In ideal Australian summer weather, Sir George Clarke inaugurated his term of office as Governor of victoria. A Mini terial party proceeded down the bay in thd steamer Hygeia to meet and welcome his Excellency. The Victoria was some two hours behind time on her passage from Adelaide, but entered the heads about 1 p. m., where her escort from the torpedo flotilla then joined company. Ships at the piers and in tke bay were dressed with bunting, whilst the presence of the flagship Royal Arthur and other cruisers of the squadron gave an official air to our usually business-like harbour. Two hours later than the appointed time the tender landed her official at St. Hilda pier, which seems by common consent to be reserved for these functions. The swearing-i: ceremony was held *1 the Exhibition Building, about the only structure in Melbourne capacious enough to accommodate the large attendance at the function. At 3.30 p.m., when the doors were closed, every available seat was taken up. The larger proportion were, of course, occupied by the gentler sex, who sported their best summer bibs and tuckers for the occasion.
Jong two hours' wait was put in by this thirsty crowd, for the time compelled them to forego their usual afternoon tea, whereat complaints loud and long arose. Organ selections and numbers by the choir helped to fill up the long interval that elapsed before the Gubernatorial process sion knocked for admittance at the front door. It was close upon 5.30 p. m., before Sir George Clarke, accompanied by Lady Clark, ascended the diiis. The clerk of the ex-council read the commission signed by Mr. Chamberlain, appointing His cellency Governor of the State of Victoria. The senior Puisne Judge, it Hartley Williams, administered the oath of allegiance; outside the booming of the salute was heard; "God save the King" followed, and the brief, but always interesting ceremony was concluded. The party adjourned to Government House, where, later, a dinner was given by Lord Hopetoun, in their Excel-lendes' honour, which was attended by the Prime Minister and the majority of his Cabinet, Mr. Peacock (Premier), and the members of the State Ministry. Two days later the official entry into the State Governor's residence at Stonington. in the suburb of Malvern, took place. The Mayor met the party at the boundary and welcomed his Excellency to their suburb, and an adjournment to the Shire Hall was made, where His Excellency briefly addressed the residents.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.