THE ROYAL TOUR.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CV, Issue 12538, 27 June 1901, Page 5

THE ROYAL TOUR.

[FkOM OtTK CORBESPONDPNT.] DTJNEDIN, June 26. Comparisons are proverbially at all times odious, but, like many other odious things, they possess an intrinsic interest on an oocadon when point of view counts for more than a bold recital of facts. The game of emulation which the four ibig oities of New Zealand have played in connection with the Royal tour has one which those lookers-OD who—in terms .of the adage which concentrates the wisdom of the countrysidte—sees most of the game, have followed with the greatest interest. Everywhere the nature of the celebrations has been markedly diversified and curiously distinctive, and whilst nowhere has enthusiasm been lacking nor loyalty failed to display itself in the accepted form of " outward andl visible" decorative efforts, there have still been degrees' of enthusiasm, d£ : greea of excellence and degrees of success. Of course, the weather counts for much in suoh a celebration as has been to-day recorded in New Zealand, and when dawn leaped in at our casement this morning, flushed with! the promise of a perfect day, everybody felt at once that if Dunedki's welcome to the King's son and his consort were not a right loyal one, it would not be the fault of her citizens. And; what a day it blossomed! into. For the end of June it was a marvel 1 for Dunediiy, a true type of Indian summer which, shouldering out un.welcome winter, showers the benignant blessing of the blue amd gold of the lordlier hours of the year at is prima, and with that quaint assumption of personal responsibility with which people?upon great, occasions greet the sunshine, Dunedim smiled and scored the first point in the rubber by marking up the ideal day of the Royal tour in New Zealand as theirs. Then, when people had got no further south than Wellington there came one of those inexplicable wingless whispers, whose'' origin is as mysterious as that of the stars themselves, which said, "Waittill you get to Dunedin-." Certainly the entry to the city last night gave an appetiser of what was to follow, and' indicatedl substantially that the big day of the visit, was to be the big day in every legitimate sense of the-word.. The illuminations were, undoubtedly, a preliminary success, and excepting the Wellington Post Office, Government House and the Cathedral in Ohristchurch, there was nothing to touch the displaysyinade by the Town Hall and Union Company. Private enterprise, too, was far mere successfully conspicuous than in any city further north, and the general effect wag unmistakeably superior to any yet experienced in New Zealand, Turning to the dteoorative scheme, it had much to oommendit, embodying as it did the graceful' features of several previous displays, while avoiding their, disabilities. As in Auckland, tbene was a plentiful use of .greenery, but it was mot allowed to subordinate the colour note. 'As in Wellington, there wag ai f brave display of bunting, but dt was supported by ia judicious mingling of evergreens and a more varied display ol colours. As lav Ohristchurch, there was ai wealth of coloured l cloth employed, but the decorative:scheme was less crude and abortive, and there was a mingling of colours and a), diversity of arrangement that were bptb/artistio and effective. From the Bank of New Zealand l corner, where the huge maypole streamers of greenery formed an entirely new feature, along Princes Street, under the Royal red and blue canopy to that section which was dressed in old gold and pink, amd on again to George Street, where dainty shades remote from the primary colours formed the basis of the the colour note was continually light, but effective". The arramgement generally was higher than elsewhere, and thie undoubtedly helped it. It was keyed in a lighter amd more graoeiful setting, and, with the golden sunshine filtering through and dappling the streets beneath, it certainly appealed more to the artistic temperament than did the display in any otiher centre, Auckland possibly, only excepted. Then as to the arches. Here agaiin there was much that was superior. The marine arch, the municipal arch, and the Government arch, the last especially, wall compare favourably with any elsewhere. The graceful fern arch ait Rotorua, and the Westport Ooal Company's arch ait Wellington, may fairly claim preced'emoe, bub thereafiber the looal arches 'more than held . their own. Less disfigured by the abortions of chromo-Mho-graphy, aind built upon a scale less suggestive of the use of children's blocks, they were distinctly more realistic and satisfying than many which were viewed elsewhere. It is a difficult matter to express enthuskismi in the foot pounds of commerce, but -writing with only the guidance of reminisosmce, it really scented as if the crowds on the Dunedin streets were largeaj lamd mora electric than those anywhere else, and the impression received a substantial emphasis at the old veterans' dinner. This was a wild scene of simmering enthusrajsm boiling over from time to . time in a spontaneous expression of loyalty, as when the assemblage sprang uninvited to •their'feefc when the band: opened out with " Rule Britannia," and' sang the good old song with lusty vigor. Even their Royal Highnesses seemed' imbued with something of the general spirit, for the Duke's reply to the addresses presented to him was much less boldly platitudinous than the addresses delivered by him elsewhere, and was couched in quite a new strain of sentiment and appreciation. Both Prince and people, indeed, seemed to be imbued with the same spirit, and appeared to be determined to crowd into the short space of time at their service a record of mutual gratulabion. . . The travelling journalist is a disinterested critic, and though h« belongs to a perverse and bad-livered generation, his bird'seye estimate of such an occasion as this may not improbably approach nearer the truth .than the close analysis of a more elaborate critic, with such an all-embracing view and backed only 'by the'logic of a woman's reason. " I think it so, because I think it so." Heading as he who- I'uns, I would with difficulty separate the wealth of Dunedin's welcome 'from that of Auckland, and with trembling discrimination hoist Wellington's nuir.lber ■for third place with the legend "also started" against the name of the City of the Plains. ' YESTERDAY'S CEREMONIES. THE ARCHES AND* DECORATIONS. AN ENTHUSIASTIC CROWD. [Per Pbess Association.] DUNEDIN, June 26. The welconro aff-tOT&'ett to the Duke and Duchess put a fitting climax to the loyal Acclamations which have greeted the Royal progress throughout New Zealand. It is admitted by the vkitimg journalists that tlw charing of the-Dunecka esowds ras

THE DUNEDIN WELCOME. YESTERDAY'S CEREMONIES, EFFECTIVE DECORATIONS. SPEECH BY THE DUKE,

the heartiest heard in-the colony, the street decorations equalled, if nob surpassed, those of Auckland, and the illuminations were second only to Wellington's. There was clear brilliant weather, with no breeze. Dense crowds early thronged' the streets, which were roped off and' lined with volunteers. ' At IL3O the Royal party left the Fernbill dub and proceeded along Manor Place, whiere rtfhe children were grouped, and shrilly cheered. Turning into Princes Streiet south a magnificent vista appeared, the street being canopied and garlanded with bannerets andl foliage. The gaudy structure of the Chinese arch was first paissed At High, Street the scheme of decoration adopted inoludedi tall masts, from which festoons of 'greenery gracefully radiated. On the crest of Princes Street stood the magnificent marine arch, the most carefully built and artistically constructed 1 in the colony. Large models and pictures of Union steamers were a feature. It was lit at night by 500 electric lights. The Octagon, where the ceremony of presenting addresses took place, was the scene of two magnificeoit arches, the Government arch, representing "Balmoral Castle, being fine, and more substantial than the Government arch' in Wellington.. The municipal arch was a mass of greenery. The pediments of the towers were filled with mosses, and lycopodium garland's canopied the whole central spaoe. All down Princes Street am avenue was formed of ai double lina of tree ferns, varied with stands of ferns and plants, over Which fountains played. The Dunedin Engineers formed a granl of honour at the date. The whole space was thronged by the public. On the dais were the Governor and Lady Raiifuriy, the Premier, and Mrs andl rtihe Misses Seddon, the Mayor L. Denniston) amd Mrs Denniston, Miss' Pairlie Denniston, Sir J. G. Word and the Hons J. Carrol and T. Duncan. " At 11.45 the Duike, escorted by the Obago Hussars, was received with- ? cheeiis.' Miss Fairrio Denniston- presented' a bouquet. Addresses were presented, to the Duke from the Mayor and Corporation of Dunedin, Presbyterian Church (Otago and Southland), the Oatholio Bishop, clergy and laity of Dunedin, the Mayor and Corporation of Port Chalmers, the County Councils of Otago, the Scottish Societies of Dunedin, and the Friendly Societies of Otago. The casket for tiha addresses was a large ihandsome gold, silver and bronze representation of a Maori whare. The DuEe read the following reply:— The loyal sentiments and kindly words of (greeting contained in the addresses which halve been presented l to me have already found expression in-' the very hearty and enthusdasfefo welcome whsoh we received! both last evening and 1 to-day in passing through, the gaily illuminated decorated:, streets of the city. Wa thank you most sin:oerely for these tokens of your loyalty and good-will. I shall have much pleasure in< communicating to the King your assurances of attachment and devotion to his throne and person. Were proofs needed of this, they have, been given a hundredfold) in the gailant services rendered to the Empire by yonr sona and brothers, and in the glorious, .unfading memory of loved! ones who, alas, sleep on the African veldt. Your affectionate references to ouri (truly loved, ever lamented Queen re-echo those universal souncta of grief \ and mourning which weHedl up from! *be remotest corners of the world, but we taic comfort in the knowledge that ini her great noble nfe will surely be found one -of the most certain isources of that spirit of loyalty, of unity and of solemn determination-'to share the common burden which has now • de- . , clai-ed itself with such an irresistible force throughout the free nations whichi form the British Empire. We •have eagerly looked forward to visiting this favoured district of New Zealamd, knowing that", we should find here a community of pure Scotch origin, who, some half-century-ego, left their native shores for this distant Hand. True to the national inborn capacity for colondsafcion/ they came in whole families, und-er the guidance of trusted leaders and of their revered ministers. They transplanted to their new home in the Southern Seas their national institutions, their characteristic zeal • and readiness to make every sacrifice for education. Bub they did more. They infused into their new life that courage, perseverance and tenacity of purpose which together with a spirit of enterprise, are the inherent characteristics of their race. What must then have been but a mere hamlet, but in which they saw with prophetic eye its present greatness, they. honoured with the Celtic name of that tfairest of cities, the proud historic capital which is the pride of all the Scotsmen. Is it to be wondered that, coming with such interests and traditions, they laid here the foundation of what is now one of the most progressive communities of this prosperous colony? ,But, though your province is the" farthest distant from the centre of the Empire, it has proved that the hearts of the people beat no less stronm.y for the Mother-Country. The Fourth Contingent ia, I find, renowned in this colony, maanned as it was by your eons, equipped and mounted by the generosity of the people of the province, whd'ie Dunedin stands unique in having sent from among its brave self-sacrificing daughters, nurses to tend and care for the sick and wounded in South Africa. Most • heartily do I -reciprocate the hope expressed that cur visit may enhance the spirit of igoodwill which should band in one great solid union of hearts the scattered portions of the Empire. It is with deep regret that, owing to numerous important engagements which remain yet to be fulfilled during our ' long momentous voyage, we have nob been able to remain longer amongst Wu, to visit other portions of your island. We shaK quit your shores' with feelings of profound gratitude for the generous and. unfeigned kindness which has been extended to us throughout the length .and breadth of the colony, and it is our earnest prayer that Divine Providence may continue to guide and watch over the destinies of its people. At the beginning of the speech the distant crowd, ignorant that the Duke was speaking, created a disturbancei which caused the iDuke to pause. Quiet was soon restored, and the Duke proceeded. - Mrs Seddon presented the Duchess with an address from the Women of New Zealand, signed by Ministers' wives. Nurse Ross' received the Otago medal, and the

returned troopers war medals, each name being called out. Then the Duke descended from the dais, inspected the veterans, examined the- medals, and chatted, with several. At 12.15 he drove off with his suite along the line of procession in George Street, and repassed the Octagon half an hour later at a trot, and returned to the Fernhill Club. The Government entertained the veterans and returned troopers at luncheon in the Choral Hall, happily decorated with shields bearing the matures of the British generals and engagements in the Transvaal war. The Premier presided over an enthusiastic gathering. The Duke and Go-, vernor sent apologies for their unavoidable absence. The Premier read a letter from General Hiitton, in which he congratulated Colonel Robin upon his C. 8., and said that no one deserved the recognition of gallant service better than Colonel Robin. Ho referred to his contingent as the most gallant'of all the gallant troops, his old comrades. The New Zealand Mounted Rifles, ■Colonel Robin's battalion, was one to be proud of. He (General Hutton), tf*uld always recall their discipline, steadiness, dash and gallantry upon all occasions, when hehad' the good fortune to have them with his force. He would always associate Colonels Robin and Cradock and the New Zealanders as being connected with all the best which was done by the First Mounted Infantry Brigade. At 2.30 a great children's demonstration was held at the Caledonian- Grounds. Twenty-three public schools in Otago were represented by 3000 children. The girls wore white red and blue sashes and caps, and the cadets were in naval costume. The Duke and Duchess and suite arrived, and were seated in the grand-stand. Physical drill was performed by 350 cadets, under Captain Murray, physical drill and marching evolutions by 500 girls, pretty wand exercises by 600 girls, and dumb-bell exercises by 800 boys. Songs were sung by the tinited' voices, and the ceremony concluded with a march-past of all the children. The Whole was directed by Messrs John Hanna and G. M. Bradk. These gentlemen occupied a tall tower on wheels, whence they controlled the huge body of children. After the? ceremony the Duke was presented with a) stone chair, devised) by Dr Gordon Macdonald. The Duke laughingly sat in- the chair. While the Duchess was waiting, an old lady rushed up to her, seized Duchess's hand and kissed it. The-Duchess smiled and gave the old lady a flower from her bouquet. The Royal party then paid) brief .visits to the Agricultural and Horticultural Shows. This evening the city was illuminated, and there was a fireworks display. A Royal reception was held at the Agricultural Hall, and there was a brilliant attendance. The hall was decorated with exquisite taste. To-morrow the Royal party will leave by train for Ohristchurch at 11 a.m., first laying the foundation-stone of the Queen's Statue at the Triangle. Sir H. J. Miller, Speaker of the Legislative Council, was invested with his order at the Fernhill Club to-night. His Royal Highness sent forMrT. Donne, and thanked him for the excellent work done in connection with the tour. Mr John Holmes was also thanked. His Royal Highness expressed himself highly pleased with the arrangements, decorations, etc. NOTES AND INCIDENTS. [Fhom Otje Correspondent.] DUNEDIN, June. 26. An amusing mistake occurred at the Royal reception to-day. Anxious that everything should be done properly, Colonel Wales announced that on the arrival of their Royal Highnesses he would lead three hearty cheers. Shortly after, the Governor arrived, and 'the band' struck up the National Anthem. Unable to see the carriage, Colonel Wales leaped to his feet and called in stentorian voice "Three cheers for the Duke and Duchess!" ,The response was quick and lusty before the crowd gathered that the call had been a little premature. At the winter show this afternoon, while inspecting a large cheese the by-standers remarked that being such a monster it ought to be called; "The Duke." "No," remarked the Duke, " being such a monster it}, should be christened after Mr Seddon." And then peopte thought and thought and thought. " I must get away to those kiddies," was the informal comment with which the Premier broke up the old veter-ans' lramch. That a spirit of loyalty to the throne and its representatives burns more ardently in some ibreasts than others was evidenced to-day at the Caledonian Ground in a pretty" and somewhat pathetic manner. An old lady leaned over the barrier, and catching the Duchess's hand in hers kissed it. At first .Jiere was a natural inclination to withdraw the hand, but, with a smile, her Royal Highness let it stay, and the loyal old lady kissed it seven times. Then still unsatisfied, she asked for a flower, and the •generous queen that-some-day-is-to-begave her two. It is not generally 'known that the colony ' is footing' the bill for their Royal visitors from the time of their arrival at Auckland till their departure from our shores. The cost of all the state dinners and the provisioning -of the various private residences where the visitors have stayed have been borne by the Government. To use an expression of one of the Ministers, " They aPS> our guests, or, rather, the guests of the colony during the- time they are with us. The people should know and recognise this." AUCKLAND. [Per Pbess Association.] AUCKLAND, June 26. At a meeting of the Executive of the Auckland Reception the Secretary reported that the cost of the reception had bean £2135, of which sum the City Council's share, a third, amounted to £7ll. If this were paid it would leave a balance of £257. The Town Clerk eaid' that the. Council would make a progress payment providing that it had suffioient funds to pay accounts. Mr Goldie,' formerly Mayor of Auckland, said he supposed the Council''' 1 was morally bound to pay a full third, but suggested that in view of the large expenditure by the Council the committee 'did not feel justified in taking the 1 money He held that the Council sbomd pay the third. It was decided to leave the consideration of the disposal of the surplus until after the final adjustment of accounts. WELLINGTON. [Per Press Association.] WELLINGTON, Juno 26. During the Royal visit week the Wellington municipal trams carried 97,943 passengers, and ran 7000 car miles. There- ! ceipts were £B2O, or £4OO above those for an average week in the winter. ■ A PRESENT TO A MAYOR. [Per Press Association.] WELLINGTON, June 26. The Mayor of. Wellington has received ; from the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall, as a memento of their visit, . an autograph photograph of their Royal Highnesses. THANKS FROM THE EXECUTIVE COMMISSIONER. The Mayor received the following telegram on Tuesday:—"His Worship the Mayor, Ohristchurch.—As Executive. Commissioner for New Zealand, I desire to place on record my hearty congratulations and best thanks for. the excellence of the arrangements made by yourself, the Councillors, and the Citizens' Committee and the Canterbury Royal Commissioners in extending, such a magnificent reception to i our distinguished visitors. When I bad the honour of addressing the first meeting of your citizens in March vast-, I ventured to express the opinion that every city in New Zealand would extend such a welcome to their Royal Highnesses that would always live in their memory, and I feel sure that Canterbury's enthusiastic outburst of genuine, loyal enthusiasm will never be forgotten by those privileged to witness it. ■ To your - own and Mrs Rhodes's untiring

efforts the great success of all the functions is largely due. I am hopeful of, personally conveying to you my sincere appreciation of the work so .nobly continued for months, and brought to such a successful termination, but, on the principle that the path of duty is the path of safety, I left at 10.30 last night for Dunedin, to assist my colleagues tnexe in making final preparations for the Royal visit to the Edinburgh of New Zealand.—John Holmes, Executive Commissioner." LEAVING FOR HOME. All the cadet corps that took part in Monday's review at Hagley Park 'have now taken their departure for their homes. The last to leave were the Hawera Cadets, sixty-two strong, under Captain Struck, who went away yesterday morning. Before leaving, . Captain Strack expressed to a representative of this paper their appreciation of the treatment received in Christchurch. They had spent a very enjoyable time, notwithstanding the inconveniences during the early parts ci the stay. These difficulties might all have been overcome, as they were in the end, if captains had exercised personal supervision over their corps. The boys had enjoyed tfhe drill,' and the visit had been of great educational value, as well as a. source of delight to the children, who were looking forward to similar gatherings later on in the North Island. '.Che food was excellent, and the only drawback was the long delays that took place. A word of praise, was given to the Caversham Industrial School Cadets, who set an excellent example in the matter of cleanliness and discipline. Captain. Strack was loud in prais* of the residents of Christchurch with whom his corps had come in contact, and of the treatment received everywhere. Just befoTe marching off, the boys were called to attention, and gave their Maori war cry in (hearty style. THE DFJARTTJRE FROM LYTTELTON. The Royal train is timed to arrive at Lyttelton from Dunedin' at 7.50 p.m. to-day. It .will not draw up at the station, but will run to the head of No. 7 wharf, where their Highnesses and party will board one of the Government steamers and proceed to H.M.S. Ophir, which will then be lying in the steam. Immediately after receiving the Royal visitors on board, the Ophir is to leave for Hobarb, together with, her escort, H.M.S. Juno and H.M.S. St George. The members of the Lyttelton Naval Artillery, and of the N Battery/are to parade at 7.10 p.m. to form a! guard of honour at the wharf, and a Royal salute is to be fired from the fortifications. It is proposed thaib a display of fireworks shall be made from the vessels in harbour and from the shore, as the steamer with their Highnesses onboard leaves the wharf. Captain Dudley Alexander has telegraphed to Mr 0. Hood-Williams, secretary of the Lyttelton Harbour Board, as follows: —"The Royal train, is timed! to arrive a* Lyttelton a* 7.50 p.m. to-day (Thursdiay). Their Royal Highnesses, will proceed! direct on board l the Ophir per on© of the GoveMir ment steamers. There will foe. no function. The Mayor and the chairman of the Lyttelton Harbour Beard should meet the Royal train to say good J-bye." There 'will he a "display of fireworks as the Government steamer takes her departure from the inner harbour. ARRANGEMENTS AT LYTTELTON. The Officer commanding the Lyttelton Garrison wil 1 . make arrangements to have a Guard of Honour and a Band in position at No. 7 wharf at 7.20 o'clock this evening. , The whole of th*> Lyttelton Garrison, including cadets, will also parade and assist in keeping the- ground, to be in position by 7.20 p.m. Royal Salute will be fired from the Fort as the Royal Squadron steams. down the harbour. . THE ROYAL REVIEW". -1, EXPRESSION OF:THE DUKE'S PLEASURE. A divisional order issued by Colonel GPolePenton states that the Duke of Oornwali and York has expressed' his entire satisfaction and pleasure at the manner in whioh the work at the review in Hagley Park was performed by al cranks. Captain Onslow, who had change of the arrangements as to horses and carriages for the Royal party, has informed Messrs W. Hayward and Co. that he was mniicn pleased with the arrangements in this department in Chriitchureh, and in his opinion the equipage provided was a credit to any city. The horses supplied for the Royal carriage 'by Messrs Hayward met with so much favour, that by Captain Osborne's instructions, they were taken to (Dunedin for the ceremonies there.

Three copies of the speech delivered, "by the Duke in the Provincial Council. Chambers, in reply to addresses, have been left with the Mayor by Sir Arthur Bigge. One ■will be preserved' in the archives of the City Council, one will be handed to the representatives of the old age pensioners, and the other to the Loyal Orange Lodge. Their Royal Highnesses have presented portraits of themselves to the Queen's Jubilee Memorial Home. ( On Tuesday morning., as the Royal train ran through Addington station, between seven and eight hundred employees of the Addington Railway Workshops lined the platforms and cheered lustfiy. The Duchess was aeen to bow her acknowledgments. After the train had 1 passed, ',the men marched in a body to the manager and asked for a holiday for the rest ot the day; -winch -was granted.