THE ROYAL VISIT.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 97, 3 May 1901, Page 2

THE ROYAL VISIT.

CRUISE OF THE OPIIIR. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Albany, May 2. • H.M.S. Opbir resumed her voyage at six o’clock yesterday morning. The cruisers sailed later after coaling. Tho Administrator of tho Government, on behnlf'of the Government and people, sent a telegram to tho Duko and Duchess of York, conveying congratulations on their safe arrival in Australian waters. Tho Duko replied thanking them for their kind message of greeting. Tho details of the Ophir’s voyago show that the Royal party found the heat of the Red Sea and Singapore rather trying, but thoroughly enjoyed the trip. They aro delighted with the enthusiastic receptions given them everywhere. The squadron callod at Aden, whore an address was presented by Parsec gentlemen, who subsequently dined with tho Duko and Duchess on the Ophir. The visit to Ceylon was especially' en-. joyuble. Among tho festivities at Kandy was a display of firoworks, and a procession of elephants. Colombo was lavishly decorated.

Singapore was tastefully illuminated. Numerous addresses, with valuable and novel caskets, wero presented, including one each from Hindoos, Arabs, Malays, and Chinese.

Tho stay ut Singapore was marred by the death of one of the Ophir’s stokers. His body was committed to the deep shortly after leaving, with full naval honors, the Duko and Duchess attending. The squadron crossed the line on the 25th ult., when, by the Duke’s.command, the old ceremony of Neptune coining aboard was carried out on each vessel. A special correspondent states that all tlioso who had not previously gone through tho ordeal were made sons of Neptune in tho orthodox manner.

THE RECEPTION IN MELBOURNE,

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Melbourne, May 2. Tho decorations, owing to tho recent had weather, arc not in a very forward state. The city is crowded with visitors and soldiers, and tho bay presents a lively appearance with foreign and British warships. The former are represented by 2326 officers and men, and the British by 2247 officers and men. Tho weather indications at present are not promising. The New Zealand troops reach here tomorrow.