THE QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 2007, 5 June 1868, Page 5

THE QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY.

Tho anniversary of Her Majesty's Birthday was celebrated in JDiinetUu under the most depressing circumstances, with a thoroughness which was very noteworlhy. The weather was theexact oppoaito of what Londoners caJL " Queen's weather." Tho state of drizzle and mist had continued almost unbrokea. from early on Saturday oruuihg; and, probably, nine people or.t of teiij in Dunedin, thought that the proposed would bo poafcponed. That there could bo* no real cflectiveneas of display was beyond question ; and, as tho Queen's birthday had fallen on Sunday, so that the celebration, was an after-one, there was an excuse foe postponement which would not have otherwise existed. We must express ic^rot hero that tho Committee did not consent to postpone tho Demonstration. The Superintendent ur»ed it; the Mayor urged it; bo did others. But tho Committee resolved to go on. The Demonstration was—under tho circumstances-— a great success; but wo agree in a very general impression — that if there had been a postponement, so that a fine day could be secured, there would have been a Demonstration far exceeding anything ever before seen in Dunedin, and, therefore, by far the most imposing that has yet taken place in. New Zealand. As a display of loyal feeling, tho Demonstration would not have suffered by delay ; and with fine weather, thousands of people would havo joined in the Procession, or havo accompanied it, who yesterday, naturally enough, preferred to stay at homo. To bo loyal, it is not necessary to bo drenched, with rain and to be draggled with mud ; and a Procession, which might be otherwise a gay and striking spectacle, becomes a thing of misery when it is composed mainly of folks in Avaterproof coats or cowering under umbrellas, and h;is to bts looked at through mist such as is only lightened by steady showers. There was a good Demonstration yesterday : there might havo been a great one, to which, everybody would havo looked back with pleasure, had the Loyal Demonstration Committee but listened to tho urgings of those who had no desire save that what was proposed should be done in tho best and most cheering manner. The Volunteers began to muster opposite tho Custom House soon aftur nine, o'clock ; and before half-past nine there were upon the ground — LieutenantColonel Cargill ; Major-JBalhgate ; Capt. and Adjutant Atkinson ; ■ Stalf Sergeants Stevens, Murdoch, and Martin ; and the oflieers imd men of tho'different corps. Tho force marched to the reclaimed ground, near tho Ilattr&y strict pier, and were there drawn up facing to tho north. Tho Artillery were on thes light. The ranks were opened, and a Jim dr. join was fired ; each round from tho small annabning preceded by seven rounds from tho 12-pounders of the Artillery. Tho rille firing was not regular in thtt first round; but the two others were good. Tho Cadets were specially commended. Tho troops presented arms, and,the National Anthem was played. Afterwards, there were three hearty cheers forthe Queen. * There was then a march, to the Provincial Buildings ; and, as the rain, waa very smart at tho time, it was no doubt a satisfaction to all concerned U* learn that the Speaker of the Provincial Council (Mr W. H. Reynolds, M.H.R.) had catiHod the Hall to bo prepared, for nso. By this kindness, the ladies who were to present the prizes were saved from exposure, which must havo been long a.ndL very unpleasant, had tho proceedings taken place on tho terrace, as had .been, intended. The Band was sent into tho Reporters' Gallery ; tho Volunteers nearly filled tlio= Strangers' Gallery; and "tho. House" was appropriated for the ladies and a fewother of tho visitors. The Hall -looked well, when so occupied: and tho Band played while some necessary preparation!! were being made. It would be impossible to give anything like a list of those present ; but it should be mentioned that tho company included. three Consuls—Mr H. Driver, for tho United States ; Mr H. Houghton, for Hamburg ; and Mr B. B. Cargill, forItaly. ' , . Lieutenant-Colonel Gawhu. was g»wL to say that tho ladies who wero to deliver tho prizes wero all present, with tho exception of one. Mrs Macandrow had. been asked to favor the Volunteers, by presenting tho Provincial Government Prizes; and he had received from that lady a letter, regretting that recent iIL health alone prevented her being present. The first set of prizes presented, wore those given by tho General Government for tho District Competition. Corporal William Cowio, No. 2 Company, who fired in No. 2 District, and who won the Medal for the best score, was first called up. Mrs Bathgate presented the prizes named in the following list, though not in tho order iri which they atand :— Kinsr nisTKicT. Ist. Vol. William F. Stevens, Dunedin Naval. 2nd. „ C. C. Hardy, Dunedin Art. 3rd. ~W. Cat>>. Duncdin Art 4th. Pergt. S. Muir, Dupedin Art. sth.' VoL Alcxr. Grant, Dunedin JJavaL KKCfISB RiSTft'crr. Ist. Corp. W. Cowio, Ko. 2 Company, MedaT. 2nd. VoL' IX Stalker, No. 1 Company. 3rd. Sergt. Andrew fi>unn, No. 2 (/ompaay.. 4th. Vol. Win. F.tiiifnl. Wnifcnri IL etb. Lieut N. Y. A. Wales, No. 1 Co. TUT HP JMiJTSKfIT., A,. Ist. VoL W. Buchanan, Wcßf TaierL" 2ml. Cant. Thomjs Shand. E<i»t TaicrL 3rd. VoL G Comuw. EaatTaterL- • 4th. Sergt. A}.%xr. < bMiolm, Went Taien. sth. VoL George Warnock, South Urn- net. The reHpeotive prizes were—First, W2; second, hip ; third, L 8; fprirlh, L£ » fifth, I4.~Corponil Cowio gained th« Medal, »p addition to Ll2. Hinßioncr, tho Sci'KIUNTJEKI^^t, advancfflg with Miss Macandrew, expressed a lvwe that tho distribution, of prizes tl\at day would have the effect ot emulating the whole body of Volunteers to greater exertions, and to greater success than they l\a.d yet attainecL He He proposed to asfc the conctirreiice of th© ' Provincial Council, in iho setting asitU* d of 100Q acres" of land/for fte puvpow o£ f i giving free gjaiits 'to Volunteer* who had. ' |egi* seysj) jpj^ pj pjorjy *»**«* *«ivkß»

and who liad also Iwen the mrwt assiduous in attendance at drill.—(Cflieera.) Jfi«« Macastuiew presented the prizes named in the following lint, accompanyinj? each presentation with a few weJfchrxwin words :—

I'MVIXCIAh GOVBUSMEST PRiZXS Itan K <*, a>o. 300, 403. and & 0 y»nl» ; five rnntirl* at «wh.—lst prize. Gold Huntirg Watch, Private Sli.-plieni. No. 1 Company, 59 point* ; 2od. small bore Ki<l<\ Coriwral M'Grcj{«ir, No I Company, C 9 ? 3nl. Fi"ld (jlm Private Dufcicl, W. B. 5S ; 4th, £5, Sergeant Wed-JcrHjJoon, No. I Company, hi ; fitb, 4W, Gunner Cato, Artillery, 57. Next came the presentation, by Mrs E. j Js. Carfill, of the Cadet Prizes. The firnt, a Jacob's rifle, wa* won hy Volunteer E. A. Cox ; and the arcond, a field g!:\K«, by Volunteer Arthur Fulton. Lieutenant-Colonel Cauouj, said that the prize* just presented were provided' out of an endowment got together by Major Richardson. The first prize had been won by a Cadet who had newly joined the School, and whocamo from the neighboring Province of Canterbury. It niiint be added, that the Cadets felt more gratified at the'success of their now comrade and schoolfellow, than if the prize hail been taken by one who had been long in the School.—(Hear, hear.) Mrs Jah. Smith presented the prizes gained at tho meeting of the Otago Rifle Association The first lists were A.i-X'oiii'.riH' Match.— llangci, -100, GOO, and GO'l yards ; five rounds at each.—-Ist prisw, the Silver Medal of tho National Rillt Association and IJi. won by Lieut. GoMi« P.0.N.8., fi.'l points ; 2nd, JJi, Corporal Trwrl.:i\ No. 1 Company. 47 ; 3rd, 1-4, Gunner Grant, D.N'.B.. -15 ; ■«»>, I*l, Hergoant Taylor, No. 2 Company. -1 1; fith, L 2, Hergcant Dunn. No. 2 Company, 42 ; feth, 1,2, Lieutenant Wale*. No. 1 Company, 42; 7th, LI, Lieut-riant Miami. H.I). R., 42; Bth. I,J, Gunner Chi&bolm, Artillery. 42; 9th, Corporal M'Orcgor, No. I Company, 41 ; lOtli, LI, Corporal KoVsitson, W.T., 41. Mr Ma.son'k Ci;i'.— Jlangcn, 20.0. .500 and 600 ) arris; •"> rounds at e.-vch.— Ist Pms, Cup rind L 5, won by Surmount Taylor, No. 2 Company, -15 poiot- ; 2nd, IJ>, Gamier Stevens, D.iN'B, 4. ri ; 3rd, lA. Corporal ire oeder, tio. 1 Company. 42;<Jlb, l-'J, Sergeant Muir, ArtilWy 42;flth, 1.2. Captain M'Farland Artillery, 11 ; «th, L 2. Private Wilson, No. 1 Company, 40 ; 7th. LI, Hergcant Purm, No. 2 Company, 39 ; Bth, Li, Private Key. W.lt.. 3» ; 9tb, LI, Itougn Marshall, W.R,:i3; lUth, LI, Corpora! Fountain, W.IL, 38. " I>au.vTim -h" I'fci/.K— lUngrs, .'i''O, a 0, and GOO yards; 7 rounds at ea.rh.~lHt Prize. 7'i«« I'ri/e. won by Gunner Cato, Artiliory. (J2 points; 2nd, LG, Sergeant Muir, Artillery, M ; 3rd, L 5, Private Corraim E.T., M ; 4th, L 4, Ounner Sevens, P.N.8., /it; sth, Ui. Private Dab.icl, W.K., f>."{ ; Oth, 12, Sergeant Taylor. No. 2 Company. 51 ; 7tli, Gnnmir Hardy, Artillery, 51; Bth, LI, Surgoint Weddcrapooa, No. 1 Com. pany, JSO ; 9th, L\ Gunner lfamiih, Artillery, *50; 10th, LI, Fergeant Christie, K.T., fiO. '•EvKWl.*ert':TAn" I'iilZK.—llanos, tOO ami 800 yards ; ton rounda at each. — l*t Prize, Evadn'j Star I'rizo and Li. won by Sergeant Taylor, No. 2 Company, 50 points ; 2nd, Hi, Lieutenant Wales, No. 1 Company, 45; 3rd, Li, Private Wilson, No. 1 Company, 41 ; 4th L 3, Corporal Fountain, W.K., 40; fith. Ui dinner Hardy, Artllery. (30; Bib, L 2, Ounner Stevens., P.N.8., 3!» ; 7tb. L 2, Private Reid, No. 1 Company, 39 ; Bth, 1.1, Private Stalker, No. 1 Company, 33; 9th, LI, Gunner I'ell, Artillery. 33. Mrs Smith afterwards presented four Cup» won in company matches of tho Artillery Corps ; tho recipients being— Captain M'Farland, and Gunners, Chisholm, Cato, and Curio. Lieut.-Col. CargiH having led forward to tho table, Mrs Cargill, sen., that lady, addressing Sergeant Taylor, said : The ladies of Dunedin have done me tho honor to request mo to prosent to tho winner of tho Now Zealand Champion Belt for this year, and to the second competitor and winner »f tho Belt last year, these marks of their apreciation of tho honor done to Otago. I wish tho ladies had .chosen a person who could express their sentiments. I cannot speak well, but 1 feel warmly; and lam quite sure that no ono can take a more lively interest in tho prosperity of Ofcago than I do. I feel proud when. I hoar of Otngo people taking the lead in what is good ; and, surely, tho Volunteer movement is a noble ono. I visited tho Mother Country a few years ago, and I was much pleased to witness tho grout number of Volunteers from all parts of the country that aasoin' led in London to receivu tho Princess Alexandra; and on my return to this, my adopted country, I am much gratified to see tho same movemont being carried on. I was many yearn a soldier's wife; and I must candidly confess tluit. I hi»-vc a warm feeling to tho sons of Murs. I havo seen much of tho misery of war ; and, therefore, I fool wo owo a debt of gratitude to tho Volunteers, by whoso •means those miseries will bo prevented from visiting our native shores. Long may tho men of Otago take tho load in all that is good ; and may they ever continue a bruve, a loyal, an intellectual, a moral, and a God-fearing people. Thon will they over bo successful in all their undertakings.— {Loud chcura.) Mrs Cargill presented to Sergeant Taylor n handsome silver inkstand, which was purchased out of a subscription raised by tho ladies; as was also a silver cup for Sergt. Christie, which could not bo presented, owing to his abseifce. A copy of tho list of subscribers to tho Ladies' Pri/.o Fund, printed on satin :vnd fringed, was to havo been presonted to each of tho Representatives ; but, unfortunately, tho copies wore nob received in time, owing to the weather having prevented evolutions on tho reclaimed ground, and thus caused the presentations to bo made earlier than was intended. The lists wero tho gift of Mr W. J. Hcnningham; and they will be distributed as was intended.

Lieu*.-Col. Curtail read a lottor from Mr W. H. Reynolds, us Speaker of the Provincial Council, respecting the resolution of thanks to tlio Representatives, which bad been passed by the Council. The resolution had been engrossed and omrluzoncd ; and copies had been photographed, so that there was ono for each of tho eleven Representatives. These, the Speaker requested, might bo accepted; each man's narno appearing on ono copy. Mr Reynolds stated that ho had «roat picasuro in presenting tho copies of tho Address—they woro slight but richlydeserved acknowledgments, of tho good work done by tho Representative Volunti* -a. at tho Colonial Match.—(Applause.) Tho Superintendent called for "Three liearty cheera for tho Queen," which wore given ; as wcro also, " Three for. our

fellow-citizens, and especially _ for the ladies," and cheers for the Superintendent and for Lieutenant-Colonel Cargili The Volunteers left the Hall. The Naval Brigade fired a salute, at noon, from their 24-pounder howitzers, on the reclaimed ground.

THE PUBLIC DEMONSTRATION.

The promoters of this movement had been earnestly working for weeks pant, and the proposal to make the occasion one ! not only for a public expression of loyalty and attachment to the Queen, lut of sympathy with II It. H. the Duke of Edinburgh, had been mo3t heartily responded to f>y all classes. Tho Batchers were tho first to arrive on tho ground, and they were followed by tho Draymen and Expressmen on horseback. Shortly afterward)?, the members of tho Fire Brigade, the Horticultural Society, and the various Orders of Oddfellows and Foresters arrived. Representatives of trades, and other societies, soon followed; and by half-past one there- could not have been leas than IJXXJpersons (including children) present. The children were ranged on each side of tho stand, and in the centre were a number of gentlemen, amongst whom wo noticed —Tho Speaker (Sir \V. 11. Reynolds), and some of the members of tho Provincial Council; the Mayor, Mr T. Birch ; Messrs Pyke, Edmond, M'Grtw, John Hay, W. Hogg, &c., Sec. Fletiry's Brass Band was present, and while <he arrangements were completing, a number of lively airs were played. The JlAvott. on taking the chair, said he was very fr.jud of being placed in the position of presiding over so largo an assemblage, on such an occasion. The .assemblage would, no doubt, have been still larger, had the -weather been more i propitious. That, however, was a matter which they could not help. They could not control tho elements; but they could do this much—and they had done it— | they could show their loyalty and their ] attachment to Her Majesty, the Queen. — (Cheers.) He believed there was no part of tho whole world where, on such an occasion, a greater amount of loyal enthusiasm could be evoked, than | in tho Province of Otago. — (Loud j cheers.) Not only was tho loyalty of tho Anglo-Saxon race represented, on this occasion, but tho Celestials also—the Chinese residents—had come forward to show their feelings towards the Queen of tho country in which they lived, and might well bo included among Her Majesty's most loyal subjects. — (Applause.) He called upon Mr Reynolds, M.H.R., to propose tho first resolution. Mr Rkynoi-ds, Speaker of the Provincial Council, in moving tho resolution, said that whatever feelings might be attributed to a Briton, there was one feeling which could never bo attributed to him, and that wan disloyalty to the throne and tho institutions of his country. — (Hear, hear.) He believed that Britons, wherever they wont—even at the antipodes — continued to bo thoroughly loyal, and were prepared to maintain that loyalty in every part of Her Majesty's dominions. It was with considerable confidence, therefore, thai ho proposed the resolution which had boon placed in his hands, inasmuch aa he felt that it would be supported by those whom he addressed, and in the most cordial munnor. They were- all well aware how Her Majesty Lad, throughout her long reign, endeared herself to her subjects in every part of her dominions. Ho believed that, everywhere, and by everyone, throughout her dominions, Her Majesty was respected and honored, and that everyone desired to obey her. —(Loud cheers). Ho did not think it advisable, xinder tho peculiar circumstances in which tho assemblage was placed by tho prevalence of such unfavorable weather, to give anything like a long speech. He was, besides, not very able in addressing public meetings, and that must partly be his excuse for not addressing the meeting at greater length. Ho felt assured that he had only to propose tho resolution, when it would bo received as thoroughly expressing the views of all present, and that that would bo testified by their hearty cheers aa loyal British subjects. He proposed—

That thiß meeting of the citizens of the Province- of Otago, acsembled in Dunedin on Her Majesty'B Birthdsy, dcs res to exprr-su to Her Majesty the feelings of unalterable loyalty and allegiwico to tho Thrcno. and attachment to Ucr Majesty's person and family, which animate tho people of this part of Her Majesty'B dominions. Mr Houii seconded tho adoption of tho resolution.

Tho resolution was carried by a show of hands, and amid loud cheering. Aftorwards, the band played tho National Anthem, all tho occupants of tho Grand Stand rising, and standing uncovered; and, at tho conclusion of tho Anthem, there was renewed cheering.

Mr VikckntPvkk proposed tho following resolution: —

That this meeting further wishes to place on record its abhorrence of the recent attack upon the lifo of Ilia Royal llighne«s the JDuko of Edinburgh; its thankfulness to Almighty God for His Hi^hness's delivcranco irom peril; and its sympathy with Her Majesty in tho deep afliiction of which that untoward event must havo been the causa. 3Vf r Pyko said : Wo are this day assembled here to colobrato Her Majesty's Birthday. Yos, and more than that. To convoy to her our assurances of loyal sympathy in her recent great distress. For, thank God, loyalty with us is not mere lip service ; it ia real honest affection.—(Cheers.) I speak as a unit of tho great British, family ; and, looking back on tho history of my country, 1 feel emboldened to say that never, since Britain first reared her august head among the nations, has thero been an era so illustrious as that in which wo havo had the good fortune to live—the era of Victoria the Well-beloved, and of Albert tho Good. —(Applause.) For my own part, I glory in being a British citizen. Who would not rather live under tho glorious banner ■which has victoriously swept overland and sea for so many centuries, than be tho citizen of a petty State, only protected from aggression by reason of its weakness andlinfligmficance,and subject to intestine commotions fatal to its peace and prosperity ?-—(Cheers.) Is it strange, then, that we should feel indignant, when we contemplate the peril to which. Prince Alfred was lately exposed, and from which, thank Heaven, he has been mercifully delivered! I will not believe— l refuse to believe—that there exists in these Colonies any man, or combination of men, no pitiless as to regard with aught but ab-

horrenco, the dastardly deed for which tho perpetrator has suffered tho List penalty of the law. The attack on His Royal Highness's lifewas, not merely a crime ; it was a blunder—the worst consequences ef which, we may congratulate ourselves, have happily been averted.—(Cheers.) Prince Alfred is now far on tho way to Britain; and of this wo may boasaured, that Her Majesty will hail tho manifestations of hor people's love and sympathy with that warmth of heart and kindliness of feeling, tho many evidences of which havo so greatly endeared her to us. For Victoria, our Queen, is truly the People's Queen : at once highest lady, and tho most beloved woman in the land—a household word and a delight for ever I

May ill love— God's love, unseen, but felt, o'ershadow her; Tho love of all her sons encompass her ; Tho love of all her daughters cherish her ; The love of all her x>"«tile comfort her.

Mr Pyko's address was followed by loud cheering, and a national air waa played by the band.

The Rev. D. M. Stuaut, in seconding the resolution, said—On this occasion, however, 1 would remind you that loyalty and love of country are virtues which havo the high sanction of religion, and are exemplified by all good men. While holding that our own land, and our own nation, ought to be loved above all "peoples and nations, I need scarcely say that I abhor as wicked and vile tho prejudice which hates other nations, because they live under a different form of Government, and are separated from us by sea, or river, or mountain range.—(Cheers.) I confess to a distrust of tho man who is nofc thankful to God for his country, and who does not regard it with the utmost affection. Tho good and tho true cannot forget our country —tho chosen home of liberty— tho ilother of Nations — tho faithful nurse of tho arts and sciences. But much as we lovo tho families of our people, wo rightly lovo far more our Queen and her family.—(Cheers.) Wo love her for her personal excellence, her domestic virtues, her reveronco for religion and tho institutions of tho Empire, and her promptitude in sympathising with tho sorrows of her people.—{Loud cheers.) She is still tho object of the nations confidonco and affection, as is demonstrated by the expression of universal reprobation which tho murderous stroke aimed at Prince Alfred, while the honored guest of a sister Colony, has called forth throughout New Zealand and tho other Australasian Colonies, and alno by that of universal thankfulness to God for his Providential escape and restoration to health, and of sympathy with Her Majesty in the affliction which tho untoward event must havo caused.—(Cheers.) Tho conduct of our people will show Her Majesty that, nowhere throughout her wide dominions has she subjects more attached to her person and house than in Otago ; and should she ever bo advised to commission a Prince of tho Blood to visit our shores, 1 venture to say that it is absolutely certain that our rulers and people, our sons and daughters— the Rose, and tho Thistlo, and th» Shamrock—will combine to give him the welcome of loyalty and lovo. Long live tho Queen! God tless tho Queen! —(Great cheering.) Tho resolution was carried amid loud acclamation.

Mr HLay said—Reference had been made by previous speakers to our history in the past ; and when we remembered the struggles of our bravo forefathers with somo of our Kings —aye, and of our Queens, too—for their civil and religious liberties, we might well be devoutly thankful that our lot had been cast in an ago of Constitutional Government, and progress, and enlightenment, and in the reign of one who had endeared herself to her subjocts, by the munificence of her charities, tho purity of her Court, tender concern for her subjects under every Buffering and trial, and ceaseless solicitude to preserve her subjects committed to her charge, "in wealth, peace, and godliness."— (Applause.) Queen wo called her, but we might well hail her Empress, as she ruled over tho vastest Empire of any living sovereign, and reigned supremely in the hearts of the greatest number of loyal subjects—(Renewed applauso.) He concluded by proposing :— That the forcgoinc; resolutions be embodied in an Address to Her Majesty, the Queen, nnd presented to His Honor, tho Superintendent, for transmission to the Secretary of State for the Colonies. Mr J. EmrojrD seconded the resolution. He had no doubt that all present, and all in the Province, had been disappointed by Ilia Royal Highnesa'sroturn to England without a visit being paid to New Zealand. He could only hope that the time might yet come when the Prince would be permitted to visit this Colony ; and, as an expression of the feeling which would havo been evoked had the intended visit taken place, or which would be evoked on the occasion of any future visit, he now asked for three cheers for liis Royal Highness, Prince Alfred.

Three hearty cheers were given, and there wore three cheers more for tho Queen.

The Mayoii intimated that the Address to Her Majesty had already been engrossed, and had been signed by him; and that, in tho afternoon, it would, in tho presence of tho citizens, be handed to His Honor, tho Superintendent, for transmission.

Tho proceedings wero conclndod with a vote of thanks to tho Mayor for presiding, and tho considerable crowd which had congregated .in and around tho Grand Stand dispersed. In consequence of the continued wetness of tho day, it was arranged that tho children should not join the procession ; but, as they passed out of tho Grand Stand, a bun was presented to each of the several hundred boys and girls who had assembled; and, thua fortified, they were at liberty to discriminate as to whether they ohould return home, or should seok to enjoy the Bights and the puddle in the streets. The Procession was then formed, and proceeded along Great King street, through Frederick Btroet into Georgo street, the Octagon, Princes street. High street, Manse street, Stafford street, Hope street, returning through Princes street south, to the Provincial Government Buildings. '■■'.■> About throe o'clock, tho Mounted Troopers at the head of the .Procession turned into Water street; and there was a quick btit very orderly opening oat of the ranks in Princes street, aadaxewraal

of the order in which tho Precession Tiad marched, co as to allow of ft filing into Water street. The Caledonian Society, and the Foresters, were amongst these who ranged closest to the steps to tho terrace of the Provincial Buildings; the banner, &c. of the butchers, and the banners of the Engineers and tho Fire Brigade, being the most conspicuous from the terrace. The Gardeners and the Chinamen were further out towards Princes street. There was a dense mass of people; there being at tho least between ISOO and 2000 in Water street.

The Superintendent and the Mayor, with members of tho Provincial and City Councils, Mr V. Pyke, and others, took their position, at the top of the first flight of steps; aud the terrace was well lined, the Band being also there*.

The Mavoi: said : Your Hunor—l have been deputed by tho citizens of Dun«din, to read tho copy of an Address which has this day een adopted ; and to ask that you will hj.vo tho kindness to forward tho original to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, for presentation to Her Most Gracious Majesty, the Queen. Tho Address i« as follows :—

To Her Most Gracious Majesty, Victoria, Queen of tho United Kingdom of Creat Britain am! Ireland and Dependencies

thereof, Defender of the Faith, &c. May it pleases Your Majesty— We, your Majesty's dutiful subjects, the citizens of tho Province of Ot.ago. in tho Colony of New Zealand, assembled in Duncdin on tho Anniversary <>f Your Mstjet-ty'a Birthday, desire to exprcas tho fadings of unalterable loyalty ami allegiance to the Throne, and attachment to Your Majesty's person and family, which animate the p ;ople of this part of Your Majesty's dominions. And we further wish to place ou record our abhorrence of tho recent attack upon tho life of His Royal HighnwjH, Prince Alfred, Duke of Kdinlmrch, our thankfulness to Almighty God for H'B Highhcss'sdeliverance from peril, and unr nymptthy with Your Majesty itt tho deep .ifltiction, of which that untow»rd event must havo ben tho cause.

And wo pray that Your Majesty may bo long spared to preside ov<r t)ie Bntiah Empire, and to rule over th<! jieople, by whom you arc ao universally bc-lovcd. Signed, for and on bcbalf of the meeting aforesaid, held on Monday, tao Twenty-fifth Day of May, a.d. 18GS.

Thomas Birch, Mayor of the City of Ouncdin, Chairmm. , The reading of the Address was followed by loud cheers. The SuiMiKiNTKNDEin;: Mr Mayor, and Gentlemen—l shall have very great pleasure, indeed, in transmitting this Address, for presentation to Her Majesty, the Queen. I am mire that when Her Majesty receives the Address, flho cannot fail to be struck with the fnct that here, at the antipodes of Great Britain—hero, in this distant island, which is probably the most romoto of the dependencies of the Empire—the flame of loyalty burns as brightly sis it does in proximity to the Throne itsilf—(Cheers.) T0..,, a reflective mind, the question cannot but present itself, " What is it that has brought so many people together, at bo much personal inconvenience, to joiu in a Demonstration in honor of the Birthday of a Lady, whom few of them, perhaps, have over seen ?" I will endeavor to answer such a question. That which lias brought you together, is the influence of that principle of loyalty to the Throne, and of respect for the Sovoroign—(cheers) —which has characterised our race from the earliest ages, and which is at the foundation'of the glory and the greatness of the British Empire.—(Cheers.) That is what has brought its hero—that principle which has been fought for, and bled for, on many a battle field—that love for law and order which has been transmitted from siro to son for generations past.— (Cheers.) Let us see to it, tliat wo transmit the same principle to onr children, »o thoroughly that it shall to to thorn, as it is to us, a sort of faith to be by them transmitted unimpaired to their children. — (Cheers.) I venture to say that never did a Sovereign prcsido over the British Enipiro who had a stronger personal claim upon tho affections of the people than has Her Majesty, the Queen. —(Cheers.) She has set an example of virtue—of all qualities which can adorn a Queen —which has assuredly never been excelled. Any of you who have read Her Majesty's " Diary," as recently published, will, to tho fullest degree, admit the truth of thnt.— (Ebar, hear.) I say again, that I feel very greatly honored in being tho medium of transmitting th's Address. And now, we cannot do better than unite, heart and voice, in singing the National Anthem.—(Cheers.)

Two verses of tlie Anthem were sung, in good time, and with tine eflect; and tho singing was followed by cheers "for the Queen," which were several times renewed ; cheers "forthe Superintendent," and cheers " for tho Mayor." The different bodi<'B at once began to march ofr, in tho midst of heavy rain, which had not ceased, in fact, during the proceedings. The Slay or caused a con pie of barrels of Wilson and Birch's best beer to bo placed at the corner of the Post Office building ; anybody being at liberty to refresh himself therewith.

THE ILLUMINATIONS,

The evening was decidedly unfavorable for illuminations being attempted, or proving at all effective. On the fronts of many hotels and business houses, however, transparencies or curious designs in gas-piping were exhibited, and for an hour or two, notwithstanding the rain, the streets were somewhat thronged with people desirous of witnessing the moderately good effect produced, or taking part in the amusement of igniting sky-rockets and Roman candles, or of proving their loyalty and good temper by showing themselves indifferent to the annoyance of squibs, crackers, •Hhirligigs, and other fire-works of Colestial or infer-. nal invention. The most successful item of illumination was a tronfiro, the material for which had been provided by tho City Corporation, and which was lit on the top of Grant's Braes, on tho Bide of the Bay directly opposite to the city.