CABLE NEWS. [BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.—COPYRIGHT] THE HEIR- APPARENT'S TOUR IN AUSTRALIA.

Evening Post, Volume LXI, Issue LXI, 28 May 1901, Page 5

CABLE NEWS. [BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.—COPYRIGHT] THE HEIR- APPARENT'S TOUR IN AUSTRALIA.

RECEPTION OF THE DUKE AND DUCHESS IN SYDNEY. A SPLENDID PAGEANT. [riisss association.! SYDNEY, 27th May.

The Opliir left Hawkesbury about 7.30 a.m., and proceeding under easy steam, entered the Heads about 10.30 a.in., escorted by H.M.S. Juno and the vessels of" the Australian Squadron in line formation. THE NAVAL DEMONSTRATION. As they proceeded up the harbour, the boys of " the training ship Sobraon lined the foreshore of the southern head of the entrance. Coming, abrtast of Bradley's Head the Gromoboi, tflfe Russian warship, opened fire with a salute of twelve guns. The vessels of the Australian Station took' up their position in Neutral Bay, the Ophir proceeding to her moorings at the flagship's buoy. Dense crowds- occupied every coign of vantage along the foreshore where a view of the naval demonstration could be obtained. Daybreak had been ushered in with overcast weather and showers of rain. As the Royal yacht entered the Heads the clouds lifted and the sun shone out, giving the visitors a view of the harbour in all its beauty. The Fates, too, were kind throughout the day. Although the pageant through the city was under an overcast sky, no rain fell to mar the spectacle. The streets were lined with crowds of spectators. At certain points the enthusiasm was even greater than in Melbourne. LANDING OP THE ROYAL PARTY. The landing took place at 2 o'clock. The Royal barge from the Ophir rowed, between two lines of guards of blue-jack-ets in boats, to the landing stage in Farm Cove. i As the Duke of Cornwall stepped ashore the forts and warships began to fire salutes, the echoes of which had not died away, when the great assemblage gathered on the slope of the Domain took up the shouts of welcome. The Royal pair thence proceeded to a pavilion erected near the landing place, where they were welcomed by Lord Hopetoun, the Lieutenant-Governor (Sir F. M. JDarley), the Mayor (Sir James Graham), Mr. Barton, and Sir W. Lyne (representing ,the Federal Government), and other leading officials and citizens. The pavilion was a beautiful structure, each corner bearing heraldic emblems. The exterior was covered with a profusion of flags, flowers, and foliage. The steep stairway was carpetetl, and embowered ferns and greenery led from the pavilion to where the Royal carriage was waiting. Cheers broke out with renewed vigour as the party took their scats, and r with tho New South Wales Lancers as a guard of honour, began to drive citywards, under the magnificent rows of trees which line the main avenue to the Domain. Tho carriage wended its way through dense crowds to St. Mary's entrance, over which was erected a fine greenery arch bearing in large letters the word "Welcome," and thence to College-street, where the decorations fairly commenced. Long, avenues of Venetian , masts lining each side of the street and gay flags greeted the view. THE PROCESSION THROUGH THE ; CITY. Dense crowds were massed in the Park, flanking Park-street, where the array of flags was relieved by wreaths of greenery gracefully trailing between the , masts. Turning into George-street, the Town Hall made ? brave show of bunting, and the Government trams showed a fine flag design grouped on the transomes, 1 with burnished shields in the cen.tre.The houses of many leading firms were also handsomely decorated with bunting and floral designs. , In some respects the narrow streets of Sydney were an advantage, as they enabled the throng to obtain a closer view of the guests, and the .concentration of crowds gave the appearance of greater enthusiasm. As the procession passed tho Australia Hotel the balconies of the huge edifice were crowded with sightseers, who cheered spontaneously the Royal visitors. ' . WELCOME TO THE SCOTCH REGIMENT. The greatest demonstration was made as the New South Wales Scottish Regiment passed. This force had given the life blood of Lieutenant Grieve at Paardeberg, prior to the capture of Cronje, and the Sydney public did not forget the prowess of the Black Watch, with whom Lieutenant Grieve was associated at the time of his death, In Melbourne the procession, owing to the long route, was confined to mounted troops. Here infantry had their opportunity, and greatly added to the impressiveness of .the function. Colonel Penton, representing -Nero-Zea-land, rode with Major-General French, and preceded the Royal carriage. A COURT OF EMPIRE. At the George-street entrance to Martin place, which was beautifully arcaded throughout to represent a Court of Empire, the procession passed under a grand marble archway bearing the words, picked out in gold, "An Empire's Greeting." Running along both sides the marble pillars were joined' by wreaths and were riph in colour with a profusion of flags, floral and emblematic designs. Each pillar was emblazoned with the name of British possessions. The reception was especially enthusiastic from the large crpwd occupying a platform seating several thousands facing Martin-place. A second archway of similar design, with the words, "Long Life and Happiness to Lord and Lady Hopetoun," gave entry to Pitt-street, which presented a brilliant spectacle, with its .blaze of colour and setting of foliage. Through Castlereagh-street into Kingstreet the procession passed amidst the plaudits of the people. TRIBUTE TO THE LATE QUEEN. Entering King-streefc.one met with the! citizens' tribute to the deali Queen. Royal purple and white were the prevailing tones. From every mast were suspended beautiful wreaths from every municipality in the State, while a huge wreath across the roadway bore the inscription "Victoria the Good." Covering the Queen's statute were emblems of mourning and many ' beautiful wreaths. Turning into Macquarie - street, .the Royals pageant passed the whole length of the sweet under a floral arcade of beautiful conception, and entered Government House. THE ILLUMINATIONS. An elegant expression of appreciation of the visit" of Royalty was the principle laid down in beautifying the city, and no effort was put forth with the object of surpassing the greab display in. Melbourne. The Sydney authorities wisely resolved to concentrate their energies •in tho direction of the illumination of the central portion of the city, with the result that to-night Sydney affords one of the most brilliant spectacles witnessed in the two hemispheres. The citizens did not

leave everything to the' Government, but liberally responded to the cull for money, and bear credit for a share of the magnificent result. A FAIRY-LIKE SCEIs;.. Over the whole scene, the illuminations by night or the decorations by day, there is the strictest harmony of colour. The centre attraction is the street in front of tho Post Oiiicc. Tho Government has converted a thoroughfaro three hundred and eighty feeb long into an avenue lined with gleaming white-fluted columns, dignified by tho n»me of the Court of Empire. There are twentyfour pillars, each symbolic of a British possession, the flag of each dependency floating on the summit of the column. As the court is entered from Georgestreet, one passes under a Royal arch which extends greetings from United Australia to the King and the Empire. The court is left by the Commonwealth arch, the inscription wishing long life and happiness to Lord and JLady Hopetoun. Each arch is supported by twelve beautiful columns. Venetian masts, swarming with electric lamps, festooned in a bewildering fashion, convert the whole court into a palace of delight. By night the masses of greenery gave a fine effect. Two thousand five hundred red, white, and blue globes have been used, and these glimmering through the delicato tracery of the foliage make a scene of great beauty. In the daytime masses of greenery are used to conceal the thousands of electric lamps which, when the evening shadows fall, out instantly as if by the touch of a magician's wand. Mural decorations were not so much in evidence. The desire of the Government and citizens was not so much 1 to encourage individual effort in mural illuminations as lo give uniformity to the overhead display in the streets. MONTE CHRISTO OUTDONE. Suddenly, entering Pitfcstreet, the spectator witnesses a scene of marvellous beauty. One's ideas of the famous grottos of Monte Christo's Isle pale before the dazzling sight. As far as the eye can reach is a sparkling canopy of emeralds of varying shades, with heavy festoons of rubies along each pathway. The vibration of the suspended lamps gives theirs & realism of sparkling gems. « Down the centre and above this canopy a novel effect is produced by huge orbs apparently floating in the atmosphere like silvery moons, reflecting the sheen of the jewels below. Queen's Square is lighted by arc lumps representing forty-eight thousand candle-power, tho lamps being tinted with -Royal purple. Round the statue are flower beds planted with the initials G. and M., while a quantity of growing plants represent the Prince of Wales's Feathers. Nineteen oountries extend a welcome in the Avenue of Nations. On each mast is a graceful golden dove bearing a silver olive branch in its mouth. Nearly five thousand electric lamps throw a radiance over the avenue, festoon after festoon of different coloured lamps in wondrous fantasies bewildering the ©aagination. - , One is kept out of fairyland by moving masses of everyday humanity. Mac-quario-street is 'singularly beautiful, a whole i thoroughfare of arche^ with rainbows of coloured electric lamps. Amongst the \buildings tho illuminations of the Town Hall, tho Post Office and the Lands Office are the most effective. Owing' to the cloudy weather and absence of moonlight the illuminations are at their best. DEMEANOUR OF THE PEOPLE. (Received May 28, b. 36 a.m.) \ SYDNEY, This Day. Yesterday's crowd, though, not so large on the whole as that at Commonwealth celebrations, was more dense, owing to the shorter route traversed. In sonio places the police had difficulty in preventing the people from breaking through the barriers, but altogether the assemblage was most orderly, good-hu-moured, and well-behaved. The Royal outriders, with their powdered hair, came in for a good deal of chaff. Public men and the press generally express themselves highly delighted with the success of the functions and the behaviour of the people. It is claimed that the Commonwealth inauguration street decorations were eclipsed, and that yesterday's display was the most beautiful and effective ever seen in Australia. The military display was very fine, and was' splendidly carried out under the direction of Major-General French. Six thousand troops of all arms, in full dress uniform, including twelve hundred cadets, took part in it. Amongst those who welcomed the Duke and Duchess on their landing were Admiral Beaumont and his staff, in' full 1 uniform. WARM WELCOME TO THE ROYAL VISITORS. * A TRIUMPHAL PROGRESS. (Received May .28, 10.16 a.m.) SYDNEY, This Day. The JRoyal pair were cordially received by the people as they passed along. There was a note of welcome in the cheering for the visitors to |vhom Sydney had paid such a signal honour. ' The parade through the crowded embowered streets was a triumphal progress. The Duke returned the salutes of. the crowd with hand raised to his hat, and the Duchess bowed slightly. Both looked weary after their journey, and gave the impression that they were going through a task. At one point in George-street some little, confusion was caused, the. people having broken through the lines, and as the State carriage passed they pressed dangerously close on the wheels. The Royal occupants, however, preserved their equanimity, and by a little skilful manoeuvring the soldiery and the police soon regained command of tlie situation. There were no addresses or, formal speeches at the landing ceremony, which occupied only a few minutes. STEADY RAINFALL IN SYDNEY. INCIDENTS OF YESTERDAY'S PROCEEDINGS. (Received May 28, 10.22 a.m.) SYDNEY, This Day. Steady rain began to fa)l yesterday, almost simultaneously with the arrival of the Royal carriage at Government House, whither Lord Hopetoun had ridden forward to welconte the Royal visitors. Rain continued throughout the night, but did not damp the ardour of the crowds, who densely packed the streets till a very late hour, viewing the illuminations. Notwithstanding the great crowds and the heavy traffic, no serious accidents are reported. One tram car came into collision with another, and a number of people were alarmed and jumped off, two being slightly injured. Pickpockets made the best of the opportunity, and reaped a good harvest. Yesterday's functions concluded with a dinner at Government House, given by Lord Hopetoun to the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall, and a munber of influential guests, including the Earl of Ranfurly. To-day the Duke will hold

n giand review of troops in Centennial Park. Rain fell during the greater part of the night, and though it ft now fine, the weather is dull and unpromising. The warmth of Lord Hopetoun's reception by the crowds iwas a feature of yesterday's demonstration. On Sunday Mr. Barton, on behalf of the Federal Government, sent birthday congratulations to the Duchess of Cornwall.