Houlahan’s characteristic speech at the banquet in proposing His Excellency’s health, and doing honour to a “rale live Markis,” will long be remembered by the early residents of Kumara. The Governor reached Greymouth the same evening, where he was most loyally and enthusiastically received. After visiting the coal mines and reviewing the other “lions,” he sailed from the Grey in the “Hinemoa” for Westport. During His Excellency’s stay in Hokitika he was the guest of the Hon. Mr Bonar, at Government House, and while he was in Greymouth he was the guest of the Mayor, Mr F. Hamilton, at his private house in Mackay Street.
On arriving at Westport, His Excellency was received by 1500 persons, including the Masons, Oddfellows, Foresters, Good Templars, and Rechabites in full regalia, members of the Borough and County Councils, and school children. Addresses were delivered and replied to, and the Governor and his party were escorted by a procession half a mile long to the Empire Hotel. A levee and ball followed. Next morning a visit was paid to Waimangaroa, where an address was presented by the coal mine lessees. In a marquee a collation was laid, and there were several toasts and speeches. A number of ladies were among the visitors. On leaving Westport the Governor took occasion to express his gratification at the cordial and homely welcome given him there and in every town he had visited on the coast.
