THE ROYAL VISIT.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 117, 28 May 1901, Page 3

THE ROYAL VISIT.

SYDNEY’S GALA DAY.

RECEPTION OF ROYALTY

FINE WEATHER AND MAGNI ficent reception.

y Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received May 27, 6.50 p.m.) Sydney, May 27. The Ophir left the Hawkesbury at about 7.60 a.in., and proceeding under easy steam entered Sydney Heads at about 10.60, escorted by trie cruiser Juno and vessels of the Australian Squadron in line of formation. As they proceeded up tiio harbor tbo boys of the training ship Sobraon lined the foreshore on the southern head of the entrance. Coming abreast of Bradley’s Head, the Grotnoboi, the Russian warship, opened fire with a salute of twelve guns. The vessels of the Australian station took up a position in Neutral Ray, the Opliir proceeding to her moorings at the tlagsliip’s buoy. Dense crowds occupied every coign of vantage along the foreshore where a view of the naval demonstration could be obtained. Daybreak was ushered in with overcast weather and showers of rain. As the Royal yacht entered the Heads the clouds lifted, the sun shone out, and gave the visitors a view of the harbor in all its beauty. The fates, too, were kind throughout the day. Although the pageant through the city was under an overeast sky, no rain fell to mar the spectacle. The streets were lined with crowds of spectators. At points the enthusiasm was even greater than, at Melbourne. The landing took place at two o’clock. The Jloyal barge from the Opliir rowed between two lines of guards of bluejackets in boats to the landing stage at Rami Cove. As the Royalties stepped ashore the forts and warships commenced to lire a salute, the echoes of which had not died away when the great assemblage gathered on the slopes of the Domain took up the shout of welcome. The Royal pair tiicneo proceeded to the pavilion erected near the landing-place, whero they were welcomed by Lord Hopetoun, the late Governor, and the Mayor, Mr Barton and Sir W. Lync representing the Federal Government, with other loading officials and citizens. The pavilion was a beautiful structure, each corner bearing heraldic emblems. The exterior was covered with a profusion of Hags, flowers, and foliage. A stoop stairway, carpeted and embowered with greenery, led from the pavilion to where the Royal carriage was waiting. Cheers broke out with renewed vigor as they took their seats, and with the New South Wales Lancers ns a guard of honor, commenced to drive citywards. Under the magnificent rows of trees which line the main avenue of the Domain, the carriage wended its way through the dense crowds to St. Mary's entrance, over which was erected a fine greenery arch, hearing in large 'letters the word “ Welcome.” Tiicneo the party proceeded to Collegestreet, where tlio decorations fairly commenced. Long avenues of Venetian masts lining each side of the streets, gay with flags, greeted tiio view. Dense crowds massed in the L'ark, thinking 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 a bravo show of hunting, and tiio Government tramways showed fine flags in design, grouped on transoms, with burnished shields in the centre. Many leading firms also handsomely decorated their buildings with bunting and floral designs. in some respects the narrow streets of Sydney were an advantage. They give the tftrong a closer view of the guests, and the concentration of the crowds gave the appearance of greater enthusiasm. As the procession passed tiio Australia Hotel the balconies of that hugh edifice were crowded with sight-seers, who cheered spontaneously after the Royal visitors. The greatest demonstration was made as the New South Wales Scottish Regiment passed. This force had given the life blood of Lieutenant Grieve up at Pnardobnrg, prior to the capture of Cronje, and the Sydney public- did not forget tlie prowess of the Black Watch, with whom Grieve was associated at the time of his decease. In Melbourne, the procession, owing to the lengthy route, was confined to mounted troops. Here, the infantry had their opportunity, and greatly added to the impressiveness of the function. Colonel Benton, representing Now Zealand, rode with Major-General French, ituul preceded the Uoval carriage. At the George street entrance to Martin Place, which was beautifully arcaded throughout to represent the Court and Empire, the procession passed under a grand marble archway, bearing the words,'picked out ill gold, “' An Umpire's Greeting,” running along both sides of marble pillars. Joined by wreaths, and rich in color, with a profusion of flags, floral designs, and emblematic designs, each pillar emblazoned ■ the name of a Rritisli possession. The reception was especially enthusiastic from the large crowd 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 Honotoun,” gave entry to Pitt street, which presented a brilliant spectacle with its blaze of color ami sotting of foliage. Through Cast-lercagh-streA and into King-street the procession passed amidst tlic plaudits of the people. Entering King-street one was met with the citizens’, tribute to the dead Queen. Royal purple and white were the provai. ing tones. From every Venetian mast was suspended a beautiful wreath from every municipality in the State, while a banner across the roadway bore the inscription-, ■■ Victoria the Good.” Right up ; the Queen's statue were the emblems of mourning, people surrounding the statue of Victoria with many beautiful wreaths. Turniuginto Macquario-strcet the Royal pageant- passed the whole length of the street- under a floral are ido of beautiful conception, and entered Government House

(Received May 27, 8.51 p.m.) An elegant expression of appreciation of the visit of Royalty was the principlo laid down in beautifying the city. No effort was put forth with the object of or. til Vailing fiw great display in'Melbourne. The Sydney authorities wisely resolved to concentrate their energies in - the direction of illumination of the central portion of the city, with the result that tonight Sydney affords one of the most brilliant spectacles witnessed in the two hemispheres. The citizens did not loave everything to the Government, but liberally responded to the call for money to bear a share of the magnificent result. Over the whole scene, whether viewed by night or day, there is the strictest harmony of colour, and it is aesthetic to a degree. The centre of attraction is the street front at the Tost Office. The Government has converted the thoroughfare, 1380 fec-t long, into an avenue lined with gleaming white fluted columns, dignified by the name of Court of Empire. There are 21. / pillars, each symbolic of the British possessions, a flag of each dependency floating on the column. ! As the Court is entered from George street one passes under an arch ulhich extends greetings from United Australia to King and Empire. The Court is loft by the Commonwealth , arch, the inscription tUpreou wishing long life and happiness to Lord and Lady llopotoun. Each arch is supported by twelve beautiful columus. Venetian masts, swarming with electric lamps festooned in bewildering fashion, convert the whole ■ Court into a palace of delight by night. Masses of greenery give a fine effect. Two thousand five hundred red, white, and blue globes have been used, and these, glimmering through the delicate tracery' ..of the foliage, made a scene of great beauty. In the day time the masses of greenery arc used to conceal thousands of electric lamps, which, when the evening shadows fall, gleam 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 being not so much to encour-

age individual effort in mural illuminations as to give uniformity to the overhead display in the streets. Suddenly entering Pitt-street the spectators witnessed a scene of marvellous beauty. One's idea of the famous grottoes of Monte Cristo’s. Isle pale before the dazzling sight. As far as 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 give to them the 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 silver moons reflecting the sheen of the jewels below.

The Queen's Square is lighted by arc lamps representing 48,000 candle-power. Lamps tinted royal purple hang round the statue. The flower-beds are planted with the initials of George and May, while a quantity of growing plants represent the Prince of Wales’ feather.

Nineteen countries-extended 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 in different colored lamps in wondrous fantasies bewilder the imagination. One is kept in fairyland by the moving masses of every day humanity. McQuaric street is singularly beautiful. The thoroughfare has arches with rainbows of colors in electric lamps.

Amongst the buildings, the illuminations of the Town Hall, Post Office, and Lands Office arc the most effective.

Owing to the cloudy weather and the absence of moonlight, the illuminations were seen at their best.

THE DUKE’S OPINION

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Brisbane, May 27. The Duke allowed his views regarding Queensland to be expressed through a member of his suite, who said that the Duke has been greatly impressed by all he had seen in Australia. The "feat fertile territory lying right to tho-door of Brisbane conveyed a wonderful impression of the richness of the territory, and room for a very largo population, bursting as it seemed to do into the verdant Darling Downs, completed tho delight of. the Duchess and himself coining direct from crowded England, and contrasting the beauty and openness of Queensland struck them with greater force. He was highly gratified at the receptions, and left with regret and gratitude. Ho felt certain that the people of the State would make it the groat and prosperous adjunct to tho Empire that by Nature it was intended to be.

THE GISBORNE NATIVES. The s.s. Taicri leaves Gisborne on Saturday,'lst June, early, with the Natives who arc to take part in tho welcome to tho Duke of York. Tho Taicri calls atTolago Bay, Tuparoa, Port Awanui, and Ilick's Bay, and reaches- Auckland on Monday. The Gisborne - Natives arc requested to bestir themselves .and bo at the wharf sharp to time, in order to make an early start.