THE ROYAL VISIT.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 130, 12 June 1901, Page 3

THE ROYAL VISIT.

(By Telegraph —Press Association.) Auckland, last night. The coastal fleet is assembling, and the display promises to be imposing. The gruesome weather prediction of Captain Edwin was happily falsified. This morning broke delightfully, and an easterly breeze spread the bunting with a fine effect. The Queen’s Wharf and the streets and all the city literally blossomed with flags of every design, color, and picture. Looking from the pier-head up yueen street, with its dense crowds of eager humanitv, the scene was brilliant, and spoke eloquently of the keen interest of the people of the colony in the Loyal visit. , , , From an early hour the harbor was alive with crowded ferry steamers and vassols arriving from all the coastal ports. At 10.15 the men-o’-wav in line off the North Shore fired a Royal salute, and then tho Ophir steamed towards Northcote. The sailors on the rigged men-o -war manned yardarms and on the others lined along the docks to salute tho Royal yacht. Lusty cheers broke out from all as the Ophir steamed past, accompanied by her escorts, the St. George and Juno, while tho band on the Royal Arthur played several bars of tho National Anthem. Then the Ophir turned and steamed up to berth at the head of the Quecn-strcor wharf, which'was closely barricaded.

THE DECORATIONS. *

The decorations were carried out on a magnificent scale, the result of the combined efforts of the citizens, en route, and a regular artistic design worked out by the Decoration Committee, tho eifoct being to transform tho city into a veritable fairyland. Queen street was naturally most conspicuous for tho decorations, its • whole length being festooned with chains of grecnory. On each sido there wero gracoful Venetian masts, surmounted with banners of rod, white, and blue, the connecting link of festoons being picked out with lloral decorations of similar colors, while ferns and palms crossed each inast. The privato decorations and artistic designs wore in keeping, and when illuminated at night presented a wonderfully dazzling spectacle. At tho foot of tho wharf is the Government platform, whore tho public reception takes place, and tho civic addresses wero presented. Tho decorations here consist of fostoons of national colors and nikau palms, arranged so as to have the finest effect. Opposite is a largo public platform, and near tho ferry there is tho Harbor Board ollicials’ platform. Thero is another platform behind the Government one, all being tastefully docked in greenery and colors. From every building in tho street are Hags and bannerettes. Venetian masts and similar decorations continue into Wollosley street, Symonds, O’Borke, and Princes street, on to the Government Ilonso grounds. Tho Boyal carriago stopped at a living Union Jack near tho City Ilall, represented by children. Thero are numerous arches, ali of tasteful design. At the head of tho wharf is one of ferns and palms, bearing in silver letters tho word “ Welcome,” surmounted by a Boyal arch. At tho foot of tho wharf is another, inscribed simply “ Haoromfti.” At tho junction of Victoria and Queen street is tho Government arch designed to represent tho marble arch in Hyde Bark, and is tho most conspicuous of all. The piers on oach sido of tho main arch havo tho usual classical basis, with iluted columns and ionic capitals. Over thorn is tho head ontablaturo with architrave friore cornice and pediment rising from two foot over the centre of tho roadway to a longth of 90 foot across tho street. This bears tho inscription “ Welcome ” over the main arch, and on tho sido arches “ Cornwall ” and 11 York.” with a shield of each country draped with Hags. In largo lotters is also the Maori greeting, “ Ka aroha to nu ake, ako, ake,” meaning “ Unchanging love for over and for ever.” Tho railway station is charmingly decorated. Of tho private decorations tho Star oilico is conspicuous, tho Shortiand-strcet front boing ono blazo of appropriate dosigns, with strings of fairy lamps traversing tho wholo building.

AUCKLAND SPECIAL,

THE ROYAL VISIT.

THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OP YORK IN NEW ZEALAND.

A MEMORABLE DAY FOR AUCKLAND.

SUNSHINE AFTER RAIN,

(TIMES SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.)

Auoldand, last night,

To-day thoir Royal Highnossos tho Duko aud Duchess of York and Cornwall sot foot on Now Zoaland’s shores for tho first time, and woro aocordod a Royal reception quito oqual in heartiness to any they havo received in tho course of their memorable tour through tho possessions of tho British Crown.

Auckland was appropriately chosen as tho first landing place of Royalty in this colony, and tho pcoplo roso splondidly to the occasion, and paid such a tributo of local respooc to tho Heir Apparent and his consort as their Royal Highnesses should never forgot. Tho powers of the elements smilod on Auckland to-day for tho great occasion, and welcome sunshine this morning succeeded the weeping skies of vosterday, so that none of tho offeet of the city decorations was '^.st. IMMENSE CROWDS.

Novcr has Auckland streets held such donso throngs of people as packed the main thoroughfare to-day. The suburbs and residential quarter of tho city wore quite deserted when the time came for tho reception function, and in addition to the townspeople somo thousands of country dwellers swelled the immense crowds who had turned out to gaze upon the long expected members of the Royal Family. The city was splendidly decorated, and the whole effect of Queen street wharf and tho rest of tho line 'of route was exceedingly fine. Flags fluttered singly in strings and in festoons at hundreds of points, and the beautiful green foliage which met tho eyo everywhere gave delightful freshness to tho geno?-al schome of tho city’s festive garb.

AT THE WHARVES. Early in the foreuoon the streets were crowded with pcoplo criticising aud admiring tho decorations, all making for somo favorable spot whence they could view tho moving ove-rs of tho day. All * eyes wero turned * iis morning from an early hour towards tho argosy which bore the King’s son, laying at anchor off the North Head. Crowds of peoplo took their wav to Queen street wharf, and thickly lined such of the tecs as promised a viow of tho arrival of Royalty. Tho outer eastern tee was barricaded off as tho landing place for tho Duke and Duchess, and this was sacred from the intrusion of tho populace, but the outer western tee soon bore a mass of spectators expectantly straining their vision down the shining, dancing waters of tho Waitemata to the anchorage where the Ophir and her armed escort lay. Tho wharf and shipping in port wero gay with many colored bunting, and the flag lockers of both warships and merchant croft were ransacked for every available bit of colored cloth to “ dress ship ” in the orthodox marine fashion.

THE WARSHIPS.

The six war vessols of the Australasian Squadron in port wero anchored in midstream, the line extending from a point directly opposite to the Queen street wharf down to the vicinity of tho Calliope ,Dock. Tho big flagship Royal Arthur, splendid-looking in her festal attire of flags, lay at anchor right opposite the Queen street western tee, with tho Penguin, surveying ship," to northward of her. Then tho line, consisting of the Torch, Pylades, Archer, and Sparrow, extended eastward down the stream. Every ship was dressed in true naval fashion, strings of flags stretching from bow to masthead and taffrail, and masthead flags were shown. There were the ancient and modern styles of naval construction, old and new, as exemplified in the powerful armored cruiser'of tho Royal Arthur type ftts the oW'fashiwed auxiliary " wind-

jammers” of the Pylades, Peiguin, and Torch type, whose taut barque rig, sailyards, and stun-sail booms are reminders of the fact that canvas still must steam in certain types of the Royal Navy. Useful cruisers, though, are these shipshape looking, square-rigged craft, in many ways, in these South Seas. THE SCENE ON THE WAITEMATA. Every merchant craft in port displayed strings of flags, from the handsome-look-ing little fore and aft schooner Aotea, well known at Gisborne, and May Howard, another coasting craft, at the wharves, to the big ex-trooper Cornwall at the railway wharf and the f * tramp ” steamers Eynaldor and Eimsvillo at anchor in the stream. The Northern Steamship Company made an especially fine aquatic display with their flag-bedecked steamers, with which were combined for the morning’s evolutions four or five other coasting steamers belonging to various owners. THE DUKE’S GREAT YACHT.

The steamers’ display in honor of the Royal visit gave a very picturesque effect to the scene on the Waitemata as the long-looked-for sailor-Duke’s great yacht steamed in majestic state up to the wharf. In all thero were 24 coastal steamers. Shortly before 10 o’clock the big white Royal yacht Ophir lifted her anchors, and followed by her escort, H.M.S. St. George and H.M.S. Juno, stoamed straight up the harbor. Very impressive was the salute of the Australian squadron to the King’s son, who holds an Admiral's rank in the navy. As the Ophir with her gorgeous Royal Standard flying at the main, the house flag at the fore, and the White Ensign at the stern, moved up towards the fleet, it was seon that “ Sons of the Sea ” were all in readiness to greet the royalty in truo naval stylo. Tho firing parties were ready at the guns, and the masted ships observed the fine old costume of “ manning tho yards.” THE ROYAL SALUTE.

; JAt a few minutos aftor 10, tho Royal salute began, and a bugle pealed on Royal Arthur, whore the Rear-Admiral Boaumont hoisted his flag, a signal was run up, and tho first gun of tho salute boomed out from tho flagship’s black side. Each ship took up firing, and each fired 21 guns, tho customary naval tribute to Royalty. Tho Bluejackets at order of “ man yards ” swarmed up tho rigging of tho Pylades, Penguin, and Torch, and from tho lower top gallant yards, rows of active sailor men wore soon standing at arm’s length from each other. Thebigguns, loaded with blank charges, thundered out their welcome to the son of King Ed ward, while tho wreaths of smoko, which burst from tho ships' sides a second beforo tho reports woro heard on the Queen’s street wharf, soon enveloped the more distant vessols of the fleet, and thero was a thick haze, hut bye-and-byc, when “ Cease firo ” was sounded, and a frosh breeze had sprung up, tho hazo was swept away. Into view of the spectators on tho wharf came the Ophir, steaming up past tho North Shore, on tho furthor side of the squadron. Then eamo on the breeze tho loyal roars of British tars, as each ship’s crew with stentorian voices cheered their future sovereign and his princess. Bluejackets, perched away up aloft amongst the branches, waved their cap 3, and hurrahed in lusty unison with their comrades lined up round the bulwarks. Below, tho officers, in all tho splondour of gold-laco epaulettes and glittering swords, wore on tho quarter-decks, and the Royal Marines, in full-dress uniform, woro drawn up in linos on the big flagship’s deck. Cheer after cheer came from hundreds of hardy blue-jackets. Then, as the Ophir steamed rapidly and silently on past the long lino of warships, tho Royal Arthur’s band took up tho salute to Royalty. Every sailor’s hand was raised to his cap as the band played “ Go 1 Save tho King.” SPEECH BY THE DUKE. The official portion of the reception commenced shortly after half-past one o’clock, when His Excolloney tho Governor arrived on tho wharf. Tho Premier, Hon. R. ,1. Soddon, P.C., dressed in court uniform, Hon. J. G. Ward, Colonial Secretary, similarly attired, and Hons. G. McGowan and T. Y. Duncan had preceded His Excolloney by a few minutes, driving down from tho Government Buildings, Mrs Seddon and Miss Ruby Seddon accompanying the Premier. The Ministerial party were commanded by His Excellency, who was accompanied by Capt. Dudley Alexander, and Capt. Boseowon, A.D.O.’s. Togother the Govornor and his attendants and Ministry proceeded on board tho Ophir. His Excellency the Governor and Commodore Winslow leading tho way, followed by Mrs and Miss Seddon, tho other members of the Ministry, Captains Boscowcn and Dudloy Alexander bringing up the rear. Tho party proceeded to the Royal drawing-room, where His Excellency Lord Ranfurly introduced them to the Royalties. Tho Premier thou presented an address of wolcomo to the colony to tho Duko, the text of which is as follows :

THE PEOPLE’S ADDRESS,

“ On behalf of the people of New Zealand, wo, His Majesty’s Ministers of this colony, offer our hearty and respectful congratulations on the safo arrival of your consort and yourself, and extend you a cordial welcome to this tho first colony foundod during tho roign of your illustrious grandmother, our late greatly beloved and most gracious Queen, the loss of whom our Empire mourns, and whoso manifold virtues aud oxeolleneies will over live in the grateful memory of her people, whoso lasting good sho wrought. The visit of your Royal Highness has caused general rejoicing, and rvo feel deeply indebted to tho King for consenting thoreto, and to your Royal Highness for laying asido natural inclinations and homo endearments at so trying a time to come to this far distant part of the Empire. The sacrifice you have made is gratefully appreciated, and will nevor be forgotten. Wo desire to assure your Royal Highuoss of tho continued attachment and devotion of the P'-oplc of tho Land of tho Moa and Pounamu to tho King and the Royal House, and of their unflinching loyalty to the Throno and Constitution under which we have received the great and lasting benefits we now enjoy. His Majesty may rest assured that, should an emergency ariso, New Zealand will bo as ready in the futuro as sho has proved herself in the past to offer the bravest and best answer to the Empire’s call. We have much pleasure in informing your Royal Highness that tho inhabitants of this part of the great British Empire are prosperous and happy. Both races aro living in amity together, and it is with pardonable prido we can state that the wholo Maori race now fully adapt themselves to the present conditions and environments, and are taking an active and intelligent part in self-government. They aro loyal to tho Throne, happy and contented, and their numbers aro increasing. We hope during your brief stay with us the happiness of. your Royal Highnesses may bo unalloyed, and that when leaving us you may carry away agreeable recollections of the natural beauties of th e colony, its mountains, forests, geysers, lakes, and streams, and of the steadfast loyalty of its people. Passing for a moment to a matter of State, we venturo to hope that it may- be a pleasure to your Royal Highness to know that the prospect of tho boundaries of tho colony being extonded so as to include the Cook and other islands gives. satisfaction alike to the people living there and to the inhabitants of Now Zealand. One and all join in wishing your Royal Highness long life, health, happiness, and a safe return to the dear Mother Land.” (Signed)—R. J. Seddon, Premier ;J. G-. Ward, Colonial Secretary ; J. Carroll, Native Minister; James McGowan, Minister for Mines; W. C. Walker, Minister for Education ; W. Hall-Jones, Minister for Public Works ; T. Y. Duncan, Minister for Lands ; C. H. Mills, Commissioner of Customs. THE CASKET.

The address presented to the guests ■was contained in a beautiful casket of true Maori design, worked out with true artistic skill. The bare casket is composed of slabs of greenstone, set in,solid gold mountings, and are heavily chased with Maori patterns, on the one side the arms of the Duke of Cornwall, and on the other the New Zealand colours in solid gold and enamel. Tho . four corners are flanked with square pillars of polished greenstone, surmounted a by kiwi in oxydised silver pillars, and casket stands on an. inlaid platform, beautifully woi&d ia New

■ Zealand woods. The platform itself stands upon two other bases of rare New Zealand woods. On top of the casket is a Maori war canoe, carved -in solid silver, with an elaborate prow and stern modelled in historic relics. The figures in the canoe are in silver, lifting up golden paddles in salute. This ornament contains a photographic copy of the address. The whole is enclosed in a casket of New Zealand woods. There is an inscription that it is presented by the for and on behalf of the people of New Zealand as a souvenir of the visit of their Royal Highnesses.-

THE DUKE’S SPEECH.

Tbe Duke graciously accepted the address and casket, and then delivered the following reply : “Mr Seddon and Gentlemen, —On behalf of the Duchess and myself I thank you and the people of New Zealand most sincerely for the hearty welcome you offer us, and for your sympathetic reference to the loss we have sustained through the death of our beloved and ever-lamented Queen, a loss which we share with the whole Empire. On behalf of the King, my dear father, I desire also to thank you for your assurance of continued attachment and devotion of the people of New Zealand. On behalf of the King, my dear father, I desire also to thank you for the assurances of continued attachment and devotion of the people of New Zealand to his throne and . person, and of their unflinching loyalty. Of that loyalty they have already given most signal proofs. The readiness and promptitude with which the Government and people of New Zealand sprung to the assistance in the struggle still unhappily proceeding in South Africa, will be.remembered with gratitude by His Majesty and the people of the United Kingdom. Your action in that matter proved to tho world that your appreciation of the benefits you enjoy as citizens of the British Empire will, whenever tho occasion arises, be shown by deeds, not words, and that you arc prepared to sharo in the responsibility of maintaining tho glorious traditions and heritage which are your birthright as much as that .of the pooplo of tho Motherland. I am glad to learn, that tho inhabitants of New Zealand are prosperous and happy, and that tho Maoris, whose numbers are now increasing, are living in complete amity with their feHow-subjecls, and are co-operating with them in the work of self-government. Tho inclusion in this colony of Cook and othor islands, will, with tho same wiso and sympathetic system of government which has socured the contentment and happiness of the Maoris, I have no doubt, of lasting advantage to tho people. I regret that tho period of our stay will provent us from seeing as much as we could wish of tho many beauties and natural phenomena of your islands, but wo shall surely carry with us most pleasant and lasting recollections of the warmth and cordiality of our reception, and of your kindness and good wishes on our behalf.”

PRESENTATION. Miss Ruby Seddon thon presented Her Boyal Highness with a beautiful shower bouquet of white roses and violets, picked out with maiden-hair ferns, and tied with white and blue ribbons.

THE LANDING!. This over, the actual landing was effected. Boar-Admiral Beaumont, accompanied by several officers of the squadron, preceded the Royal party by several minutes, marching up the wharf. At tho head of the gangway wore gathered tho Reception Commissioners, Messrs John Holmes, S. T. George, J. McLeod, and H. Brett, and tho members of tho Auckland Harbor Board, with Mr Alfred Kidd, the Chairman. Their Royal Highnesses appeared on deck shortly after tho departure of the naval party. They walked down the gangway. His Highness, in tho uniform of an admiral of the fleot, walked a pace behind the Duchess, who was attired in a close-fitting black dress, with black toque, and a boa round her neck. At tho head of the gangway Her Royal Highness paused to give the signal which would convey to the whole of the colony tho fact that tho Royalties had landed in Now Zealand.

THE SIGNAL. A tabic fitted with a tolegraph key was' placed in close proximity to tho gangway, and on this being touched a relay boll was rung at the telegraph office, where the operators, with hands on the keys, were waiting to flash tho nows which was tho signal for tho hoisting of Union Jacks in every town and village telegraphically connected in tho colony. So that there might bo no mistake in this a confirmatory message was immediately despatched by tho Inspector of Telegraphs.

THE RAIN. Just as the Duke took his seat in his carriage the weather, which had clouded over, broke, tho firing of tho salute probably assisting in bringing down the rain. A shower caused the Duke to envelop himself in his mackintosh, the Duchess being also protected from rain.

AN ACCIDENT. One of the horses in the front carriage proved fractious, and while attempts were being made to induce it to start off it fell. Tho occupants, tho Governor, Mr Seddon, Captains Alexander and Boscowan, got out without much difficulty and entered another carriago, driving up tho wharf behind tho Royal equipage. THE CARRIAGES.

The throe carriages thou drew up in ordor. In tho first wero LieutenantColonelßyron, extra A.D.C.of the Queensland Commander; Sir Charles Oust, R.N.; Lady Catherine Grey Coke and Lady Mary Lygon. The second was occupied by Major Derrek-Keppel, the Hon. Mrs Derrek-Keppel,'Sir Arthur Bigge, and H.R.H. the Prince of Teck. In tho last carriage were Their Royal Highnesses and Lord Wenlock, while on either side rode the Duke of Roxburgh and Lord Crichton.

SPLENDID RECEPTION. All along tho route of the Royal party, from Queen street up Wellesley street, along Symonds street, O’Rorke street, and Princes, to Government House, spectators were gathered in dense masses, behind rope barriers, and, as the Duke and Duchess passed, they received a splendid ovation. One continuous roar of 11 Hurrahs ” filled the air. LIVING UNION JACK. The living Union Jack, by the children of the public schools, in Wellesley Street East, was a great artistic success. Tho lines of red, white, and blue colors were well defined and clear. Tho whole effect was excellent. The Union Jack was composed of upwards of two thousand school-children, who wore carefully marshalled into line by their teachers, and their vari-colored garb was brilliant when viewed from a little distance. As the Royal carriage drove slowly past up the hill, the children sang “ God Save the King,” and the dense crowd cheered most •heartily, waving hats and handkerchiefs to the Royal couple. On arrival at Government House, the head of the procession continued down Waterloo Quadrant, and marched straight back to their quarters, none of the troops entering the Government House grounds. GISBORNE WELL REPRESENTED. Among the very few who were permitted on the wharf to witness the Royal pair land from the Ophir was Mr Oakley Browne, son of tho late Snyder Browne, of Gisborne, and the special correspondents of the Gisborne Turns. Mr Browne is doing the Press Association work for tho colony. Special seats were also reserved on the Government reception platform for the Gisborne Tries representatives. Other former Gisbornites I noticed on the public platform wero the Misses McLernon. A number of Gisbornites who were anxious to view, the procession paid exorbitant prices for seats on the special verandah at tho Metropolitan hotel. On the Metropolitan verandah I noticed Mrs Woodbine Johnson, Mr and Mrs Halbert, Mrs Kaisa, and others. Among other Gisbornites witnessing the procession, I noticed Misses Bennett, Wall (Waerenga-o-kuri), SHerriff, Quigley, Cuff, Colley, Stevenson, Matthews, Lysnar; Mesdames Kennedy, Martin, Wade, Colley, Bourke, Dunlop, Good, Matthews; Messrs Mason, Kennedy, Martin, Hogan, Barry, Hookey, . Branson, White, Oman, Craig, Steele, Sheridan, Quigley, Jury, Muoller, Quinn, Matthews, an<i Lysnar,

Napier, last night. An influential deputation waited on the Mayor this morning to secure his cooperation in inducing the authorities to arrange for the Ophir and her escort to call in the Bay on her way down the coast. The Mayor has telegraphed to the Premier as to the feasibility of the proposal.

GISBORNE CELEBRATIONS.

News of the landing of the Royal visi-

tors was received in Gisborne shortly after two o’clock, and flags were immediately hoisted on many of the public buildings, hotels, merchant houses, and at tho belfry. There was a large gathering al the public school ground, in response to the request of Mr Matthews, Chairman, and members of the Gisborne School

Committee, for the purpose of witnessing the hoisting of a flag on the school flagstaff to commemorate the arrival in the colony of tho Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York. The children were lined

up in tho playground, in charge-of Mr Bull, the headmaster, who superintended the general arrangements. At about seven minutes past two official intimation was received from the Post-office that the Royal visitors had landed in Auckland, and tho signal was immediately given for tho hoisting of the flag—a large Union Jack, the gift of His Worship the Mayor. The ceremony of hoisting the flag was performed by Miss Matthews, daughter of

the Chairman of the School Committee and tho City Band, which was in attendance, played the National Anthem. After playing the first verse the band stopped, and the concluding portion was continued by the school children. Tho Chairman of the School Committee delivered hn excel-

lent address to those present, being followed by His Worship the Mayor, and Messrs A. Graham and J. W. Bright. Threo cheers were given by the children for I-lis Worship the Mayor for presenting the flag to the school, and Miss Cumming recited Kipling’s poem “ Tho Flag ” with marked offect. Tho school children afterwards marched past and saluted tho flag, and the proceedings terminated. The illuminations at tho Post and Telegraph Office and other Government buildings last evening attracted a largo crowd •of spectators, and tho display, although not of great magnitude, was exceedingly well carried out. The buildings mentioned were brilliantly lighted, the chief features of the illuminations being a magnificent Ducal crown, together with a number of beautiful transparencies. Chief of theso were photographs of the King and Queen, with the words “Long may they reign.” The City Band was in attendance, and played a number of appropriate selections, the opening and closing number boing the National Anthem. Much creditis due to Messrs Ritehio and W. Howard for the manner in which the illuminations were carried out.

DESCRIPTION OF H.M.S. “ OPHIR.” The Orient Company’s Twin-Screw s.s. Ophir, which, in her new rolo of Royal Yacht, has been charged with the conveyance of T.R.H. the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York to Australia, and in the fulfilment of her mission is destined to strengthen the ties of personal loyalty and confirm the tendency towards Imperial unity in Greater Britain over sea, was built to run as a mail and passenger steamer between England and Australia, in the Orient Line. It is doubtful, and more than doubtful, whether in the whole of the mercantile marine any other vessel was so well fitted for, or with equal ease so adaptable to, this special service, and there is a great appropriateness, which probably was not accidental, and will certainly be very gratifying to the Australians themselves, that the choioe should have' fallen upon a vessel belonging to one of the two great mail lines which serve the Australian Commonwealth,

Her internal economy and behaviour at sea has earned her the reputation of being one of the most comfortable of passenger steamers. She is also beyond question one of the safest. Her designs were prepared concurrently with the sitting,of a Board of Trade Committee upon the subdivision of ships, and to its findings the Ophir gave effect in the fullest degree. Briefly, she is so divided by watertight bulkheads as to float in safety with any two compartments thrown open to the sea. Add to this that a cellular double bottom (further subdivided into many watertight compartments) extends almost the whole length of the ship, that the boiler . rooms are placed 62 feet apart, each watertight in itself, that the steam pipes are in watertight casing, that a longitudinal watertight bulkhead divides the engine-rooms, and it will be obvious to the least versed in such matters that it would require a casualty of a very far reaching character to cause total disablement, whilst disablement of one engine only would leave her still capable of proceeding at about three-quarter speed. The cells of the double bottom serve the further purpose of water ballast tanks, available to neutralize reduction in draft and alteration in trim incidental to the burning out of coal.

The leading particulars of the Ophir’S design are as follows : Length over all 482 ft. Beam .. .. 63 ft 6in. Depth .. .. 37 ft. Gross Register .. 6,910 tons. Horse Power .. 10,000 Engines,, ~ Two indepentent triple. Boilers .. .. 7, working pressure IGO lbs.. Speed .. .. 18 knot 3. Turning to the alterations which have been effected, though the ship did not arrive at Tilbury Dock from Australia until 22nd December, preparations, for these commenced early in November, tho designs being settled and much of the work aotually in hand prior to her arrival.

Under the supervision of the Transport Department of the Admiralty, represented by Capt. P. J. Pitt, R.N.,. the planning and exeoution of all alterations, including provision of equipment, such as plate, glass, linen, all of which is of specially prepared designs, has been entirely in the hands of the Orient Company, who in turn entrusted the decorative and furnishing work to Messrs S. J. Waring and Sons, a firm of large experience and high repute. It remains only to be said that in every particular Their Royal Highnesses thomselves have taken a keen and continuous interest, so that the ship, more especially in the Royal Apartments, is an intimate reflection of their wishes.

The time in which the Orient Company have completed the work is less than two

clear months, a remarkable feat having re gard to the time of year, with its short hours and unfavorable conditions, and to tho volume of work involved, which is best evidenced by the fact that the number of men immediately employed on the ship has seldom fallen below 500 and has risen as high as 800. * The general soheme of the ship may most conveniently be followed deck by deck. Of these the Opbir has six. To'take only the more prominent or new features of each one soratim: —On the bridge there has been built amidships a capacious shelter for the steersman and officers on duty, and in the Bridge House itself two cabins are now fitted as a Sitting Boom for Their Boyal Highnesses. The other rooms are occupied by the Captain, Commander, and Navigating Officer. Going aft along the. Boat Deck a 30. ft. gig takes the place of one of the ship’s lifeboats, whilst over the Poop two 32 ft. Steam Cutters are carried, to the weight of which thq size | of the new davits bear an eloquent testimony. In all the ship carries fourteen boats. On the Promenade deck (252 ft. long): At the fore part is the Boyal Drawing'Boom, an area of about 1,200 square feet, panelled in rosewood and satinwood with inlay of quite exceptional merit. The furniture is satinwood Sheraton, upholstered in blue and white silk damask. The carpet is a deep pile Saxony of a delicate fawn colour. Immediately aft is the entrance to the Grand Staircase and two AVriting Booms upholstered in blue leather. Amidships is the Boyal Smoking Boom, panelled and furnished throughout in oak. The writing tables here are models of comfort, and all the upholstery is in a subdued shade of green leather. Further aft on the Poop is tho Ward Boom Smoking Boom. Descending to the Upper Deck by the Grand Staircase, which has a magnificent circular sweep with ample landings, the whole of the space immediately forward of the stair landing has been converted into two suites of Boyal Apartments, each consisting of three rooms and a bathroom. These suites are divided by a central corridor (lighted and ventilated by two large trunks running right up above the boat deck), which by a short stair at the forward end leads directly to the ltoyal servants' quarters, on the main Deck, so that the attendance of any servant required is only a matter of moments. To describe the dimensions and decorations of the Boyal Apartments in detail would carry with it no conviction of their extreme beauty. The paint-work throughout is white —flat white, unrelieved by any note of colour, and the same holds good of all the furniture exoept that in Their Boyal Highnesses’ two private Sitting Booms. The furniture in the Duchess of Cornwall and York’s room is satinwood of finely figured grain, and in the Duke’s, light oak. Simplicity, elegance, and convenience are the main features of the Boyal Apartments, and the effect is charming. The general scheme of colour throughout is a delicate green, expressed in the carpet and upholstery, whether of silk or of leather, varied by some very oharming chintz coverings and curtains. The panelling is very simple and severe, relieved only by a small beading, which is used throughout upon the fitments as well as the bulkheads.

In each room is a noiseless beeswing fan, less obstrcsive and much more efficient than the old-fashioned punkahs, and to make the most of the through draught from the forward scuttles and increase the air space, the two forward rooms in each suite can be thrown into one by means of a large sliding panel in the bulkhead.

All the rooms are laid with corticine underneath the carpet so that the latter in hoi weather may be removed.

Heating is provided by a steam pipe circuit in the central corridor and electric radiators in each of the' rooms. The rooms are lighted by ten large square windows on each side, with six ‘ scnttles looking forward. These last-named are of a much improved form, introduced by the Orient Company, which can be opened or closed by a turn of the wrist.

Immediately aft of the Landing of the Grand Staircase is the Eoyal Dining Saloon, the decoration of which remains unchanged and has a fame of its own. It is lighted by large square windows at the sides and a lofty dome filled with stained glass. This dome has an outer roof of pierced steel, and between the inner and outer roofs electric lamps are fitted which give a very effective and subdued light. Under the arched spaces at each end of the dome are the shields of Great Britain and of the four leading Australian Colonies, supported by figures representing their industries. At the forward end is a band-loft. The floor of the saloon is covered with magnificent Turkey carpets, surrounded with a broad red border of the same material. The chairs are copies of a very fine old Chippendale model, and all the upholstery is of post-office red leather.^ The scheme of the tables, in Benaissance style, is such that they may be partly disposed in the wings, leaving one centre table to scat 28, or coalesce ' t in a horse-shoe form to sedt up to SG. These tables can, by an ingenious device, be extended from a width of 4 feet to 5 feet. The panelling, rosewood and satinwood, of this saloon is particularly fine and without any shade of extravagance, the whole effeot may be called extremely beautiful.

Besides its primary function, the Dining Saloon admirably serves and is easily adaptable to the purposes of a Concert Boom. The part aft of the dome lends itself naturally to form an ample stage with wing and centre exits, giving direct access by two stairs to the main deck cabins.

The trunk of the dome forms a proscenium which could hardly be bettered, the curtains are on board, the stage is ready stowed in sections, and an hour would "'.overt the saloon into the pleasantest of concert rooms or theatres. -

The Eoyal Apartments, Drawing Room, Dining Saloon, Writing Booms, and Smoking Boom all communicate with one another, without the necessity of passing on to an open deck. The ship, carries a specially seleoted Library of upwards of 600 volumes. Aft of the Dining Saloon come the pantry, galleys, the butcher’s shop, the bakery, and the Engineers’ Quarters, and aft of them again, upon the poop, the Warrant Officers' Quarters, the hospital, dispensary, etc. Descending a deck lower to the Main Deck, and in the very nose of the ship, a complete laundry has been installed, with rotary washing machines, boiling troughs, drying closets, ironing and finishing machines, electric irons, and all the most up-to-date accessories of the profession. Between the Laundry and the Forward Funnel Casing are the Attendants' Quarters and Dining Boom. Bound the Funnel are Bathrooms and Lavatories which ventilate into the fiddley casing, a system universally adopted on the Orient steamers and found to be eminently satisfactory. In the Midship section are the Cabins of the Suite, round the After Funnel more baths and lavatories, and from the funnel running right aft, the Ward Boom and Officers’ Quarters. It will thus be seen that the ship on the Main Deck [falls naturally into three sections, determined by the funnels, the Forward section being appropriated to Attendants, the Midship to the Suite, and the After one to the Officers. This Deck contains also in Cabins abreast of the Engine Hatch, the Offices for His Eoyal Highness’ Secretary, Equerries, and other members of the Suite, with a oapaeious well-fitted Dark Boom for Photography, and a fine Barber’s Shop. Again descending, the ’Tween Decks forward are occupied by Stores and Stewards. Passing aft are the Baggage Booms immediately under the Attendants’ Quarters, and easily accessible by direct stairways, with convenient racks and trestles for unpacking, and having a capacity of no less than 15,000 cubic feet. The Midship section is coal, and right aftare the Crews’, Marines’, and Firemen’s Quarters. The Orlop Deck and Lower Holds are given up to Stores, Provisions, and Cool Chambers, Wine Booms, etc.

The Ophir carries a complement of about 27 Eoyal Naval Officers, 125 Bluejackets, 100

Marines, 37 Bandsmen and 20 boys, 7 Engineer Officers, with Engine Boom complement of 88, a Purser, 50 Stewards, 9 Cooks and Assistant Cooks, 3 Bakers, 2 Butchers, 1 Laundryman and Wife, 1 Printer,

and 2 Barbers. The Purser, the members of the Stewards’ Departments, the Cooks, with the exception of the Boyal Chef, the Bakers, the Butchers, etc., and the Engineer .Staff, have been engaged by the Orient Company, the rest of the ship’s complement are drawn from the Boyal -Navy. The number all told on board will be about 525, and the victualling arrangements throughout are in the hands of the Orient Company.' As to externals, a wonderful transforma-

tion has been effected. Ivory white for the hull, with a band 18 inches wide of sapphire blue on the sheer strake has taken the place of sombre black, and every superstructure is white right up to the boat deck. The boats are white with blue gunwale and gold line, and on their bows the special badge of H.R. H. the Duke of Cornwall and York, is in embossed copper. The funnels, ventilators, saloon dome, etc., are buff, as also are the masts, which both carry a signalling yard and gaff. Semaphores on the Forward and After Boat Decks, some remarkably fine gangboards on the gangway ladder, and a hundred and one other outward signs, bespeak the conversion from a Mercantile to a Navy ship, in fact, with her gayer adornment she looks .what she is, every inch a Boyal Yacht. ’