TO-DAY'S PROCEEDINGS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XXXV, Issue 140, 20 June 1901, Page 2

TO-DAY'S PROCEEDINGS.

MORE SHOWERY WEATHER.

WELLINGTON, This Day

The rain is still with us and the morning is again showery. Owing to heavy rain yesterday and the ppsosibilities of slips the Royal railway trip to the Wairarapa has been abandoned, and the Duke will limit his railway journey to Petone, where he will visit the frozen meat works and the woollen factory.

The Government has made presents of gold nuggets and greenstones to the Duke and Duchess.

The Prince has taken great interest in the Maoris during his tour in New Zealand, and at his request Mr Fraser, M.H.R. for Napier, who is a recognised Maori scholar, has supplied him with considerable information about native customs ani legends, and explained the phrases and salutations his Highness has heard in use in the colony. The Duke was particularly interested in the legend of " Te Ika a Maui," the mythical fisherman who angled New Zealand up from the ocean. One effect of the Prince's coaching was to be seen in the ending of his reply to the Friendly Societies' address with the Maori salutation " Kia Ora."

LATER, (12*7 p.m.) The we.ather has cleared and the sun is shining almost for the first time this week. The wind is strong and the water is none too smooth for the Aquatic Sports organised by the Seamen s Mission. They are principally intended for the crews of the Squadron and though not important they will serve to give the people something to look at this afternoon.