THE ROYAL TOUR.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CV, Issue 12534, 22 June 1901, Page 7

THE ROYAL TOUR.

[lJboss Oue, Correspondent.] ■WELLINGTON, Jim©'2l. Consistent to the last-, Wellington closed its record by providing a heavy rain storm as the accompaniment for the final function of the Royal visit, and the opinion has now become absolute that their Royal Highnesses are rain-bringers of the most approved type. The ceremony, which was the laying of the foundation stone of the new Railway ‘Buildings, was as brief os it was damp. Sir Joseph Ward stated very shortly the nature of the occasion, and the Duke laid the stone. with the least possible ceremonial. A few ducal remarks followed anent the value of railways, covering also incidentally a tribute to the excellent management of the train service as experienced by Royalty in New Zealand, and the ceremony was concluded. Punctually to time the Ophlr got away, in most dismal weather, nevertheless, large crowds lined the wharves and streets, cheering lustily. If really seemed as if they had reserved themselves for the somewhat doubtful compliment of a real hearty farewell. The warships thundered a salute, and the big ship and her Oonscrts were quickly lost to view in the hia®e at the heads. The Hinemoa left simultaneously. The Ministerial party will leave by the Tutanekai at five, but ns a heavy southerly is blowing, Captain--Post anticipates mailing a sixteen hours’ trip of it. Speaking at the banquet at Bellamy’s last night, the Premier said there were well-founded rumours of a ■ libel action pending against a number of newspapers in 'New Zealand on account of the alleged portraits of the Duchess of Cornwall that had been published, which by no gleans did justice to her charms. The laughter with which this sally was received became uproarious when Mr Seddon added, " The worst representation yet published of the Duchess is that on the front of the menu card of this banquet, and therefore the Government Printer will have to be sued.” The Hon J. Carroll ‘has not arrived in town yet, though summoned' from Auckland. It is understood that a 1 Companionship of- St Michael and St George will he conferred upon him in recognition of his position as representative of the Maori race. YESTERDAY’S FUNCTIONS. A FOUNDATION STONE LAID. THE DEPARTURE FROM WELLINGTON. [Per Press Association.] WELLINGTON, June 21. The ceremony of laying the,,foundation (stone of the Railway Offices in Featherston Street took jplacQ at noon. The drizzling rain of the morning settled down into a steady pour precisely as the function commenced. A lofty staging, forming three sides of a square, provided (seats for some 1300 people, to whom invitations had been issued, but apart from these the attendance of the public was not large. The Taranaki Battalion supplied a guard _of honour, and attracted attention and high commendation by their splendid physique. Thera was a small army of cameras in position all levelled ait the stone, which stood ready' 1 under a gaily-* decorated pavilion, the approaches to which were through banks of lycopodimn and evergreens, in which two fountains played. The stone was inscribed with the iettera'“E.R.,’’ and the Royal arms in gilt relief above the sentence: "This stone was laid by H.B.H. the Duke of Cornwall and York, on June 21, 1901.” The Royal party, ' which contained several members of the suite, the Govemor, and the Ministers, with a number of ladies, occupied seats in the pavilion. Lady Ward .presented to . the Duchess c 4 York a bouquet in a beautiful holder of ; gold, greenstone and pearls, and the Minister of Railway® read a steteme ! i£ of the coins • and documents contained! in the cylinder deposited, beneath the stone.

declaring the stone ■well and truly kid, his Royal Highness said.;— Ladies and Gehtlemen, —I am happy to think that the last ceremony in connection with our very pleasant visit to Wellington should be connected with so important a Department as that of the railways, -and, I aan- glad to have been able to associate myself with the , ... new buildings to be erected for the ’ business of their administration/ ■ The fact of the necessity for mere extensive accommodation is proof of the prosperity of these islands, for there is no better tell-tale of th© state of the country, than its railways. When we remember that scarcely thirty years 1 ago the ground on which we how stand was washed by the sea, and that since'' then more than 2000 miles of ' railway have been constructed, on which upwards of five million passengers were carried in the past year, the colony, I think, may indeed have every reason to be' proud of the manner in which her internal communications have been developed. My friend Sir Joseph Ward, and Mr Oadman, his able predecessor, are- to be congratulated, and the Duchess and I were much interested in seeing thie Ran- ' way Workshops yesterday,, and we. have had personal experience of the ■ excellence of their work in the charming and most comfortable carnages that have been so* kindly placed at our disposal. I desire once more to say what pleasure it is to the Duchess and myself to be present on this occasion.

Mr Carmichael, , the * contractor, having ..been introduced, wraps were produced,' ;<uid the Royal party drove away in closed carriages. As has been the case at all public functions where they have appeared, the Duke and Duchess were welcomed with hearty cheers. A very handsome gold' trowel with a greenstone handle, enclosed in a carved Maori casket, was presented to the Duke, together with a niallet of native wood. As the day: went op .tire weather became .worse, but, nevertheless,_ large crowds lined the streets and occupied the stagings at the wharf to see their Highnesses depart. They drove to the Ophir in a dosed carriage, and the,, rain was at its heaviest. As they left Government House they were greeted very demonstratively. The cheering was hearty and spontaneous, and handkerchiefs fluttered everywhere. Sufficient troops.were left in town to line a portion of the -route, and thosb men without great coats must have rather wet, not a very good preparation for their trip this eventing to Christehuroh. The Mayor, the City Council and the Harbour Board occupied the good&hed, and toik brief leave of the Duke and Duchess, apologising for the weather, _ which, as Mr Beauchamp put it, was ini, tears alt. their leaving. . ' , Ho time was lost an casting loose, and the, Ophir drew away from the wharf at six minutes, before the tiipe ■ announced, Which was 4 p.m., Just at this moment, the Premier and other Ministers, who had been attending a luncheon to the returned troopers, rushed up with Sir John Andex-T-i'o latter very nearly - missed • hia

THE LAST DAY IN WELLINGTON. A HEAVY FALL OF RAIN.

THE DEPARTURE'FOR^"THE SOUTH.

passage, but, _ assisted by jibe stalwart arm of the Premier, was, hauled over th!a rail before the ship got clear. In ten minutes: the Ophir was heading down, the harbour, followed by three energetic cheers {nan* the small party on the pier, which war# returned with equal good will by this ladies and gentlemen of . the •suite on deck, accompanied by much waving of handkerchiefs. In the meantime the St George. an<| Juno had got under way, and as soon as the Ophir reached the centre of the harbour took up their positions in front and preceded her round Point Halswell, where the flotilla was quickly swallowed up in the murky evening. ' Despite the weather, numbers of people swarmed on the Railway and Glasgow wharves and breastworks, and vigorously* waved ’ handkerchiefs, to tie departing yacht, while a ferry steamer, which made an excursion down the harbour, ..found enough people brave, enough to dare the weather to fill her;, in fact,' the way the spectators turned out in such inisaN able weather was most surprising. [Per Press Association.] WELLINGTON, June : 21. The weather is still dull and wet. The wind, has shifted to the .south, and misty ( rain is falling, with a promise of more to follow. The only public function to-day is the laying of the foundation stone, of the . railway offices. At 4 p.m. the Royal party will leave •. for Christchurch. A SOUNDS EXCURSION. [Per Press Association.] 1 WELLINGTON, June 21. At the dinner last night. Sir Joseph Ward,said that, in order to let the visitors from England, and Australia see as much ' as possible of the beauties of the colony, the. Government had arranged a steamer excursion to the Otago'Sounds, : A DINNER AT (BELLAMY’S. [Per Press Association.] WELLINGTON, June 2t, The Government entertained the 'visiting Australian politicians/and visiting journalists at dinner at Bellamy’s, last night. , Tto toast of the evening was "The Press. THE GOVERNOR. [Per Press Association.] . WELLINGTON, June. 21. The Governor and the Countess of Ran. furly and suit© will leave Wellington by fch# 1 Mararoa this evening, so’as to* be ready to ’ receive their Royal Highnesses at Lyttelton on the arrival of the Ophir to-moiTCiW. They will similarly go. on to Dunedin after the Christchurch calibrations.

THE MILITARY REVIEW, [From Ora Correspondent.} DUNEDIN* Jjino 21. Fifty Volunteers will leave. Tapanui t®« day for Christchurch, in meat •w®.*,-' The Government promised ■ passenger caxb but failed to provide them. TIMARU, June ?iL '■ Two special trains left here at 10.10 a.n*. and 11.30 a.m. respectively with mounted Volunteers and horses, and a party of infantry with, baggage. -The ordinary 11.30 a.m. train was delayed till noon, and took 95 cadets -and a good number of passenger*,,. MOUNTED CAMP. Matters in connection with the Mount* ed Rifles camp were completed yesterday* by the arrival of the Geraldine, Studholawy and! South Ganterbiiry troops, - and a portion of the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry. The total strength is new 750. Colonel Robin addressed the officers .of the camp in reference to their duties on 'Monday, and all details -will be faithfuly; carried out. The troops were paraded twice in the North Park, audi,during the afternoon were practising the route part, of the programme. Colonel Po-le-Penton was in attendance, and gave finaf instructions for to-day’s proceedings. i The details for today will, be as follows: —Reveille at 6.30 a.m.; stables 6.45; breakfast 8; mounted parade at 10.30. The Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry and ‘ the Ashburton Mounted Riflea will form a Royal escort-, consisting of one field officer, ,two captains, , iour subalterns, two sergeant-majors, two farriers, one trumpet-major, /ninety-six rank and file, mounted parade, and march at 10.15 a.m,, and to be lined up at Railway Station at'll a.m. '

, The Ashburton Mounted Rifles will furnish on escort, consisting of one subaltern, one.seogeamlt, and twelve rank and, file for hi? Excellency the Governor, to parade at 10.15 a.m,, and to be formed up at Railway Station at 11 a.m. 'The Canterbury Mounted Rifles will detail a corporal and five men to act as guard to the Royal luggage, and to m formed up at the Railway Station at 11 a.m. .. The Waimakariri Mounted- Rifieis will furnish four orderlies, mounted, to report at Garrison Library, Drill Shed, at 9 a.m. to Major’EL L. D. Smith: Midday stables and lunch, after review £tabks’ 5.30. Dinner at 6 p.m. ; . : The Canterbury Yeomanry! Cavalry will form an escort of one officer, one sergeant and, twdve rank and file, to report at the Royal residence at 9 p.m. Captain Boag was officer of the day A with Sergeant Deans as adjutant! 1 The Canterbury' Mounted Rifles •provided the guard lor .the day, under 1 Sergeant Gilmour,

The Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry," under Captain Lindsay, will parade their-fuli strength to-day, only a portion of the troop being in camp yesterday. The brigade orders by Lieutenants Colonel Slater, Y.D., for yesterday were as follows —Reveille 6.30 a,m.., roll call and stables 6.45, breakfast at 51, guard mounting 8.30, boot' and saddle 9.46, mounted parade &t 10, stables 12.20, lunch 1 p.m., mounted! parade 2.30. ' / No. 1 -Battalion? furnished' a guard of one sergeant arid' six men, No, 1 Battalion will comprise the Canterbury Yeomanw Cavalry, Canterbury, Ellesmere, Malvern and Wahiiflikaririi Mounted Rifles, Lieutenant Deans adjutant. No. , 2 Battalion will comprise the Ashburton, Geraldine, South Canterbury, Studholme and Mackenzie Mounted Rifle®, Lieutenant Smith adjutant. No. 3 Bat-talion-—-Kaikoura, Amuri, North Canter-' buiy, Oust and Cheviot Mounted Rifles, Lieutenant Campbell / adjutant. Major Hayhurst arrived in camp in command 1 of the South Canterbiuy- Battalion. i CAMP ""NOTES. Colonel Robin i addressed the officers at the. mounted camp yesterday morning on matters -pertaining to evolutions at the rc* ■ view on Monday,. Geraldine, Suidholme and Mackenzie Mounted Rifles arrive this evening. The troopers have been divided into three battalions. ■ ■■.■■ ■ The Third Battalion Wellington Rifles, Including Napier Guards. Napier, Hastings, Gisborne, and RnMurly Rifles, 268 strong, uiider Major Chicken, were the first te arrive, and were followed by Nelson, Wanganui, and West OoasitDattali'ons, cloven bands ’accompanying- them. The number of men in camp at !3 p.m. was\24oo. . r,; ik‘ ■ '.>*?' ■Colonel SommerviUo -wilDbe- in-command

of the dismounted troopers, who will he in ! A. B and C Divisions, totalling 600, and will have as Brigade-Major, Captain Bartlett, of the Second Contingent. Captain McDairmid is adjutant, and Captain Winter ' camp adjutant. . , i The {Nelson College, Boys’ High 'School, and Christ's College .Cadets paraded on the College Quadrangle, under Major Richards, and Acquitted themselves admirably. The several company and - battalion movements left nothing to he- desired. ' The Queen’s Cadets mil parade at the Drill Shed .at 9. a.m. sharp. ATi returned' members of South Am-can Contingents will parade at the Drill Shed at 11a.m. to-day. , . , The parade orders for all troopers ana cadets taking part in the proceeding’s today are published this morning. INFANTRY CAMP. With so many corps arriving it was not possible to obtain anything like a Correct statement as to numbers, but from information received at a late hour last night it was estimated that there were upwards of three thousand men in camp. District Quarter-master-Captain Hobday had an exceptionally busy time, and with a less experienced officer the new arrivals' would have had great difficulty in 'being located in their several lines. As the battalions arrived they were immediately marched to their allotted tents, and very little delay or inconvenience was experienced. The 3rd Battalion Wellington Rifles were the first to arrive at the camp, ■ fcx command! of Major Chicken, V.D., and Adjutant Webb, and up to a late hour fresh arrivals were being announced. The South Canterbury Battalion was to arrive »t .two o’clock this morning, and the Wellington Battalion should .arrive 'a little ' later, when it is expected that the full etrength of the Infantry Battalion will be ■ Jn 'camp, estimated at over four thousand. The Nelson Battalion, numbering. four ■hundred and, eighty,, under command of Major Wooife, with the Nelson and 1 Blenheim Bands combined, marched into camp ait Ip.m. . ....... The captain and officers of the s.s.. Flora, were thanked by Major Chicken for the shown to the troops during the trip from Wellington. 1 Satisfaction .was expressed. throughout the camp at the quality and quantity of the rations, and the North. Island 1 troopers were not slow in showing their appreoia-’ tion of the change from what they had experienced'- at '-the camp in Wellington. During the week, Colonel, Sbrnmerville is to command all the dismounted troopers, who - will probably number nine (hundred men, and associated with him will 1 be v Captain Bartlett, of! the Second. Contin- ' gent; as brigade major, • Oaptafim M’Dair- . mid,' as adjutant, and Captain Winter, as camp adjutant. During the afternoon the fatigue party,. ■ under Sergeant Richard's, had to pitch another fifty tents, to accommodate the large influx of infantry. -The rear-guard was provided by the Westland and Stoke Rifles, under Sergeant Schultz. -

ARRANGEMENTS IN CHRISTCHURCH.

; . The Government Comissioner, Mr J. ■ * Holmes,; requests those presenting addresses to His Royal ■ Highness in the Provincial ' , Chamber this morning to he at/the Chamber : hall an hour before the Royal tarty arrive. The Christchurch, and visiting Garrison Bands, Stammore'and Derry’s Bands will give an open air concert in Victoria Square at 7.30 p.m. All seats will be free. . At TSmaru the deed-ration of the railway station, post office and George Street is . progressing, under the charge of Ballantyne - and- Go. 1 ~ v Three Camara Cadets deserted yesterday, and went home by the express. The school camp and the food supplied were altogether too rough for them, 1 and they therefore ■ought refuge in the arms of their mothers. , The. exodus from Timaru to-day is expected to be very large. .*Bie various -committees have -revised the prcujramnies for their different departments, • tead so far as they could see last evening, everything possible had- been -done to make the functions a success. The Normal School children of Third, standard and upwards will assemble at the ■dhoott at 9 a.m. on (Monday, and be marched to their place on the stand in Victoria , Square. ■ - The Kaiapoi station was crowded with vohmteera, cadets and holiday seekers yesterday, evming. The town is quite debited, half the popular gone to 'Ohxistohuxch to witness the proceedings in " the city. The Railway Department has wisely provided a booking-box at the entrance to. the approach to the platform. The So-irtMandl Pip's Band, under Band-master-Lieutenant Kenneth Cameron, will arrive in Christchurch by’ one 1 of the special trains from the south on Sunday afternoon, to take part in the (Royal review- on Monday. THE RECEPTION OP THE ROYAL VISITORS. Captain Alexander has telegraphed as follows to the Mayor: —“Yourself, as Mayor, and Mrs Rhodes, should receive their Royal Highnesses at the children’s demonstration. - The Chairman of the Children’s Committee may be beside you, and would be presented by his Excellency the Governor, and Lady Ran-furly will be present, and four chairs will be provided in the front row for their Royal Highnesses and. Lord and Lady Ranfurly. This applies throughout all proceedings,. A 'Minuter will be in' attendance on the Governor -at all functions. Some extra chairs should Ibe on the dais for Ladies-ih-Watting, etc.” THE PROVINCIAL COUNCIL CHAMBERS, The following telegrams have passed between the Wellington authorities and the JJhrisbchnrch Reception Commissioners respecting the question as to who would be admitted at the Provincial) Council Champers on the occasion of the presentation of •ddiesses:—• Ofcptain Alexander, Private Secretary, Wellington,—The Executive of the Recep- ; tlon Committee who have been working un- ■ aeasingly for several weeks to assist to make the (Royal visit a success, consider they have • right to be recognised, and', that they ihotfld be present at the' Provincial Council Chambers, although not necessarily for pre- . fentatfon. / Very few of the committee have feceived invitations to the official stand in Victoria’ Square. The Mayor and Commislioneni think it would please the Executive of the Reception Committee to be present tt the Provincial Counoil Chambers. Reply •rgent. (Signed) Stead, for the Reception OooaxnsKioners.” “Ste«4L Ohrktchurch,—Regarding ExecuIfre of the Reception Committee, most certainly his Excellency would bo -glad for Hum to berpresent at the Provincial Council Chambers. They most stand on the side : apposite tg that on which the deputations •ra> The Royal Commissioners should also ke And marshal the deputations, arncing them up ip due order. It is absolutely imperative that the deputations In fuagt of the addresses to, bepresented at the Proviamal Counoil Chambers should be there at least half an hour prior to the arrival of their Royal Highnesses. (Signed) Alexander.” \ STANDS IN THE SQUARE. REDUCTION IN PRICE. The eub-ooramittpee appointed by the Platforms Committee met yesterday -afternoon, And decided that as the best parts of the stands in Victoria Square had been select•if the remaining tickets should be dispoied, bf ai 2a 6d each. PROVISION FOR CARRIAGES. - Mr T. E. Donne has again telegraphed: to the Mayor, urging the ■ necessity for provjahlg bpac. cfOBB Jtreots after the proceslionS that tho carriages may crosa,

the line of procession at one or more points. Mr Donne states that at Auckland and Wellington the streets have-been very crowded at night time, and it has been roost difficult to get carriages to and from the receptions. The Mayor has replied that he will do. what he can to meet Mr Donne’s wishes. ARRIVAL OF VOLUNTEERS. All yesterday morning the Lyttelton streets “rang to the tread of marching feet,” to the sharp shouting of words of command, the fanfare of bugles, the music of bands and the wild , uproar of Maori war cries. Nearly 2000 Volunteers from the North Island, Nelson and the West Coast were disembarked on the wharves, and came through, to Christchurch by train. The four steamers which brought them arrived at hours ranging from 8.10 to 11.50 a.m., so that the wharves and the streets around the railway station were kept in a state of constant martial bustle. Most of the men had a long wait, and in- their ranks “at ease,” were as much at ease as was possible under the, circumstances. They behaved admirably, and were, on the whole, an exceedingly fine lot. They were for the most part uniformed in kharki, and their physique was a cause of general admiration •to the Lyttelton folk, who had never before seen so many Volunteers in their town at one time. In some instances the men were allowed t’o fall out for a while. The s.s. Waihora brought 670, including the Nelson and West Coast Contingents and 40 Gisborne Cadets. The Flora had 347 North Island men. The Westralia landed 612 of all ranks from Nelson and Wellington, while 410, the Second West Coast (North Island) Battalion, came down by the Upolu, making a total of 1839. -Colonel Pole-Penton and his staff, and otner officers of high rank, came by the Westralia, which also brought the six field guns of the D Battery (Wellington). The inen were lodged well-nigh in all parts of the vessels in which they travelled, and for the most part slept on straw covered with sails. The food supplied, and the manner in which they' were treated by the officers and stewards, seemed- in every instance to have highly satisfied them. The ships’ officers, on their part, spoke highly of the conduct of the Volunteers while on boards >

The first troop train left Lyttelton at' 9.37 a.m., a second at twelve minutes past noon, and a third shortly after 1 p.m. Some 500 men were,; in addition, sent to town by the 11.25 a.m. train. . The s.s., Wainui arrived from- Wellington at 1.55 p.m. with ‘ 197 Volunteers, 65 of them being cadets from Gisborne and the remainder Navals, and a band from Auckland. THE DECORATIONS. Last evening, the decorations, public and private, were well forward. The railway station has been extensively decoratedwith festoons - and greenery. The Westland trophy attracted much attention from the large crowds of people who thronged the streets, and much attention was also given to the special arches erected by the private companies. The festoon® had been stretched from pole to pole along the line of route. THE VISITOR!?. Last evening the streets were thronged tilr a late hour by townspeople and visitors. Evory train arriving -in the city yesterday brought a full complement to swell the .ever-increasing tide ■; of and by the time .the south trawih-arrived all the hotels ; were ' full.' The express from the south was one 1 of the heaviest for a. considerable "time, and was drawn by two engines, the. extra traffic delaying it for half an hour. Hotelkeepers state that but few rooms are left available, -and, in fact, many have been booked in advance for months past. , Visitors to town include :—Colonels Penton. Robin' and Jowsey, Majors M-adacks, Chicken, . Jowsey, Orawshaw and Owen, Captains Bingley, Hughes, l Tod-d, Murray, Dolman- and Goldingham, Drs Mason and Lindsay, Messrs W. M’Farlane, T. G. Patrick, J. Holmes (Government Commiseionecr), J. M’Gregor, R. 0. Glen-dining, W. P. Studho-hne, J. Alien, D. Rutherford, H. E. Collett, H. Rockst'row, E. Lelievre, A. Studholme, S. E. Rayward, Melville Gray, P. I. Du Ooz, T. Tcschemaker, G. Moodie, E. G. Wright, H. E. Duncan, R. H. Rhodes (Bluecliffs), L. A-cl-and, E. 0. Studholme, D. J. Bews and T. Pavitt (Groymouth). THE SQUADRON. Yesterday morning the Mayor of Christchurch (Mr -A. E. G. Rhodes), the Mayor of . Lyttelton (Mr T. 0. -Field), and the - - Chairman of the Lyttelton Harbour Board (Mr> P. Waymouth), and the Harbourmaster (Captain Clark) went out in the launch Lyttelton to H.M.S. Royal Arthur, and paid an official visit to : Rear-Admiral Beaumont. They were very cordially received. It has been, arranged that fpnr of the men-of-war, H.M.S. Archer, H;M.S. Torch, H.M.S. Pylades and H.M.S. Sparrow, shall com© within the moles to-day after the arrival of the Ophir. • THE CHILDREN’S DEMONSTRAv; TION. - The following amended programme has been agreed upon in connection with the Children’s Demonstration;—The children will not bring flags, as it is considered that they would somewhat spoil the effect of the display of toi toi plumes. The teachers from the country schools will get the children to -the platform® from the Christchurch Railway Station in the’ shortest possible time, and it is suggested that the quickest and clearest route would be via South Belt, Durham Street and Oxford Terrace, gaining entrance to the platform from the junction of Oxford Terrace and Armagh Street. On the arrival of the Royal party and the sound of cornets, all the children -will rise, and at a signal from the Conductor give three cheers, then there will be complete silence, and one verse of the National Anthem will be sung when the signal;!® given by the band. The children will remain standing, the boys with their hats off. • The presentation of bouejuets will thpr be made. As the bouquet-girls are retiring from the Royal party (after presenting the bouquet) all the children will again give three cheers, taking the time from the Conductor. , • As the Royal Party are moving away, one verse of the National Anthem will be sung again), and three cheers will be given. THE ILLUMINATIONS. Trials were made ’ late last night of a number of illuminations. The Cathedral Tower was lighted up, and the searchlight was turned on to the cross on the apex, and the effect was satisfactory, showing that everything -.was in readiness for this evening’s celebrations. The canopy at thejunction- of Armagh and Victoria Streets was also illuminated by electricity, as well as the Government ardh near Victoria Bridge, and the arrangements were shown to he perfect. , ' f

GENERAL ARRANGEMENTS. - Despitii "the uncertainty regarding the weather, the ever-hopaM public was keenly alive to the necessity to be! up and doing from an early hour yesterday morning till a very late hour Oast night, and even after, that the’ sound of the hammer and the swish of the wire being stretched for decorative purposes were heard by those peramhulatmg the route of the Royal prooeissiuni. Never before since .Christchurch was laid -out has such a demand for labour of oil kinds existed! oa this Royal vipit has created, and it is certain that, whatever comparisons our Royal viettorif may choose to make between the brilliancy of our display and those which they have ■witnessed at Melbourne and Sydney, they will leave Canterbury fully impressed ( Wlith a sense of the thorough loyalty to the British throne that pervades our community. And in ibis direction' the shopkeepers and business people generally bare fully risen to the occasion. Apart Sfom the illumdara)tions and decorations, which are “dealt with elsewhere, there ha® been a desire on the part of every tradesman bo excel all previous efforts at display, with the re-, that:-Ohristchurch caas^lume-itself.

on having made a unique and incomparable exhibition of its wares prior’ to the Royal- arrival, when, as loyal British subjects, all have declared a close holiday. The hotels are pretty busy in entering fox the increased requirements of their guests, and several respectable cottagers are put-

ting visitors up at a slight inconvenience, and a slight, but doubtless welcome profit. The butchers have made a big effort in securing highest class meat, which was freely exhibited last night, and attracted marked attention. The main features in the city were the shops of the Christchurch Meat Company, Messrs J. Knight, H. B. Lane and Son, and Langdon and Steel, _each of whom showed -as good a “ shop o’ meat ” as could be seen in any other part of the world. The Meat Company’s display in Cashel Street included one of the first prize bullocks at the Metropolitan Show, besides an array of Shropshire, Southdown, and English Leicester cross-bred wethers and ti lambs, which fully upheld the credit of Canterbury as a,meat producing country. Mr J. Knight Had a special display, including three carcases Of beef from the Kin loch Estate, for each of which he recently paid £ls 5s to Mr A. W. Rutherford, and one especially fine carcase weighing over 14001 b from a local breeder. His sheep and lambs were of very prim© quality and are the produce of the Ston.yh.urst Estate, one of the sheep being a very prime one weighing over 1301 b. Messrs H. B. Lane and Son and Langdon and Steel were as busy as they could be last night disposing of their heavy stocks of very prime meat. The grocers’ windows were gaily decorated and laden with comestibles of all kinds, and the fruiterers and confectioners were also all doing a thriving trade up to a late hour last night. A feature of the town display was a proof engraving of his Majesty the King, taken in 1847, when six years of age. It haa been in the possession of Mr W. Garrard, gunsmith, over forty-two years, and when it was exposed in his window yesterday it attracted the attention of every passer-by. The picture represents his Majesty as a boy in a sailor suit, and is a very pleasing picture. THE PRESENTATION TO PRINCE EDWARD. Captain Alexander has telegraphed to the Mayor as follows :—“ Her Royal Highness will have pleasure in accepting from the loyal women of Canterbury a birthday present for Prince Edward. Kindly inform me when presentation desired, and J will try to arrange,” A BAND RECITAL. ' A band recital has been arranged for . this evening, in Victoria Square. The visiting, the Garrison, the 'Stanmor© and Derry’s private bands will take- part in the performance, which will commence at .7.30. The platform erected for the laving of the foundation stone will be' used by the bands, and will be lighted with incandescent lamps by the Gas Company’. The Procession Committee has arranged with the- committee of the Working Men’s Club to make visiting bandsmen honorary members of the institution during their stay in Christchurch. At the conclusion of the performance, they will be , entertained in the club's social hall. There will not be any chare© for admission to the public platforms. 'SERVICE IN THE CATHEDRAL. At the Cathedral at' eleven o’clock tomorrow the National Anthem will bo sung on the -arrival of their Royal Highnesses. The Te Deum will be Stanford’s in B flat, the Anthem Gounod’s “Sing praises unto the Lord.” Hymns 160 and’ 142 will be sung." Mr Dunkley will intone the -service. The sermon will be preached’by the'Bishop of Christchurch. Before the service a selection of pieces will be played by Mr G. F. Tendall'; and Mr C. Tendall, ' including Handel’s Coronation Anthem and the choruses, “ Let their Celestial Concerts ” and “Singunto God.” At the.conclusion of the service, Handel’s Overture to Athaliah will be played. In the afternoon a service for . the cadet's visiting the town will ha held, with an address by the Bishop. In the evening Canon Harper will preach. The service will be Garrett in 1' and “ Blessed be the God and Father” (Wesley). THE LYTTELTON COVERED WAY. There appears to have been a great deal of misunderstanding in regard to the provision pf a covered way for the landing of the Duke and) Duchess of Cornwall at Lyttelton this morning. When Mr John Holmes arrived from Wellington yesterday he was Informed that 'the Lyttelton people were much incensed by. the proposal to hide the Royal couple from the public view. Altuough he had never heard that anything -of the sort was contemplated, -he at once sent a telegram to the Premier on the subject, and: during the day received the following reply: “John Holmes, Esq., Executive Commissioner, Christchurch, —-I deprecate altogether the covering in of the way from the end of No. 7 Wharf to the line. This was to be done only in the case of wet weather. All that was wanted was to have everything ready lin : case it was required. Their Royal Highnesses ■ want to meet the people, and any interference which will tend to prevent this will nob be appreciated by them. Nor will I be helji responsible for the matter.— R. J. Seddon.” On receipt of this message Mr Holmes communicated with the Mayor of Lyttelton and the Chairman of the Harbour Board, and arrangements were made for the removal of the covered way in the ©vent of the weather being fine.

THE, RAILWAY ARRANGEMENTS. In addition to the very heavy traffic ■which is expected on the Canterbury railways in connection with the Royal visit, the railway authorities have to deal with the transport of over 8000 Volunteers to and from Christchurch. The Traffic Manager (Mr T. Arthur) has drawn out a moat comprehensive scheme for their transport both ways, and this has been submitted; to riie Defence Department, and has been approved of. The difficulty is not so much in getting the men to Christchurch, as in returning them, to their homes on Monday evening. Over 3000 men will leave by four steamers, and to get them and their baggage to Lyttelton at the appointed in addition to the very heavy. ordinary traffic, will tan; the rolling stock to its utmost capacity. However, by the judicious forethought of Mr Arthur, it is hoped that everything will pass off satisfactorily.. The following trains will bring troops from Lyttelton as the different steamers arrive:—9.37 a.m., 0.12 p.m., 0.41 p.m. and 2.55 p.m. .

THE OPHIB. The Secretary of the Lyttelton Harbour Board has received the folio-wing telegram from Captain 'Alexander: — I am glad to inform you that the Ophir will be open to the public on Tuesday, June 25, from 1 p.m. to-5 p.m. It is absolutely forbidden that any liquor shall be taken on board by persons visiting the ship. It is understood that No 7 wharf is to he'barricaded during the week, so as to keep the public from’ the Ophir and the men-ol-war. When the Ophir enters the Heads a salute is to be fired' from Port Jervois, ana the men-of-war will fire a salute when the vessel slips her anchor to come within the moles. ASHBURTON. Great preparations are being made in anticipation of the five minutes’ stoppage ol the Royal train on Tuesday. A platform is being brought out some twenty feet from the main entrance to the station, and it will 'be carpeted and decorated with greenery and flags. A canopy will also be placed overhead. The school children will form a qirde round the platform, and when the Royalties alight from the train they will sing the National Anthem-. The Mayor of the borough and the Chairman of the County Council will be presented, after which the Duke and Duchess will join the train, which will' proceed to the, Tlnwald ißridsp . at precession pace. A- space euffi-

cient to enable some thousands to view the Royal train has been roped off on the east side of the railway line. [Per Press Association.] WELLINGTON, June 21. The Premier and Sir J. G.. Ward went south to-night by the Mararoa, to be present at the Royal reception, at Christchurch. Over a thousand volunteers also went on board the steamer. DUNEDIN, June 21. Reports have been current for some days that the Royal visit to Dunedin would be cuti short, but were disbelieved. .To-night official information was received that the Royalties leave Dunedin at 11.30 on Thursday morning, instead of 10.30 at night. [From Our Correspondent.] DUNEDIN, Juno 21.

Special windows and other coigns of vantage on the line of route of the Royal pw>cession are in great demand, and- high prices have been offered. In several instances several tempting offers for.iprominent positions have been refused ; £ls and £2O were offered and .refused in three cases. It has been decided to extend the accommodation on the Octagon stand to seat 1000; persons, the Premier advising Mr J. Eman Smith that relatives of troopers who are to be decorated must be provided for. The gold medals which are being manufactured by Mr Frank Hyams, for presentation by the Duchess of Cornwall to the nurses who have returned from South Africa, are unique in character, the design being in the shape of a Maltese cross, embellished with finely chased laurel wreaths, interwoven between the four divisions of the cross. In the centre is a disc with beaded edge, carrying in enamel the cross symbol of ambulance work. The medal is suspended from a gold bar by a blue ribbon, the bar being engraved with Maori words, “Pai Rawa,” of which the English interpretation is “Well done." On the"back of the medal is inscribed, Otago and Southland Nursing Sister, 1900, South Africa, 1901,” and it also bears the name of the recipient. The Dunedin women’s present consists of a case of greenstone and gold afternoon tea spoons. THE ENTHUSIASM IN THE COLONIES THE KING DELIGHTED. United Press Association-—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. (Received June 21, 11.40 p.m.) LONDON, June 21. The Duke of Cornwall and York is sending to -London enthusiastic cables. The King is -immensely delighted with the receptions and is impressed with the potentialities of the colonies and the good likely to result to the Empire from the visit. ' A PREVIOUS ROYAL VISIT. THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH IN CHRISTCHURCH. - There are many residents of this province who will remember the demonstrations in connection with the previous Royal visit, when the late Duke of Edinburgh came to these shores. It . was on April 23, 1869, that Prince Alfred arrived in Lyttelton by the Galatea. He was received by the Superintendent, the Hon W. Rolleston, amidst demonstrations of great enthusiasm and joy.- The “Lyttelton Times” records that Christchurch had never presented so truly gay an appearance os on the day the Prince came. The eight is described as a grand one, and it is stated that wherever a person gazed his eye was met by what might literally be termed a thicket of bunting, whilst all the houses in the principal thoroughfares were otherwise decked off in a manner never beftjre attempted in. the city. Mottoes, arches, bays, and banners were to be seen on every side'. Ten thousand people were ranged along the route which the procession was to take. Large numbers assembled on the very housetops, and every window was crowded with spectators, who, in some instances,'paid handsomely for good positions.

There was an extraordinary influx _ of country visitors, who sacrificed; much time and travelled long distances in order that they might join , the citizens in the great and general rejoicings. A reception tent had been erected close to the railway station. Into this the.Prinoe stepped,. and here he was presented with the inevitable addresses. When the procession moved off, shortly afterwards, there was an outburst of cheering and other popular demonstrations. The appearance of his Royal Highness was greeted with every possible mode of welcome.

From the time the procession left the reception tent at the station, a large crowd waited upon the Royal carriage, and continued to keep pace with it to the finish. Up Manchester Street, down Cashel Street, on to Oxford Terrace, and up Hereford Street, the procession passed between buildings lined with people, into Cathedral Square, and this, it is recorded, wa® the culminating point of the excitement. Upwards of 3000 children from city, and out lying district schools, were ranged on each side of the curve, and these were backed up by large crowds of adult spectators, who joined in a continuous round of cheering, the loudest and longest of the day. The children were lightly dressed, and carried numerous partd-coloured flags. The procession went on along Colombo Street, and under an arch, wheeled round {lnto Oxford Terrace, and thence went, to the Clarendon Hotel. On 1 arrival there, the various bodies opened outwards, leaving tEe way clear for the carriage of the Prince, which drove up to the gate, and, alighting amidst a farewell peal of applause, he passed into the hotel.

Later on, a levee was held, and a dejeuner was given by the Mayor (Mr John Anderson), Large crowds had .assembled along the route, from the Government Buildings to- the Town Hall, and loud cheers rent the air as the Prince’s carriage! passed along the streets. His arrival at the hall was made known to those inside by the huzzahs which were raised at short intervals. Inside the building he was received with every demonstration of loyalty and respect, the whole company standing and the baud playing the National Anthem. The Mayor, as host, took the chair under the canopy, and his Royal Highness and the Superintendent sat on h'is right. His Excellency, Sir G. F. Bowen, the Governor, and Captain Montgomery, of H.M.S. Blanche, were on his left. The City Councillors and the Mayors of boroughs sat at the table nearest to the Royal visitor. Among those present were the late Mr Justice Gresson, the Dean of Christchurch, the Hon Joseph Hawdon, M.L.0., Hon 6. L. Lee, M.L.C., W. Donald, R.M., H. J. Tailored, M.H.R., R. H. Rhodes, M.P.0., F. J. Garrick, M.P.0., the Hon 0. C. Bowen, Colonel Packe, W. S. Moorhouse, E. 0. J. Stevens, J. T. Peacock, Dr Haast, E. Reece, and others.

A feature of the demonstrations in honour of the Prince was a Public Festival, held in Barnard’s Repository. It was undfertafcen by the Popular Amusement and Entertainment Association, and was exceedingly successful. In the evening, many public and private buildings to the city .were briUiontly illuminated. In every street of any importance there were numerous displays, whilst In the principal thoroughfares scarcely a building was without an illuminated emblem of loyalty, and the arches were all lighted up. On Saturday, April 23, the Prince went to the races, and in the evening' attended a MU at the Provincial Council Chamber, which on that evening saw an animated ecene, dancing being kept up until an early hour in the morning.