AUCKLAND.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 10986, 8 June 1901, Page 8

AUCKLAND.

(PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) AUCKLAND,'June 7. The Royal Reception Fund has reached nearly £1500, exclusive of the City Council's contribution.

The Northern Company's steamers meet the Royal yacht Ophir on her arrival. Every steamer of the company, after forming in line, wiil follow the Ophir into port. The steamers of the Devotlport Ferry Company, the McGregor Steamship Company, and the Coastal Steamship Company, also take part in the function, which promises to be very successful. -

Between 60 and 70 South African war medals are to be presented by the Duke at the review at Potter's Paddock.

A naval and military force of over 3000 will take part in the reception proceedings. It is expected that some 500 of the Royal Navy will be on shore, and the muster is expected to be over 2500.

THE VISIT TQ ROTORUA (PRESS ASSOCIATION. TELEGRAM.)

AUCKLAND, June 7. The present arrangements are that the train to convey the Royal guests to Rotorua will consist of-five first-class carriages, including a spe-cial car how being finisaed for the Duke and Duchess, and the Governor's private car. The train is to be fitted Arith Westingh-use braks. There will be a signal cord between the engine and the brake-van, Avith -communication from each carriage. The luggage and servants will be nan up in a plot train, composed of an engine and two oars, preceding the Royal train by fifteen minutes, and_ the Royal train will be followed by an emergency engine; which will be available in case the necessity should arise. All the ordinary trains will be kept clear of the track "for at least fifteen minutes before the piEot train passes, and Avill remain standing on till the Royal train and the emergency engine have passed. Arrangements will ba made for the complete controlling of tlie line, men being stationed at short intervals between Auckland and Rotorua. All the passing points will be spiked, and no shunting will be permitted while the train is passing the stations. All traffic will be stopped at public road crossings during the passing of the-trains, and all stations wil be cleared and gates locked half an hoiir before the pilot train is due, and until the emergency engine has passed. Telegraph operators, furnished with instruments for making connections with wires, will accompany the train, so that the wires may be tapped at any point, for either telegraphic or telephonic communications. Measures are to- be adopted by the Department for the safety of the party similar to those which were observed in Australia whenever thsir Royal Highnesses travelled by rail. Ths public wil not be allowed on the platform, or within the precincts of the railway station at Auckland, while the Royal train is being despatched.