THE ROYAL TOUR.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CV, Issue 12539, 28 June 1901, Page 5

THE ROYAL TOUR.

AT DUNEDIN, ■ ' LAYING A FOUNDATION STOEB. THE DUKE’S FAREWELL TO NEW ZEALAND. DEPARTURE EEOM LYTTELTON.

[Pee Peess Association.] DUNEDIN, June 27. In- splendid weather the Royal party took their departure from the EemhOl Club and proceeded through, the street®, which were densely thronged. The route was lined with Volunteers, the mounted troopers and! infantry being placed alternately. There was great cheering as the Duke and Duchess passed. They proceeded to the Triangle, where a platform hod been erected) over the foundation stone of the Queen’s Memorial Statue. Sir Henry Miller, president of the Memorial Committee, in a speech eulogised the late Queen. The Duke then laid the stone and made the following reply:— “ Sir Henry Miller, Ladies and Gentlemen, —The Duchess of York and I will remember with pleasure that the last ceremony in ' which w© took part before leaving Dunedin, or, I may say, \ before leaving New Zealand, was the laying of the first stone of a monument' to our great and ever-lamented Queen, whom we all so dearly loved. Yes, we are glad to be thus united with you in doing honour to the memory of her who, during a reign unparalleled in history, ever strove for the welfare and prosperity of her people. We are right to perpetuate that memory J>7 the highest powers of the sculptor's mind and May not each of us also strive to raise up in our hearts, and, indeed, in the hearts of the nation, an ideal based upon the noble example of her Mfe? In bidding you farewell, we sincerely thank the citizens of Dunedin and the people of the province of Otago for the warm and friendly welcome accorded to us. We shall leave your beautiful and hospitable island with deep regret We shall go away with the hearty cheers of your people still ring- • ing in our ears, and bearing in our hearts grateful and unfading reoollec-. f tions of the happiness we have experienced at their hands. Kia Ora.”

tions were in full swing again to-jsight, and) crowds moved about admiring everything. Country visitors seem never to tire of viewing the scene. THE JOURNEY TO LYTTELTON.Dunedin wound up the Royal tour with the heartiest of farewells yesterday morning. With a reputation for hospitality to maintain, worthily won on previous Imperialistic occasions, the southern city laid herself out to do the thing in style. Jdfeal weather helped 1 , and! the fact that the'enthusiasm, which in other pieces had been spread over several! days, had to be practically crowded into one in Dunedin,, was , also a material factor in making the warmth of welcome in the south more pronounced than.' elsewhere. The brief cere- - mony of laying the fourwlation-atone of the statueto the Queen was witnessed by cheering thousands, and: the station precincts -was one packed mass of enthusiastic pecA pie, spreading, in gradually dwindling rank* far out into the suburbs along the. line.. The start of the journey north—the real farewell to the colony—was one of the most wonderful demonstrations, indeed, of the • tour. Both the people and the country were at their best, and the run to Palmerston, through smiling, bush-clad Mils,,and i by ever-varying peeps of fiord and of sea, was picturesque in the extreme. Lunch wa» partaken of at Palmerston, and) then a through run was made to Pukeuri Junction, where a short stoppage was made for engine purposes. At Timaxu, another brie* halt was inade, and several of the| addresses already fully described and quoted, were inspected by their Royal Highnesses in their framed, completeness. Another brief stay outside Ashburton for water, was the last stoppage, and the train then ran right through to the Lyttelton wharf, . .r-

The Duke and Duchess, amid enthusiastic cheers, drove to the Railway Station, and said good-bye to the Mayor end others. The Duke expressed to Mr Denniston his extreme pleasure at his Dunedin visit, and the hospitality extended to him by the people of Otago. Their Royal Highnesses presented to Mr Denniston, and Sir R. Chisholm (the Chairman of the Reception Committee) each an autograph photograph. During the State dinner, on Wednesday, Mrs Denniston mentioned that her eon, a cadet, wag ill a* Christchurch. The Duchess graciously asked Mrs Denniston to travel with her, and accordingly she left in the Royal train this morning.' The Premier and Sir Joseph Ward informally entertained the English journalists at the Grand Hotel, last night. At the Royal Reception concert the programme was furnished by the Dunedin Orchestral Society (conductor Mr James Coombs), and Masses Rose Blaney and Amy Murphy who sang. All thie guests were presented to the Duke and Duchess, the ceremony occupying an hour. Yesterday evening Mr Donne, the Tourist Commissioner, and Mr John Holmes, the Government Royal Commissioner, were commanded to appear at the Fcmhill Club. ’ The Duke cordially thanked and complimented Messrs Donne and Holmes for the arrangements made on behalf of the Royal party, and the Duke expressed himself highly pleased with the decorations in the various cities, and gratified at the loyal enthusiasm displayed throughout the colony. Mr Holmes was presented with a , handsome cigarette case, on which are the Royail portraits. The two children who tramped from Invercargill to see the Duke and Duchess were also received by their Royal Highnesses, and given presents .of autograph photographs. Seventeen thousand people were present at the Children's Demonstration yesterday. The State dinner, last night, was attended, in addition to the Royal suite, by Mr Justice, Mrs and Miss Williams, Sir Henry and Lady Miller, Sir Joseph Ward, the Hon George, Mrs and Miss M’Lean, the Mayor and Mrs 'Denniston, Colonel Robin and Mesdamea ‘ SindairThomson, Ritchie, Woddhooise, Reynolds, and Millar.

AT TIMARU. [Per Pekes Association.] . _ TIMARU, June 27. The Timaru Railway Station was further decorated to-day for the return of the Royal party. Numerous small flags were hung beneath the verandah, and matting was laid bn the outer edge of the rough planked platform: Mr Lambert* the artist, accompanied by Mr Cassidy, .brought down by the express the completed original of the women's address, and Mr Pernor took a couple of photographs of it, while a number of people had an opportunity given, them to admire it. The occupants tekthe first train refreshed themselves, and seemed to be glad of the opportunity. The Royal train arrived at 4.36, and stopped ® little over » quarter of an hour. The whole party alighted on an almost «uipty platform. Their Highnesses were shown for tha firfib time the women's 7 address, and a' photograph was taken of the Royal group inspecting it, which occupied some time. On returning to the carriage Mr Marcus, stataonmaster, was called up and presented. The train was ordered off at ten minutes to five, but the engine drivers were at work with spanners on the front of tho engine a couple of minutes longer. Several hundreds of people assembled outside the fetation, and cheered! as the train came in and left, the Duke bowing at the window.

AT ASHBURTON. The Royal train stopped at the water* tanks at the north encF of the Ashburton platform last evening. A large crowd assembled on both sides of the railway line, and in response to loud cheering their Royal Highnesses, accompanied by Lord Ranfurly, cam© bn to the platform and repeatedly bowed their acknowledgments. The train left at 6.11 p.m. Mir W. H, Collins, Mayor of Ashburton, telegraphed to Lord Ranfurly last,night, as follows:—"A safe and pleasant return, for their Royal Highnesses, is the united wish of the citizens of. Ashburton.” NOTES AND INCIDENTS. Owing to Commodore Winsloe’s “unapproaohableoess,” the visiting English journalists were nearly deprived of all .opportunity of travelling south. Th® Commodore declined to make any arrangements for the journalists to rejoin th© squadron on arrival of th© Royal train, and rather than run any risks they decided to abandon the trip to Dunedin, much to the disappointment of the southearners. Th© Premier was appealed- to in the matter, and after some ineffectual representations Mr Seddcn informed the Governor that if the Commodore would not arrange that at least some of the visitors should have on opportunity of going to Dunedin, ; so far as th© Government‘ was concerned, the tour would ceas® at Christchurch, and it would be unrepresented at Dunedin. This threat had the desired effect, and Messrs Scott Cranston (“Central News” Agency), J. Watson (Reuter’s) and Pears© (“The Sphere”) accompanied! the party to Dunedin. . Dunedin is intensely annoyed at th* refusal of Commodore Winsloa to take, the Ophir to th© southern port, despite the fact that vessels of greater draught regularly enter there. The Premier offered, as an inducement towards Bending the vessel south, ,to place the Tutanekai and Hanemioa at th® Royal service, as' tenders, if the Commodore would take ‘ the big vessel down and lie outside , the Heads, This course could have obviated th© necessity of curtailing the Dunedin programme, hut the Commodore declined to entertain

Major Perry, of the Salvation Army, who had the contract for Mnematographmg the celebrations in the colony, exposed during the tour five thousand feet of film, the major portion at Rotorua. ,Oa the military review, at Christchurch, he exposed .400 ft, and secured, some excellent views. He took, altogether, 260 pictures. The Salvation Army ' intends to present their Royal Highnesses with a continuous picture showing their progress through Victoria and New Zealand.

About twenty-five kinematograph pictures were tpken by Major Perry, of the Royal progress through New Zealand, and it is the intention of the Government to Show these throughout the colony in about three months’ time. The Major is of opinion that the best view he took was that of- the Christchurch military review, on which function he exposed about 400 ft of film. The pictures have to go to Melbourne to be developed, It is theintention, of the Salvation Amy t 0,., prepare a; continuous film representing the Royal progress through Victoria and New Zealand, from the landing at 6t Kilda to the departure at Dunedin. This will be encased in a silver casket and presented to their Highnesses. Mr A. Hamilton, on behalf of the New Zealand Institute, to-day presented' the Duchess with a copy of “ Maori Art,” published by the Institute, ®nd Dr Hocken presented the Duke with a copy of his book on the early history of Otago, and also with a copy of “ Abel Tasman and His Journal.”

DUNEDIN, June 28,

it. Commissioner Tunbridge, who has had charge of the police arrangements during the Royal tour, was yesterday “commanded" into the Royal presence. The Duke expressed himself' to the Commissioner as intensely pleased with the whole of these arrangements, and as a souvenir of the oc-, caaion autograph photos were'presented to the Chief by the Duchess, whilst the Duke added a very handsome silver cigarettecase, with embossed figures of himself and the Duchess, a« his recognition of the Commissioner’s excellent services. Mr 0. G. Marcus, statioumaster at Timaru, was yesterday presented to th« Duke and Duchess whilst the train was in waiting. t A number of railway officials Were presented to the Duka and Duchess of York yesterday. These included Mr W. H. Qaw, traffic superintendent; Mr P. W. M’Lwp, traffic manager for Dunedin ; Mr S. F. Whitcorabe, traffic manager for Invercar-

Before the Royal party left the Fernhill Club the members of the Imperial Troops Billeting Committee presented,three copies of the souvenir issued in connection with the scheme, one being for the King. Mrs Denniston (wife of the Mayor) presented for the women of Dunedin greenstone handled teaspoons gold mounted, which the Duchess said would be in constant use in her own home. Miss Alice Karetea made a presentation on behalf of the Otago Maoris. Mr A. Hamilton, on behalf of the New Zealand Institute, presented the Duchess with a copy of “ Maori Art,” and Dr Hockeru presented a copy of his “Early History of Otago” and “ Abel Tasman and His Journal." The Royal couple made a number of presents, induding one to Sir Joseph Ward, autograph photographs 'to the Mayor and Mr Ohisholm, chairman of the Reception Committee. Mr 0. E. Bird, steward of the Fernhill Qlub t was specially thanked, and in addition to autograph photographs received a silver ash tray embossed with the Royal arms. As the train was moving away the Duke, in a loud voice, thanked the Mayor for the cordial reception they had received from the citiaens of Dunedin. The illumina-

• and Mr H. Macamdrew, district en- ' Rinser for Canterbury. A SENSATIONAL INCIDENT. ' GUARD FOWKE IN IMMINENT PERIL. A NARROW"ESCAPE. . There was a somewhat sensational incident just as the Royal train moved away from Ashburton. Guard Fowke, who was iu charge, having signalled the train away found her gaining speed somewhat rapidly. He allowed the Royal carriage and the Governor’s carriage to pass him, and then , attempted to board the next one. Just as he'made big run beside the carriage his foot caught in a cattlo-stop. He hung on, however, to the guard-iron, and both his shoes •were pulled off by the force with which be was dragged, The Hon C. Hill-lreVor, who had just come out upon the platform of the train, called for help, and seized hold of the guard. Sir Joseph Ward and Lord • Crichton came to his assistance, and the ■ communication-cord being utilised, the train was quickly brought to a standstill. It was found that beyond a severe shaking andsome bruises on the feet and legs the guard bod sustained no injuries. He seemed more concerned, indeed, at-having stopped _ the train than at the imminence of his peril. DEPARTURE EROM LYTTELTON ■AN ENTHUSIASTIC FAREWELL. The people of Lyttelton, who had the honour, of bidding farewell to the Royal • visitors on their 'departure from the colony, rose- to the ' occasion, and provided a “ send-off ” ' worthy of the colony. The demonstration was the more effective becausa it was comparatively spontaneous. There was .little of preparation', but what was 'done■ was well done. The population of the place turned out in force to witness the ‘ departure. of the Duke and Duchess. The preparations for thio ceremonial pant of .the proceedings were similar to these for the reception of the illustrious guests. No. 7 Wharf was barricaded, and a volunteer guard .of honour, was in attendance. That guard was under Captain M’lntyre, commander of the N Battery, and - contorted 'of some forty of his own corps and fifty-eix of the Naval Artillery, under Lieu-tenant-Commander Hewlett. The Naval Cadets, mustered thirty-three strong, under Captain Longuet, and were employed in guarding 'the - barriers. A 1 considerable number of the residents. of ■ Lyttelton. were admitted -within the barrier, and a large • crowd! of others gathered) outside. The Mayor, Mr T. C. Field was in attendance, to bid farewell Royal Highnesses, and was-accompanied, by - Mrs Field, with a Jovely' bouquet for the Duchess. Mr F. Waymouth, Chairman of the Harbour Board, was also present, as were Colonel Pole-Penton, and the members of his staff, • 1 Lieutenant-Colonel Gordon and others prominent in military amid civilian'circles. The • Lyttelton Marine Band, tinder Bandmaster Collins, was posted on the rigid: of the guard of honour. The approach of the departing guests was heralded) by a pilot train, which rolled 'on to the wharf at twenty' minutes ; to bight o’clock, and discharged a number Of attendants and 1 a quantity of luggage, to receive which- bluejackets and Permanent Artillerymen were in waiting. i At twelve minutes before eight the Royal 1 train, rushed out of the tunnel, and after -fivel minutes of shunting, appeared at‘the base of the wharf. There was an excited rush of the throng of, spectators towards the “Royal road” from the railway car- . riage to 'the .gangway which led to the Tutanekai, which ’lay on the eastern side of the wharf ready to take the illustrious passengers off to the ijOpbir, now awaiting them in the stream. After a few minutes the . Duke and Duchess, with the Governor, and Lady Ranfurly, passed along the covered way, followed by the members ;-©f their suite, and by a crowd of xjotabilities. ■ The Premier was there to bid farewell and so were Sir J. G. Ward and the Hon J. Carroll. At the gangway Mrs Field).' wife of the Mayor of Lyttelton, presented her bouquet to the Duchess, and ihe Mayor hade, the Royal couple farewell ♦n ' behalf of the people of the town. The guard presented arms, the band played “God Save the King,” and the small crowd- around the gangway raised a cheer. A scene of general leave-takings followed. The Governor and Lady Ranfuriy, the Mayor and -Mrs Field, the [Ministers. Colonel Polo Pen tom and his staff, Mr Holmes, who, as Government Commissioner, has done such good in connection with ihe reception of their Royal Highnesses throughout the colony, went on board the Tutanekai,’ and the' Duke and Duchess bade farewell to each, and all -with hearty expressions of appreciation of th« -manner inVhich they have been received in New Zealand. At ten minutes past eight a rocket rushed skyward from H-M-S. Pylades, and her bluejackets, crowded in her rigging, gave the colonials an object lesson in cheering, which, the crowd was not slow to imitate. Slowly the Tutanekai, cleared of the leave-takers, moved, from the wharf. Again the guard gave a Royal salute, the strains of the National Anthem rising from the band, and cheers from the crowd 1 . The tune was changed to “ Auld Lang Syne,” and from all around burst ah uproarious farewell. Steamers blew their whistles, clanged their bells, or let off rockets and burned ' flares.” From the shore also rockets rose, while (from the western breaikwater ascended a shower .of fireworks, below which gleamed, in gigantic letters of fire, the words “ Good ‘ night.” ; The ere™ of all the men-of-war lying !m the basin cheered lustily, and amid a general glare and uproar the Tutanekai passed out between the moles and went on her way to the the Governor and his party bad boarded the (ffinemoa, lying near the • end of No. 7 Wharf, and at twenty-five minutes past she, too, began to move. The crowd, recognising his Excellency on the deck, gave him a parting cheer. _ . The Tutanekai returned to the wharf JKortlv after ten o’clock. Owing to the heavy range in the stream there was some difficulty in transhipping her illustrious pas■angers to the Ophir, but this was finally and the Royal yacht left on yoyacp© to EWbart, acscoiapaiifed by ifct SJffitA Juno St George, and passed through Lyttelton Heads at ten Biinutes to eleven o’clock. THE DUKE’S FAREWELL. . MESSAGE TO NEW ZEALAND. . Hia Excellency the Governor has revived the following “Message to New Zealand” from the Duke of Cornwall and Tofck;— ‘ : . " Government House, “DUNEDIN, 27th. June, 1901. "Dear Lord Ranfurly,— . "On the eve of our departure, I !««■ aiudoua to tell the people of New, - Zealand how happy we have been in ' their beautiful land, with what regrets W 9 leave it, and what lasting feelings 'cf gratitude we carry away for the loyal enthusiasm, cordiality, and kind ; hearfednese so universally accorded to * «i throughout our stay. ' “I would ask you to convey to the Government our wannest thanks for all their thoughtful and admirably carried out,plana for the accommodation, oomfort, and entertainment of ourselves and our staff. In addition to Government Houses at Auckland and Wellington, where you bo kindly enter,l tained us, both there, and in other cities and towns, hotela were engaged for our use, private individuals and members of dubs most generously placed their houses at our disposal,

and we know that similar/ hospitalityawaited' us at those places, which, un-

fortunately, from want of time, it was not possible to visit. i “ The railway arrangements. have invariably been excellent, and everything possible was done to ensure safety, and comfort on our journeys, though I fear this must have entailed much extra work upon the officials and employees, as well as inconvenience to the travelling public. “ Every attention was shown by the Post and Telegraph Departments, and their work was promptly and efficiently carried- out. “ The 'Police service throughout the colony was most satisfactory, and performed with conspicuous tact and judgment. “ The Reviews at Auckland' and Christchurch, at which all branches of the New Zealand forces were represented, enabled me to form some' idea of the colony’s splendid fighting material, and brought home to me more ■than ever ■ the enormous accession of strength which the Empire can count upon if need should arise. “Hie zeal and cheerfulness with which the Volunteers came together, in many instances travelling long distances, both by land and sea, was worthy of the highest praise. I was proud 1 beyond measure to witness the enthusiastic reception which was everywhere accorded to the contingents Which have returned from South Africa. I was ; particularly interested in the cadet corps, some of which showed marked steadiness on parade

and When lining the streets, and the appearance and march past of the corps at Christchurch were especially credit- ‘ able. I venture to think this movement is deserving of every encouragement, particularly as regards the provision pi properly-trained instructors, as, apart from its physical benefits, it I J infuses into the rising .generation a i spirit of discipline and esprit de corps : which must tend to make better citi- ■ zens as well as good soldiers. I learn with much .pleasure that among the , contingents sent to South Africa were many representatives of the school cadet corps, and' in one instance no less than between sixty and seventy from a single corps joined, the , force. “I was especially glad to meet,face to face, the: Maori people, to have witnessed their vast and interesting gathering at Rotorua, and to have 'had : , personal friendly intercourse with their leading chiefs land representatives. It was gratifying .to hear their assurance V of loyalty to the King, their expres- ; siohs of sorrow for their dearly-loved, Queen, and to experience their en- ■ thusiasm and warmness of : heart to- • wards ourselves. I am glad: to think ■ that this ancient and chivalrous race is living in peace and prosperity, and sharing with their pakena brothers the duties and responsibilities of good citir zenship. “To your Premier, who has accompanied us on all occasions, I would ask , you to convey our warmest thanks for Ms courtesy, kind 1 attention, and untiring energy, which has in no small degree contributed to making our stay in New, Zealand 1 so enjoyable. “The Duchess and I are sincerely grateful to you and Lady Ranfurly for your kind hospitality, and for ’the unceasing care, trouble, and forethought which you have displayed on our behalf. We shall look back with the pleasantest recollections to those happy days which we spent as your guests. “My best thanks are also dne to your staff for the cheerful and assiduous manner with which they have coped with the vast increase of work thrown upon them in consequence of our visit. “ Though, unfortunately, our stay (hag from force of circumstances been a short one, I earnestly trust that the / experience and knowledge of the coun- ‘ try which I have gained and my personal intercourse with its people may in some measure tend) to sustain and enhance the existing feeling of sympathy and interest , between the Mother Country and New Zealand, and thus . draw still closer those ‘ties of affection and brotherhood by which we are so happily united. “Heartily wishing that the steady growth and prosperity of the country may ever continue, “ Believe me, dear Lord Ranfurly, “Very sincerely yours, “GEORGE.” SPEECiTBY THE PREMIER. The Royal tour was referred to by the Right Hon R: J, Seddon at the Art , Gallery, last evening, when he wais presenting medals subscribed by the people cf Sydenham to returned troopers from that borough. The Premier said that the presentation and the surrounding circumstances were unique in the history of the colony. They hod just ’had! a visit from their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of York. At the very time that their Royal visitors were leaving these shores, .it was the sneaker's _ duty and pleasure to make the presentation of medals to the troopers from South Africa. As the rockets -went up an Lyttelton a short time previously, he had fait that the colony had come up to the highest expectations in regard to the visit, and had given tbedr Royal Highnesses a welcome which would not be surpassed anywhere. _ (Applause), It had been one long continuous , “ Haeremai, haeremai, haeremaij araiwa, arawa; kia ora”—(Welcome, welcome; good luck, good luck)— “ake, ake, ake”—(forever and forever.) They would all understand after all that had passed, how he felt when the rockets went up in -the harbour, indicating that their visitors were taking their departure. They had left the shores of New Zealand, and they were delighted with their visit. (Applause). They spoke in glowing terms of the warmth of their reception from the ' time ; they lauded) in the colony until they heard the cheers as the people were sending them away from Lyttelton. 'He was satisfied himself with the result of the visit. Besides being pleasurable to the Royal visitors, it would be of lasting benefit to the Empire. (Applause). It had been pleasing to the people of the present generation, but it was in years to come that im results of the visit would bear good fruit. The younger generation had seen tbedr Royal Highnesses. The time would come when a great responsibilty would be cast upon tie Duke of Cornwall, in the natural order of things, and then the boys end girls of the present generation would be men and woman, as the older generation, amongst which he must class himself, though he felt just as young as any of them—(laughter and applause)—must pass away. But the boys who were in the march past at the review , in Hagley Park would remember the Duke. Of the review, 'his Royal'Highness had spoken in the highest terms of praise. He specially referred to the Cadets —their boys, the boys.of the colony—who hod taken part in the review. They would be the 'boys who would be performing the heroic deeds which had been performed by those present to whom he had been asked to present the medals that evening. Passing on, the Premier said that be had a word to say to the ladies. There had been a very good display at the Caledonian Grounds at Dunedin the previous day, the boys and girls performing evolutions and going through manual exercises, and there hod also been a march past. The Commandant of the Forces came up to him and said, “ Mr Seddon, I have a force here (pointing to -the girls) that I never had the slightest idea existed.” The speaker had replied, "You are always safe, Colonel, if you trust to the ladies.” (Laughter ana applause.) The speaker had mentioned this to his Royal Highness, who had said, “ Well, Mr Seddon, you may say from me

that the m<PCi part of the girls was' far superior to tnab of the boys.” (Laughter.) He had noticed that neither the -boys nor the girls had waited for the order “Eyes right,” but the boys, he thought, had been somewhat more inquisitive than the girls, and the latter kept line and did not twist their necks. It, was, no doubt, the twist of the neck that the Duke alluded to. (Laughter). However, they had seen the boys who would be the future men of the country, and the girls, who would be the future women, and he foresaw 1 that the boys would well maintain the high standard which had been attained by Captain Lewin and the other lads who, were to receive presentations at his bands from the people of Sydenham that evening. Continuing, the 'Premier referred to the message from the Duke, which had been delivered into his hands. He had not got it with him at that moment, but would read it later on. The message contained the last words of the Duke to the people of the colony. Of the review, the reception, and the arrangements generally, his Royal Highness spoke in high ' praise, but he spoke still higher of the people of the colony. With regard to the Royal visit itself, what-had done a'great deal to bring it about was the good work done by our sons in South Africa. (Applause). It had a great influence on the people of the dear old Motherland. It had had a great influence on the statesmen and rulers in Great Britain; and, more than that, it had had a great influence on that good, noble, and great ruler of imperishable memory, the late Queen Victoria. (Applause). To- her, in her declining years, it must -have been a great anxiety to. leant'of the losses sustained. If ever there waa a ruler and a monarch whose heart was with the people it was the late Queen, and there was 10 doubt that she was deeply touched when she saw her loyal subjects in these distant colonies sending their sons forth under circumstances which redounded to their credit and everlasting fame. Though the sacrifice was great, she -said that the Duke and Duchess should be sent out to see the people here and carry a message of love and sympathy for the work which was being done. Ring Edward VII. had shown that he was following in. the late Queen’s footsteps by endorsing those sentiments, and the Duke and Duchess had come. (Applause.)

Later on the Premier, returned to the subject, and said that for many years to come the influence of the Royal visit would be felt in the colony. The civilised world would have noted the reception given to their Royal Highnesses on their visit to the colonies. They would have noted the reviews which had taken place, and the great military strength of the colonies, and these things would cause them to hesitate before they did anything which might bring them into serious trouble. He locked upon the reception and 1 the demonstration «s being of the greatest importance to the Empire. The Premier Talso referred to the reception given by the Maoris, and the demonstrations made by them of their respect for the visitors. In conclusion, ho said' that, as Minister of Defence he was proud of the returned troopers and the Volunteer forces. Everything had gone off well, and later on there would be from a greater authority than himself a recognition which , would be pleasant in the extreme to all concerned. (Applause.) The Premier afterwards read the message from the Duke, which was listened to attentively, and the conclusion of the reading was received with applause, and three cheers were given on the invitation of the Premier. ’ ACKNOWLEDGMENTS BY THE SUITE. ' Mr Seddon has received the following letter from the members of the Royal suite, in acknowledgment of albums and pictures presented to them by the members of the Government:—“Dunedin, June 26, 1901. Dear Mr Seddon, —The members of your Government -have most kindly sent us presents of the most beautiful albums and pictures. We beg you would be good enough to convey to them our most sincere'thanks for this most graceful compliment paid by them to us. We ask you also to assure them that we shall ever treasure them as delightful souvenirs of the time when we, as members of the suite of their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York, paid a visit to your charming and picturesque country. At the same time we gladly take this opportunity of thanking you and the other members of the Government for the unbounded hospitality and courtesy so freely extended to us during our stay in ‘New Zealand. We remain, dear Mr , Seddon, yours sincerely,:—(Alexander George of Teck, Wenlock, Charles Gust, Arthur Bigge, Sydney Hall, John Anderson, J. H. Bor, John Neale Dalton, Roxburgh©, Alan Reece Manby, Mary Lygon, Bridget Keppel, Derek Keppel, J. J. Byron, Donald) Mackenzie Wallace, Bryan Godfrey Faussett, Crichton.

When Mr T. S. Lambert was introduced by the Premier to their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess on the platform of the Timaru railway station, as the gentleman who had designed and executed the address from the wives of the [Ministers of the Crown, their Royal Highnesses expressed themselves as exceedingly -gratified with the very artistic work which he had put into it. "Exquisite work,” remarked the Duke several times. The (Duchess was better pleased at the view of her three children as represented in an extremely pretty position as if waiting patiently for their parents to return to them, and she remarked to Mr Lambert in a jocular strain, “I am glad you nave depicted them with a book in their hands, as I hope they will be good children all the we are away. They promised they -woMl, and I am aura they will be.” Last evening a magnificent bopfire at New Brighton attracted general attention. It had been prepared on the foreshore near the pier, and was lit as the Ophir passed the Lyttelton Heads. Several hundreds of people assembled on the beach and watched the scene with interest. The torch was applied by the Mayor of New Brighton. Mr G. MTntyre, -who made a short speech, congratulating New Brighton, on the position it had taken in the -Royal reception. The flames rose to a height oi fully thirty feet, and lit the sea for half a mile out. This bonfire was the farewell signal from New Zealand to the Royal guests. Sir Joseph Ward was the guest of the Duke and Duchess of York in the Royal train from Dunedin yesterday. ■ The Duke expressed the appreciation of the Duchess and 'himself at the satisfactory arrangements made for their conveyance through the colony over the railways, and desired him to express to the officers of the department their thanks for the efficient manner in which they had been, carried out. Both the Duke and Duchess thanked Sir Joseph for the kindness and attention they had received from him during their stay in the colony. Sir Arthur Bigge has requested' the Premier to forward the following cablegram to the Agent-General;—“The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York sincerely thank the’Agent-General and New Zealanders in the Mother Country for their kind congratulations, afld wish to assure them that they have greatly enjoyed their visit to this colony.”