On Friday last, the Anniversary of the Queen’s Birth Day, was celebrated with the usual formal festivities. A review of the troops in the domain— a Levee at Government House, and a Government Ball in the evening were the principal features of the day.
We confess that we should be glad to see these opportunities for evincing the loyalty of this remote Colony, better and more zealously observed. The most part of the spectators seemed to think the Queen’s Birth Day a great bore, and the working men felt that it was a great hardship.
In order however that a spirit of love to our Gracious Queen should be graciously and cordially evinced, it is necessary that her representative should be respected and esteemed, and certainly we envy not the feelings of Sir George Gipps, whilst surveying the crowded gathering on Friday last. Not a hat was raised, not a cheer was heard. An attempt to groan was put down by a few coarse fellows, who indignantly asked what was the good of taking notice of such a fellow.
Contempt, unmitigated contempt was the prevailing feeling, and with such a feeling against him, we think it was bad taste for Sir George to exhibit himself in public.
The Dispatch, Sydney, NSW, Australia, May 25, 1844