HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume IX, Issue 28, 9 July 1892, Page 1 (Supplement)

HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR.

A MOST ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTION.

Jj Wellingtonians had a lovely day for the reception of our new Governor, which took place last Tuesday instead of Monday as had been expected. The Hinemoa was de-

layed, owing to the gale and bad weather, so that the half holiday, etc., was postponed until the following day, which turned out bright and sunshiny, but chilly. The whole town seemed to have turned out to welcome their Excellencies. It was estimated that 12,000 people witnessed their arrival in the steamer, and all the streets along which the procession marched were thronged. The lonic was converted into a flagship for the ladies only, and this was literally packed with members of the fair sex, who had a splendid view of the whole proceedings. The wharf was beautifully decorated, and all the vessels in the harbour had ‘ dressed ships.’ The steamers that went out laden with people to meet the Hinemoa were gaily decorated, as, indeed, was the whole town, the principal streets being hung across with flags, etc.

Shortly after the arrival of the Earl and Countess at the wharf the Mayor introduced his daughter, Miss Iris Bell, to the Countess, to whom Miss Bell then presented a beautiful bouquet of pale yellow primroses and maiden hair ferns. Amongst those on. the wharf to receive his Excellency were the Mayor (Mr Bell), the Mayors of Hutt and Karori,

Bishop Hadfield (Primate), Mr J. H. Cock, the membeis of the City Council, Mr T. Gale and the members of the Council of the Chamber of Commerce, Archbishop Redwood, Dr. Newman, M.H.R., Messrs Fisher, Duthie, and McLean M.H.R.’s, the very Rev. Dr. Watters, and all the heads of Friendly Societies and heads of local bodies.

Sir Patrick Buckley, who accompanied His Excellency from Australia, first introduced him to the Mayor, who conducted him to the raised dais and there introduced him to the Cabinet Ministers, after which the various addresses were presented in succession. On the dais were, besides the Governor's party, Sir Patrick and Lady Buckley, the Premier and Mrs Ballance, the Hon. John McKenzie, the Hon. W. P. Reeves and Mrs Reeves, the Hon. Charles and Mrs Johnstone, Dr. and Mrs Newman, Mr and Miss Duthie, Mr Fisher, Mrs R. Hart, Mr G. Beetham, Mr John Plimmer, Mr Gale, Mr Wheeler, the Hon. Dr. and Mrs Grace, Mrs Hadfield, Mrs Reid, etc. His Excellency and Lady Glasgow occupied the central seats, Mr Ballance sitting next the Countess, and the Ladies Alice and Augusta Boyle sitting next their father. The Countess wore a handsome gown of dark green cloth, trained, and a long loose sacque jacket of the same material with lapels of black astrachan, a small black bonnet with gold butterflies ; Lady Augusta Boyle wore fawn, and the Ladies Dorothy and Alice Boyle, pretty red cloaks, and red hats with bows of black ribbon at the back. Lady Glasgow is fairly tall, with dark hair which has just begun to get grey, and this she wears in a knot at the back, and she seems exceedingly pleasant and affable, and smiled and bowed her acknowledgments all the way through the town. Lord Glasgow is a fine-looking man, very upright, with grey, or rather almost white hair and beard, but looked very tired. The daughters looked pale and fatigued after their journey.

They are dark, and more like their Jmother than father.

The swearing-in ceremony took place on their arrival at the Court, which was most beautifully decorated in honour of the auspicious occasion. On the platform during the ceremony were Sir James and Lady Prendergast (His Honor wearing bis Judicial robes), Mr Arthur Cooper (Registrar), Lady Buckley, Mrs Ballance, Mrs Reeves, the French Consul and Madame de Bachone, the German Consul and Mrs Castendyk, Aichbishop Redwood, etc. After the ceremony the vice-regal party re-entered their carriages and drove on to Government House. Before they left the Court House they were presented with a magnificent Maori mat made entirely from native grasses by Heni Wereta, of Petone. The Governor was much impressed with the gift, and also with the beautiful decorations in his honour.

The procession arrived at Government House shortly before 4 o’clock, where it dispersed, the Guard of Honour merely allowing him to pass through. In the evening during dinner at Government House the party were serenaded by selections on the bagpipes by some loyal Scotchmen. It was a glorious moonlight night, and the Ringarooma was showing her powerful electric search light, so that the new arrivals saw Wellington by night under very favourable circumstances. The procession was a very brilliant sight, but one body took the wrong route, which caused great inconvenience to those who had secured good points of vantage along that particular street. Of course the rest of the procession had to follow. The crowd was most orderly, but very enthusiastic, and hearty, indeed, were the cheers that resounded as they passed through. The whole party seemed very pleased with their hearty welcome. Salutes were fired by the Volunteers, and also by H.M.S. Ringarooma.