The Governor's Reply.

His Excellency replied as follows: Orangemen of Auckland, I rejoice to be able to congratulate you simultaneously on the attainment of the Jubilee of the colony and of the fiftieth year of your existence as an institution in this colony. (Cheers.) You rightly assume that during my administration of the Government of New Zealand it will be my endeavour strictly to adhere to those constitutional forms of government which are so cherished by Englishmen throughout the world; but the revival of trade and commerce, of which at the present time we see such striking evidences, is controlled by influences far removed from the power of the Governor of a colony. The tendency of modern thought and statesmanship is rather towards federation and union of States for common protection and for strength, than to disruption of empire, which you so justly deprecate. (Cheers.) I shall convey to Her Majesty the Queen, with every feeling of satisfaction, the expressions of attachment to her person which come so appropriately from an institution bearing the title of a Loyal Orange Lodge. (Prolonged cheers.)

Immediately after the presentation of and reply to the Orange address, the President of the Hibernian Society (Mr. W. Beehan) and the Secretary (Mr. T. H. White), who had been standing to the left of Grand Master Farrell, shook hands with him, and with Deputy-Grand Master James Jamieson, and expressed their gratification at the unity shown on the occasion. Grand Master Farrell cordially reciprocated the sentiments expressed by these gentlemen. The incident was one of the most pleasing which occurred during the day, and gave great satisfaction to those of the general public who witnessed it.