NAVAL DISPLAY IN SYDNEY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 128, 31 May 1901, Page 5

NAVAL DISPLAY IN SYDNEY.

REVIEW AND SHAM FIGHT.

SYDNEY, May 30. To-day was a naval day in the Royal programme. The Duke, wearing- the dress of a rear admiral, and accompanied by Lord llopetoun and their staffs, In the Ophir's steam launch, bearing on its bows the Duke's badge, proceeded to the Royal naval depot at Garden Island. As they passed the warships the squadron, anchored at Farm Cove, fired a Royal salute.

Rear-admiral Beaumont, in command of the squadron, received His Royal Highness at the island, where a naval force was drawn up, consisting- of bluejackets, Royal marine artillery, and light infantry from the warships, nine companies in all. An inspection of the depot and island was followed by the planting of a tree by the Duke, and the presentation of spades, made in the naval workshops, the handles being made from the old colonial warship Nelson, and the blades from plates of the Royal Arthur, one to the Duke and the other to the Duchess.

In the afternoon the Duke and Duchess and members of the Royal party attended a party at Admiralty House, from the lawn of which they watched the naval display in the harbour. As the party crossed to Admiralty House, between the lines of wai--ships, which were gay with a profusion of bunting, the harbour presented a beautiful spectacle. A Royal salute was fired, the yards were manned, and routing cheers greeted Their Royal Higlmesses as they passed each vessel.

The naval programme consisted of a review and sham fight, 50 warships and boats of all descriptions taking part. The first boats formed double lines, and received the Duke and Duohess; then the boats formed up between Fort Denison, and the fleet all saluted in service fashion as they passed Admiralty House; then a fresh formation was taken up. At a signal the boats, which were armed, the largest with three pounder quickfiring guns, and the smaller with rifles, attacked the fleet, both boats and ships opening fire. Then the bugle sounded the charge, and the boats clashed for the warships, and attempted to board, both sides keeping up a heavy fusillade. The scene while the battle lasted was exciting and picturesque. The Duchess and a number of the Royal party yesterday visited the National Pjtfrk.

(Received May 31, 12.56 a.m.) SYDNEY, May 30. The harbour to-night presents the appearance of n fairy lake. The warships Royal Arthur, Ringarooma,, Wallaroo, Milchira, anchored at Neutral Bay, the Ophi-r, the cruisers Juno and St. George, at Farm Cove, and the Russian Gromboi, are outlined with electric and changing coloured lights. Their search and arc lights, flashing across the waters, add to the effect. A number of other vessels in the port are participating1. Immense crowds are viewing the sceue from the foreshore and afloat.

(Received 9.46 a.m.) . SYDNEY, this day. The second Royal reception, which took place last night, was very largely attended. * The Ophir yesterday was thrown open to the public, and thousands visited the vessel.