The event is regarded as the most important happening that has ever taken place in the history of Wellington, and one of the largest assemblages ever seen in the city gathered for the occasion.
The schools were closed for the day, and most of the business places observed a half-holiday.
There was a liberal display of patriotic bunting, the miniature Union Jacks in the hands of the young folks being particularly noticeable.
The function commenced at half-past 2, but for nearly two hours before the visit the crowd had begun to assemble in the park.
All the available tramcars were brought into requisition, but even then the capacity of the cars was unequal to meet the great rush of passengers.
Motor cars, taxis, and other vehicles were kept busy while some thousands walked to the appointed rendezvous. At the park all possible points of vantage were occupied.
The natural amphitheatre which encloses the playing field, upon which the troops were drawn up, was packed with a dense mass of spectators.
Even the trees were made use of, and on the spreading branches of several of the macrocarpas on the slopes groups of as many as a dozen boys were to be seen taking advantage of the excellent outlook thus afforded.
It is estimated that there were about 25,000 or 30,000 people present.
The proceedings occupied about an hour.
The troops, who numbered about 2700, were drawn up in a hollow square to receive the Governor and the official party accompanying his Excellency.
When the Governor arrived the troops came to the Royal salute, and the bands played the National Anthem.
An inspection of the troops was then made by his Excellency the Governor, who was accompanied by the Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and the Mayor of Wellington, and General Sir Alexander Godley, officer commanding the force.
At the conclusion of the speeches the assemblage and the troops sung the hymn ''Oh God, our help in ages past''.
A lesson from the Bible was read, prayer was offered, and the Bishop of Wellington pronounced the Benediction.
The proceedings terminated with the singing of the National Anthem and cheers for the King, the Governor, the Government, and the troops.
Several Waimate sheep farmers in a large way have 130 per cent. of lambs this season (says the Advertiser). One Waikakahi man has 134 per cent, which is the best he has ever had.
If rain came - a soaking rain - the prospects of the farmers would be very good, because the winter feed has been excellent, and only now in the spring is it going off through the frosts, four of which were recorded last week and another on Monday morning.
The Government Astronomer advises that Mr Charles J. Westland reports the discovery of a new comet on September 18 from Glenmuick, near Domett (Cheviot).
Its position is approximately 4hr 20min right ascension, and 57deg 30min south declination.
The comet is moderately bright, and situated among the circumpolar stars. Mr Westland also photographed the comet, and the photograph showed a good deal more tail than could be seen with the telescope.
The tail stretched across the plate to the edges, so that it is difficult to say where it ends. - ODT, 26.9.1914.
