THE, EMBARKATION SCENE AT LYTTELTON.

Evening Post, Volume LXI, Issue 151, 28 June 1901, Page 5

THE, EMBARKATION SCENE AT LYTTELTON.

[PBKSS , ASSOCIATION.] CHRISTCHURCH, 27th June. The Royal train did not stop at Christchurch, but went right through to Lyttelton, where their Royal Highnesses and suite embarked on the Tutanekai, "which took them to the Qphir in the stream. Mr. Seddon, Sir Joseph Ward, and My. Carroll took leave of the Rpyal party on the Government steanier before it left the wharf. There was a display of fireworks from the ships and shore, but no other ceremony. The Ophir, accompanied by the St." George and 1 Juno, then steamed away for Hobart. MESSAGE TO THE PEOPLE OF NEW ZEALAND. CHRISTCHURCH, 27th June. The following is the farewell message from the Duke of York to the people of New Zealand : — Dunedin, 27th June. Dear Lord Ranfurly — On the eve of our departure, I am anxious to tell the people of New Zealand how happy wo have been in their beautiful land, with what regrets we leave it, and what lasting ' feelings of gratitude we carry away for tho loyal enthusiasm, cordiality, aud kind-heartedness so universally accorded to us throughout our stay. | I would ask you to convey to the Government our warmest thanks for all their thoughtful and admirably-carried out plans. For the accommodation, comfort, and entertainment of ourselves and our staff, in addition to Government Houses at Auckland and Wellington, where you •so kindly entertained us, both there and in other pities and towns hotels were engaged ' for our use. Private individuals and members of clubs most generously, placed their houses at our disposal, and we know that similar hospitality awaited us at ; . those places which, unfortunately, from want of time, it was not possible to visit. The railway arrangements have been invariably excellent, and everything possible was done to ensure safety and comfort on our journeys, though, I fear, this must have entailed much extra work upon officials and employees as well as inconvenience to the travelling public. Every attention was shown by the Post and Telegraph Departments, and their work was promptly and efficiently carried out. The police service throughout the colony was most satisfactory, and performed its duty with conspicuous tact and judgment. The reviews at Auckland and Christchurch, at which all branches of the New Zealand forces were represented, enabled me to form some idea of the • colony's splendid fighting material, and brought home to me more than ever the enormous accession of strength which the Empire can count upon if need should arise. The ' zeal and cheerfulness with which the volunteers came together, in many instances travelling loug distances, both by land and sea, was worthy of the highest praise. I was proud beyond measure to witness the enthusiastic reception which was everywhere accorded to the contingents which have returned from South Africa. I was particularly interested in the cadet corps, some of which showed marked steadiness on parade and when lining the streets, and the appearance and march past of the corps at Christchurch were especially creditable. I venture to think this movement is deserving of every encouragement, particularly as regards the provision of pro-perly-trained instructors, as, apart from its physical benefits, it infuses into the rising generation a spirit of discipline

and esprit do corps which must tend to make better citizens asiwell as good soldiers. 1 learn with much pleasure that among the contingents sent to South Africa were many representatives of school cadet corps, and that in one instance no fewer than between 60 and 70 from a single corps joined the force. I was especially glad to meet face to face the Maori people, to have witnessed their vast and interesting gathering at Rotorua, and to have had personal friendly intercourse with their leading chiefs and representatives. It was gratifying to hear their assurances of loyalty to the King, their expressions of sorrow for their deeply-loved Queen, and to experience their enthusiasm and warmness of heart towards ourselves. I am glad to think that this ancient and chivalrous race is living in peace and prosperity, and sharing with their Pakeha brothers the duties and responsibilities of good citizenship. To your Premier, who has accompanied us on all occasions, I would ask you to cpnvey our warmest thanks for his courtesy, kind attention, and untiring energy, which have in no small degree contributed to making our stay in New Zealand so enjoyable. The Duchess and I are sincerely grateful to you and Lady Ranfurly for the unceasing care", trouble, and forethought which you have displayed on her behalf. We Bhall look back with pleasantest recollections to those happy days which we spent as your guests. My best thanks are also due to your staff for the cheerful and assiduous manner with which they have coped with the vast increase of work thrown upon them in consequence of our visit. Though, unfortunately, our stay has/ from force ,of circumstances, been a short one, I earnestly trust that the experience and knowledge of the country which I have gained, and my personal intercourse with its people, may in some measure tend to sustain and enhance the existing feeling of sympathy and interest between the Mother Country and^ New Zealand," and thus draw still closer those ties of affection, and brotherhood by which we are so happily united. Heartily wishing that the steady grow.th and prosperity of the country may ever continue, believe me, dear Lord Ranfurly, very sincerely, yours. — GEORGE. CHRISTCHURCH, 27th June. At Ashburton to-day Guard FWke, whp was in charge of the Royal train, missed his footing while boarding it, He caught the guard-iron, and hung on. At the engine-shed crossing his' feet caught in a cattle-stop, and his shoes were torn off. Messrs, Hifl-Trevor and Ward and Lord Crichton came to his assistance, and pulled him aboard. The train was stopped by the signal cord. No serious injury was done to Fowke, who was more concerned about the stoppage of the train than about his shaking and bruises. The Premier has received the following communication from Sir Arthur Bigge, and has, complied with the request contained in it: — "Lieut. -Colonel Sir Arthur Bigge presents his compliments to the Premier, and begs to request that he will be kind enough to forward tho following telegram to the Agent-General for New Zealand, London :-—* The Duke and Duchess, of Cornwall and York sincerely thank tHY Agent-General and Now Zealanders in the Mother Country for their kind congratulations, and wish to assure them that they are greatly enjoying their visit to this colony.'" [BY 'TELEGItAPH— J)W>f CORKKSPONDKNT.] DUNEDIN, This Day. , About twenty-five kinematograpk pictures were taken by Major Perry of the Royal' progress through New Zealand, and it is the intention of "the Government to have these shown throughout the colony in about a month's time. The Major is of opinion that the best view he took was that of the Christchurch military review, on' which function he exposed about 400 ft of film. The pictures have to go to Melbourne to be developed. The .Salvation Army intends to prepare a continuous film representation of the Royal progress through Victoria and New Zealand, from the landing at St. Kilda to their departure from Dunedin. This will be encased in a silver casket and presented to their Royal Highnesses. Mr. A. Hamilton, on behalf of the New Zealand Institute, yesterday presented the Duchess of Cornwall with a copy of the work "Maori Art," published by the Institute, and Dr. Hocken presented the DuSe with a copy of his book on the "Early History of Otago, and also with a copy of "Abel Tasman and his Journal." , * The children's demonstration to receive the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall was a conspicuous success financially. The takings at the gates of the Caledonian Society's grounds on Wednesday were £361, and to-day £178. This is independent of town sales, which should swell the total to £700. THE SQUADRON IN COOK STRAIT. The Royal yacht Ophir and the attendant cruisers St. George and Juno were seen in Cook Strait at 9.30 this morning, on tneir voyage from Lyttelton to Hobart.