THE ROYAL TOUR.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CV, Issue 12531, 19 June 1901, Page 7

THE ROYAL TOUR.

THE LANDING IN WELLINGTON. SHOWERY WHS ATHER AND MUDDY STREETS. LARGE AND ENTHUSIASTIC CROWDS. AN INVESTITURE OF TITLES.

CEREMONIES OF THE DAY.

[Feom Cue Coeeespondent.] WELLINGTON, June 18. Wellington won by the shortest ,of heads, but it was a great with, the weather as to which should reach the appointed time in advance. When the morning broke with the hills and harbour shrouded with rain-laden clouds, which poured their unwelcome burden on. the wretched city in sheets of drenching rahj, it locked the proverbial} all Lombard Street to a China orange on the weather. It was “ Last Tournament ” weather, when— Ever tlio wind blew, and the yellowing leaf And gl’ocm and gleam, and shower and shorn • plume Went down it. But of a " verity the divine right of kings must be something more than a mere polite fiction, for at the eleventh hour, or, to be technically correct, at the halfpast ninth, a watery sun struggled through, and the Empire City snatched success from the very jaws of apparent disaster. This is the third occasion upon which 1 the weather has stayed its hand for the people, while according Royalty the warning of an almost invariable shower. The decorations showed little change from yesterday’s forecast. Many of them were unfinished, and will, of course, never now see completion. Cramped down in the narrow streets, soiled and dingy, and miserable from repeated wettings, they were certajoly not impressive, A brisk breeze dried the bunting, but the colours were so wickedly interspersed, ajxi the prevailing - so thin and jaundiced that the streets seemed like some bilious dream, , More particularly was it noticeable that the draping of shop fronts and verandahs, and, arches was dene with the maximum of stolid ungracefulness and in artlessness. The pure masculinity of it was obvious. It is dangerous work for mere man to play with flags, and the result is apparent in today’s,, sublime incongruity. Th©_ arches, too, suffered from the weather,_ in addition to their aforementioned disabilities, and with a sky overhead almost as gloomy as the mud under foot, everything in the garden was the the reverse of lovely. In this respect honours were easy with Auckland, but with regard to the absolute decorative scheme, the odd- trick lay with the northern city. * The Wellington processional route was very much longer than one, and, as a consequence, the' crowd was spread over a much larger area. To this may be ascribed the impression that the number of onlookers was fewer, and that the enthusiasm was less marked than on the occasion of the opening ceremony of the Royal, tour. It certainly seemed, though, as if .such were the case. The attitude of the people again seemed to suggest curiosity rather than enthusiastic and blind loyalty. Criticisms were free as the Royal carriage passed along, not unkindly, or wholly disparaging, as a rule, but generally unduly personal.

It was about half-past nine o’clock, just as the weather showed signs of breaking, that the St George slipped, her moorings and steamed ponderously round 'to the southern flank of the squadron, the grim sea, dogs who had kept watch by night over the white ship. A moment later a gun boomed, the warship took up the salute, and the Ophir, swinging \ round, moved majestically wharfwa-rds. There was less of ceremony than accompanied her berthing at Auckland, for, instead of sweeping down the lines of her consorts, she headed straight in, -the Royal standard floating at the main. There was not the accompaniment, either, of the lively but fussy ferry boats and steamers. Only one small iboat, the Duchess, burdened doubtless by the responsibilities -of nomenclature, hovering like an uncertain insect in her wake. On reaching the wharf, the officer on the bridge declined to bring the vessel to the central position assigned her, under the mistaken impression that there was no provision for -twin screw vessels. “We take no risks,” was his.autocratic mandate, and, as a result cf his Imperial Cresarism, the big vessel had to he taken round the south end of the southern tee, where she lay with her stern projecting far beyond the wharf.

The formal landing -was exactly like the previous formal landing in almost every detail, down to the Duke’s blush. There was no button to press, otherwise the ceremony might have been Auckland over again. The reception at the •wharf gates, also, brought no new impressions. Stands capable, of seating thousands of people to view the proceedings had been erected, but through maladministration or excessive price, these were occupied by but a sparse sprinkling of people, and) the outlook bade fair to be depressingly dismal. When it became apparent that the seats* were not to be occupied, the committee took the bull by the horns and sent ambassadors out into the highways and hedges to compel the people to come in. This they were not 10th to do on the free ticket, and there was a wild rush for the stands. As evidencing the nature of the beast man,' it may be mentioned that nob one per cent of those. thus . securing seats were of the weaker sex.

• The brief ceremony over, the procession through the city started. This, too, grows familiar to those whose duty it has been to record impressions. The Duke and Duchess were monotonously gracious, but nothing more, and one can easily understand, how such “processing” must have grown such a weariness to the flesh to. both of them as to excuse a much more pronounced expression of boredom.. Although there was ample accommodation and to spare on the streets, people seemed to be as. thick as swarming bees -upon the stands and roofs and verandahs and at every window on the route. The party advanced at something more than a smart walk, and very soon reached ■Government House, where the Gonsulan' levee wais , held. Immediately after this ceremony their Royal Highnesses xaviewed some fifty veterans who were arawrj up in double line along the avenue fronting tfie main entrance. Both the Duke and Duchess were seen to much' better advantage in this little -afct of kindness than in the more formal ceremonies. They walked up and down the ranks of the scarred old battlers with ai smile and a bow for each. Now and again the Duke would stop to inspect a medal or ask a question of an old campaigner, whose face -would light up with pred-e at this honour of selection, whilst iris neighbours’ would grow pitifully full of disappointment ■ at being “ passed by on the other side.” The, next feature of the lengthy "programme -for the clay was a unique one for /New Zealand, and, after the (Rotorua cele-. hrations, is probably the one of most general 'outside interest. This was the investiture of titles. The forecast .of the recipients ■ and the nature of the titles- conferred' already sent to you proved correct/ save for a trifling sini of omission, the fact-that

Lord Rarlfurly was .to be decorated ■with the ribbon and star of the rank of Knight Grand Cross of ifche Order of St (Midhael and St George not having leaked out. The ceremony took place in ifche drawing-room of Government House, which, was tastefully decorated for .the occasion with ferns, •flowers and exotics. His 'Royal Highness occupied a raised dais at the end of. the room, and with .him were the Duchess of Cornwall, Lady Ranfurly, Prince Alexander of Teck and Commander Sir 0. L. Gust. The Premier and Mr Ward were in full ‘Court dress, and the members of the Cabinet and some fift/ or sixty other notables were also present. His Excellency, who was ref erred to as Knight - Bachelor, was first presented by Lord Wenlook and Sir A. Bigge. Sir C. L. Gust then handed tho Duke his naval sword. With this the Prince touched the kneeling Earl upon the .shoulder, and then stooping, placed the ribbon of tho Order round his neck. “ Sir Joseph George Ward” was the next command, and, .presented by Sir John Anderson and Sir Robert Stout, . the popular Minister . knelt for a similar ceremonial. There was nothing of the popular “ Rise Sir Joseph Ward,” whidh is associated, with the general traditions of investiture, for the ceremony is 'a wordless ofle. Colonel Gudgeon was the first of the three O.M.G.’s to come forward for decoration. He had evidently been taking notes of the. ordeal during the preceding proceedings/ and went to kneel until he was ‘brought up all standing by a quick whisper of warning from a watchful equerry, and received 1 his blushing honours in the upright position demanded by etiquette. The Hon W. C. Walker came next. Ho and Colonel Gudgeon were presented; by Major H. Bor and LieutenantColonel ’Byron. The knighthood of Sir John ’M'KensSe and the C.M.G.-ship of the Hon A. J. Cadmau will be gazetted. The recipients of decorations were each accorded a hearty handshake by the Duke, and the Duchess generously threw in a smile without extra charge. Thereafter there was a general congratulating from those onlooking, during which the Premier was heard to remark playfully, with a sage shake of Ms head. “Well, well, there are two of my good Ministers gone wrong.” Locally the 'acceptance of a title by Sir Joseph Ward is generally regarded as . essentially fit and proper. The occasion, it is held, is one npon which some recognition of the colony is due from Royalty, and as .the Premier 'consistently declines to recede from his previous resolution -in this matter, it is thought that Sir Joseph Ward, is only doing his duty to the colony in undertaking the responsibility of bearing the Royal appreciation and recognition of the country. Another notable function, at -which, however, the Duke was unable to be present, was the dinner given by, the Government to some 220 old veterans and 300 returned troopers from-South Africa, The veterans ’were marched in a body to the Garrison Hall, where lunch at once began. While in the middle of discussing the substantial repast provided, the younger generation arrived, and were marched into tho hall. 'As .if"with one accord the ancients rose to their feet and gave a .ringing volley of cheers for their younger comrades. It was a purely spontaneous burst of generous .appreciation, which was next door to touching. “ There’s .nowt can beat t’owd uns ■but the young uns/’ runs an old Yorkshire proverb, hut it is too often a proverb which is .urged by youth against old age, and it ■was d warm tribute of recognition to come so utterly unprompted as it did in its reverse from the old warriors whose gleaming medals spoke of their participation in many a-sterling fight by flood and field, It was a curious reflection, too, that of the five or six hundred men slitting at the tables, almost every one had been under .fire: In the Empire’s cause. The Premier and. Sir Joseph Ward arrived shortly after the luncheon began, and Were accorded an extraordinarily heartf- reception. It was significant in its extreme cordiality of the wonderful strength of the Government with the people. There •was but little speechmaking, the Premier briefly proposing the health of the men, old and young, and apologising for the inability of the Duke to bo present owing to other engagements. , Tho ceremony of laying the foundation stone of the new Municipal Chambers, undertaken by the Duke in the afternoon, was not a wildly exciting spectacle. 'Hie Mayor, in asking the honour of his Highness, was unnecessarily long. The lengthy prayer which was offered might also have ,been curtailed. with advantage, as the accompaniment of open hubbub from the large assembly made it sound 'almost indecorous. 'The ode of welcome composed for the occasion and sung by a special choir was quite drowned by the Garrison Band, the words being perfectly inaudible. It is questionable, though, if this were not a blessing. Although, it is not illumination night proper until to-morrow, the city this evening was brilliantly lit up, and so far as this portion of the proceedings is concerned, there is simply no comparison to be made between Auckland and Wellington, the display here being out of sight superior to -that in the northern capital'. This is raaMy due to- the 1 magnificent display made by the Government and public buildings. The one which stands out pre-eminently is the Post Office, which is a perfect picture. Every storey is outlined ■with red, white and blue electric lights, thickly studded. Tier after tier" they: rise in a barbarous opulence, jewel thick of variegated colour, until the topmost storey is reached, thence they climb in graceful curves to the central tower, looping and ■ twining artistically in lines of living lights, until they, break in a glorious crowning star which scintillates high overhead. It ip a veritable triumph of illumination, and the visitors unanimously admit that it is superior to anything yet seen in the colonies. Government House and Parliament Buildings are also notable designs, and 1 -scores of others stand out in varying degrees of excellence. The arches are well decorated with coloured lights, and in the place of shadow lose much of their primitive barbarism of The streets Were thronged with people, tall heavy rain at ten o'clock rapidly cleared them. ; THE RECEPTION IN WELLINGTON. UNFAVOURABLE WEATHER. INVESTITURE OF TITLES. .. [Peb Press Association’.] WELLINGTON, June 18. Tho weather has not treated the Royal reception in Wellington too kindly, but it might have- made it a failure instead) of only interfering with it. The fin® night gave promise of one of the beautiful days we have been experiencing for the last three-months, but at daylight drenching

rain fell, and for hours clouds threatened a further downpour. Fortunately, the rain was satisfied to give the decorations another saturation, and then held off for the remainder of the day. At times the sun even shone fitfully, and one of these glimpses' of bright light was just as the Duke took his seat in the afternoon on the dais at the Town Hall. There is no doubt that the weather largely affected the attendance. The Streets, instead! of being uncomfortably crowded, gave everyone ample room to view the proceedings, and the absence of crushing was helped by the fact that many thousands of spectators were absorbed by the public and private stands erected; all along the route. The reception of thieir Royal Highnesses was marked by the utmost enthusiasm. The cheering was genial and hearty, and just as though the people 'were really glad to see their distinguished visitors. Wellington has a reputation for being undemonstrative, but no reproach could be levelled at it to-day. From the wharf to Government House the people cheered and waved their handkerchiefs with right goodwill. The officials state, also, that they have seldom seen so orderly or good-tempered at crowd, and visitors from other places are loud in praise of the effectiveness and thoroughness of the way in which the proceedings were carried out. By" nine o’clock the city was astir, and the streets began to swarm with people and troops. Of the latter,, the parade-state shows that 4000 were called .into, requisition, drawn from Wellington and adjacent districts. Eighteen companies of mounted infantry, totalling some 800 men, acted as an escort, and with the D Battery, really formed the procession l . Besides them there were some troopers on foot, who could not get their horses down. This .array was found ample to line the whole two miles of l route. i

At 9.30 the Ophir moved up to the wharf, keenly watched by thousands of spectators. It was intended to berth her in the centre, but, to avoid any risk to the twin-screws, her stem projected beyond the outer end, and at the last moment several alterations had! to be made in the preparations on the,wharf. Amongst other things, the gangway, specially prepared for a different position, had to be sawn, in two, but the harbour people quickly adapted themselves to the circumstances.. They main avenue of the -Queen's vrharf was lined by veterans, 200 strong, and; on the outer Tee the Naval s formed a guard! of 'honour. ' The Governor, Admiral Beaumont, and Ministers put in an appearance at 10.45, Messrs Seddon and Ward, in Windsor uniform, and the former wearing a medal. All the Cabinet-were present except Mr Carroll.

Precisely at eleven, Ms Royal Highness came .down tie gangway, and a salute pealed forth. The Chairman, Mb Beauchamp, and members of tie Harbour Board received" the Royal visitors, and tie Chairman and Mr Ferguson, the secretary,. were presented 1 , the former’s little daughter handing the Duchess a bouquet.' No time was lost. The carriages were immediately occupied, and moved off to the wharf gates. The Duke was attired in admiral’s uniform, and the Duchess in black.

As soon, as their Highnesses appeared outside the .gates they found themselves confronted iy a dense mass of some thousands of people, who filled tie lofty staging erected along Jervois Quay,- and cheered heartily. The band .played, and the people sung the National Anthem. ‘ The Mayor,. Mr Aitken, who was dressed for the first time in Ms official robes, presented: the municipal address, at the same welcoming their Highnesses, and expressing a hppe that the weather would be good enough to allow them to enjoy their visit. Another bouquet was presented, the Duke courteously replied ■ Thank you,” and, without more ado, tie procession started off along the' Quay, preceded by . carriages bearing the suite, and followed by an escort of' mounted infantry .and the D Battery. The procession was regulated to a foot pace, and took a fair time getting oven tie two miles to Government House. Tie Duke and Duchess were busily engaged, most of the way, returning the greeting of the people, and only got a rest where the crowd was somewhat thinner than at other points. At the Maori arch, in Charlotte Street, which, it may be mentioned, is actually built of valuable, carved slabs, lent for the occasion, a number of Natives manned the edifice, and others" were stationed In the street at the front. Their demonstrative welcome greatly amused the crowd. The martial figures of the Duke of Roxburghe and "Viscount Crichton, clad in the glittering panoply of guardsmen, were objects of great "attraction the. spectators. Except these two gentlemen, who rode at the side of the Royal carriage, none of tie Ducal suite were mounted, '

Upon arrival at Government House the Duke inspected the City Rifles, who were drawn up as a guard of honour, flanked by the Garrison Band, and without delay the Consuls, ten in number, were presented. Then came the surprise, a bonne bondhe, which had been kept out of the/official programme, and was only announced at the last moment, 'the investiture of the Order of St Michael and St George. Upon a dais in the drawing-room stood the Duke and Duchess, accompanied by Lady Ranfurly and Prince Alexander of Teck, and at' the side were other members of the suite. In the centre of the room, Viscount Crichton stood ready, with' the insignia of the Order on a velvet cushion. The mass of heavily-laced uniforms of the snite, Consuls and others had a fine effect', and gave an imposing character to the ceremony. In .a clear voice, Sir ikrthur Bigge, private secretary to the Duke, read Letters Patent, under sign manual of the King, empowering his son to confer dignities on his well-beloved 1 subjects. His Excellency the Governor was first called forth, .and, supported ,by. Lord Wenlock and Sir A. Bigge, and' preceded by Lord Crichton, advanced to the dais, kneeling on a cushion. ' His Royal Highness touched .him lightly on each shoulder with a sword, and then affixed the Grand Cross of the Order, which gives Lord' Ranfurly the right to suffix G.O.M.G. to his "title. Then, retiring backwards, with repeated bows, his Excellency drew aside, and the Hon J. G. Ward, supported! by Sir J. Anders'on and Sir Rk Stout, came forward. The same ceremony was repeated, and the Postmaster-General, rose Sir J. G. Ward, E.C.M.G. Colonel Gudgeon and the Hon W. C. Walker, ,Minister- of Education, supported by Colonel Byron and Major Bar. were decorated with the Order of .C.M.G. In their case,'as they are Companions, and not Knights of the Order, there was' no accolade, and they did not kneel. The • Duke of York shook each recipient by the’ hand as he pinned on the badge iof the. Order. As scon as the ceremony was over, Sir J. G. Ward, the Hon W. C. Walker and Colonel'Gudgeon w r ere heartily congratulated by their brother Ministers and friends. After a short interval the Duke and Duchess, with the Governor and, Lady Ranfurly, inspected the Veterans, who were drawn up in two lines -outside Government House. Accompanied by Mr Sodden and Sir J. G. Ward, the party passed down the. ranks, stopping occasionally at some conspicuously-decorated worrier of other days, to converse with: ham about his experiences and achievements. This- over, the old men. marched off to the driilshed, where luncheon awaited them. After lunch it was the tuni Of the Friendly Societies, who marched: past their Royal Highnesses at Government House., The precession was of great length, numbering some, four thousand pekrple, and they had six bands with: them. The Duke wa-s rather ■astonished, at the, size of the procession, and asked for the number on parade. The-procEssionlsts Were by -ho means stiff in their movements. 'They waved their hate from slicks, and occasionally appeared to imitate the style of the haka. The march of the Societies

through the town also drew a large crowd. The scenes of the morning were renewed to a large extent in the afternoon, when their Royal Highnesses drove from Gov- . eminent House to. the centre of, the city, to lay the foundation stone of the Town Hall, in Lower Cuba Street. The route was again thronged with people, and as the weather was rather better they were in an animated l mood, and cheered heartily, not only , the Duke and Duchess, hut the Governor aud other notabilities. There was a great throng at the site, and troops had some difficulty in keeping the way clear. The stands erected by tie Corporation and private people accommodated several thousands, and. all the contiguous streets were crammed.. On this platform were the Admiral, members of the Ministry, councillors, judges, members of Parliament, Consuls and other, notabilities, with many ladies. The Governor was received with a salute, and the Duke and Duchess arrived close up to time. They were received with the National Anthem and a volley of cheers. An ode, specially written by Mr S. Clarke'Johnston, and set to \ music by Mr Maughan Barnett, was sung by the choir, the Garrison Band supplying instrumental music. , The Mayor, who with the Councillors and the acting Town Clerk had. been formally presented, stepped forward and invited the Duke to lay the stone. He aaid that they considered it a great honour, to have him and the Duchess there on such an occasion, and duly appreciated the sacrifice made by the Sovereign and them in coming so far. He need not dwell oh the loyalty of New Zealand. They felt .that they were part of - the great Empire, and were as much attached to the Mother Country as if living there themeelves. Sixty years ago the city -was not in existence. How much they owed to good Queen Victoria no one could ever tell. It was during her reign that the colony was. made and developed, and they recognised this to the full extent. He wished now to ask his Royal Highness to do them the honour of laying the foundation stone of their Town -Hail. Up to now they had had none,, but a® the town had developed through, various stages from a village to a town, from a .town to a city of considerable dimensions, they -thought the time had arrived to change things, and they seized the opxwrfcunity afforded by. the Duke’s presence to ask-him to do them this great honour. The Royal party then left, the dais, and the Duke was presented with a trowel o: greenstone and gold, with a silver u.ade, a mallet of New Zealand woods ] with a gold inscribed plate, and a level of gold with a greenstone pendant. After going through the forms prescribed on such occasions, tne Duke said: “ I declare this stone well and truly laid,” (Cheers.) ; Silence being obtained, his Royal High- ■ ness proceeded to deliver an address, as follows:

Mr Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,— It is an interesting coincidence that . the somewhat difficult task, of armng-. ing dates on our- voyage should have resulted in bringing us to a capital, named after the immortal hero of Waterloo, on the eighty-sixth. anniversary of tie, glorious battle.. . X am. glad that in this way your new Town Half, the first stone of wMoh I have had the pleasure of laying, w£l be especially ■ associated wifi its memory, and with the crowning ' victory of Ms great career. Tie new building when completed will, I trust, fully meet the increased requirements of this evergrowing capital of the colony. You are fortunate that in laying out new sites it is possible to secure ample space for air and recreation, the wank of which is too often evident in cities,; in the Old Country. I feel confident \ that in. this eniigmened community the importance of securing the' v best municipal administraitdon will continue to'bo kept before the eyes of your own statesmen and of the people, lor nothj ang will more contribute to the physical- . ■ and moral well-being of the - country than the steady pursuit of such an aim. The Duchess and. I, I can assur® you, will long remember ithe splendid! reception v/Mch your city has accorded us. The Duke’s speech was received with great applause, and after the Rev J. Patterson had delivered! a prayer asking lor a blessing on the work, immunity from aooident, and a blessing on the members o-i tare Royal Family then present, the function ended. The spectators heartily cheered each carriage as it drove off with its occupants, and seemed highly pleased with 'the ceremony they had witnessed. The Buiko on arrival at Government House expressed l Ms pleasure with what he had keen, and- mentioned that he was particularly struck by ■the warmth of the greetings from the people. ■ ‘ ' After the laying of the Town Hall foundation stone this afternoon, their Epyal 'Highnesses visited the fete in aid of a Home for Incurables; They - remained about twenty minutes, jand after partaking of afternoon tea made numerous purchases. The Duchess was presented .with a bouquet, and appeared very -pleased 1 with the' proceedings. The following guests were invited to a banquet at Government House to-night H.R.H. : the Duke of Cornwall, H.R.H. the Duchess of Cornwall, Lord and Lady Ramfurly, Prince Alexander of Teck, RearAdmiral Beaumont and staff, Lady, Mary Lygon, 'Lady Catherine Coke, Eight Hon R. J. and Mrs Seddon, Mrs Keppel, Hon 0. H. and (Mrs. Malls, Hon H. and Mrs Butler, Sir John Anderson, Mrs Williams, Count and Countess D'e Courte, Chevalier Martino, Lord Crichton, Duke of Roxburghe, Miss Mary Seddon, Captain. Alexander and Colonel Fenton. 1 ' THE VETERANS’ LUNCHEON. h [Pee Press Association.] j , WELLINGTON, June 18. The luncheon given by the Governmentto old veterans and returned 1 con't-ingenteu •was a magnificent success. Over 800 were present, including the Premier,, Sir J. Q‘. Ward, the Hons W. C. Walker,'T. Duncan and C. H. Mills, Colonel Pole-Penton, Lieutenant-Colonel Newdl and officers of the returned contingents, .including 'Major Mad'o-cks and Captain Chaytor. Sir Donald Wallace and other members of the Duke’s "suite'also were present. The veterans were men wearing decorations for the Crimea, Indian Mutiny, Egyptian and Maori wars, now grey and white-bearded, but even now retaining some of the enthusiasm that won for them fame in their younger days. Those present displayed decorations for probably every war Britain has, been engaged: in, lor the past , half century. Most of them are hale, hearty looking" men, despite their years. The returned South African Contingents received a great ovation on enter-, ing the hall. The Premier proposed 1 , the only toasts, receiving a- storm of applause in proposing “The King.” He said it, was a great proof of the. love her 'late Majesty had for the colonies; and the .unselfishness of King Edward in carrying .out the late Queen’s wish that the Duke “should visit the colonies. In proposing the toast of “The Duke and Duchess,” Mr Seddon said that he had been commanded to apologise for their 'absence .from the function, on! ground that they' were absorbed with a number of other duties, and to state , that his Highness .appreciated highly the work that the veterans and South African Contingents had done for the Empire, -i Ini proposing the health of the Governor, the Premier said that he had also,been commanded to apologise for his absence, and eajd that it was due to Lord Ranfurly that, he had sought out the old veterans, and wished, todo them honour. The colony had he n singularly fortunate in the representatives her late Majesty had sent out, but none more so than the* present Governor,, wh.> hod grave responribilMes cast upon him. but who, as far as possible, carried out his

(Jtjties in a manner io meet the wishes of the people' The toast of “The Veterans and Returned Contingents ’’ also was proposed' bv the Premier, who said that the behaviour, and achievements of the New Zealand Contingents in South Africa had called for the commendation; of the greatest British General, Lordl Roberts. He believed that if emergency again arose their would he available* The proceedings closed with the National Anthem.

THE ILLUMINATIONS. [Per Press Association.] WELLINGTON, June 18. At nine o’clock a gun fired by the Royal Arthur was the signal for the illumination of the fleet lying in the stream. The vessels were completely outlined, in myriads of electric lights, presenting a magnificent sight. Heavy rain set in shortly after ten o’clock, and the weather prospects for tomorrow' ana not promising. The dull afternoon gave place to a fine blear night, and thousands of people thronged the streets to view the illuminations, locomotion in the principal thoroughfares being at. times • almost out of. the question. As soon as darkness set in the city broke out into a blaze of light and colour, and the spectacle presented was one of the brightest and gayest ever seen_ in Wellington. Although many private buildings made a good show, tbe palm must be given to the various Government edifices, and of these the Post and Telegraph Office stood out as a brilliant sight. - The building from the top of the flagstaff to the base was a blaze of light, the design of the tower, in red, white and blue being particularly effective: On the top of the tiagpole was a large star in a combination . of colours, and from the dome to the ends of the'buildings strings of coloured lights were displayed', the effect being most striking, especially when viewed' from a distance. The front of the building was also brilliantly lit up, included in the illuminations being several appropriate devices and mottoes, while each .window contained- a transparency.' Parliament Buildings, Government House, the Government Printing Office, Departmental Buildings and the Government Life Insurance Office were;all splendidly illuminated, each building being picked out by rows of coloured! lights which ran up the sides and along the topsy their fronts, being;,resplendent with many coloured devices,' mottoes and transparencies’. The tower of -Government House stood out -prominently a mass of resplendent colour, and the scheme of the frontal illumination: on - Parliament Buildings , was .particularly pleasing. Par away in the distance the , Mount Cook Barracks shone out a brilliant blaze of light, Many private buildings were decorated with transparencies. and devices, and several of the arches showed up conspicuously. A splendid show was made by the -Wellington Gas Company, which displayed v forty-two powerful incandescent lamps'along the top of its’ building. The Municipal .and. Harbour Board offices were also tastefully lit up. . The Government steamer Tutanekai, lying at the railway wharf, was a mass of light'and colour, her, outline being picked out with myriads of, lights. Several bonfires were lighted on the; distant hills. Taken on, the whole, the city’s display to-night far exceeded) expectations/ and 1 will v long be remembered by many thousands who witnessed it. NOTES AND INCIDENTS. [From Opr Correspondent.] . . , WELLINGTON, Juno 18. . The ..Empire Hotel has a rather ingenijus transparency, representing The Un■Tnished Empire.'’ It.shows our possessions n the inevitable red, leaving the rest, of ihe world blank. The point lies in the '/act that the Empire building, which will pe ’one of the finest in Wellington, is still tn an unfinished state, but has prospects of immlediaite completion. One substantial transparency in. the town represents tbe Duke being welcomed by a i Maori Chief. His Highness is depicted ■as considerably’taller than the Chief, and the popular conundrum is to guess the .’Moon’s height: - At the laying of the foundation stone this afternoon, the fact that the Premier appeared with, the uncommon decoration of a medal on his chest, elicited some inquiry. It was ascertained that it was one of the eleven medals specially cast for Prime -Ministers on ,the occasion , of the Queen’s Jubilee. a .Several of, the arches, notably the Government arch, are to be allowed to remain standing for some months. For the’■South, Island tout, besides tbe ’ Premier and Sir J. G. Ward, the Hons T. Duncan and W. Hall-Jones will accompany the Royalties. The'Hons C. H: Mills and ; J. ’M’Gowan, -who- have been through - the; North Island, remain behind. Eight hundred mounted men took part in the military escort to-day, and 1000 volunteers were on parade to guard the streets and participate in ihe escort. There were 150 police on duty in the city, including 50 from outside centres and 50 special contables. The “Royal Shadows,’’ too, were very where. -Captain Russell was among those present »t the old veterans’ lunch. ; The. Duchess, during to-day’s functions, was dressed simply in black, as were also the ladies-in-waiting. l ' One individual on the line of march saluted,the Royal carriage by playing two or three bars of the National Anthem on a cornet. The Duke vouchsafed him a , special bow for-his pains. The Imperial note, so often referred to, was, of course, strongly in evidence again to-day. One street-corner politician was overheard descanting elaborately to-day with the proper Sir Grade emphasis, whion forbade any other dog to bark when he opened his lips. “ Now, see here,” he exclaimed, “ who gathered the flowing; atoms out of chaos, and, by combining them, bas formed an all-red belt of empire, ronntf the world, and made the other people giddy to look upon this modern accomplishment?” “I give it up,” replied the smaller man, meekly. “Of course yon give it up, and so do the rest of the world, for ins the British Empire, and this George, son Df Edward, who Is coming along here presently, is a human symbol of our groat Empire, ” and the other man gazed in admiration at his friend who, a little later, threw his hat in the air and yelled out * Hurrah for George and Metric England.'' “What’s the matter with Dick Seddon to-day?” asked a man in the crowd this morning. “ Why, Dick’s all right, Isn’t he?” replied the companion to whom the remark "was .addressed. “Yes, hut how is .it he’s not In the procession?” “ Oh, Oeqrj re said there was not room for bini and Dick on the same road. Matter of precedence, you know.” “Well, where is the Premier?” “Oh, he’s waiting for the Duke up at tbe Buildings or Government House.” “By George, cried the man who opened.the conversation, “ that’s about the first -time Dick has had to wait for any .man since Balance• passed out. All the same, I’m rather sorry the old man’s away.” “Why?” “ Why I Because he rides in a , carriage as If he owns the whole blooming earth, and- the Duke looks as if he didn't care who owns the show so long as he gets a chance to take the smile off his face, hut the Duchess is al] right, eh P* The other agreed, and the two of them took off their hata “To the’Lady.” PREPARATIONS IN CHRISTCHURCH. A brisk demand has set' in for seats on the platforms ijn Victoria Square. Yesterday many applications for seats on the platforms in the Park had to be refused, and the Secretary was selling tickets for standing room on the platforms, behind the seats. Ma ny portions of the route have been decorated all day with festoons in the colours prescribed by the different sections. Yesterday morning Major Smith, Inspector Ellison, and a representative of the Public Works Department went over the route, and trade final arrangements for erecting barricades and fences, in- accordance with the scheme previously described. The silver trowel, to bo presented to the Duke, of Cornwall and York at the ceremony of layiujg the foundation stone of the

Canterbury Jubilee Memorial, has been finished, and the workmanship reflects great credit on the jewellers, Messrs G. Coates and Co. ‘ Tiro massive solid silver blade is heart shaped, about seven inches from base to point and four wide at tbe base. Near tbe point is the coat of arms of the province of Canterbury', with the motto, I “ Ergo tua rura manebunt.’’ Underneath ' is the inscription, “ Presented to H.R.H. j the Duke of Cornwall and York, K.G., on I the occasion of his laying the foundation s-tono of the Canterbury Jubilee Memorial. Christchurch, New Zealand, 22nd June, 1901.” Attached to the blade is a plain, heart-shaped socket, wiu-oh holds a tine /greenstone handle, an inch thick and about four inches long. The trowel is placed in ai handsome Morocco case, lined with blue satin, the bed being of white velvet. The troAvel will be on exhibition in Messrs Coates and Co.’s window from torday until Friday, so that members of the committees , and the general public will have an opportunity of seeing it. A meeting of ladies Avas held in the City Council Chambers yesterday afternoon, to decide Avhether a present should, be made by the women of Christchurch to the Duchess. There was a large attendance, and Mr A. E. G. Rhodes, the Mayor, took the chair. The Chairman said that he had been under the impression that no presents could bo made, and had therefore taken no steps. As other cities Avere giving presents, however, he had called the meeting, in order to get an expression of opinion. The meeting decided that ihe women of Christchurch should make a gift to the-young Prince through the Duchess, . his birthday Occurring , during the Royalties’ stay in Christchurch. An amendment that the presentation should be to the Princess herself was negatived. A sub-committee, consisting of Mesdames A. E. G. Rhodes, George Rhodes, Wigram and Deans, was elected, to make all the necessary arrangements. The meeting decided •. that the maximum subscription should be 10s, the list to be open until Thursday evening, and that the sub-committee should be given sole control. No canvassing was to be done, subscriptions to be purely voluntary, and to be received at the Council Office.' On the motion of Mrs Gould, tbe committee was asked to have tbe gift os typical of New Zealand i as possible. The meeting then closed. That portion of Manchester Street between Worcester Street and Gloucester Street, in front of the Canterbury Hall, will'Be closed on Saturday evening against all wheeled traffic, except that connected with carriages taking people to the Mayoral reception. It has also been decided to reserve tbe footpath on the east side of Manchester Street between the two other streets named. In reference to the special service at the Cathedral on Sunday morning next, the fin id decision of the Chap ter is to admit the general public without tickets (as far as possible) to the north and south aisles of the building, entrance being given at 10.30 by, the north and'south porches, The Seats in the nave have been reserved, so far as they would go, for those who appeared to’ nave some special claim to consideration, but the space at the , disposal of ; the Chapter is so limited that it bas been found impossible to allot seats to (by a great many) who possessed such a . claim. The stand on No. 7 Wharf for the accommodation of the members of the Borough Council and Harbour ; Board at the binding of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall is being erected, facing the landingplace, and a short distance from the covered way. , ‘ ■ The sale of the illustrated programme of ' the Royal visit to Christchurch progressed with highly satisfactory results in town yesterday. The Executive Committee will meet at the-City Council Chambers at 4 p.m. today, to moke final arrangements for the j reception of the Duke and Duchess 6f Com- ■ waff. ;... \ A meeting of the Childrens Committee ■ will be held at the City Council Chambers i at 4 p.m. to-day. , 1 j The Illuminations Committee wil. meet • at Mr Frank' Graham’s .office, Hereford i Street, at 3 p.m. to-morrow, i The Friendly Societies’ delegates will meet at the ‘Uty Council Chambers at 8 I p.m. .to-day, to. make arrangements for the presentation, of addresses and the procession I on Saturday.. j Yesterday, when the workmen of the i-Public Works Department were making a commencement to erect the barricades through Cathedral Square, leaving., a roadway o3ft in width for the Royal party and military to pass through, they were rather unceremoniously' ordered by Mr; S. H. ■Seager to erect the barricades close to the foot-path, as he stated! that none of the public would be. allowed in the Square to view the procession, and, moreover, the presence of a crowd there would spoil the effect of the Venetian masts. ’An appeal was made to the. Mayor,' who. decided that the risk of spoiling the effect of thddecorations, i could not be allowed to interfere with the | liberties of the citizens who wished to view the procession from the points of vantage provided by Cathedral Square, and the original intention will, therefore, be adhered to. Sergeant Tubman, of the First Contingent, who has been appointed orderly to the Duke of Cornwall during bis visit to Christchurch, will be mounted on the wellknown hunter Bun Tuck, which has kindly been placed at bis disposal by Mr W. B. Clarkson. The Savage Club intend to entertain the literary men and artists attached; to the Royal “party at a supper in the Provincial Council Chambers on Monday, Particulars with regard to regulations for vehicles and suspension of traffic are advertised. It is announced that carriages which take guests to the Mayor’s reception must approach the Hall from the north and depart towards the south. Engaged! carriages may wait in Gloucester Street on the south side, east of‘Manchester Street. Disengaged carrioles may wait, one deep, on the north side of Gloucester Street, east of Manchester Street. . The, secretary to the Executive' announces this morning that all the seats on the platforms in Hagley Park have been sold, and the Platforms Committee is unable to make any further extensions. THE ROYAL REVIEW. Eighty-five mounted men and five officers are expected to arrive from Ashburton! this afternoon. The H and D Batteries, from Wellington and Nelson respectively, will be camped at the Saleyards. Captain Joyce "has telegraphed that only 200 mounted men will come from Obago and Southland, j Captain Hobday has expressed great ! satisfaction at the manner in which tbe j men of tbe Third Contingent are doing the work of pitching the camp. In connection with tbe review in Hagley Park the Government has given directions ' to the Public Works Department to erect ;■ ah additional stand for the relatives of the troopers receiving medals. This stand will be solely reserved for this purpose. Lieutenant-Colonel Gordon received a telegram yesterday morning stating that 104 Navals from Auckland, the Garrison Band there, and four medical officers had left for Christchurch. [Per Press Association.] AUCKLAND, June 18. The Auckland Naval Artollexy, numbering 102, and the Garrison Band, 28 strong, have left for Christchurch to take part in the review on the occasion of the Royal visit. Several local volunteer corps have ac- ! cep'ted.th© invitation of the Government to | visit Christchurch and take part in the review. The first detachment, consisting of i the' Auckland NaVal Artillery, left early ‘ this morning, under Lleutenant-Coromandeir Clements, and the . remaining corps Aviil

leave on Thursday. It is expected that Auckland will be represented by between 250 and 300 men. The remaining detachments will be draAvn from the. Ponsonby Navals,. Victoria Rifles, College Rifles No. l 2 and No. 3, Native Rifles, Gordon Rifles,' Onehunga Rifles, Auckland Engineers and Volunteer Bearer Corps, GISBORNE, June 18. - There was much enthusiasm here as the Cadets were leaving for Christchurch tonight. They number ninety-two. Tbe .trouble as to"some being invited and others dverlooked tvas got over by a message from the Premier, “ Let ’em all come,” and there aams much cheering for Mr. Seddon «s the boys left. NELSON, June 18. The Nelvnn College Cadets, three officers, including -Captain Littlejohn, and fifty-one cadets, also the Central School Cadets, three officers and sixty boys, left by the -Corinna at nine on their way- to the Christchurch review. The weather here is except tionahy Avet, and It is also blowing hard tonight. THE CADET BRIGADE. Reveille at the cadet encampment, at the Normal School, sounded at seven o’clock yesterday morning. After breakfastfatigue parties wen. appointed. • Later on, several of the companies were taken out on Oranmer Square, and on the streets, and were ’ drilled by their officers. The Grey cadets were taken foV an excursion yesterday morning. • Arrangements have- been made for seating 750 boys’at- a time at the mess tables, in the Gj’mna-sium. The officers’ mess will be in the model class-room, adjoining,' and their sleeping apartments, arc in the same part of the buildings. With the -exception of a lad from Greymouth, who caught a- chill at Wellington, the. boys are in good health, and high spirits. Yesterday afternoon, a parade, at which the Christ College and High School cadets were present, was held before Major Richards, and blie boys were marched through the streets and put through several movements. It is expected , that the Southland, Otago and South Canterbury cadets will arrive by the express train this evening. It is probable that they will be detrained at Addington and marched to the Normal School. Last evening, Dr Thomas, medical officer, •ordered tire removal of two cadets, Privates B. Sutherland (Reefton corps), and D. M’Kechnie, (Greymouth), to the hospital. The lads are not seriously ill, but have caught alight colds, and it Avas thought advisable to take them to the Hospital, where every comfort will be supplied. Sergeant C. Dobson (Greymouth), was also indisposed yesterday, being somewhat fatigued after the march-out. Otherwise, the .cadets are in good health. A hundred of them Avere present at the Bioscope last evening, by invitation of the management. THE DECORATIONS AND ILLUMINATIONS. A large number of men are now engaged in the erection of the shipping, frozen' meat and agricultural! arches, and tbe Westland bay, and it is evident that these will form a very attractive portion of the decorations on the route of the Royal party from the railway, station to tbe Provincial Council Chambers. The Venetian masts have now all been placed along tbe principal streets, and the work of putting np the decorative shields in them wilTbegin- to-day. The city d'Ecoratious n.'.ong the route are also approaching completion, - and the canopy at the junction of Armagh and Victoria Streets has been finished, both as regards decoration and ilhnniination by electricity. A com-' mencemsut will be made with putting up the foliage on -the arch over Victoria Street Bridge to-day, and it has already been fitted with the necessary electric lamps. Trials Avere made of -several of the electric iEuminatdon-s last evening, including those at the, “Lyttelton Times” Office, Messrs J. Ballantyne and Co.’s and Tattersail’s Hotel t and! it is evident that the illumination of some portions of the city will; be ■oh a more extensive scale than has hitherto been attempted here, but it is to be regretted that in many business places there will be no attempt at dTuminatkin, and amongst -these is the Clock Tower at the corner of High and) Manchester Streets, which would lend itself readily to a displayof this kind. THE STABILITY OF THE STANDS. Messrs W. H. Cooper (chairman), R. M. Macdonald and W. Jacques, members of the Stands 'Committee, with Hr A. Dudley Dobson, city engineer, yesterday afternoon . met and inspected the stands both in Victoria Square and the North Park, Avhich are to be used by the public in connection With the Royal visit.- After making a (thorough inspection of the stands in Victoria Square, the committee expressed themselves - as thoroughly, satisfied that they were well built, properly braced together, and were sufficiently strong to hold a much greater weight of people than it was possible to put on to them, and they were then passed by the Oity Surveyor. The stands in the Park were then inspected, and it was found that aI- ; though they were to bold fewer people than those in Victoria Square, they were equally strong in. and owing to each standing by itself were much more liberally supplied with braces. .Mr Dobson, Avh.ile expressing himself- as thoroughly satisfied AA r ith tbe Avork of the contractors (Messrs Gee Bros.), did not officially pass them, but Avill do so on the work being completed this morning. THE BONFIRES. Sir George Clifford bas written to the Secretary, Mr E. J. Rigliton, saying that he Avill be pleased to arrange a bonfire at Stonyhurst, as requested, Avhien the Ophir is passing on Friday evening, and will d-o all in his power to encourage his neighbours to take steps in the same direction. Mr W. T. Robinson, of Cheviot, states that be had arranged for a bonfire on the headland, ’ a t Port Robinson. Mr -C. P. Hugonin, manager of the Cashmere Estate, has written stating that he has given all his men holidays from June 22 to 24, and can give the committee no assistance on those days. He has no objection to the committee making a bonfire on the hill, but will hold it responsible for any damage done. He points out that there are many difficulties, and says that it would be impossible to draw material by means df horses to the peak called) the Sugar Loaf, as it would -take six men six days to carry sufficient material there. ’ OLD AGE PENSIONERS’ ADDRESS. ’ Th© old age pensioners of the Christchurch dis’criot are invited to meet the Deputy Registrar at the Chamber of Commerce Hall on, Thursday next,, at 2.30 p.m., to make final arrangements for presenting the address to the Duke of OornAvall. The address, of Avhich the text, Avas published yesterday, is being illuminated by the “Lyttelton Times” Company. THE VETERANS’ LUNCHEON. The following is the list of veterans who will be present at the lunch given by the Government on Monday, in the Canterbury Hall, at which returned troopers Avill also bo present iAbbott, John, 87iih Foot, private, Christchurch. Addison, Edward, 18th, Hussars, trooper, Christchurch. Ayers, G. W., Hawke’s Bay Volunteers, private, Lyttelton. Button, A., Royal Navy, seaman, Lyttelton. Bamifield, J. H., 72nd Regiment and 11th Devons, major, Timaru, Berry, Hy., A.S. Corps, corporal, Christchurch. Bateman, Chas., 56th Foot, private, Waimate. Babbage, Ed., R. Engineers, private, Rakaia. Campbell, Rd., R.A., private, Timaru. Choate, Wm., R.A., gunner, Ashburton. Connors, John, 67th Foot, private, Rangitata. Davidson, Alex. G., major-general, Christchurch,

Dewe, Ricflid., 23rd Foot, private, Sydenham. • Dans, Selwyn, Scotch Fusiliers, private. Wools ton. Denham, E., Turkish Contingent, quar-term-’ster--sergeant, Christchurch. Faulkner, Thos., 43rd Foot, private, Christchurch. , . French, H., 31st Huntingdon Foot, pn-. vate, Cheviot. _ , Gray, 0. M., Wanganui Militia, private, Christchurch. Gad'don, James, Royal Navy, A. 8.,

Timaru. Gadd, Alfred, private, Christchurch. Fox, Michael, 57th Regiment, private, Kaiapoi. Harris, Richard, 9th Light Infantry, private,’ Sydenham. Henning, W. H., Royal NaA r y, assistant-paymas-ter, Akaroa. Halioran,- John,, 58th Regiment-, private, New Brighton. ’ Hewstone, Hy. James, Royal Navy, seaman, Lyttelton. Lewis, W. 0., Mil. Transport, sergeant,-' Richmond. _ , Loose, Thomas, 2nd Dragoon Guards, private. St Albans. ATGarry. Jacob. 8.A., gunner, Kaiapoi. M’ConnVl, Thomas, SBth Foot,, private, Waimale. Mce, Alex., MLh Transport, sergeant, j Pleasant Point. j •Macgregor, John, 85th Foot, sergeant, | Addington. j M’Oabe, Wm., R.A., gunner,, Addington. :| Nowlan, James, , 97tn Foot, private, Christchurch. , Niven, John, R.A., sergeant, Woolston. Perrin, John, E.A., gunner, Kaiapoi. Page, Wm., R.N.. seaman, ■ Timaru. Pefvin, Richard, 50th Foot, 16th Lancers, Ko. Dragoons, 61st Foot, sergeant, Tinvmi. ■* Rafferty, John, 13th Foot, sergeant, Christchurch. ~ Riggs, Geo.,- R.N., seaman, Alford Forest. tSullivan, Cornelius, 37rh Foot, sergeant, New Brighton. Sheppard, Wm., R.A., gunner, Sydenham. . Stringer, Jos. Hy., R.A., gunner, Christchurch. f Seelar, John, R.A., gunner. -Tima.ru. ' Simpson, Thos*, 70 th Foot, private, Timaru. ■ Shanaghan, Wm., Ist Bat,, Auck. Mil., sergeant, Lyttelton. Turner, Geo., Turkish Contingent, staff clerk, Sydenham. Strong, Herbert, Poverty Bay M. Vol., Sergeant-major, Christchurch. Weir, Thomas, 17th Regiment, private, Willow-bank-. Wray, Chas., Indian Navy, captain,, Timaru. 1 Wales, W., Royal Navy, seaman, Lyttelton. Wilson. James, 10th Royal Hussars, trooper, Sydenham. Wright, Wm., East India Company, engineer, Kaiapoi. Willis, James, 71st High. Light Regiment, private, Styx. - PRESENTATION OF MEDALS. The following is the roll of officers and men returned from South Africa, and at, present reported as in the Canterbury Volunteer District, to whom- medals will be presented by the Duke: 1 First Contingent-—Quartermaster-Sergeant P. R. Borland, Farrier-Major A. Cromio, Corporal S. P- Symes, Sergeant J. Miller, Bugler W. A. Bowie,- Private® M. Oossar, J. G. Cooke, M. Edwards, C. H. Fla veil, D. Fraser, A. G. Fordham, J. H. Hurford, J. D. Hean. E. -Hogden, A. J. Hahn, S. Joyce, J. M’Oabe, D. W. Prosser, J. E. Pepper, W. Tubman, S. Tasker, A. R. Taylor, J. T. Wilson. ' , Second Contingent—Major G. Crawshaw, Captain N. L. D. Smith, Captain J. T. M. Hayhurst, Regimental Sergeant-Major C., E. Crosby, Staff Quartermaster-Sergeant S. G. O’Oallaghan, Sergeants A. H. Norris and T, B. Syke, Corporals E- E. Nalder, G. P. Overton, W. Butcher, F. Knubley, Shoeingsmith W. Miller, Saddler O. Butler, Ar-moury-Sergeant J. Findlay, Corporal J. E. Hail, Privates. T. G. Armstrong, W. S. Aitken, F. Bennett, B. Brown, W. Clous-; ton, W. Chapman, H. Collins, J. J. Connelly, A. R. Fear, J. Grieg, M. Griffen,. J. Gcldstone, R. Goldstone, J. Henderson, J. ,D. King, E.’ A. Loach, J. R. Martin, A. Harris, W. S. E. Moyle, C. Moody, A. Thoreau, A. W. Thompson, C. E'. West,. A. O. Wilson,, W. IT. White. Third Contingent—Lieu tenant-Colonel T. Jowsey, Captain M. Lewin, Captain- H. (3. Bourn, Regimental. Sergeant-Major C. W. Ensor, Quartermaster-Sergeant J. Bruce, Sergeants C. E. Cholmondeley, R. R. Richards, H. Jowsey, H. C. Grahame, Far-rier-Sergeants O. Y. Ward, T. C. Dom, O. Tillyshort, A. E. Jackson, Saddler-Sergeant W. J. Ellison, Corporals Copland, C. E. Nurse, H. J. O. Harper, E. Eggleston,LanoeCorporals Wilson, G. C. Derretfc, Buglers D. Strachan, A. Syme, J. Thom, Privates S. W. W. Brown, H. Bennett,* W. Butcher, C. T. Bull, J. A. Clarke, A. Chapman, A. C. Cone, A. 0. S. Cook, Cooper, L. G. D. Aeland, T. Qlark, W. H. Cooke, J. W. Canavan, A. C. Cooke, E. C. Evans, R. L. Gill, J. J. Heasley, A. Harper, J. Henderson, R. S. Hugonin, A. W. Harrison, T. Hannah-, A. H. Joseph, A. Knudson, T. W. Kelcher, - J. Kennedy, C. Lusk, W. T. Lowe ( -J. J, Murray, H. Munroe, T. L. Murray, T. R. Moss, R. M’Donald, R. M’Farlane, J. Mackay, H. Neil, A. Macintosh, -A., Porter, S. H. Raine, E. T. Poulton, C. C. Roberts, A. R. Ross, D. Spencer, W. T. Scott, 0. E. Smith, D. B. Smith, R. D. Smith, J. A. Scott, E. H. Stone, G. B. Seymour, W. E. Tomlinson, T. R. Tindall, R. H. Vallance, C. F. Vernall, A. A. Wilcox, H. Worsley, C. E. Wheeler, J. G. Ward, G. B. Wright. Fourth Contingent Privates C. W. Brown, E. W. Watt, Boyd Thomson, C. W. Watt. Fifth Contingent Lance-Corporal B. Hall, Privates T. Andrew, T. Andrews, W. Gosling, T. R. Horne, R. Johnstone, W. Reeves, H. C. Logrange. ARRANGEMENTS AT LYTTELTON. The covered way being erected oh No. 7 wharf for’the passage of the Duke -and l Duchess of Cornwall from the steamer to the railway carriage will, especially should it be roofed over, effectually prevent the public from seeing anything of the landing of the Royal personage®. It is upwards of 100 ft long, 12ft in width, 10ft high in tbe studs, and about 13ft to the. apex of the roof. The studs are placed about 10ft' apart, and when the roof is covered and the spaces intervening between the studs are filled, or even partially filled, with nikau palms and foliage, it will be impossible for persons outside the barricade at the base of the wharf to see what transpire® within the avenue. Should! the latter bo lined with militaiy, a® it is understood is to be done, the people of Lyttelton will see about as much of the Royal personages as if their Highnesses were, to quote the expression- of a disgurted Lytteitonlan, shut up in a frozen meat truck. As might have been expected, the erection of a structure of this character on the wharf has aroused Considerable indignation in the port. It has been stigmatised as an inspit to the people of Lyttelton, and old residents contrast the stringent precautions observed on the present occasion with what was dene when the late Duke of Edinburgh visited Lyttelton, when H.R.H., only a few mtonth-s after his attempted- assassination, went freely among the people of the plane. It appears, moreover, that, the plan of putting the Royal visitors Into a railway carriage at the base of the wharf, and running them through the tunnel, will nob prove so convenient after all. It will, it is stated, be necessary to shunt the train back, well nigh to the Gladstone Pier, before it can be pu t on a line leading to th© tunnel mouth. Thifl proceeding will, it is said, occupy a® much time as ft would take to ‘drive the Royal guests in a carriage, along Norwich Quay, to the railway station, as the local authorities wished to do. x THE HARBOUR ARRANGEMENTS. In reply to his -telegrams to the Admiral in command of the station squadron, regarding the opening of the men of war to the public, the Secretary of tlie Harbour Bear'd, Mr C.. Hood-Williams, has received the following from the Secretary to Admiral

Beaumont; —His Excellency the. Naval Cornmandcr-in-Chm will arrive at Lyttelton between nine find ten o’clock on Friday morning, and will be glad to receive the Mayors of Christchurch- and Lyttelton and the Chairman of the Harbour Board on .that day, weather permitting. No ships of the station squadron- will berth inside the harbour, excepting the Sparrow. 'The flagships at the outer anchorage will be open to visiters, on Sunday and Monday, from 1 to 4 p.m. Regarding the opening of' the .Ophir, Juno ami ,St. George, application would have -to bo made to Commodore Winsloe.” Mr Hood-Williams has also telegraphed to Commodore Wiasloc relative- to- the, opening of the Ophir and the other tyro vessels, but as yet ha-s received no reply.- In bis telegram he, referred to th© fact- that the Gothic was 'loading at 25ft 6ini at No. 7 Wharf, and would leave on, Thursday. • Be ha-s also received the following wire in reply to his telegram of some day-s ago relating to the berthing of the Ophir; “ Agree. Will bring in the Ophir' to- the east side of No. 7 Wharf. The ship will berth bow in,'because oi the projecting screws, and will require good floating fenders to keep her iroiu the wharf. Tim Ophir will,arrive at nine o’clock on Saturday morning.—Commander, Ophir.” THE OPHIR TO COME ALONGSIDE THE WHARF. Yesterday afternoon th© Secretary of the Lyttelton Harbour Board, Mr C. Hoo-d-WiUiarns, received a telegram from. Commodore Win-sloe, to whom he had telegraphed on tlie subject of the Royal yacht coming alongside the wharf at Lyttelton, to th© effect that she will do so,, and will come: up to No. 7 Wharf at 9 a.m. on Saturday. The s.s. Gothic, drawing 25ft bin by the, head, is now lying at No. 7 Wharf, to which the Ophir is to be moored. As the draught -of the Royal yacht is- some few feat less than this,’there need be no apprehension as to- the results of her -coming ; up to the wharf. DUNEDIN. [From Cue CoimEsroNDDNX.] DUNEDIN, June 18. Three thousand children are rehearsing for the Royal celebrations. A body of men is engaged bringing into town native bush for the decorations. _ The engine and dynamo for supplying electricity for illuminating the Town Hall Buildings axe in ’ position. About 2000 lights will be used, including those required for ( lighting up the Government and citizens’ arches. The windows and columns of the Tower and all the prominent features of the Corporation Buildings will be picked out in lights. Beyond this no particular; design will 'be used. I am informed, that nearly 60 per cent of those who will attend the Royal reception are from the country districts.