INVERCARGILL. [BY TELIGRAPH.]

Otago Daily Times, Issue 4740, 27 April 1877, Page 3

INVERCARGILL. [BY TELIGRAPH.]

Invercabgill/April 26th. .The Governor arrived at the Bail way. Station hei-e at 4.25 this afternoon.- ■ He was received by the Mayor- and -Corporation, who presented an address of welcome. Iv replying1, , :■■■■'".. . . -•'...•-. His Excellency said:- I am most sensiblyimpressed with the reception you have given me a3 the representative of Her Majesty on this my first visit to Invercargill. I have not yet had time to become;familiarised with the resources and characteristic! of your district; but after viewing the splendid agricultural and pastoral country through which I have passed to-day, L should say that your progress in all that makes a people great and prosperous will be rapid; and that, whatever you have passed thiough, you will, with a soil and climate: such as you possess, indeeJ have to blame yourselves much if success does riot crown your efforts. An insufficiency of popu lation appears to be your only want, and as I look around me, I see evidences which lead me to'believe that you have within:yourselves, powers which will materially assist in supplying your deficiences in thisi respect. I feel per • fectly certain that if people in England knew what a soil and climateyou possess, they would; knowing that you live under the same laws as themselves, be less backward in coming to your shores. I trust that your only deficiency; that of sparseness of x>opulation, will soon be remedied.

An enthusiastic cheer greeted the conclusion of His Excellency's remarks. Over 2000 people were present. The artillery fired a salute as the train approached the town. The volunteers formed a guard of honour, and the band escorted the Governor to the Southland Club. The town was brilliantly illuminated to-night, and an abundant display of fireworks took place. To-morrow will be observed as a public holiday, when an elaborate programme will be gone through, comprising a procession ot the Friendly Societies, children's treat, luncheon, levee, torchligutjprocession, Fire Brigade, and public ball.