THE SCENE AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE

Wellington Independent, Volume XXIV, Issue 2822, 13 April 1869, Page 3

THE SCENE AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE

Rapidly the procession moved along; past the houses crowded with gaily dressed gazers at the windows ; past the Odd Follows' Hall ; past the Hotels with their prominent transparencies ; past Mr Owen's establisment, whose large show windows instead of being filled with temptation to extravagance in the form of bareges, silks and muslins, were filled with infinitely more dangerous temptation by the presence of a bevy of pretty girls ; past Brandon's corner ; up Molesworth street, and Government House is reached at last. Here the Duke's carriage was driven in, and all the other carriages formed in line up Molesworth street. The volunteers also lined the street. On entering the domain we found a pretty and interesting scene. Ladies gaily dressed, and gentlemen in orthodox black wore marshalling in order 1500 little children, who on the signal being given sung the National Anthem, (with infinite spii'it and effect. It was pleasant to hear their silvery voices pealing forth in that beautiful National Anthem, bo expressive of devotion and loyalty, and the effect was very impressive.