THE ROYAL VISIT.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 102, 9 May 1901, Page 1

THE ROYAL VISIT.

THE DUKE’S SPEECH. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Melbourne, May 8. Mr Peacock lias received a wire from Mr Seddon conveying the latter’s thanks for the position conferred on the New Zealand troops in the Royal procession, expressing the delight of the New Zealand people at the safe arrival of the Royalties, and congratulating Victoria on the splendid manner in which everything passed of}'. Mr Peacock replied thanking Mr Seddon for his congratulations, and stating that ho was pleased to welcome the New Zealand troops and give them a good position. The levee, with such a number of the general public in attendance, developed at one time into a scrimmage more suitable to a Rugby match than a ballroom. The work of shaking hands with several thousand people was rather tiring for the Duke’s hand, but ho manfully saw the thing through. The Duke, replying to numerous addresses of welcome from all parts of the State, said :—“ I accept with sincere satisfaction the assurances of unswerving devotion and attachment to the Throne and person of the King, my dear father, to whom I shall make known, without delay, the sentiments which have been given expression to. lam deeply touched at the reference to the mournful event which so recently plunged the whole Empire into grief and mourning, the death of my beloved, revered grandmother. Her great qualities as a wise ruler proved an inestimable blessing to the people over whom she reigned for over half a century. She left a noble example to her successors for all time. I thank you for your good I wishes for the health and happiness of the Duchess and myself. I regret that the [ short space of time at our disposal will prevent us from becoming as well acquainted as we should with' the interior districts of this favored land. We join with you in the hope that the journey which we have undertaken may' not only be fraught with much pleasure and interest to ourselves, but also may have the effect of promoting in no small degree the unity and solidity of the King’s dominions. The happiness which I enjoyed during my former visit, in company with my dear brother, is ever fresh in my memory, and I rejoice to find myself amongst you again, and that on this occasion the Duchess accompanies me. I wish to take this opportunity’ of assuring you how truly our hearts are moved by the splendid and enthusiastic reception accorded us on our entry to this city’, an outward testimony, indeed, to the loyalty and affection to the Throne. It is my earnest prayer that the Divine Providence may be with the people of Australia in all their undertakings.” Some idea of the crowds iii Melbourne can be gained from the approximate returns of railway traffic. On Monday four hundred thousand persons were safely carried on the railways, this excluding tram travellers, and those from the different colonies, who reside chiefly in the city. Nearly seven hundred thousand people must have welcomed their Royal Highnesses

One may not interview Royalty, but Lord Hopetoun says that the Duke is quite delighted with the magnificent pageant. He remarked to the Governor - General that he had seen a good many of these kinds of processions in various parts of the world, but this one was equal if not better than anything he had previously witnessed. He was equally pleased with the illuminations.

In regard to his owii feelings, Lord Hopetoun declares that nothing could have been better. He was pleased beyond measure. It had been an anxious time for him, but everything had gone off without a hitch.

The Duke inspected within Government House grounds the men of the Victorian Naval Brigade, just returned from China. He desired the officer commanding to congratulate the men upon their valuable services and on their safe return.

A touching incident was the inquiry of the Duchess in regard to the trees planted by the Princes on their first visit to Australia in 1881. Her Royal Highness was informed that the tree planted by tho Dulse of York was still alive and flourishing, but that planted by the Duke of Clarence had withered and died, despite all care, soon after the Duke of Clarence’s death.-

Sydney, May 8. The women of Sydney are collecting funds to present the Duchess of York with a mirror framed and mounted in gold, and with a monogram set in Australian jewels.

Tho. secretary of the Citizens’ Committee says that although the decorations of the streets may not be on such a scale ofsplendor as at Molbourne, for beautiful completeness and harmony they will be far ahead of anything previously seen in Australia.