The Marquis of Normanby visits Ipswich – September 7, 1871

“A Cloud of dust indicated the arrival of the Vice-Regal party.”

Charles Augustus Constantine Phipps, Marquis of Normanby, was appointed Governor of Queensland to replace the lamented Governor Blackall. Despite his grand origins and grander name, he was an able and humble administrator, who brought calm and prosperity to Queensland.

HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR paid his first visit to Ipswich on Sept. 7 and was welcomed in a manner which could not fail to be most gratifying, and at the same time to create a very favourable impression of the West End and its people. Great preparations had been made in honour of the occasion, and as the residents worked together harmoniously in carrying out the various objects decided upon, the result was that everything passed off most successfully.

All business was, of course, suspended, except in the case of publicans, who no doubt look forward with interest to any public excitement as being calculated to improve their condition in a pecuniary respect.
The principal thoroughfares of the town were handsomely decorated with evergreens and flags, and strings of the latter were extended across Brisbane-street, especially in the neighbourhood of the School of Arts.

A very handsome arch was erected on the top of the ascent of Limestone Hill, near the residence of Mr. S. Hodgson, and in full view of those entering the town. It was oval at the top, about twenty feet wide at the base, from each side of which a fence was run across the other portion of the road, so as to form wings. A small arch was placed on each side of the centre, and the whole was nicely covered with evergreens, flags, and artificial flowers, made for the occasion by Miss Vowles and Mrs. W. A. Smith. The words ” Welcome to Ipswich,” surmounted by the letter “N.,” and surrounded by garlands, were placed near the top, and the whole presented a remarkably pretty appearance.

As noon drew near the assemblage on Limestone increased rapidly, and soon assumed very large proportions. In a very short time, a cloud of dust indicated the approach of the Vice-regal party, and at a few minutes after 12 o’clock His Excellency’s carriage, preceded by an escort of police, passed through the arch. All the manifestations of loyalty and respect usual on such occasions at once burst forth. The first gun of the salute was fired, the guard of honour presented arms, the band played the National Anthem, and the crowd cheered most enthusiastically. A slight mistake occurred here, the coachman driving to the rear instead of the front of the dais, where the Mayor and Aldermen were assembled, but this was speedily remedied, and His Excellency having alighted the following address was read by the Town Clerk and presented: ” Ipswich Municipality, September 7, 1871. ” To His Excellency the Most Honourable the Marquis of Normanby, &c, Governor of Queensland. ” May it please your Excellency,— ” We, the Mayor and Aldermen of the Municipality of Ipswich, on behalf of ourselves and the citizens, desire to convey to your Excellency the assurance of our sincere and loyal attachment to the throne and person of Her Most Gracious Majesty, and to offer our con-gratulations on this occasion, your first visit to Ipswich. “We welcome the arrival of your Excellency at the seat of Government with feelings of the greatest pleasure, and sincerely trust that during your residence in Queensland your excellency may experience satisfaction in the exercise of the great duties entrusted to your care by our Most Gracious Sovereign; and, with the most cordial expression of loyalty, we wish your Excellency and family health and happiness. ” We have the honour to be your Excellency’s most obedient servants.”

Queenslander (Brisbane, Qld.: 1866 – 1939), Saturday 9 September 1871, page 3