. Mr Thatcher; and with the suite were Mr George Richardson, aud Mr Monro («on of Sir D. Monro, Speaker of the House of Representatives.) The first visit wa3 to TIIE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING.-*. Here, His Excellency was received by Hh Honor tbe Superintendent; the Mayor (William Mason, Esq.)—the architects of the pile were Messm Mason and Clayton ; Mr J. T. Thomson, Engineer ol Roads and Works; ami Mr G. Cornwell, contractor for the Building?. The plans were laid on a table in the Central Hall; and the Mayor explained the peculiarity of the design. The Hall will have arranged round it, a f cries of counters, which will be assigned to the different departments ; behind which there will be a room or rooms for the chiefs. There is a considerable fall in the ground trom Princes-street to Bondst; nntl the basement storey thus necessitated, being strongly built ol blue stone, is divided by stone or brick walls and brick arching, into strong rooms. _ Safes being paced Ih those rooms, there is the best and most convenient prnviwm for the security of books and documents. His Excellency saw moit of the Btde-rooms irom the Central Hal', now being fitted or filled with Hall fittings. Hi; was then conducted to'the rooms at the south-west corner ol the pile, which tc temporari'y occupied by the Rontls and Works D; part ment; and there Mr Thomson submitted the plans for bridges in the course of construction—such n3 those over the Clutha aud the Mntanra; for bridges proposed ; and for various roads and other works. His Excellency thought the plan of the Buildings excellent, and he -showed much interest as to those for-bridges and roada. VOLUNTEER FIRE BRTOADE. His Excellency and suite then proceeded to the Fire Brigade Station. About 40 members of the Brigade were drawn up in line, with their officers in front. Capt. Rees was in command; and the other officers present were Lieut. Wain, Foremen Sheppard, Johnston, and Lewis, Treasurer iVain, and Secretary Woodland. His Excellency expressed himself ss highly pleased with the appearance of the men; and on being conducted over the establishment by Capt. Rees, he warmly praised the way in which the apparatus was kept. His Excellency was afterwards conducted to the Reading Room, after examining the library and remarking on the comfortable appearance of tbe room ; His Excellency said that the authorities must be proud of having such an institution. The Mayor replied that not only himself, but all the citizens were proutl of their Brigade. Before leaving the rooms, His Excellency promised to present some books for the library. Leaving the building, His Excellency saw the Brigade go through their engine and hose practice. The engines were manned, the hose coupled, uncoupled, and the enctines very quickly replaced in order. The men were next exercised with the ladders ; and the jumping sheet waa used. These feats were warmly commended by Hia Excellency, and were cheered by a number of spectators. Before retiring, Sir George thanked the" Brigade for what they had shewn him, and said that he was as mucb pleased with the Brigade as with anything he had yet Been here. Capt.

Rees invited Uk Excellency to pay a visit to the Bell Tower, for the purpose of having a fine view of the town and the Ocean Beach ; and His Excellency was pleased to say that he wanld name an early day for that purpose. Three cheers were given by the Brigade, as His Excellency rode nil'to the Gaol; aud the men were then dismissed. TIIM GAOL. His Excellency and suite were still accompanied by the Superintendent ond the Mayor. At the Gtol, he wa* received by the Hon. A. R. C. Strode, M.L A. R.M.; Mr W. 11. Reynolds, M.H.R; and Mr W. D. Murison, M.H.R. Mr Stoddart conducted the Governor through the Gaol. The kitchen and washhouse were first shown. Then, in one of the yards, l'«fe-sentenced or very lonz-sentenced prisoners, such as Fratson, Whitehead, &c, were seen ; and His Excellency passed through some of the upstairs cells into the chapel. Tn crossing a yard to the dining-ball, three prisoners awaiting trial were ?eeti ; and after pacing through the hall, the Governor made several inquiries respecting the lava'ory, &s., which is almost wholly the wurK of prisoners. In the stockade, the hardlabor cang numbering 47 in all, was drawn up, and Hia Excellency took a stir-, vey of them, as they stood along three sides of a square. The women's department and the debtors' side were next walked through by the Governor. It was noticeable in" this neighborhood, that several changes have been made as a result of tho escape of Lingham aud ll<ibs-_m ; the principal being tbe pulling down of the small shed over which those two desperate young rascals clambered up to the platform of the stockade. Leaving the Gaol) through the debtors' gate, Sir George Grey reentered by the other gate, aud went into MrStoddart's ofiice; and to His Excellency was sent John Hutchinson, a fine tall young fellow, about 22 yean old—sent, a prisoner, to return essentially a freed man. Hutchinson was clerk to a former lessee of the jetty tolls. He got upon " a spree," and he forged a cheque and issued it. On the Ist December, 18G5, he was sentenced to be imprisoned two year.-1, with hard labor, for the forgery, a year's imprisonment being added for the uttering. Since then, Hutchinson's conduct has been in every rc-pect good, and he has worked most industriously. These things, combined with the facts that up to the time of the forgery Hutchinson had always borne an ex- ; ceilcnt character, and that this first offence . was committed under circumstances of temptation scarcely to be classed as ordinary, made the decision of the Visiting Justices unanimous, that Hutchinson was entitled to be iue-nded in any recommendation to His Excellency's clemency, and the best entitled to that clemency if there ) was to be but a single object of it. So John Hutchinson, having been punished by the law, has had remited the remainder of hia cumulative sentences; anti he will be liberated as soon as the necessary documents can be prepared and forwarded to the Gaoler. That the Dunedin Gaol is essentially faulty in construction, no one cm question : that it is kept in admirable order, is equally unquestionable. We hear that Hit Excellency stated, on leaving the Gaol, that he had„never, in any pirt ol the woild, sen a penal establishment kept cleaner or in better Condition ; aud that, in reply fo an as-urnnce that there had not been the least "getting up" for the occasion, the reply was that the whole appearance aud air of the place gave the best of reasons for saying that the assurance was not necessary. The total number of prisoners within the Gaol on Saturday was 78, uix of tliem hciuz debtors—and one of those isi" prison fur a debt of less than L 3 ! There was once, during the height of the etoldfieldu rush, as many as 170 prisoners iv the Gaol—a fearful picking, and a cause of painful fear to the au'hr.ritie3 that typhus fever, or something ol the sort, would be generated. Whitewash, water, and much anxious attention by the Visiting Justices tiHtl the Gaoler, prevented such an outbreak. THE HOSPITAL. From the Gaol, the Governor and his suite, followed by the gentlemen already mentioned, drove to the Hospital, ir. Great King street. In the conversion of the Exhibition Building into an Hospital, a simple but very effective plan wis adopt.rd. Around the four siles of the building theae was a deep gallery; and this, by tbe erection of brick walls in line with the front of the gallery, enabled the Provincial Engineer to secure at once a ft-ries of high, wide, and well-lighted wardj. Trie machinery annexe was sligiitly remodi lied and improved ; other iron and brick bui'dings were added; and thus a kitchen, laundries, stores, &c. were obtained, which were connected with the main buililing only by a corridor. We need not enter into details; but it will be seen that, by the plan I adopted, the wards surround a central hall, i the size of which is the whole space within j the lines of the gallery, as th>> building stood during the Exhibition. The central light at tbat time was a • ingular one, and it was commented upon as unsightly; but now it affords most valuable means of ventilation. Every ward has on one etcle of it a street line, and on tbe other this freely ventilated central hall; so that there is an abundant supply of fresh tiir for the patients, and the supply is under perfect control.

Hia Excellency was received by Dr Hulme, the Provincial Surgeon; Dr Yates, the House Surgeon, being also present. Naturally enough, the Governor was first conducted into the central ball. There, the obelisk representing the bulk of the gold got in Otago up to the end of 1864, still stands. During the period between the closing cf the Exhibition and the openiug of the Hospital, curious visiters stripped off pieces of the gold-leaf-covered calico forming tbe sides of the obelißk; but tbe whole has been renovated, and looks now smarter than at first. The fcightt of the obelisk led to questions concerning it, and as to the opening ceremony, in which Sir George Grey did not take the moat prominent part. Tnen, His Excellency wis conducted to the principal accident ward, which is close to the entrance. In this ward therewere ten patienta, s;vcral »' th-.'in suffering from bad fractures of the thigh or leg, anil one or them being the man who recently fell from the yard of the ship Timaru. Dr Hulme stated the main points of each case; and to each patient His Excellency apoke a few words of most kindly inquiry and encouragement. The "fine large, airy room," was noted by Sir , George as aooa a3 he had entered &c ward;

and remarks astothe space,cleanliness,and order of different parts of the establishment, were frequently made by His Excellency. A convalescent ward opposite the accident ward ; one of two of the upper wards ; a second acci lent ward; the kitchen, stores, &c. were visited, and then tbe visit had to be terminated; as the time named for anival at the Lunatic Asylum waa close at hand. Before leaving the Hospital, His Excellency expressed to Dr Hulme, lib deep interest in the Institution, ond his great satisfaction with all he had seen.

The number of patients in the Hospital at present is lIS, of whom 17 are women. The daily average, during the year ending September 30th, 18GG, "was 122. Since the removal from the old wooden hospital, there has been, as a rule, a marked improvement in the condition of the patients. We believe that tbe surgeons hesitate to say that the whole of that improvement is due to the removal; it being a fact that patients often improve somewhat tn the tine summer weather gets in ; but from all we hear, there is great reason for congratulation that the Exhibition Building has been converted into the chief Hospital in Otago. THE LUNATIC ASYLUJI. Dr. Hulme accompanied His Excellency in the drive to the Asylum, which is situated on a hill side near wircre the Military Barracks ttood. At the Aslyum, Mr and Mrs Hume, the master and nvstron, were presented; as was also Mr J. A. Ewen. The men patients were at dinner, so tbat the Governor could see all the arrangements in that respect, as he passed frotruroom to room. The considerable addition to the building which has just been completed, by the labor of patieute, was carefully inspected ; as was also the large tank, over part of the kitchen, whicli was erected after the fire in January, 18GG, when the clay backing between the boards was the on'y thing that prevented the ilunes spreading rapidly, if not destroying the whole pile. In one of the yards, there sat, with her back again it a shaded wall, a woman who, for three years or more, has not spoken a word, or done one single helpful human act. Ou landing here, she was told that her only son—her inst-k-ft son, and ber only dependence— had bicn drowned. Shri sank down, paralysed in mind and body. She was taken into the Asylum an nb;-olutely helpless thing; but she is now showing symptoms of improvement, and her mere bodily health is getting g-iotl. Here there wa=i also a girl, eight or nine years old, seemingly hopelessly crazed, but healthy, pleasant-looking, and most aftectionate. Erich of these patients deeply interested Sir George. The recreation hall was visited; and then His Excellency (left the Asylum. He stated to Dr Hulme and to Mr and Mrs Hume, that he should always feel greatly interested in the progress of the Asylum; and Dr Hulme, iv compliance with a suggestion by His Excellency, undertook to prepare a statement as to the establishment and growth of the Institution. "It should," said Sir George*, " b-t brief, but full; and it should be written in the mo3t simple lansuoge possible." We need not now recur to the days when the Jumtics that came under the charge of the authorities of Otago were confined either in the Hospital, where they were out of place, and iv the way of the Hospital-patients proper ; or in the Gioi, where ir, was simply an outrage to keep them. When the present Asylum was first opened, there was accommodation for 35 patents, but the number of inmates soon exceeded that limit. There was then an extension, co that about GO could be accommodated properly; but this was speedily absorbed. For the year ending September, 18G5, the daily average number wiss4 ; but for tho next year, it was G2 ; and on Saturday, there were 87 patients—64 men and 23 women. A few of these have recovered, and will leave this week. But it must be evident that ( there rs now great ovcr-crowdb.g; and, what is a fact, though not so evident, there , arc not the means ofclis.ofication.no lhat those disposed to violence can be separated from those not so disposed. To remedy both defects, is the object of the extension , whicli we have mentioned, as having been just completed by the labor of the patimts, under the direction of some of the attendants. In the last report of Dr Hulme to the Superintendent, dated October lst, it is said, " Notwithstanding the increased accommodation mentioned in Hst Report, the male wards are again crowded. There are at present, six male patients in excess of the number which the Asylum can a?c:>mrnodate. To meet this increase, new buildings are in course of erection, which nre nlm> designed with a view to the properclassification of the male patients. These nesv erections will be continued in a line with tbe larate dormitory on the male side, i a di*t<mce of 84ft and 22ft iv width. This space will be divided into a latve day- : room, 64ft by 13ft; nine single bed moms for refractory patients, each Bft by 6ft; <ne ! bath-room and lavatory, 15ft hy Bft ; ! water-closet, pantry, and store-room. Behind thia bnildins. an airing court will !be formed, 64ft by 36ft, with a verandah on i the side next the building, running the entire lengfh of the court. In planning the arrangement of tbe interior, the duyro mi is placed so as to command a pleasant view of the Bay, Ocean Beach, aud As> lum Garden. At right angles to this building, a wing will be erected, which will contain 15 beds: this room can be used either as a dormitory or tick ward. The present airing court for refractory male patients is almost useless fjr the purpore, as only one patient can be allowed in it at a time, and from its contraction, the attendants have no supervision over it It ia 'therefore proposed to roof it over, divide it into single rooms, and connect it with the new refractory ward by a corridor." All that is mentioned here, with the exceptlou of the improved airing- 1 court, will be occupied in the course of a week or two. Bui more is still needed : since O-itobjr la->t, there has been daily - growing reason for carrying out what istated by Dr. Hulme, in the'following extract: —" In a short time the ward on the female division, at present used a« aro-rei-tiou hall and clnpcl, will be required for the accommodation of the increa-ed number of female patients, for which ourpose it was originally intended. Plans for a S new amusement hall have been prepared. I 1 The dimensions will be GOit long, by 24ft I wide, and 1511 to the spring of roed. Tne 1 proposed workß alluded to will be carried lout by the Aayluta labor, and tb& greater , | portion of the material obtained Irom the ■

old Hospital. Accommodation for 30 male patients, and other necessary erections, will thus be provided at a email outlay to tbe Government."

During the year ending September 30th, 1866, the daily average number of patients at work, in tbe grounds or within the Asylum, was 34; and as the great principle of the system of management i-i to encourage work to the utmost, not only for health-sake, but for the sake of tbe feelings of self-reliance and self respect which well-directed labor stimulates, the average number of workers has , fincc increased. Of five acres of land enclosed, between two and three acres are under cultivation; and even iv October last, the Provincial Surgeem could write, *' Taking into consideration the newly broken-up ground, an average crop of roots and vegetables was obtained, sufficient to supply the institution without purchasing. The estimated value of garden produce, bacon, poultry, and eggs consumed in the Asylum, aud which "had formerly to bt purchased, is about Lr2o per month." Af'cr this, one can understand the reduced cost per head which is stated by Dr llulme to have been effected— v The cost per patient for' the year ending 30th September, 1866, was Is 11} 1 per day, or 13s 9J per week. Thin inelules salaries, rations, fuel and littht, medical comforts, bedding, clothinjr, ike, and is a considerable reduction on the cost for the previous year, which was 17s 7d per week." The out-door amusements during summer include bowling nutl croquet. Tfiero is a Croquet Ciub existing at tbe Asylum, with its own rules, which are well observed. During the winter, there is a weekly "assembly," fordancing, singing,&c. Many residents in Dunedin have attended at those assemblies, and know how wellbehaved, as a rule, the patients are, and bow greatly they enjoy these little meetings. Tlie nett result of the system pursued at the Asylum was Hta'ed to Sir George Grey on Saturday—Of 78 patients, there is not one under forcible restraint; and certainly none of the visitors on Saturday siw a patient who seemed to need restraint.

That the Asylum is admirably kept, as to cleanliness and oreler, and that kindness is the ruling power, has been judged of by many hundreds of visitors, and miy be judged of by all who desire to see for themselves ; whether the desire springs from doubt of the fact or from pure sym p itliy with the sufferers. That the- Asylum, as it stand?, cannot secure unmixed approval, is, we fear, another fact, which will continue to be existent. From the time the establishment was commenced, there bin been a re.il desire ou the part of the authorities to do the best possible. But a beginning had to be made suddenly, when many other things had also to hi done at once. The first building was no doubt complete enough iv itself, but it was essentially — and, for the rea-on stated, perhaps unavoidably—wnall in design. The out-growths have followed as nearly as possible in tbe line of uniformity with what was; and the result is new a spacious building, which everywhere suggests want of space. It is a result to be regretted ; but we arc sure tbat Dr Hulme and Mr and Mrs Hume will do all tbat can be done to keep the Dunedin Lunatic Asylum deserving of the highest praise for its general condition and management. In'this, there will be the beany assistance of a number of gentlemen, who have freun the first taken an active iuterc.it in the institution. THE ATHENAEUM. Before leaving the As}lum, it had bc-;n determined tbat, on the way through the city to the Benevolent Institution, the Athcrtcum and Mechanics" Institute should be visited. Within a minute or two after arriving there, His Excellency was received in the library, by Mr R. Oliver, vice-president (Mr Dick is the President); Air Winter, treasurer; Mr C. Smith, honorary secretary ; Messrs James Barr, and J. W. Jago; aud Mr Black, librarian. His Excellency entered info conversation as to the institution and its prospects; and he was informed of the difficulty as to a "freehold site," which was required before it was possible to spend towards a new building the L'^soo which, as the Sjperiiitcndent said, v We owe to the institution, and shall lis glad to pay them, when they are reidy to build." Hii Plxcellency said that he did not understand why there should be so much difficulty about a " freehold site." Why did not the Committee resolve to have a reading room free to the public, with subscribers entitled to take out tbe bonks ? Such an institution hnd worked admirably at the Cape ? —This, of course, led to many explanations as to the difficulties that had arisen respcting the vesting of lhe Institution in the Superintendent, if the Government gave a site; and as to the warm discussions amongst the membero, when the Committee proposed a plan, which, Mr Olivcraiid, was essentially that sketched by tbe Governor. —His Excellency replied on various points; and, in substance,.he said—At the Cane, a piece of Government land was given tor the building. The subscribers here should be a continuing, body — a corporation under the authority of an Act. You, gentlemen, should pet to work and gain the confidence and sympathy of the public, by making your institution' a valuable and really public one. Then, you can say to the Government, "Gentlemen, you are the servants-of the public, and you must do for us wbnt we ask, because we ask it, in the name of the public.** ■ 'I ought not, perhaps," added His Excelkncy, "to talk about the Government being 'the servants of the public;' but,.what I have suggested ia the plnn I do think you yhouid adopt." His Excellency wrote his name in the visitors* book \ examined the suggestion book ; aud,; with much interest, looked over the series of photographic j views (by Mr McluL-li) showing the state of the centre of Danedin on the lst of January in each year from 1860 to 1865, both, inclusive. At the Athensctim, the Superintendent took leave • of His Excellency; and Mr Vogel, the Provincial Treasurer, took His Honor's place, for the purpose of conducting the Gnvemor to the Benevolent Institution. The Key P. C. Simmons, rector of the High School -was ■ presented before ilia Excellency left the Athenianm.

His Excellency gave a practical proof of tm interest in the Atnenieam) for on ! Saturday evening, a volume was received from bim as a present. Iri the Suggestion •Book, Hia Excellency saw tbe suggestion that the Committee should order, i: Heat, a Mode of Motion; by Tyadall;" and he lost no time in forwarding to theSeorctary, liis own autograph copy of tbat fork