(Above photo: Arch erected at Post Office corner for visit of Lord and Lady Jersey, 21 February 1893. Lord Jersey, then Governor of NSW, opened Armidale Show the same day. The Vice-Regal party stayed at the Imperial Hotel. University of New England & Regional Archives, HRCP2265)
25 Feb 1893
Lord Jersey’s Visit to Armidale
An Enthusiastic Welcome
Armidale, Feb 21. – Lord and Lady Jersey, Captain Cholmondeley, and the Hon. H. Copeland, arrived by train this morning at 6.50. there was a large crowd waiting their arrival. The vice-regal party was received by the Mayor (Alderman Murray), the aldermen and memers of the reception committee, all being presented to Lord and Lady Jersey in front of the station. The party was received by a guard of honour under command of Captain Arnott. The party were then driven in a carriage, provided bu Mr. F, R, White, through the main street to the Imperial Hotel, escorted by a dozen mounted troopers headed by Super-intendent Garvin. A triumphal arch and innumerable flags marked the line of route. On both sides of the arch on elevated platforms were placed groups of aboriginals of the New England or Cambathagang trie, old King Malawangi with a piccanniny being on the summit of the arch. The weather has been wet for days, but it is delightfully fine this morning. A public reception is now about to take place in the Town Hall and the show is to be opened at 2 o’clock. The town is crowded with visitors, and everybody is bent on holiday making.
Below:
King Robert (King Malawangi), leader of the Oban tribe, the Gumbathagangs. Most of his descendants are still in the Armidale region today.
The maker of the Government plate spelled Paddy Gully and Ward's Mistake wrongly.
