A ship's biscuit from HMS Galatea, commemorating its 1869 visit to Nelson, captained by the Duke of Edinburgh HRH Prince Alfred (1844-1900), Queen Victoria's second son. The trip was New Zealand's first royal visit, and started in Wellington, before venturing on from Nelson to Christchurch, Dunedin and Auckland, before concluding with a final return visit to Wellington. The Nelsonian colonists very much looked forward to their royal visitor:
Nowhere in the colonies, we feel convinced, will the Prince meet with a heartier or more loyal welcome than in Nelson; grander and more expensive receptions he has had, but he will find that the son of England's Queen will be received with as much enthusiasm in our quiet little nook in Blind Bay, as in any of the wealthier and larger cities of Australia. The Galatea anchors at Port Hardy to-night, and will probably be signalled about mid-day to-morrow, when the Superintendent will at once proceed on board, the public landing however, will not take place until noon on Monday, when he will be received by the Reception Committee...
- Nelson Evening Mail, 17 April 1869
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| HMS Galatea ship's biscuit, Aratoi Museum Masterton |
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