THE ROYAL VISIT.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 101, 8 May 1901, Page 4

THE ROYAL VISIT.

ARMY OF JOURNALISTS. By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright Melbourne, May 7. The proceedings yesterday were reported by r an army of journalists from all parts of Australia and Great Britain. In the English contingent were Mr Vincent, representative of the London Times ; Mr E. F. Knight, of “ Where Three Empires Meet ” fame, representing the Morning Post ; Mr Maxwell, of the Standard ; Mr Lessage, of the Daily Telegraph ; Mr Watson, of Reuter’s Agency ; Mr Scot Cranston, of the Central News; Mr Pears, artist of the Sphere. A number of journalists representing New Zealand witnessed the great pageant. A pretty sight was witnessed in the Domain during the Rof’al progress. Thirty-five thousand Sunday-school children sang “God Save the King” and “ God Bless the Prince of 'Wales,” waving tiny Union Jacks, as the Royal carriage swept past. The Mayoress of Melbourne, when the party were welcomed on Prince’s Bridge, presented the Duchess with a magnificent bouquet of white roses in a golden holder, set with opals. Right aloDg the route the smart appearance of the New South Wales Lancers and stalwart Maoris elicited cheers.

The first carriage of the procession was occupied by Lady Mary Lygon and the Hon. Mrs Derek Keppel, Sir John Anderson (representing the Colonial Office), and Sir Donald ' Wallace, Assistant Private Secretary. The occupants of the second carriage were Captain His Serene Highness Prince Albert of Tcck, Lady Katherine Coke, Major J. H. Bort, Commander Sir Charles Cust ; the third carriage, Lieutenant - Colonel Sir Arthur Bigge, the Hon. Derek Keppel, Commander Godfrey Fausset, Lieutenant - Colonel Byron (Queensland). In the State carriage were the Duke and Duchess and Lord Wenlock.

After the pageant concluded the Royal carriage entered Government House Grounds, preceded by Major-General French, Major-General Downes,BrigadierGeneral Gordon, Colonel Finn, and Colonel Ponton, colonial commandants. The party were received at the steps of Government House by Lord Hopetoun. The Duke inspected his guard of honor, each of the military commandants being presented to him. The Dukb expressed himself highly gratified at, the whole of the arrangements in. connection with his reception. A woman returning from viewing the illuminations w T as crushed to death between the railway platform and a carriage. So far this is the only fatality reported.

Sydney, May 7. The Sydney Morning Herald says that to Melbourne came the opportunity to offer the Royal guests the united affection and homage of the continent. There must be a peculiar satisfaction to the State Government of Victoria and to the civic Government and citizens of Melbourne that they have done their part with such success as made yesterday’s pageant a national demonstration of the most striking dignity and significance. In all Australia to-day there is no jealousy or envy that will mar the pride that on behalf of herself and us all Victoria has done the right thing right royally. ' The Daily Telegraph says that when a Royal person is given a royal welcome the fitness of things is observed. This was done at Melbourne yesterday. The reception was appropriate both in manner and spirit to such a unique occasion as the first landing of the Heir-Apparent on Australian soil. Meboumc made the demonstration in all respects worthy of the day and of Australia. *