LAST DAY IN WELLINGTON.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 147, 22 June 1901, Page 3

LAST DAY IN WELLINGTON.

LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE OF THE RAILWAY OFFICES.

SPEECH BY THE DUKE

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.)

WELLINGTON, this day

The weather was not altogether propitious for the send-off <>i' Their Royal Highnesses, but in spite of this the approaches to the site of the ceremony of the laying of the foundation stone of the new oflices of the Railway Department were densely crowded by the privileged -who possessed the private right of entry. The guard of honour was supplied by the Taranaki Volunteers, whose colours were appropriately draped. The door of the pavilion was carpeted in crimson, and the drapings were in the national colours, red, white and blue, with trophies of flags at each corner, li.ll. on all sides, and the Royal arms. The amphitheatre, was estimated to afford accommodation for UOO spectators, but every inch of the space was filled by anxious expectants of the ceremony. On the dais I noticed Sir Robert Stout, the Count de Court (French Consul), Ihe Countess, the Hon. Captain Russell, Mr. Ronayne (general manager of railways),* Ministers of the Crown, members of both Houses of the Legislature, and many distinguished visitors. The Premier on his arrival was received with warm marks of popular favour. Just at this stage the demon snap-shooter was airily perched upon his perilous legs in his efforts to catch the psychological moment of the moving scene.

His Excellency the Governor arrived in a closed carriage punctually to time, noon, and was greeted with the National Anthem, played by the band. The Governor was received by Sir Joseph Ward, and with a general salute by the guard of honour. His Royal Highness, who was attired in mufti, arrived in the closed Royal carriage, accompanied by the Duchess and members of the suiie. He was received by His Excellency the Governor, and shook hands in his usual cordial manner with Lady Ward and Mrs. and Miss Scddon. A splendid bouquet was then presented to Her Iloyal Highness by Lady Ward, the holder being made of gold and greenstone, set with pearls. Sir Joseph Ward read a list of the coins, journals, and records which were to be placed under the stone, down to the scarce farthing, and then the Prince declared the atone well and truly laid. It was a noticeable feature that in this eaue the laying of the foundation stone was much more easily performed than the ceremony connected with the site for the new Town Hall.

After declaring the stone laid His Royal Highness said:—"Ladies and Gentlemen,—l am happy to think that the last ceremony in connection with our very pleasapt visit to Wellington should be connected with so important n department as that of railways, ami I am glad to have been able to associate myself with the new buildings to be erected for the business of their administration. The fact of the necessity for more extensive accommodation is "proof of the prosperity of these islands, for there is no better tell-tale of the state of a country than its railways. When we remember that scarely thirty years ago the ground on which we now stand was washed by the sea, and that since then more than 2000 miles of railways have been constructed, on which upwards of 5,000,----000 passengers were carriedin the past year, the colony, I think, may indeed have every reason to be proud of the manner in which her internal communications have been developed. My friend, Sir Joseph Ward, and Mr Cadman, his able predecessor, are to be congratulated. The Duchess and I were much interested in seeing the railway workshops yesterday, and we have had personal experience of the excellence of their work in the charming and mose comfortable carriages that have been so kindly placed at our disposal. I desire once more to say what pleasure it is to the Duchess and myself to be present on this occasion." (Applause.) The speech of the Prince was delivered with his usual modesty. Mr Carmichnol, the contractor, was then presented by Sir Joseph Ward. Immediately afterwards Their Royal Highnesses returned to the carriage and drove back to Government House amid much cheering and a rainy drizzle.

Then the dais was rushed by the Vi polloi, anxious to see the golden trowel with the chasing- already described, with its carved casket representing1 a Maori jewel box. The foundation stone was a solid block of Orapuki marble.