THE ROYAL VISIT.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 120, 31 May 1901, Page 2

THE ROYAL VISIT.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright E Sydney, May 30. The chief event of to-day was a grand naval display in the harbor. n The Duchess and a number of the Royal party yesterday visited the National t Park. ‘ t Melbourne, May 80. ( The Duke has consented to givo a sitting to Mr Wrn. Roberts, the well-known artist, for a large historical picture, depicting the reading of tho Royal message at the opening of the Commonwealth Parliament. THE NAVAL PROGRAMME. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Sydney, May 30. To-day was naval' day in tho Royal programme. The Duke, in the dress of a rear-admiral, accompanied Lord Hopetoun and their staffs in the Ophir’s steam launch, bearing on its bow tho Duko’s badge. They proceeded to tho Royal naval depot, at Garden Island. As they passed the warships tho squadron anchored at Farm Cove fired a Royal salute. Rear-Admiral Beaumont and tho officers of tho squadron received thorn at tho Island, where tho Duke reviewed bluejackets, Royal Marino Artillery, and Light Infantry from the warships, niuo companies in all. An inspection of the dopot and island was followed by tho planting of a tree by the Duke, and the presentation of spades made at the naval workshops, the handles being from the timber of tho old colonial warship Nelson, and the blades from the plates of the Royal Arthur. One was presented to tho Duke for him- ’ solf, tho other being for tho Duchess. | That concluded tho ceremony. In the afternoon the Duke and Duchess 1 and members of tho Royal party at- . tended a party at Admiralty House, from the lawn of which they watched tho naval display in the harbor. As the party -crossed to Admiralty House between the linos of warships, which were gay with a profusion of bunting and presented a beautiful spectacle, the Royal saluto was fired, yards were manned, and rousing cheers and greetings were given as tho party passed each vessel.

The naval programme consisted of a review and a sham fight, fifty warships’ boats of all descriptions taking part. The first boats formed double linos and received the Duke and Duchess : then tho boats formed up between Fort Denison and tho fleet, all saluting servico fashion, as the party passed Admiralty House ; then a fresh formation was taken up. Signal boats, armed, the largest with three-pounder quick-firing guns, and tho smaller with rifles, attacked tho fleet, both boats and ships opening fire. Then a bugle sounded the chargo, and the boats dashed for tho warships imd tho men attempted to board, both sides keeping up a heavy fusilade. The scone while the supposed battle lasted was exciting and picturesque.

THE BEAUTIFUL HARBOR, FAIRY-LIKE FOREGROUND TO THE CITY ILLUMINATIONS.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received May 31, 12.56 a.m.) Sydney, May 30. ■ The harbor to-night presents a fairylike foreground to the city illuminations. The warships Royal Arthur, Ringarooma, Wallaroo, and Mildura are anchored in Neutral Bay. The Ophir and the cruisers Juno and St George aro at Farm Cove, and the Russian warship Gromoboi outlined them. The electric and changing colored lights, search and arc lights, flashing across tho waters is adding effect to the illuminations. A number of other vessels in port aro participating in the illuminations.

Immense crowds are viewing the scone from the foreshores and afloat.

GOVERNMENT HOLIDAYS. By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, last night. The amendecl dates for tlio holidays in Government offices are as follows : Auckland provinco : Tuesday and Wednesday, June 11th and 12th; Customs holiday, 11th. Taranaki: Hawke’s Bay, Wellington, Marlborough, Nelson, and Westland : Tuesday', Wednesday, and Friday, 18th, 19th, and 21st; Customs holiday, 18th. Canterbury: Saturday and Monday, 22nd and[24th; Customs holiday, 22nd. Otago : Wednesday and Thursday, 26th and 27th ; Customs holiday, 26tli.