nging. The day draws to a close, and in the words of the immortal
Gray, "Now fades the glimmering landscape on the sight," and I
close this recital of echoes of a past--Queen's Birthday forty odd
years ago.
Through the kindness of Mr. Albert H. Maynard I am enabled to produce
an old picture of Beacon Hill during a celebration.
[Illustration: Queen's birthday, Beacon Hill.]
The following account of the regatta during the celebration of the
Queen's Birthday appears in the _British Colonist_ of May 25th,
1868:
"The first of the festivities forming a part of the celebration of
the forty-ninth celebration of Queen Victoria's Birthday took place
on Saturday, and was in every respect a great success. The day,
although warmer than usual, was well suited for the picnic parties
which occupied the banks of our beautiful Arm, all the way from the
bridge to the Gorge. It is estimated that there were one thousand
persons assembled altogether. Early in the morning the town bore a
most lively appearance, flags were flying from all the principal
buildings and the shipping, and by half-past ten the streets were
full of well-dressed persons wending their way to the Hudson's Bay
Company's wharf, where the steam launch and barges of the _Zealous_
were placed at the disposal of the Committee by the Admiral to convey
them up the Arm. The managing committee were here represented by
Messrs. Stuart and Franklin, whose arrangements were admirable.
From the wharf to the Gorge the Arm wore a most animated appearance.
From Her Majesty's gunboat _Forward_, all decked in colors, which
took up her position near the bridge, down to the meanest craft, the
water was covered with boats laden with people full of merriment and
joy. From Curtis' Point, where the barges delivered their living
freight, the scene was really enchanting. An arch of flags spanning
the water, the high banks covered with tents, the bridge and every
spot on both sides of the Arm crowded with people, and the roads
lined with equestrians, amongst whom were many ladies, gave the
happiest effect to the whole scene. We cannot recall a single
celebration which was more appreciated or enjoyable than our regatta
of Saturday. Much of this success, it must not be forgotten, must
be attributed to the gracious manner in which Admiral Hastings
co-operated with the committee to secure the comfort and convenience
of the public, and without which kindness and attention the day would
have be
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