THE TORCHLIGHT PROCESSION

Wellington Independent, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3833, 17 June 1873, Page 2

THE TORCHLIGHT PROCESSION

In the way of nocturnal displays Wellington has never seen anything which approached the turn-out of last night, and it certainly never saw a denser throng on the Beach. The city might well be said to have been turned out of doors for the occasion. Long before seven o'clock immense crowds trod upon each others' heels, all making to tho Queen's Wharf, and from both ends of the town. Both Fire Brigades, with their ongines decked

with flags, flowers, and Chinese lanterns, while the members, armed with lighted torches, together with veterans and cadets, met in front of the Post Office, and at the appointed hour filed off into the order of procession. The Wellingtons, who headed the procession, displayed considerable taste and ingenuity in their decoration. Behind them came their three engines, each drawn by a pair of horses. The Veterans and Cadets came next ; and were followed by the Centrals, who had two engines profusely ornamented with flags ; the foremost engine was drawn by four fine horses, and the second by two. The course of the procession was as follows : — From Grey street along the Beach to Government House Grounds, up Bowen street, past the Museum, down Sydney street, thence up Moles worth street toCattel and Diamond's Hotel, along Murphy street, into Pipitea street, back into Molesworth street, and again along the Beach, up Willis street, as far as the corner of Abel Smith street, where three cheers were given for the Mayor ; thence downwards until reaching Mr Pearce's house, outside of which three cheers were given for the proprietor. By this time the torches commenced to give out, and on reaching the engine-house of the Wellington Brigade the procession began to break up. The Cadets and Veterans came as far as the Bay in Willis street, where they turned off, and threw what few torches still burned into the water. The Centrals then marched to their enginehouse and disbanded. In addition to the torchlight procession there were various other illuminations and displays. The triumphal arch on the wharf was lit with Chinese lanterns, and a cosfcanfc shower of fireworks was kept up during the march of the procession. A very good pyrotechnic display was also kept up out of the Grey street windows ' of the Pier Hotel. Many of the vessels in hai'bor were brilliantly lighted up with men on their yard arms burning blue, red, and green lights. Conspicuous amongst them were the William Davie, Wild Duck, and Lucerne, from all of which a steady fusillade of rockets lit up the sky. After the lights on the William Davie were extinguished, the crew assembled on deck and sung " Rule Britannia," winding up with three cheers for the Governor. In front of the Theatre a great many fireworks were set off; and from Mr E. W. Mill's residence on the Terrace, and the Star Club's shed rocket's were beiug sent up between seven and eight o'clock. Messrs Bcthune and Hunter's offices were illuminated with their gas brilliancy, while the fronts of the Club, Mr Mountain's, and Mr R. Burrett's illuminated stars burned brilliantly and steadily owing to the calmness of the evening. In the bend on the Beach, where a good view of the whole of the procession could be obtained, the effect was very striking, and few regretted that they came out to witness the display. It is doubtful whether a greater or denser crowd of people was ever congregated along the beach than was last night. Before and behind the procession the people wended their way in crowds, while the footpaths on each side were literally packed, and locomotion was rendered rather uncomfortable. So far as could be ascertained, no accidents resulted, though a great many vehicles followed on the heels of the procession. The police were disposed so as to keep order and prevent confusion as much as possible ; but the rough element, never very strong in Wellington, seemed to have been entirely laid aside for the occasion. Judging from the crowds of men in uniform, to be seen outside of various public-houses after the ceremony was over, loyal libations were indulged in to some extent, a not at all surprising circumstance after an hour's march amidst the blaze and smoke of hundreds of torches, leaving behind them a trail of smoking sparks.