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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 69

Kororareka

Kororareka.

"Early in the morning of Monday last, the day appointed for proclaiming His Excellency as Governor-in-Chief, etc., we were proud to observe the ships in harbour decorated with numerous flags. At noon they tired a salute in honour of the occasion. The Union Jack floated in front of the stores of Messrs. Henry Thompson and Co., over the premises of Messrs. Edney and Hemmings, and also at the Flagstaff Hill. It is impossible for us in our limited space to describe the demonstrations of joy which the inhabitants manifested in the evening on the happy occasion. Illuminations, fireworks, burning of tar-barrels, firing of muskets and pistols from the hills and all parts of the town, the parading of a band of music through the streets, the rejoicing of the Maoris, their war and other dances, all tended to make it one of the happiest possible. Among the illuminated premises we noticed the Russell Hotel, which was very brilliant, as were those of Messrs. Edney and Hemmings, on the beach, Mr. Dunn's inn, York-street, Wood's Hotel, the Gazette Printing-office, Captain Clayton's new house, Mr. Fenton's, &c. The night was remarkably clear, the reflection of the red blaze from the town mingling with the softened light from the 'young May moon' falling upon the sparkling waters of the Bay, produced a charming effect. There could not be less than 200 Maoris on the beach during the evening. We regretted that His Excellency had not witnessed the fervour of this rejoicing. Several of the men carried muskets and powder-flasks—many Maori boys carried small flags on handsomely-carved battle-axes, and the females also vied with their partners in their manifestations of delight. The entire proceedings happily passed off without the slightest accident".