A.—No. la,

52

DESPATCHES PROM THE GOVERNOR OF NEW

Enclosures in No. 27. Addresses and Beplies presented to Governor Sir George Gret, K.C.8., in Otago and Southland. To His Excellency Sir George Gret, K.C.8., Governor and Commander-in-Chief in and over the Colony of New Zealand. Mat it please Your Excellenct— We, the representatives of the inhabitants of Port Chalmers, have much pleasure in welcoming you as Her Majesty's Bepresentative, to this, the first town in the Province of Otago. We have long looked forward to this, as we can now participate with our fellow-colonists of the South iu giving expression to those feelings of loyalty which are in the heart of every true Briton. In this distant isle, far from the land of our birth, there are many of Britannia's sons who have seldom or never had the opportunity of showing their allegiance to the British flag, and of their affection for the Sovereign of their native laud. We hail with pleasure and delight this auspicious occasion ; and we trust your Excellency will be so pleased and gratified with the changes since your Excellency's last visit, that you'will not only be anxious to be seen frequently in Otago, as the Governor of New Zealand, but will^have much pleasure in again visiting our Province. We congratulate your Excellency in having restored peace and tranquility in the North Island ; and pray that the din of battle may no more be heard between the Native and European ; and earnestly hope that the day is not far distant when the Maori will find, by happy experience, that it is good to live under the laws of our beloved Queen. Wishing your Excellency many years of peace and prosperity as our Euler and Governor, we are your Excellency's most humble and obedient servants. D. Bolfe, Mayor. [The names of the Councillors and Town Clerk were also appended.] Beplt. Mr. Mator and Gentlemen, — It is with the most sincere pleasure I have received the assurances you have just given me, of the loyalty and affection cherished by the inhabitants of Port Chalmers for our most gracious Queen. As you justly observe, the changes that have taken place in this town, since I last had the satisfaction of visiting it, cannot but surprise and gratify me; but my pleasure is greatly enhanced by finding that amongst those changes, your love for your Queen, and attachment to the British flag, remain unchanged. I will take care that your expressions of loyalty are conveyed to your Sovereign. I thank you for the flattering reception you have given me, for your words of kindness, and for the wishes you have expressed that I may hereafter frequently visit you. I can assure you, I have often desired once again to visit this town; and that I always have taken, and ever shall take, a lively interest in your welfare. G. Gret.

To His Excellency Sir George Gret, K.C.8., Governor and Commander-in-Chief in and over Her Majesty's Colony of New Zealand and its Dependencies, and Vice-Adiniral of the same, &c, &c. Mat it please Your Excellenct, — We, the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Dunedin, tender our most cordial welcome, and receive with hearty and sincere pleasure, tho Bepresentative of England's much beloved Queen. We hail your Excellency's presence amongst us the more, because we are fully alive to the deep interest you have always shown in all that concerns the welfare and progress of New Zealand. It is many years since your Excellency visited this city, but we are aware that the cause of your absence has been the disturbed state of the North Island, and the necessity for your attention to the interests of that portion of the Colony. The material progress of the city since your Excellency last visited Dunedin will, in some degree, prepare you for the extraordinary change you will observe in the Province, owing, in great measure, to the discovery of large and rich goldfields, in addition to its pastoral and agricultural resources. These vast resources are of little value unless they are made known to the great commercial world, and we congratulate ourselves on the knowledge that your Excellency will, through Despatches to the Imperial Government, direct attention to the elements of material wealth which are now gradually and surely developing in our midst. May your Excellency long enjoy the blessings of health and happiness, the love and respect of the colonists, and the confidence of your Boyal Mistress the Queen, our gracious Sovereign. William Mason, Mayor. Beplt. Mr. Mator and Gentlemen, — It has been my fortune to stand on the site of this city when it was in a state of nature, and had been trodden by few European feet, and again, when a modest town was springing into existence; now, Providence has permitted me to enter, here, a populous and wealthy city. It is impossible, under such circumstances, without deep emotion, to see the evidences of loyalty to your Queen, and of attachment to the Government and homes of your race, which on every side surround me, or to receive without such feelings the welcomes of a numerous, prosperous, and contented population, where formerly there was no man to wish me " God speed." On Her Majesty's behalf, I thank you for tho loyalty and devotion you have evinced for your Queen. The echoes of your warm expressions of happiness and contentment which will reach her throne, will be received most graciously by that Sovereign who has ever sympathized in the prosperity or sorrows of her subjects. For myself, I shall strive, by my public services, to evince my gratitude for your kindness. G. Gret.