LANDING OF SIR ARTHUR GORDON.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 3933, 25 November 1880, Page 3

LANDING OF SIR ARTHUR GORDON.

— ♦ [By TeleqbaphJ AUCKLAND, Nov. 24. Sir A. Gordon landed at 11 o'clock. Frequent showers of rain which fell during the morning, and the unpromising Btate of the weather, were considerably against the success of the demonstration at the landing ; but fortunately the rain cleared off about 10 a.m., and the weather continued passably fine during the reception. Tho Premier wont off in the Cuetoms' launch and accompanied his Excellency ashore. The Vice-regal party landed in the captain's gig under a salute from the Danae of 17 guns. The Chairman and members of the Harbour Board received his Excellency at the. watermen's Bteps. Ko carriago was provided from the landing to the dais in Queen street at tho entrance to the city, and the Governor was obliged to walk through the mud, surrounded by a jostling crowd. At the entrance of tho wharf was a triumphal arch, and though erected last Eriday, thanks to the genial influence of timely showers of rain, it presented a loss tawdry uppearance than might have been expected under the circumstances, whilo the profuse display upon it of floral cortributions, such as wreaths, crowns, diamonds, triangles, stars, and othor fanciful representations, assisted materially to enhance its general effect. It was surmounted by the word "Wolcome," immediately beneath which were the Royal Arms, flanked by the letters " V.R." btill lower down was the motto of tbo City of Aberdeen, " Bon Accord," with His Excellency's coat-of-anas between the two words. Tho side archos bore the arms of the City Council and Harbour Board respectively. The city Bido of the structuro boro tho inscription " feir A. Gordon : Welcome fc.) our city." A guard of honour was furnished by tho Volunteers, and alongside were ranged the Armed Constabulary, Fire Brigade aud Salvage Corps. Tho Friendly Societies did not muster. At the entrance to the platform near tlie arch, His Excellency was received by the Asting-Mayor, who waa introduced by the Premier. On'the platform was the Mayor-elect (Mr James M'Cosh Clark), several representatives of the local bodiesj and half a dozen clergymen, bufc only ono member of tho Legislative Council (Mr J. A. Tole, member for Eden). On His Excellency ascending tho platform tho Acting-Mayor offered him a cordial welcome on behalf of tho citizens of Auckland, and expressed a hopo thafc his appoiufcmont would be a bur bin nor of better tinios. Tho Town Clerk, then read the address of tho Council, which hud beon beautifully illuminated. Ifc expressed a belief and hope that His Excellency might be as fortunate in promoting fche interests of this Colony as he had been elsewhere, and thafc the city might, afterwards be honoured wifch tho presence of himself, Lady Gordon and family. His Excellency replied : Mr Mayor and pentlonien — I thank you for your address. It is deeply gratifying to mo to perceive, and to acknowledge r.hafc loyal iy towards their sovereign which is manifested by her subjects in this distant part of her dominions, which has induced you to greet her representative amongst you. I thank you also for tho kindly wishes yoii havo expressed with regard to myeelf and family, «3 also for tho flattering anticipations which you have been good enough to form with regard to my future connection with tho Colony. He thafc connection of long or short duration, I accept it as an augury of good omen, which 1 trust I mny not deserve to forfeit. C|).;er? for Sir A. Gordon fled Lady Gordon

were called for by tho Acting- Mayor, and reBponded to by the crowd. His Excellency then entered a carriage drawn by four greys, accompanied by the Premier, Captain Knoll, A.D.C. and Private Secretary, followed by two carriages with tho Acting-Mayor and City Councillors, and one with Fattier Fynea, V.G., who represented Archbishop Steins. They then drove off to Government House. The members of the Harbour Board, the Education Board, the Clergy, and representatives of the Press were left standing on the platform cither to squeeze their tedious way through a struggling crowd in tho dirty street, or elso exercise their patience until tho surging tide of humanity had flowed past. Along the route, there wero few attempts at decorating by flags or otherwise, save in Queen street. None of the places of business were closed, except tho stationers. Tho shipping was well dressed with bunting. On reaching Government House, the Vice-regal porty waa received by the Acting-Mayor (Mr Waddell), Councillors, and officers. As His Excellency alighted, tbe band played the National inthem, and the Volunteers presented arms. Mr Waddell said : Your Excellency, if our evergreens are not ao fresh, nor our roeea so blooming as could be wished, it is solely because we miscalculated the time of your arrival. Thoy were got ready too soon. Hia Excellency repliod : I greatly regret that any disappointment has taken place. We wero dependent on tho winds and waves, but I am pleased to be here at last. His Excellency and suite then entered Government House, whither the Premier, Attorney-General, and Sir G. M. O'Borke followed and paid thoir devoirs. Meanwhile the Volunteers marched off and the crowd dispersed. The whole affair waa bungled, and the poorest reception ever given to a Governor in Auckland. The attendance of citizens was comparatively small, and did not comprise anything like a fair representation of wealthy and influential persons. This may be ascribed to the faulty arrangements which had been made by the Committee who took the matter in hand. No invitation were issued to Sir G. M. O'Rorke (the Speaker), to the members of the Legislative Council, or to the officials, clergy, and professions, and no half -holiday was proclaimed, while the other arrangements were equally unsatisfactory. Owing to these causes, the reception was a failure, as compared with former demonstrations on similar occasions, and was certainly not calculated to favourably impress the Governor. His Excellency will probably leave Auckland in a day or two for Wellington, in order to be sworn in ; bufc he will visit the Northern district at an early date, in order to make himself acquainted with their cirenmstances and requirements.