AT THE BLUFF

Southland Times, Issue 15076, 23 October 1901, Page 2

AT THE BLUFF

everyone was astir and shortly before five o'clock the Westralia glided into the harbour. At thafc early hour the s.s. '1 horesa Ward was comfortably filled with members of the Highland and Caledonian Societies and others from far and near, who had assembled to do honour to the gallant general. The object of the tug was not;, however, accomplished, the big steamer having well nigh reached the wharf before the Theresa Ward left her moorings. The latter's passengers quickly disembarked and by the time the Westralia berthed the crowd on the wharf considerably increased. Evident y not anticipating so uarly a welcome, Sir Hector had not left his cabin but hi* slumbers were quickly disturbed by the: martial strains of the Pipe Band, who played a number of stirring marches during the inspection of the ship s company by the health officer. When all wag clear about bO ladies and gentlemen availed themselves of Capt. i Waller's invitation to a cup of coffee. Sir i J. (I. Ward presided, the chief of the High- j land Society occupying a seat on his right, j When all were comfortably seated the general made his first appearance and needless to Bay his recaption was of the most hearty description. Addressing the General, Sir J. G. Ward extended to the distinguished visitor j a hearty welcome on behalf of the people of j the colony, and said that but for the session of Parliament, the Premier, members of the Ministry, and representatives would also have been present. It was an honour to the colony to have a visit from one who had, from the lowest rung of the ladder, attained to a position of world-wide distinction in the groat work of military warfare. The presence of so many representatives of the district, who had come long distances, was personal evidence that not only his own countrymen in New Zealand, but every section of the community, held him in the highest esteem, and his visit to the colony would afford none but the pleasanteat : of recollections. While Sir Hector was in New Zealand the Government would do their best to let him see whatever part of the colony he desired to visit, by the employment of special trains, while he would , do free to use any of the Government departments— telegraph and postal. (Applause). Along the whole road coming from the North yesterday he had been bombarded by expressions of desire that Sir Hector should be given a reception befitting the great services he had rendered the Empire. The hearts of the people of New Zealand were beating in unison, and all wished the general a pleasant time, and when he had left in the sweet by-and-by, he would carry with him such impressions of the colony as to render him incapable of resisting the impulse to return and reside permanently amongst us. (Applause). He (Sir Joseph) last had the pleasure of meeting our visitor in London a few years ago, and he was looking bettet now than then, notwithstanding the great turmoil and work he had since been engaged in. He again accorded the general a hearty welcome, and hoped to see him back again in the colony, if not to stay, for a holiday.— (Applause). On behalf of the Highland Society the Chief (Mr A. McKellar) extended to Sir Hector a most hearty welcome. Sir Hector, who en rising wag warmly received, said it was a very early hour to begin talking, but he found that from Fremantle to the Bluff the people rose very early.— (Laughter). — Perhaps that was one of the causes of their prosperity. Our forefathers and pioneers of old must have worked early and late and, although we were now taking our pleasure, we should not forget what they in Britain and we in this new country owed to them. He had to thank them for the cordial welcome aud for leaving their homes, which were, very likely, far in the country, to receive a soldier who simply tried to do his duty and, he was pleased to see, apparently in a manner to gain their I approbation ; otherwise, b. 6 presumed, they i would not bo there. It was with some dei gree of pride he found that the tartan of the Old Country' was represented ie that room, and he was pleased to see that the garb of the old Highlands had not been forgotten in this new country. They had in this colony no old antipathies, no old sculpture nor architecture, but they had brought from the Mother Country the picturesque garb worn there. He did not wish to say much on the subject, seeing the occasion-- which had drawn together English, Irish and Scotch. He was very thankful for their early attention (laughter) and he wished them to remember that he was Bpeaking from -the bottom of his heart when he acknowledged the cordial manner in which they had received him. On behalf of the company assembled Sir J. Q, Ward thanked Captain Waller for his kindness, and thereafter the breakfast party dispersed, eaoh being introduced to Sir Hector. The vessels in the hacbour were gaily decorated with bunting, and likewise the public buildings and leading business places. The station was crowded wnen the train left for town and the residents enthusiastically cheered the general on his departure. At every station along the line the receptions were equally hearty.