ARRIVAL OF THE OPHIR IN THE AUCKLAND HARBOUR.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 10988, 11 June 1901, Page 5

ARRIVAL OF THE OPHIR IN THE AUCKLAND HARBOUR.

A PLEASANT PASSAGE FROM

SYDNEY.

UNFAVOURABLE WEATHER CONDI-

TIONS FOR TODAY'S .PROCEEDINGS.

(nUCSS ASSOCTAT-OK IISUBGJIfM.)

AUCKLAND, June 10

The long-expected event has now come to pass, and the Ophir, with the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall on board, is now in the Waitemata, Between 5 and 6 o'clock yesterday afternoon news was received in the town tihat the Ophir had passed Cape Maria Van Diemen at 3 o'clock, and was coming down the coast at the easy speed of eight knots. This morning Cue Royal squadron reached port, the Ophir accompanied by the cruisers St. George and Juno, rounding the North Head about half-past eleven, and dropping anchor opposite the Head.

It is a matter of great regret, that the Royal visitors and those accompanying them did not see the harbour under fine weather conditions.

Even chips carrying Royalty are not exempt from tbe law of medical inspection, and as soon as the Ophir dropped anchor, Dr. Sherman, health officer, went on board. Captain Alexander also went on board, representing the Governor.

The early arrival of the Opbir will not interfere with the reception arrangements. The men are still working in Queen street getting decorations into shape, and with fine weather the success of to-morrow's ceremony will be doubly assured. Unfortunately, Captain Edwin predicts unfavourable weather, but the enthusiastic loyalty of the crowded city is so great that it is likely to shine out clearly through any rain or storm.

The Duke and Duchess are in the best of health, their trip across having in no way inconvenienced them, but having ki opposite effect in giving them a rest after tne continued strain of the festivities in Australia. On leaving Sydney at noon on Thursday last the Oj-ihir was escorted by H.M.S. Juno and H.M.S. St. George^— one on either side—and passed through tho Heads twenty minutes later. For the rest of the day and during the next morning the weather was eomewhat rough, an easterly wind raising a moderate sea. The weather then set fair, and smooth seas and warm aira prevailed during Friday afternoon and Saturday. A slight' fog came down on Saturday night, and the vessels , dowed down. The New Zealand shore ap-1 peared over the horizon about noon yesterday. At 3 p.m. the most westerly pa_rt ofcj the northern coast of Cape Maria Van Die-! men was abeam. Coming down the coast, ! which wan kept in view, another light fog* crept up, and again the speed was reduced !to tea knots per hour. "From a line of I three abreast the squadron changed on > Saturday night to a single column, the Ophir leading, the Juno and St. George following. This order Waa kept until reaching the harbour, and on rounding.the North Head tlie Ophir dropped her o_aohor, tho others following at reasonaKe intervals. The Royal landing will take place today.