The Flying Squadron.

The Thirtieth Anniversary of Wellington was celebrated in the usual way.

Many faces were upturned to the Signal Station on Mount Victoria on the 22nd January, 1870, when the Flying Squadron was hourly expected to arrive. The crews of the cutters were to race for a cup presented by Captain Rhodes.

Disappointment was expressed on many faces as the morning shortened, and the celebrations commenced.

However, the squadron arrived the day after and a special time was appointed for the men-o'-war's races. There were six entries for the cup, viz.:—The “Challenger's” No. 1, “Phoebe's” “Liverpool's,” “Scylla's,” and the “Challenger's” No. 2 cutters, and the “Endymion's” launch. The cup was won by the “Challenger's” first cutter.

The inscription on the cup was:—

“Presented by W. B. Rhodes, J.P., on the 30th Anniversary of the Colony of New Zealand and in honour of the H.M. Flying Squadron under the command of Rear-Admiral Geoffrey T. P. Hornby; New Zealand, January 22nd, 1870.”