THE ROYAL VISIT.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 142, 26 June 1901, Page 2

THE ROYAL VISIT.

(By Telograph—Press Association.) Christchurch, last night. With regard to the statement that owing to the postal holiday many invitations to the Royal reception on Monday afternoon woro not delivered tho Chief Postmastor at Christchurch explains that there was a delivery on Monday, and of five hundred invitations posted on Sunday evening all but four or fivo were delivered on Monday morning. Somo wero addressed to country residents in town, and difficulty was experienced in finding them, but ovory effort was mado, and these'were ultimately delivered. Mrs Rhodes, wife of tho Mayor, has received a letter of thanks for presentation by tho women of Canterbury to tho Duchess of York, for her eldest son on tho occasion of his oth birthday. Colonel Polo-Penton has issuod a goneral order, expressing appreciation of the excellent manner in which all ranks acquitted themselves at the roview. The Royal yacht Ophir was thrown open to public inspection to-day, and many thousands of poisons wont through to Lyttelton. In consequence of tho groat number of railway carriages sont to Dunedin tho rolling stock was greatly overtaxed, but no sorious accidonts occurred.

Dunedin, last night. Though thcro aro sharp frosts at night, it is exceedingly ploasaut in tho daytimo, and tho suu is bright and warm. Everything is in a forward stato, and by tonight Dunedin will be under its brightest array, far excelling any previous display. The Town Hall, two arches on tho Octagon, tho marine arch at tho head of tho cutting, and tho Union Company’s offico will bo resplendent with electric light, while a numbor of bon-firos around tho city from Mount Cargill to Chain Hills will provide a suitable sotting. Though the town is very full, thore is still reasonable accommodation forthcoming. Wellington, last night. Tho nugget presented by tho Government to the Duke of Cornwall for King Edward is a solid watenvorn lump of gold from Baton River, Nelson, weighing nearly 40oz, and worth £4 per oz. It is beautifully polished, and is onclosed in a casket. Hobart, June 24. Preparations for tho Royal visit are being pushod ahead. Tho streets arc spanned with arches and lined with decorations in various stages of progression. CHRISTCHURCH TO DUNEDIN. SPLENDID CLOUDLESS WEATHER Bv Telegraph—Press Association. Christchurch, last night.

The Duke and Duchess left for Dunedin at 10 o’clock this morning. A groat crowd in the street cheered them enthusiastically as they drove to tho station. There was a large gathering of prominont citizens on the station platform, and they gave hearty cheers when their Royal Highnesses appeared. Tahu Rhodes, the young son of the Mayor, presented the Duchess with a bunch of violets. Mr Robert Allan, one of the Royal Commissioners, wished the Duke and Duchess a safe and happy return to Old England, and their Royal Highnesses expressed to him the great pleasure the trip to Christchurch had given them. The Duke and Duchess remained on the platform of their carriage till tho train had passod right out of tho station, bowing acknowledgments of the hearty cheers which wore given. Before their Royal Highnesses left they presented tho Mayor, Mr A. E. G. Rhodes, and Mrs Rhodos with a jewelled walking-stick and a jewelled scent-bottle respectively. ARRIVAL AT TIMARU.

[By Telegraph—Press Association.] Timaru, last night. The Royal party had beautifully clear, sunny weather for the run through South Canterbury, it being warm enough to thaw the frost in tho shade. A largo crowd assembled at Timaru station, whore the party halted for lunch. On the arrival of tho Royal train, the Duke and Duchess were welcomed by the Mayor and Mayoress (Mr and Mrs Mclntosh), between the lines of a guard of honor. Mrs Mclntosh presented a bouquet, on behalf of the Borough Council. A few presents were presented by tho Premier, and then His Highness walked along a spocial passage to a platform in tho street, and was received with cheers. Immediately in front, many hundred schoolchildren were massed, and sang “ God Save the King” very well, and cheered still better. Dux girls of the throe town schools presented tho Duchess with a bouquet from the school-girls. A kindly reception was given tho Tornuka Native school-children. The Maori scholars then gave a Native welcome, and the schoolmaster presented a carved stick and small feather mat to the Duke. Tho whole proceedings lasted but a few minutos, and the Royal party retired for lunch. The train left for Dunedin at 1.30 p.m. The journey was made in splendid, cloudless weather. All along the line settlers stood * waving a welcome. At Ashburton, where the train first stopped, the Duke and Duchess wero received by the Mayor (Mr W. H. Collins), and Miss Helena Collins presented a bouquet. The Duchess shook hands with a number of ladies and gentlemen. Tho Ashburton Mounted Rifles and Ashburton Guards formed a guard of honor, and children sang the National Anthem. Tho stay lasted only five minutes.

GREETINGS FROM OAMARU. (By Telegraph—Press Association.] Oamaru, last night. The Royal party passed through Oamaru at 2.45 p.m. They halted hero for a few minutes, and received hearty greetings of the great assemblage. A large body of children, led by the Garrison Rand, sang “ God Save the King.” The Mayor, attended by the Councillors, welcomed the Duke and Duchess. The Mayor’s daughter, Miss Hedley, presented a bouquet to the Duchess. The train left again just before three o’clock.

ALONG THE LINE TO DUNEDIN. By Telegraph—Press Association. Dunedin, last night. The Royal train arrived at Oamaru at 2.45. The party were received by the Mayor, Mr Hedley, and Miss Lizzie Iledley presented a bouquet. The WaitakiHigh School Cadets acted as a guard. The children waved innumerable flags, and sang the National Anthem. The party left Oamaru at 3.

The train stopped at Shag Point. Sir John McKenzie was taken by Lord Ranfurly into the Royal carriage, where the Duke and Duchess shook hands with him. The Duke handed Sir John McKenzie the

insignia of knighthood. The ceremony occupied three minutes.

At Palmerston, the Mayor, Mr J. G. Gow, welcomed the party, and the Rev. S. Clarke and Rev. Father Lynch were presented. As no special stage had been erected, whence the Royal pair’ could be seen by the public, the Duke and Duchess walked several times the whole length of the platform. At Port Chalmers, the train slowed down. It was greeted with fireworks, the pealing of bells, the whistles of steamers, and band-playing. The town was lurid with red fire, a unique display. The train reached Dunedin, and the Duke inspected the Dunedin Navals, who formed a guard of honor. The Mayor, Mr 0. L. Denniston, was introduced by Lord Ranfurly first,'then the City Councillors, Royal Commissioners, and members of the Reception Committee. Miss Vera Chapman presented a bouquet to the Duchess. The station was artistically decorated. The visitors drove rapidly through the route, lined by volunteers, and thronged by cheering crowds, to the Fernhill Club. The Band? played along the route.- The Otago Hussars and North Otago Mounted Rifles formed an escort, the guard of honor being tho Tuapeka-Wakatipu Mounted Rifles. The city when illuminated produced a magnificent effect. Tho four main arches were the Government, City, and Suburban arches. The Octagon was a blaze of electric lights. Tho marine arch, Princess-street, occupied a commanding position. The tall towers produced a fine effect. The Chinese arch in South Prin-cess-street is a bizarre structure in red, illuminated inside, The Twn Hall

and spiro aro heavily lined with electric lights. The Union Company’s offices blazed with light. Many other buildings were illuminated. Tho Duko presented Mr Seddou with a maguificout silver and gold inkstand. To-day Mr Seddon received a lotter from Sir Arthur Begge on behalf of tho Duko and Duchess, thanking him for tho hospitality shown whilo in the colony. Tho streets wero thronged, there being denso crowds everywhere and intenso enthusiasm. Thero was a torchlight p recession in grotesque costumo. Tho weather is cold, but appears to bo favorablo for to-morrow. Tho programme for Wednesday is as follows: Tho Royal party loavo Fcrnbill at 11.30. At tho " Octagon addresses will bo presented and roplied to by tho Duke, who afterwards presents the medals to returned troopors. The Duchess presents a medal to Nurso Ross.

Tho procession through tho city returns to Fornhill. At 2.30 tho Royal party proceed to tho children’s demonstration at tho Caledonian grounds. They then visit the Agricultural Show, and proceeds afterwards to tho Horticultural Show. At 9.-15 thoy hold a rccoption in tho Agricultural Hall.