Empire's Festival Rejoicings in Maoriland

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XIX, Issue III, 10 July 1897, Page 66

Empire's Festival Rejoicings in Maoriland

THE part which New Zealand took in the celebration of Her Gracious Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee was worthy of the august occasion and of the reputation which the colony bears for deep attachment to he Empire and the throne. Of course the sum total of the rejoicings of seven hundred thousand people could not be expected to be mnch more than an echo of the loyal outpourings of the millions of Great Britain, and our most magnificent illuminations must have been but a very faint reflection of the splendour which turned to brightest day the night of London and the great cities. But while never courting comparison with these on such grounds, we are satisfied that our commemorative display was in its way as generous an expression of our devotion to our Queen and Country as the more lavish exhibitions of the world’s metropolis. The same impulses that moved the great Empire at its heart were not the less active in its remotest part. We here at the ends of the earth rejoiced in unison with those gathered together in the home of the race, and our celebration of the Record Reign will be as prominent in the minds of the colonists for years to come as the event in the Old Country will be in the minds of the people of Great Britain. Indeed, the Diamond Jubilee may be more vividly remembered here, for such celebrations are more rare among ns, and the late one has witnessed the awakening of the imperial sentiment among us in a degree we have not known before. New Zealand’s celebration of the great Imperial Festival had features in it which made it especially noteworthy. Chief of these was perhaps the fact of the colony’s remoteness from the Mother Country. If anything was calculated to emphasize and bring into relief the strength of the unity that binds every part of the Empire together, it was the enthusiasm with which the people in this little outpost of the realm—remotest of all Anglo-Saxon communities from the Motherland—did honour to Her Majesty, and proudly testified their allegiance to the old flag. There has been foolish talk in the past of a temper favouring disunion in the Empire ; but it only required an event like the one we have just witnessed to show how very superficial such a sentiment was, and how, deep-rooted in th; heart of every son of Britain, there was the deepest loyalty to his race and pride of kinship—a loyalty and a pride that neither the leagues of ocean which intervene between the two lands nor changed conditions of life could weaken or efface. In the Old Country the recent celebration was primarily a tribute to Her Majesty and a thanksgiving on the part of her people that she had been spared so long and had so well discharged the functions of her high office. Bnt it was something more. It was also a festival to commemorate the marvellous progress which the nation has made in the last sixty years. This aspect of the Jubilee was particularly forced home on the inhabitants of a yonng colony like this, where the results of sixty years are in a wav more startlingly manifested than they can be in any other part of the Empire. Sixty years ago New Zealand did not exist as a British colony, and the same ground where to-day stand the cities whose brilliantly-lighted streets were lately filled with rejoicing multitudes was a trackless waste of manuka or tussock. What a contrast must the Auckland or Wellington of to-day have presented on the three days and evenings of the Jubilee celebration to the old colonist who could remember them in their early infancy ! Little wonder if the changed aspect of things makes him just a little proud of his race that has accomplished so much, and just a trifle inclined to indulge in jiugoist sentiment. Imperialism was in the

air in these evenings as'the colonists promenaded streets aflame with loyal and patriotic mottoes and devices, and the strains of the hands playing the National Anthem, ‘Rule Britannia,’ or * The British Grenadiers,’ awoke a sympathetic chord in the breasts of the most phlegmatic. It was a time when we all felt strangely drawn towards our Motherland and our brothers throughout the world-wide Empire—a time when the unemotional nature of the race was stangely stirred to express itself in language nsually foreign to our lips. If there was music to be played we demanded something that was British in every note ; if there was a song to be sung it was all the better if it was a trifle chauvinistic; if there was a toast to be drunk it was either * The great name of England And all her glorious colonies round and round,' or it was * I charge you charge your glasses, I charge you drink with me. To the men of the four new nations And the Islands of the Sea; To the smoke of a hundred coasters. To the sheep on a thousand hills. To the sun that never blisters. To the rain that never chills ; To the land of the waiting springtime. To our five-meal, meat-fed men. To the tall, deep-bosomed women. And the children nine and ten.’ It was a time that we have no wish to forget, and which we shall not forget. The rejoicings and illuminations in the four principal cities of Maoriland were of a character that would fnrnish no end of pictorial subjects for the Grapaic. It was, however, in Auckland that themost effective displays were witnessed. The superb situation of the Northern town, Kipling’s ‘ last loneliest loveliest ’ of Imperial cities, favoured illumination on a grand scale, and the citizens made good use of their advantages. The wharf and main thoroughfares were brilliantly lighted throughout their entire length. In the more private streets most of the important buildings and many of the private residences had special illuminations of some kind. From the rising character of the ground on which the city stands almost everyone of these was apparent to a spectator viewing the scene from the harbour, and as the marine suburbs of Devonport, Northcote, Birkenhead, Chelsea, and Ponsonby had all some independent display of their own, and the shipping also contributed, the panorama from the water was one of unsurpassed grandeur. It was on the night of the 23rd that the city and surroundings presented from this point the most effective appearance, for then on more than a dozen of the volcanic cones which look down on the town bonfires were blazing, and far above the atmosphere suffused with the glow of their flames, the rockets melted into stars. The celebration of the Record Reign began in Auckland, as elsewhere, on Sunday, the 20th. In nearly all the churches of the city and suburbs special thanksgiving services were held, the sermons having reference to the personal virtues of the Queen and the unexampled prosperity with which the Empire has been blessed during her long reign. There were large congregations at all places of worship, and the people joined in the services with mnch patriotic enthusiasm. At St. Sepulchre’s an added interest was given to the occasion by the presence of the Volunteers under Colonel Banks. The following companies were present with their respective officers :—‘ A ’ Battery, Victoria Rifles, Auckland Navals, Ponsonby Navals, Devonport Navals, and the School

Cadet Corps. The interior of the church was handsomely decorated with flags and loyal mottoes, together with palms and white camellias, Captain Morrow taking a chief part in the work, and designing most of the decorations. After the sermon by Archdeacon Dudley the National Anthem was sung. In the afternoon a children’s service was held, when a number of cadets attended. The evening service attracted a large congregation. Much the same order of service was followed in the other places of worship, the simultaneous singing of ‘God Save the Queen,’ by all the congregations being the great feature of the afternoon. Monday, the first of the three days kept as public holidays in the honour of the Jubilee, was a perfect Auckland day. The sky was cloudless, and the air just sufficiently sharp to be invigorating without being chilly. At an early hour throughout the city the flags were flying from the housetops and across the thoroughfares, and on all hands the preparations which had been going on for some days previously, were being rapidly carried to a conclusion. It was not till after dinner that everything was in readiness, and by that time Queenstreet had become crowded with a multitude of people, among whom were thousands of visitors from the country. Owing partly to the weather, which was very exhilarating, but much more to the sense of loyal enthusiasm which had begun to infect everyone, the crowds were in the happiest spirits, and showed it. They promenaded the streets up and down, examining the various devices with which the buildings and shop windows were decorated, and speculating on the effect which would be produced when night fell and the illuminations were lighted up. Among the admiring faces one frequently encountered the weather-beaten countenance of some old settler who had come a long way from up-country to celebrate the great event. To him, who could probably remember the early beginnings of Auckland, the change must have been more striking on on this occasion than on any other, for it was no ordinary gala day, and the city was arrayed in all its best. The impression produced on the Maori visitors was also worth noticing. It was evident that the wealth of bunting, etc., took their colour-loving eyes, and at night when the city blazed with the light of day and rivers of humanity flowed down the streets, the vision must have been one to fill the native mind with amazement and admiration of the pakeha.

About six o’clock in the evening the illuminations began to show themselves one by one. Here a glittering archway, a crown of liquid fire, or some loyal motto sprang into existence at the touch of a lucifer; there against the velvet blackness of the night designs of all kinds were to be seen traced in many-coloured fairv lamps. Before eight o’clock every candle, lamp, gas jet, or electric light was aglow, and from the city there rose a bright amber mist lighting up the housetops and making visible the flags and pennons which floated from them. Below, the crowds had swollen to enormous dimensions, for the whole population, augmented by thousands from the country districts, were abroad in the streets. Queen-street was the great centre of attraction From the upper part of that thoroughfare to the wharf the multitude moved backwards and forwards. The wharf end of this promenade presented a very fine appearance. At the town end of the main structure the Harbour Board had erected’ a splendid triumphal arch, which reminded one of the sea-gate

to a great commercial emporium of the middle ages bedecked in celebration of some great victory. The structure was about forty feet high, a mass of palms and other evergreens, surmounted and flanked by flags and streamers. These, although not clear in detail at night, were still perfectly visible so far as their general effect was concerned, for the gas illuminations of the arch were very brilliant. These latter consisted of a large * V.R.* at the summit, and below in a semi-circle of fire ran the legend, * Victoria the Good.* Beneath this again was written in the same glowing characters, * Queen of the Seas,’ and lower still, forming the summit of the main archway through which the multitude passed, were the burning words, * She Has Reigned Sixty Years. ’ Over the side arches, which were outlined in gas, there was written, * Defence, not Defiance,’ and * United Empire,’ and above these, respectively, the words, ‘Queen ’ and ‘ Empress.’ Great stars of fire and an illumination of the seal of the Harbour Board completed the fiery decorations of this structure. From the arch to the end of the wharf, about one third of a mile, burned countless coloured lamps festooned across the roadway'. The sheds on the tees were decorated in the same way. The picture presented to the eye when looking down this fa'ry avenue was very fine, the lights of the shipping at the wharves and in the stream all mingling with the coloured lamps, and giving to the whole place the appearance of a vision from the * Arabian Nights.’ From the end of the wharf one looked across at the suburb of Devonport, specially alight for the great festival, and on Wednesday night at the bonfires of Rangitoto, Mount Victoria, Brick Bay, Northcote, Birkenhead, and Chelsea. The water was mirror-calm, and reflected every light cast on it by star, lamp, fire, or rocket. Mr. W. J. Napier (Chairman) and Mr J. Brigham (Secretary) of the Auckland Harbour Board, superintended the illuminations on the wharf.

Looking backwards on the city, the eye was met by by a constellation of lights of all degrees of magnitude and brightness, and from the triumphal arch to the top of Queen-street, where most of the illuminations were concentrated, stretched a glowing avenue. It was, however, from the north shores of the harbour and on the final evening of the festivities that the best night view of the city was obtained. The high ground at Birkenhead, on which our artist took his stand, afforded a magnificent panorama of the whole city, the hills above and around it, the harbour, and the gulf. The page picture of this fine scene will convey a much better conception of what it whs like than any verbal description could. Never did Auckland present a more imposing aspect than on

that occasion. The glow of light rising from the eminences strangely exaggerated the whole scene, and by only half revealing it lent a mysterious element to it. One could very easily have imagined that he was looking on some vast metropolis centuries old instead of on a young colonial town of fifty summers or so. The lighting of the bonfires on the volcanic hills and in other localities was a most happy idea, and although some of the fires were not so striking as one might have expected, the effect produced by them all was well worth all the trouble bestowed on them. How great that trouble was in some cases a casual spectator could not have conceived. The building of the bonfire on Rangitoto, the youngest of our volcanoes, entailed a great deal of labour. But there were plenty of willing hands. No less than two hundred persons were conveyed to the island by steamer on Monday, and engaged with a will in conveying fuel, tar, kerosene, etc., np the rocky, rugged slope to the lip of the crater. Among those foremost in carrying out the arrangements were Messrs J. C. Macky (Mayor of Devonport), A. Alison (Manager of the Devonport Ferry Co., E. Ford (president of the New Zealand Natives’ Association), and others. Captain Whitney, of the Colonial Ammunition Company, provided toolbs of powder, which was added to the bonfire. The fires on Mount Victoria, the Domain, Mount Eden, Mount Albert, Mount Smart, Mount Wellington, and One Tree Hill, formed a splendid line of high lights But in describing the bonfires we have departed from the order of events, for they were only lighted, as we said before, on Wednesday, the last day of the celebrations. We must go back to Monday night, the first evening on which the streets were illuminated, and describe in detail the most noteworthy of the decorations. The main wharf with the triumphal arch has already been described. From the arch one of the nearest buildings to catch the eye was the Harbour Board Buildings, all the windows of which glowed with rich colour in various artistic designs. But as one approached nearer to the building a much more brilliant spectacle presented itself. Looking along Quay-street one saw the magnificently bright illuminations of the Custom House in Customs-street West. The upper half of the pile was a blaze of light. Over the main entrance was a huge transparency of Her Majesty, surmounted by a large ‘ V.R.’ in gas, and flanked by the two dates 1837 and 1897 in gas also. All the cornices of the structure were outlined in gas, and there were brilliant gas outlines of the New Zealand flag and the Union Jack. On the face

of the main tower was an illuminated crown, while those of the side towers were adorned with two large stars of fire. At the angles of the main tower burned great lights, and a large fiery cross surmounted the whole. The balustrade of the side towers were also partly outlined in gas. To the left of the triumphal arch on the wharf the Devonport Ferry Company had bedecked their offices with fairy lamps and bunting, while they also showed effective transparencies. Messrs Wingate and Co.’s premises on the opposite side of the street farther up had the letters 'V.R.' in the lower windows, and the same letters, surmounted by a crown, adorned the upper ones. Other designs were advantageously placed, and a wealth of flags and coloured lanterns gave a very pretty appearance to that part of the thoroughfare. Above the verandahs of Webster’s premises were two fine transparencies, one of the Royal Crown, with the addition of the Shamrock, and the words and letters, •Salutation,’ • N.Z.’ ; the other an elaborate design in which a lion was conspicuous. The windows of the Northern Steamship Com pany’s offices were profusely decorated with trans parencies showing pictures of Her Majesty and scenes of native and colonial life. The paintings were designed with the object of showing the advance the colony has made between 1837 and 1897. The whole of the transparencies were brilliantly illuminated from behind by an enormous number of candles. Over the door of the Union Company’s premises was an excellent reproduction of the house flag in gas. Mr A. H. Nathan’s large business premises were ablaze at every window with fairy lights. The great block of the Waverley Hotel presented a most hospitable and cheerful aspect, every one of its numerous windows being lighted, and the upper ones coloured for the occasions. Those old caravan series, the Thames and Waitemata Hotels, were each adorned with a large star. The former was further brightened by transparencies and flags, and the latter by flags and Chinese lanterns. Transparencies lightened Mr R. C. Carr’s rooms. The well-known fruiterer’s establishment of Mr Messenger was bright with gas. electric lights, and fairy lamps. A large Maltese cross in gas was the central attraction. The Old Mill, now occupied by Mr H. M. Smeeton, had a large transparency across its width. On this was painted a portrait of Her Majesty with * Victoria Regina ’ at the sides, and the two memorable dates that mark the

beginning and the 6oth year of the reign. The legend, ‘The Nation we Defend and Extend,' was written beneath, and the whole further adorned with flags and coloured lights.

The Alliance Fire Insurance had a fine transparency representing a castle, and in addition there was a portrait of the Queen with the Imperial crown and flags.

From the Waitemata Hotel to the Standard and Mutual Insurance Company's Buildings in Fort-street the various business premises were decorated and illuminated. Mr W. A. Fenton’s and the adjoining establishments were wreathed in evergreens and flags, Mr Sanford’s shop being crowned with a fine gas star with * V.R.’ on either side. Messrs Donald and Edenborough had unfurled a large Union Jack and the National ensign for the occasion, and lighted their upper windows. Mr G. Lewis, the well-known auctioneer, and Mr R. Murray, had also enlivened their windows with coloured tissue and strong lights. The illuminations of the Government Life Insurance Offices were very effective. The lower windows were aglow with designs, and above was a huge gas star, two smaller ones, a fine * V.R.’ and connecting lines along the cornices all in fire. The Standard and Colonial Mutual, with the Imperial Hotel, which is in the same block of buildings, made a brave show. The windows were all bedecked with coloured lamps artistically arranged, prominence being given to the colours red, white and blue. On the Queen-street face of the buildings was a large ‘ V.R.’ in lamps of various hues, while a gas crown glittered at the corner with a transparency beneath. The Fortstreet side of the block looked very attractive. The coloured lamps were here used in profusion, and care was taken not to kill their effectiveness by the introduction of a great deal of light. The entrance to the hotel was adorned with a patriotic transparency, and flags were freely used. The National£lnsurance Company’s premises showed the same effective use of coloured lamps, the windows being hung with these in the shape of diamonds of red, white,' and blue, amber and green. Here again the letters * V.R.’ were brightly conspicuous, and the epochal dates 1837, 1897.

The New Zealand Insurance Company surmounted their big block, the Victoria Arcade, with two 2,000 candle-power arc lamps on the tower, and the windows of the offices were decorated with coloured designs. In the lower part of the above building Mr G. Fowlds’ premises were ablaze with gas. Round the top of the verandah ran a long transparency 16 feet by 6, whereon there appeared pictures of the Queen, the Prince of Wales, and the Princess of Wales, with other figures

allegorical in their significance and profuse ornamentation. Another huge transparency ran round the corner block occupied by the South British Insurance Company. It bore the words, ' From North to South do loving British hearts in Company rejoice.’ In addition to this there was one transparency of the Queen and three others. The windows were all coloured and lighted, and the loyal ‘ V.R.’ was again conspicuous.

A little digression at this point from the main thoroughfare brought the sightseers before the front entrance of the Star Office. The crowd there was as dense as in any part of Queen-street, the Star, Graphic, and Farmer newspaper office decorations being, indeed, pronounced the finest in the city. A glance at the facade of the building showed that a great deal of work had been expended on it. The whole building was, to begin with, elaborately out-lined in gas. Beneath an archway of fire at the main entrance revolved a great gas star. Above it again in front of the balcony was a huge fire crown of elaborate pattern. The recess behind this was filled for some distance into the main lobby of the building with palms and ferns and flags, amongst which twinkled innumerable coloured fairy lights and Chinese lanterns. By a skilful management of mirrors these decorations were reflected over and over again, producing a wonderful effect. The archway of the balcony was encircled with light, and against the coloured windows on either side were the dates 1837 and 1897 in large letters of fire. Outside of them again in gigantic type was a ‘ V ’ on one side and an * R ’on the other. These letters wereconstructed of coloured lights. On the nextstorey of the building above the lighted cornice was the word 1 Star ’ in fire, and on the windows on either side two stars in gas. All these windows were decorated with coloured designs and brilliantly illuminated from the inside. At the summitof the building was another great gas star, and above all, outlined against the sky between a huge double semi-circle of fire, were two glowing letters, 'V.R.’ In addition to these lights strings of fairy lamps were festooned across the front of the building at intervals. The decorations of the Fort-street front of the premises were slightly different in style, but quite as effective. Every window of the extensive building had a coloured design, which was thrown into strong relief by powerful lights behind. Gas again was used to outline the building and its various divisions, and great stars of fire were placed at prominent parts. But the finest of all the decorations here was the magnificent crown of fire that was placed on the central tower of the building. It was an enormous structure of gas jets and coloured lamps, and was a most conspicuous object from any high point in the city. Shortland-street also showed several other fine illuminations besides that of the front of the Star Office. Messrs L. D. Nathan and Co.’s warehouse was faced with a large Royal arms in gas, supported on either side by the letters ‘ V R.,’ and further apart still blazed two large stars. The Commercial Hotel was bright, a ‘ V.R.’ and stars uniting with other window decorations to give that popular hostelry an inviting aspect. The Auckland Club exhibited a large transparency of Her Majesty encircled by a laurel wreath and the words, • Vivat Regina.’ The New Zealand and British flagsand allegorical figures were also introduced into the composition. A large * V.R.’glittered over the main entrance, and fairy lamps and evergreens were tastefully used to produce a fine effect. In the same street Mr G. D. Ingall, the well-known mining agent, Mr Mahony, the solicitor, and the Australian Art Photo Company had all contributed to the illuminations.

In Princes-street the Grand Hotel had a simple but fine design in the shape of a large ‘ V.R.’ in gas with stars at the side. Further on the Northern Club showed a huge representation in gas of the Royal Arms, and at the corners of the building were stars. To return to Queen-street, the fine transparency on the Bank of New Zealand was a delicate piece of work. In the centre were the P.oyal Arms and the words, ' Victoria R I Dei Gratia Britanniarum Regina Fid Def.’ Intertwined were the three national flowers, the rose, thistle, and shamrock, and surmounting all were a crown and the familiar dates. Flanking this elaborate device was on one side a Maori scene, and on the other a picture of Britiannia and other figures. ’Advance Auckland,’ and ‘ Advance New Zealand ’ was the writing on them all. In addition were two other transparencies, and at the upper windows were stars and a ’V.R.’ in coloured lights.

The adjacent premises of the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Company arrested attention by a large transparency with the patriotic sentiment, * God Save the Queen,’ and a handsome painting of Her Majesty. The windows of the buildings were coloured and illuminated.

Across the face of the Bank of New South Wales ran rows of coloured lamps. The windows were all coloured, and two large gas stars blazed forth. In the centre of the building was a transparency with the Arms of Australia and a * V.R.’

One of the finest displays in the city was that of the Herald buildings. It was unique of its kind, and most effective when viewed from some distance. The scale of the designs and the brilliancy of the lamps interfered with the effectiveness of the illumination when seen close. It was too large and bright for the eye to take it all in. From the Albert Park and Princes street it pre-

seated a magnificent aspect. The work was all in electric light, aud consisted of a gigantic * V.R.,* the letters twenty feet long. Above this in figures seven feet long was the date 1837, and below in still larger type 1897. Surmounting all was a huge crown, and the building was also outlined in electric light. 21 The windows of the Bank of Australasia beneath were

bright with colour, and there was a fine transparency with * V.R.* in the centre and a crown above. The premises of the National Bank opposite were adorned with coloured lights and flags. On the windows in Wyndham-street were the words, ’Record Reign,* and all the other windows were illuminated in colour. A transparency representing the Queen in the centre,

with the Scottish Arms and the Prince of Wales' feathers as supports, was greatly admired. Looking up Wyndham-street the very prominent illumination of the Gas Company was the first object to attract attention. It consisted of Tennyson’s line, * She wrought her people lasting good,* in large letters of gas, the whole stretching across the full width of the street. It was surmounted by a large ‘V.R.’ and the windows of the building were also illuminated. The motto is the same that the Bank of England chose at Home to adorn the facade of the Bank during the recent demonstration. Among the most noticeable buildings in Queen-street at this point were the premises of Messrs Court Bros. The verandah in front of the shop was profusely decorated with evergreens, coloured drapings, and fairy lamps. A beehive formed of lamps rested on the top of the verandah, and above it was a large star. On either side ornamental poles supported shields, crowns, and the usual dates. Two screens with ‘ Empress ’ written on one, and * Queen ’ and the letters * V.R.’ bordered by the rose, thistle, and shamrock, added greatly to the effect of the whole, which was crowned by the Prince of Wales’ feathers. The large establishment known as the D.S.C. was enwreathed in floating flags, pennons, and bannerettes. They were flying from the big verandah top and on the high roof of the main building, and festoons of flags were hung from the verandah to the housetop. The national colours—red, white, and blue—predominated, and harmonised splendidly with the decorations in evergreens. By day the place presented a particularly brilliant appearance, and by night it was scarcely less attractive. On the upper windows the ‘ V.R.’s were very conspicuous in royal red, and the show windows were arranged with great taste. In them was a painting of the Queen, a royal crown composed of flowers, and other designs. Above the verandah on the corner of the building was a large star in gas framed in a semi-circle of light. The Union Bank of Anstralia presented a very chastedesign in gas. It consisted of a large ‘ V.R.’ with great stars surrounding it. On the opposite side of the street there were some very pretty decorations in the premises occupied by Messrs Rushbrook and Co., Messrs Wilson, Williams, and McCullagh, and Messrs Upton and Co., flags, transparencies, etc., being utilised to give a gay appearance to that part of the street. Mr Yates, seedsman, exhibited a transparency with the motto, ‘ A Happy Jubilee — God Save the Queen,’ and in addition i 837- i 897, with the national flowers of the United Kingdom. In Victoria-street West the large premises of Sargood, Ewen and Co. made an effective display. The building has very large windows, and a great many

of them, and every window on this occasion was covered with coloured designs and strongly illuminated from behind. Among the transparencies a portrait of the Queen occupied the central position, and was surrounded by scroll work, in which were woven the words, 1 God Bless our Empress,’ and ‘Good Queen and Mother.’ \ Above this was a crown, sup' ported by a large V.R., and J below a collection of flags representative of the -j various divisions of the Empire. Bannerettes and fairy lights were distributed over the face of the building so as to heighten the effect very much. Opposite to the above establishment the Royal Mail Hotel showed a glowing front to the StreetColoured lamps, flags, and gas jets, with a large ‘ V.R ’ in gas and a transparency of an old mail coach, united to make the display an attractive one. The Australian Mutual Provident Society’s buildings exI hibited a splendid transparency of Her Majesty surmounted by another of the Royal Arms. On all the windows were tasteful devices in colour, and coloured lamps and flags were distributed over the edifice. The Albert Hotel had a large transparency and the windows were very prettily decorated with Chinese lanterns. Farther up on the same side of the street the well-known premises of Smith and Caughey were brilliantly illuminated by the light from their spacious front. All along the extensive verandah were Chinese lanterns, fairy lamps, and bannerettes, while above was a great • V R.’ in gas surmounted by S.C. The Prince of Wales’ motto was visible alongside. The front of the premises above the verandah was gay with bunting festooned from the street to the flagstaff on the roof. Round the corner in Wellesley-street West the Opera House bore a large ‘ V.R.’ in gas over the entrance. Opposite to Smith and Caughey’s block Messrs Cruickshank and Miller’s premises were decked with a transparency of Her Majesty, with the words, ■ God Save the Queen,’ a large crown, and the word ‘Jubilee,’ with the dates as usual. Lower down on the same side of the street the centre of attraction was certainly the Auckland Savings Bank. This is the year of the Bank’s jubilee, and it rejoiced doubly in its illuminations, etc. In the centre of the building was a large picture of Her Majesty with the title, ‘ Victoria Dei Gratia,’ etc., and above, ‘ There is laid up a Crown of Righteousness.’ A heavenly crown and the dates of the epoch were also painted on the canvas. On the upper part of the building was the name of the bank with the words, ‘1847, deposits XT5,’ on the one side, and ‘1897, deposits ,000 ’ on the other side. Above all was a large incandescent light. Mr Goodson’s popular warehouse was rendered more attractive than ordinary by the use of lamps and Chinese umbrellas, and the latter were again brought into effective use at Mr Falkner’s depot. Chinese lanterns figured in Mr Dalton’s premises, and limelight views were displayed during the evenings. Mr F. W. Edwards also showed a series of fine limelight views, including portraits of Her Majesty and eminent men of the reign, together with many interesting pictures of a serious or comic character. Messrs Morrin and Co. had their windows illuminated and transparencies affixed to them, while on the verandah

there were illuminations of a suitable character. The New Zealand Clothing Factory produced a fine effect by the nse of a profusion of fairy lamps, which were arranged all over the verandah. Messrs Porter and Co. had their windows covered with coloured deMens, lighted from behind, while Messrs Tanfield, Potter and Co. had introduced the red and bine combination of colour into their decorations. Messrs McMaster, Shalders, and Co.’s shop windows contained crowns in blue and white velvet backed by large • V.R.’s. ’ worked in flowers—a very graceful arrangement. Without, their verandah and building were lighted by Chinese lanterns and decked with flags. The Masonic Institute was marked by a large transparency of the Imperial Crown, supported at the sides by a * V R.,’ and beneath ran the words * Vivat Regina.’ An interesting silver medal showing the Queen at the time of her accession and as she now is, together with gilded busts of Her Majesty and the Prince Consort, attracted a good many people to the window of Mr Kohn, jeweller. Lower down the street Messrs Stewart Dawson and Co. showed a large transparency of Her Majesty surrounded by British and New Zealand flags, and bearing the familiar words, ‘God Save the Queen.’ In the window of Messrs J. and J. Dickey were appropriate decorations, while Messrs Wiseman and their neighbours hung out bunting and fairy lamps. At the corner of Wellesley-street East the fashionable millinery and drapery establishment of Messrs Milne and Cboyce had its large show windows made up specially for the occasion, the Royal Arms being prominent. The verandah was decorated with coloured lights, Chinese lanterns and evergreens. From this point one obtained a splendid view of the Municipal Buildings in Wellesley-street East. Along the roof of the northern part ran a great * God Bless Onr Queen ’in light. A large transparency of Her Majesty adorned the central gable, and all the windows were coloured. On the Wellesley-street front patriotic mottoes were also inscribed on the windows. Above the main entrance was a large 600 candlepower arc light, and other electric lights shone out higher up. At the very top of the tower was a huge coloured globe. The appearance of the large edifice when lighted up was singularly imposing. At the head of Wellesley-street, in Symonds-street, the illumination of the Grammar School presented one of the crettiest features of the whole decorations. Simple but finely effective was the line of twinkling gas along the gables and the large star. In Symonds street several of the residents had gone to the trouble of decorating their windows or hanging Chinese lanterns and fairy lamps on their verandahs. In the part of Queen-street above Wellesley-street Messrs Tonson Garlick and Co.’s new premises were elaborately decorated. Inside the shop windows were transparencies and lights, with ‘ Victoria the Good, 18371897,’ conspicuous in large letters. There was no end ol coloured lights about the verandah, ou the top of whicl one read, ‘ Auckland rejoices to honour the Queen,’ ana * God Bless Her.’ Above this was the coat of arms, flags, etc. The British and Continental Piano Company had on view in their window a fine portrait of the Queen draped in red. white, and blue muslin, ano the verandah was adorned with evergreens. Further up the strret Mr Hopkins, draper, showed a fine fire star with ‘ V.R.’ in the centre. His shop front was well adorned with lanterns, while he had not neglected the coloured transparencies. At the southern corner of Wellesley-street West and Queen-street Mr Parkinson and Mr Gregory had united , to give an effective appearance to the block by an orderly arrangement of colours in their windows. A little higher up the street Mr C. Smith had draped his premises with coloured material and flags. In Upper Queen-street Mr Hobbs, draper, had an excellent transparency of Her Majesty with the epochal date and ‘Diamond Jubilee’ in large letters. Above this were the Royal Arms, and flags, banners, and evergreens were profusely distributed. In Grey-street Mr Thorne, jun., showed a marble cross that changed colours. In Custom-street East Messrs Hayman and Co., had decked their windows with coloured designs, and the adjoining warehouse of John Burns and Co. was similarly decorated, the patterns being extremely attractive. Across the street Messrs Brown, Barrett and Co. had made a profuse display in gas work. The buildiug was outlined in jets, while a fine crown, stars, and a great •V.R.’ filled up the interspaces. The back and side of the building were similarly decorated. Messrs H. B. Morton, the Colonial Sugar Refining Company, and Messrs Entrican and Co. all adopted the window transparencies, and with much profit to the general illumination ot the street. In Commerce-street Messrs Collins Bros, carried out a.

similar illumination in their large front. Their transparencies were particularly good. In Fort-street Messrs Seegner and Langguth presented three transparencies showing the Queen and the Royal Arms, and also coloured and lighted up their windows. In Wellesley-street Mr W. Dawson, Chemist, had a transparency representing the Queen now, in her cradle, and at her coronation. * Our Peerless Queen * was inscribed below. Among the premises more or less decorated should also be mentioned those of D. Palmer, J. Reid and Co., Eagleton, Woollams and Co., McKerras, Skeates, Adams and Bunker, Self, E. C. Browne, W. H. Potter, J. Me* Lachlan, H. Collins and Co., C. Hemus, Cullen and Co., Croker and Kelly, Lester Bros., the Misses Callaghan, J. McEwin, the British, Metropolitan, Anchor, City Club, Britomart, and Thistle Hotels. The principal firebell tower in Albert-street was liberally festooned with bunting and hung with various lights. From this eminence coloured fires were burned, producing a beautiful effect. In the same street the Pier Hotel, and in Hobson-street the Hobson, Albion, and Prince Arthur Hotels were freely decorated and illuminated. That prosperous, busy thoroughfare, Karangahape Road, was well lighted on the occasion, and many of the tradesmen had gone to a great deal of trouble with their decorations. As a rule, these were confined to the windows, but there were many exterior illuminations. The new premises of Messrs Court Bros, were perhaps most conspicuous. Evergreens and flags gave a brilliant appearance to the building by day, and at night coloured lamps and a liberal use of gas in the windows and outside combined to make the premises attractive. At the top of the building was a ‘V.R.’ in gas, flanked by a golden 1837 on one side and a golden 1897 on the other. Above the verandah ran the words, ' Kuini Wikitoria.’ An enormous transparency was exhibited by Mr T. Prosser, junr. In the centre was a picture of Her Majesty and the words, • Queen of a Mighty Empire on Which the Sun Never Sets.’ Besides this were the usual dates and two pictorial illustrations of the advance from the old turret ship of the early years of the reign to the leviathan of to-day. Mr T. Prosser, sen., had a great streamer with the words, ‘She Wrought Her People Lasting Good,’ stretched from his premises to the other side of the street. Mr E. Bridgen’s shop was decorated with a transparency of the Queen and flags. On the establishment of Mr M. J. Bennett, painter and decorator, there was an excellent transparency of Her Majesty encircled by a great coral wreath, with ‘ God Save the Queen ’ below. Gas jets and Chinese lanterns lit up the front of Mr A. S. Moore’s establishment, while Messrs J. Brown and Sons had a large illuminated * V.R.’ with flags and evergreen decorations. In the window of Mr R. French, grocer, were pictures of the Queen and Mr Seddon, with a pictorial background. The British ensign and * V.R.’ were also in evidence. The well-known confectioner, Mr Buchanan, testified his loyalty in devices of coloured sugar and a portrait of Her Majesty in the same sweet medium. Red, white, and blue draperies enlivened Mr H. W. Batkin’s shop, and mottoes in the same colours were frequent. Mr Spedding had three large transparencies, the central one having the Royal Arms on it with the words * Record Reign.’ Messrs McLeod Bros, adorned their Newton branch with a transparency of the Queen, and Messrs Clarkson Bros, had placed in their window a model of the Tower of London in kauri gum. The Sarony studio of Mr Hemus contained a special photographic exhibition of photos of the Royal Family. A transparency of Her Majesty with flags, evergreens, and coloured lamps added to the beauty of the display. The Newton Hotel and the Newton Rainbow were both alight, and Mrs Scott’s and Mr A. Rhodes’ windows were tastefully draped and lighted. The premises of Messrs F. Lambourne (ironmongers), Read Bros, (jewellers), and G. Colgan were tastefully illuminated with fairy lamps and Chinese lanterns, while the Sydney Cash Drapery had a fine picture of the Queen. In the suburb of Devonport there were several effective decorations. Chief of these was the triple arch erected across Victoria-street. This was a mass of evergreens and flags by day, and at night the upper part was ablaze with gas illuminations in the form of a great star, Prince of Wales feather, aud the letters ‘ V.R.’ The work was carried out under Captain Shode, of the local fire brigade. At the harbour end of the wharf was an arch lighted by electricity. The Flagstaff hotel was hung with greenery, bunting, and lamps, and several of the local places of business were similarly decorated. Messrs J. C. Spinley and and White showed transparencies.

At Newmarket the public hall and the premises of Mr McNeil and Mr H. G. Lumsden were illuminated. The chief decorations by the tradesmen ol Ponsonby were those at the Ponsonby Club Hotel, the St. Mary’s Road Fire Brigade Station, and Mr Crombie's suop. The Fire Brigade Station was the most elaborately auorned of all, there being three arches erected at different points. Among the private residences which were illuminated at night were those of His Lordship Bishop Lenihan, of Miss Harrison, ot Mr Kaynes, Franklin Roau, and of Mr Myers, and Mr Hellaby and others in Sjtnondsstreet. Tuesday, the great day of the celebrations, broke most auspiciously so lar as the weather was concerned, and the promise of the morning was not broken, for the day was perfect throughout. About nine o’clock in the morning those that were to form part of the procession began to assemble in lower Queen-street between the triumphal arch on the wharf and Customs-street. Already the sightseers had taken up their station at the most advantageous points of view. Verandahs, windows, and even house-tops occupied by an eager crowd waiting the forming of the procession. Under the direction ot Mr H. T. Garratt, the various bodies which were to constitute the procession got into place as soon as possible. The fact that all traffic had been suspended made the marshalling a much easier business than it would otherwise have been, and the arrangements proceeded without a hitch. ~" Shortly before ten o’clock everything was in readiness for the head of the procession to move, and a start was made to the stirring patriotic music of the * Death of Nelson,* played by the bands. Through streets lined with holiday-makers the great column wound its way slowly to the Domain. The whole procession took no less than twenty minutes to pass a given point. Colonel Banks was in command of the Volunteers, and among his staff were Captain Robertson, Acting-Major, Adjutant Grant, and Captain-Commandant Le Roy. Father Walter Macdonald was a prominent figure in the procession. The procession was headed by the drum major and Garrison Band, then followed in order given :— ‘ A ’ Battery, five detachments, with 9 pounders and ammunition waggons, under Captain O’Brien, Lieutenants Bosworth and Lipscombe. Muster 60. Officers and crew of H.M.S. ‘ Goldfinch ’ —Lieutenant Lewis. New Zealand Permanent Artillery—Lieutenant Hume. Auckland Navals—Captain Clemens, Lieutenants Oakes and W. Smith (hon). Muster 65. Ponsonby Navals — Captain Graham, Lieutenants Spinley and Watson. Muster 55. Devonport Navals — Captain Parker, Lieutenants Thomas and Davis. Muster 50. Victoria Rifles—Captain Wnitley, Lieutenants Skinner and Cox. Muster 45. This corps bore the colours. Te Aroha Rifles—Captain White, Lieutenant Hickson. Muster 28. Avondale Rifles—Lieutenant Potter. St. John’s Cadet Corps—Captain E. H. Barber, Lie 1 tenant Craddock. Muster 35. Prince Albert College Cadets—Captain Low, Lieutenant Wright. Muster 30. Grammar School Cadets — Captain Sloman, Lieutenants Hilbert, Biss, Mulgan, Gorrie. Muster 25. King’s College Cadets—Captain Major, Lieutenants Crump and McCullough. Muster 51. Next came the Ambulance Corps carrying equipments in charge of Superintendent Tunks, First Officer Pilkington and Second Officer W. Eady, H. T. Maclean and others. Newmarket Brass Band and boys of public schools under Bombardier Reid followed. The boys carried their exercise rifles and the white ensign, Union and national flags. They made a splendid display. Next came boy scholars in large numbers of Standards IV., V., and VI. from the public schools under their teachers. Some members of School Committees, including Messrs J. Blades, Squirrel and Pollard, marched in the procession. The following schools were represented : Wellesley-street, Epsom, Beresford-street, Bayfield, Ponsonby, Grafton Road, Newton East, Newton West, Remuera, Mount Roskill, Richmond Road, Devonport, Nelson-street, Northcote, Newmarket, Chapel-street, Mount Eden, while there were also a few scholars from country schools. Parnell boys carried a photo of Her Majesty the Queen and Union Jacks. Veterans (naval and artillery) walked on foot, their names and services being : Captain Richardson (in command), who had seen service in the Crimean War and Indian Mutiny, 1854-57-58 ; Captain Large, New Zealand Militia, late Ngatiporori Native Contingent, who had been in active service on the East Coast from iB6O to 1872 ; Charles Rose, late of the 70th, Indian Mutiny and New Zealand War ; T. W. Allen, Royal Navy, 1865 to 1872, of the Crimean and Mediterranean Fleet; Sergeant George Taylor, late of the 58th Regiment, served through

the Native War; Edwin Lightfoot, 65th, New Zealand War, iB6O to 1865 ; Sergeant J. Donnelly, 70th, Indian Mutiny and New Zealand War; Walter Rutherford, 43rd, New Zealand War, 1863 to 1868 ; Seaman Garrard, late H.M.S. •Terrible,’ 1853 to 1856, and New Zealand War, 1861 to 1866 ; Private Henry Lawrence, 58th Regiment (who arrived in New Zealand in 1845, and served through the native war); Private Mills (Royal Artillery), servedin the East Indies; and Sergeant Hutchinson, 68th Regiment (Royal Engineers), New Zealand War ; Thomas Songhurst, James Forrest, Sergeant Regan (17th), Rowley Hill (Naval and Military), Baltic, Crimean, Indian, Lucknow, China, New Zealand, N.Z. Cross for valour, and L.S.G.C., M. Harford, T. Short. A contingent of mounted police came next, and these were followed by the city and suburban fire brigades, who made a good show. The fire brigades were in the following order :—Devonport, Captain Stroud and ten men ; Onehunga, Captain and ten men ; Mount Eden, Captain Keyes and twelve men and reel; Eden Terrace, Captain Butler and eleven men and reel; Newton, Superintendent Fenton and six men ; Newmarket, Captain Porter and twelve men and reel ; Parnell, Captain Cowen and twelve men ; City with hand reel and horse reel ; Karangahape Station, Foreman Brannigan and six men ; Ponsonby Station, Foreman Coplestone and six men ; Grafton Station, Foreman Gladding and six men ; Main Station, Foremen Harley, Clarke and Moore and eighteen men, the whole being under Superintendent Hughes. The reels of some of the brigades were nicely decorated, and elicited cheers on the line of route. The Newton Brass Band followed, and then carriages with prominent citizens. In the first were seated His Worship the Mayor of Auckland (Mr P. Dignan), Mr P. A. Philips (Town Clerk), and Lieutenant-Commander Selby Ash, of H.M.S. ‘Goldfinch.’ In carriages that followed were members of the City Council, viz., Messrs Kidd, Cairns, Grey, McMab, Glover, Julian, Courtney, Farrell, Becroft, Trenwith, Paterson, Hewson, Warren, and Mr W. Anderson. Members of the General Assembly came next, consist ing of Sir G. Maurice O’Rorke, Hons. W. Jennings and W. Swanson, M.L.C.’s, and the following members of the House of Representatives:—Messrs J. J. Holland, W. Crowther (Auckland City), R. Monk (Waitematal Massey (Franklin), and Bollard (Eden). Major Harris M.L.C., also occupied a seat in the carriage. Foreign Consuls in two carriages came next, viz., V. Johansen (Denmark, Norway, and Sweden), A. Millas French Consul), H. Rees George (Portugal), C. Seegner (Germany).

Inspector Hickson, Mrs Hickson and family. The Anglican clergy were represented in carriages by Archdeacons Dudley and Clarke, Canons Bates, Gould, and Haselden, Senior Maori Clergyman Rev. Hohua Moanaroa, Rev. E. B. Cowie, Bishop’s Chaplain and Diocesan Missionary. The ministers of the Wesleyan body followed in four carriages, containing the Revs. H. R. Dewsbury, H. H. Lawry, J. S. Rishworth, A. Mitchell, W. A. Sinclair, T. R. Richards, W. Gittos, Wi Warena, J. H. Simmonds, J. Crump, J. Law, and A. Peters. The Baptist and Congregational denominations were represented by the Revs. Burgess (Congregational), A. H. Collins(Ponsonby Baptist), and Joseph Clarke (Tabernacle). • The Presbyterian body were represented by the Revs. R. Ferguson (Moderator of the Auckland Presbytery).

R. F. Macnicol, G. B. Monro, James Hill, Thomas Norrie, R. Sommerville (clerk to the Presbytery), and Mr Ramsay. Then followed members of the Harbour Board and heads of departments (in three carriages), viz. :—Messrs W. J. Napier (chairman), Clark, Entrican, Devore, Bell, Gunson, Henderson, Brigham (secretary), Duder, Burgess, and Taylor. The Chamber of Commerce followed, those in the brake being Messrs Kent (president). Goulstone (secretary), Hall, Philson, Aickin, A. H. Nathan, M. A. Clark, S. Vaile, McCorquodale. Board of Education (two carriages):—Messrs S. Luke (chairman), V. E. Rice (secretary), Theo. Cooper, J. Muir, J. R. Reed, R. Hobbs, Wright, and Petrie (chief inspector). In the next carriage were members of the Charitable

Aid Board, consisting of Messrs J. Stichbury (Cbairman), Bruce, Gordon, Swales, Jamieson, McCabe, Garland (secretary), and Dr. Baldwin (Medical Superintendent Hospital). In tbe next two carriages were the Mayor and councillors of Newton. The first one contained the Mayor (Mr J. W. Shackelford), Crs. Ambury, Brown, Warnock, and the Town Clerk (Mr Currie); in the second were Crs. Webley, Stewart, Lee and Wilson. Then came the Trades and Labour Conncil, and behind them the Mayor and councillors of Newmarket, repiesented by Messrs J. M Laxon (Mayor), W. Edgerley, W. W. Whyman, C. Spooner, J. Lumpkin, and W. Hogg (Town Clerk).

The Orange Institution, numbering about 150 men marched behind the carriages, carrying the fine banner of the Order, and decorated with the orange-coloured regalia. Bro. J. W. Boone, P.M., was in charge, assisted by Bros. Scotland Cromarty, Bible-bearer Nesbitt, Sword bearers Joynt and Kolber, and the Rev. Sharp, the Grand Chaplain. Following these was a carriage containing the Mayor of Birkenhead (Mr C. E. Button), and Crs. Bagot, Knight Hawkins, Kay, and White. The Band of Hope children, too strong, came next. They were in two large vans, which were a mass of ferns, flowers, and coloured ribbons. Across the top of the first van the words ‘ Band of Hope’ and a ‘ V.R.’ were worked in flowers and greenery. The girls were dressed in white, with red, white, and blue badges, and many of them carried little coloured flags. The general effect was very pleasing. Messrs Hill, Frith, and MacDermott were in charge of the company. The Mayor and Councillors of Parnell followed the Band of Hope in three carriages. The first contained the Mayor (Mr J. Thornes), Mrs Matson, and Messrs Briggs and Gilmer (Town Clerk) ; in the second were Messrs Page, Thomas, and McConnell; and in the third Messrs Fitt, Cozens, and A. Wright. The next carriage contained the representatives of the New Zealand Natives Association : Messrs W. Doran (Vice-President), M. Shanahan (Secretary), F. Luhning (Treasurer), J. Dignan, and W. Matthews, J P. The Eight Hours League of New Zealand came next, represented by Messrs A. Rosser (vice-president), J. Creamer (secretary), W. A. McCullough, Cleveland, Philpott, Double, Bell, Pulman. The League would have been more largely represented but for the fact that it is formed of delegates from various organisations marching in the procession. Behind them were the Mayor of Devonport (Mr J. C. Macky) and Councillors. The bands in the procession numbered five, names and bandmasters being as follows: —Garrison, A. R. Hunter ; Newmarket, W. Hunter; Hauraki (Coromandel), J. P. Lonergan ; Newton, Trussell; Helping Hand, Pacey. Following them was a brake containing the following members of the Auckland Amateur Athletic and Cycle Club: —Messrs John Marshal (president), J. W. Browne, C. E. White, Austin Smith, W. M. Service, J. W. Winks, G. Read, S. W. Somerfield, and W. C. Speight (secretary;. Bringing up the rear marched the combined Friendly Societies, a banner waving at the head of each, and every member decorated with the regalia of his order. At the head were the members of the Friendly Societies Conference, numbering about a dozen. They were:— Brothers J. McLeod, M.U., 1.0.0. F. (President of the Conference), Strathern, Druids (Vice-President); Austin (A. 0.0 F.), Knox (NationalOddfellows), Armiger (American Oddfellows), Field, Stevens and Burns (Protestant Alliance), Foster and Carr (Rechabites), and C. S. Wright, M.U., 1.0.0. F. Then came the Rechabites, 100 strong, wearing the white sash of the Order. Mr J. Carr, District Secretary, was in charge. The Protestant Alliance came third, and following them the Manchester Unity Oddfellows, which, with its branch, the Good Intent, numbered fully 200 members. Bro. E. G. Wood, N.G., was in charge of the Manchester Unity Oddfellows, and Bro. Lee, N.G., was at the head of the Good Intent, each being assisted by the Lodge officers. The Parnell division was in charge of Bro. Curtis, G.M., and his Lodge officers. Bro. C. Bruce represented the Waikato Lodge (Thames), Bro. Reynolds, G.M., tbe Loyal Orakei (Coromandel), and Bro. L. H. Glandell the Loyal Oak (Howick). The 1.0.0. F. (American Constitution) and the Hibernian Society came next, each being well represented. Tbs Ancient Order of Foresters, who followed, made a fine display with their brilliant banner and green sashes. They numbered 180, and were in charge of the following officers Brothers Anderson, Chief Ranger ; Shepherd, S.C.R. ; Robinson, Secretary ; and Shaldrick and Brookes, Executive. Behind them were the Druids, whose striking costumes added greatly to the picturesqueness of the scene. They were in four waggonettes, driven tandem, and decorated with flowers and foliage. The Druids wore long white beards and flowing robes of white. Brother the Hon. W. Jennings and

and Brother Lepine and Mewburn, Arch-Druids of the Auckland and Ponsonby Lodges, respectively, were in charge. Bringing up the rear were the National Order of Oddfellows, numbering 50 members, under Brother Phillips. The Combined Friendly societies were over 700 strong, and formed one of the chief features of the procession. Arrived at the outer Domain, the procession halted. The children, to the number of about 2.000, then formed in a large square on the side of the hill, and the other bodies of the procession took up their places close by. The Mayor (Mr P. Dignan) addressed the assemblage in a patriotic speech appropriate to the great occasion. At the close of his remarks he was loudly cheered, and the children, nnder the conductorship of Mr T. H. Innes, sang the National Anthem. Cheers were given for Her Majesty, and the assemblage broke up and proceeded to the inner Domain to witness the march past and the military tournament and sports. The troops on reaching the Cricket Ground paraded in the following order :— H.M.S. ‘ Goldfinch ’—Lieutenant Lewis, Mr Johns, and 30 all told. Permanent Artillery—Lieutenant Hume, SergeantMajor Bush, and 34 rank and file. ‘A’ Battery of Artillery—Captain O’Brien, Lieutenants Lipscombe and Bosworth, Dr. Watson, three staff sergeants, four regimental sergeants, 51 gunners, with four nine pounder guns. Auckland Naval Artillery—Lieutenant Clemens, Lieutent Oakes and 62 rank and file. Ponsonby Naval Volunteers—Lieutenant-Commander Graham, Lieutenants Wilson and Spinley and 61 rank and file. Devonport Torpedo Corps—Lieutenants Thomas and Davis and 56 rank and file. Victoria Rifles—Captain White, Lieutenants Skinner and Cox and 42 rank and file. Te Aroha Rifles—Captain Whiteley, Lieutenant Hickson, Rev. Mr Macfarland and 28 rank and file. Avondale Rifles—Lieutenant Potter and 22 rank and file. St. John’s College Cadet Corps—Captain Barber, Lieutenant Craddock and 35 rank and file. Prince Albert College Engineer Cadets—Captain Low, Lieutenant Wright, and 31 rank and file. Grammar School Cadets—Captain Sloman, Lieutenant Harrison, and 25 rank and file. King’s College Cadets—Captain Major, Lieutenants McCullough and Crump, and 51 rank and file. Among those present were Captain Richardson, late of the 95th Regiment, who saw service in the Crimea and India, wearing the medals with the Medijie and long service medals; Captain Large. New Zealand Militia, formerly of Major Roparta’s force in the Ngatiporou campaign, on the East Coast, from 1868 to 1872 ; Mr W. T. Allen. R.N. ; W. J. Garrard. Captain Lambert, a native of Hawke’s Bay, formerly of the New South Wales Contingent, was also present. At noon the A Battery fired a royal salute of 60 guns. After each twenty shots the troops drawn up in long lines fired a fru dejoie. At the conclusion of the firing the commander and officers took off their hats and gave three cheers for the Queen. The cheering was taken up in other parts by the enormous multitude present, and the bands played the National Anthem. The line then wheeled into open column and marched past in quarter distance in quick time to the tune of * The British Grenadiers.’ At the saluting point were Colonel Banks, Captain-Commandant Le Roy, Captain Garrard, Dr. Walker, Captain Bruce, King’s College Rifles, His Worship the Mayor and the Town Clerk. The column then changed front to the rear and marched past in close column, led by the veterans, and next advanced in review order. The column having halted. Colonel Banks called Major Birnie, of Coromandel, on the unattached active list, and addressed him as follows :—* Major Birnie, I have great pleasure in presentingyou with the medal for long service and efficiency, and heartily congratulate you on having earned it. I hope the young volunteers will make up their minds on this, the Jubilee day, to win a similar distinction. It takes a long time to qualify for this medal, but it is a prize well worth possessing.’ The Colonel then pinned the medal on Major Birnie’s breast. The signal having been given, the troops piled arms and the military tournament commenced. This with the sports provided a splendid afternoon's entertainment for the enormous multitude—the greatest gathering of people ever seen in Auckland. In the evening the streets of the city were crowded with people up to a late hour. At eleven o’clock people began to gather in numbers near the illuminated archway at the wharf, and before half-past eleven there was an enormous crowd of thousands waiting for the gun which was to announce that the great multitude at St. Paul’s, London, had struck up the National Anthem. About the half-hour there was a dull report, and Mr

Towsey gave the signal to the band, which at once led off, the crowd joining in heartily in the first verse of • God Save the Queen.’ After the second verse had been ' sung the crowd followed it with ’ Praise God From Whom all Blessings Flow,’ singing with much spirit. The assemblage then gave three cheers for Her Majesty and dispersed, the great majority of the people marching np Queen-street and singing as they went, ’ Rule, Britannia.' On Wednesday evening there was a repetition of the illuminations in the streets, and in addition the bonfires, to which we have referred as one of the great features of the demonstration. The crowds in the streets were not so large as on the two previous evenings, owing chiefly to the fact that large numbers of people had gone to the site of the fires, or to eminences commanding a view of them and their general effect. On that evening the rejoicings came to a close, and there can be bnt one opinion with regard to the influence the festival has had throughout Maoriland. It has quickened the patriotism and loyalty of the population to a very great degree, and it has prepared the way for the extension of those imperialistic ideals which make for the continued strength and unity of the British nation.