RETURN OF THE ROYAL FAMILY FROM SCOTLAND.

New Zealander, Volume 8, Issue 611, 21 February 1852, Page 3

RETURN OF THE ROYAL FAMILY FROM SCOTLAND.

[From the " Plymouth Journal." October IC] After a sojourn of about the usual period at Balmoral, Aberdeenshire, her Majesty, Prince Albert, and those of their children who had visited the north with them, set out on their return to En o land on Tuesday last, amidst a drenching rain. They reached the Stonehaven branch of the Aberdeen railway at half-past one, the weather having by that time much improved. After luncheon the royal party proceeded by railway to Perth, Stirling, &c, and went at a rapid rate until the train passed Ratho Station, about thirteen miles from Edinburgh, where the feeding pipe between the engine and tender burst, and the steam rushed out in such violence as completely to envelope the carriage in misty darkness. The train, furthermore, came to a stand still, and was_ oblidged to await the return of the pilot engine from Edinburgh, which accordingly retraced its couise on finding that the royal train did not follow that the rojal tiain did not follow it in the anticipated time. Meanwhile her Majesty had been iuformed of the nature of the accident, so that all alarm was obviated; and the only incon venience v\as that of an hour's delay, together with a small mishap to the Colonial Secretary, Earl Grey, the minister in attendance, who, while walking along the line, waiting the return of the pilot engine, fell over a low wire fence, but without sustaining any serious injury. The train arrived at Edinburgh shortly after eight, and her Majesty proceeded to Ilolyrood-place for the night. Once for all it may be observed that the reception given by the populace to the royal family was every where enthusiastic. On Wednesday morning, at half-past eight, the Queen was on her way from Holyrood to the station of the Caledonian Railway. The train started for Lancaster at a quarter to nine, and reached that ancient borough shortly before two. Immense were the preparations, and great the rejoicings here, for her Majesty had signified her intention to btop at Lancaster and inspect the venerable keep of " Gaunt's embattled tower." She did so amidst much state, and show and ceremony, receiving corporate and other addresses, climbing to the summit of the keep (with Prince Albert's assistance), and so forth. On descending the royal party lunched in the grand jury-room, and then proceeded through masses of cheering Lancastrians to the railway train which immediately started for the neighbourhood of Liverpool. Crox-eth-hall, the seat of Earl Sefton, was the appointed termination of the day's journey, and her Majesty reached it at twenty minutes past five. A large assemblage of the surrounding gentry were present at the arrival, and the weather being very fine, the proceedings were exceedingly agre3able. The Queen was conducted to the mansion by her noble host, followed by the Countess Sefton and Prince Albert. On Thursday morning, Liverpool was full of animation, the inhabitants preparing for the visit of the Queen. Unfortunately a thick misty rain fell, and gave promise of unwelcome pertinacity. Notwithstanding, every spot from which her Majesty was likely to be seen was occupied, thousands of umbrellas having been brought into use for* the sake of such protection as they could afford. The Queen, Prince Albert, and family, accompanied by the gentlemen and ladies in attendance, Earl Sefton, &c, arrived by train shortly before eleven. The roads about the station were covered with triumphal arches, bearing banners and inscriptions; everything, indeed, was as gay and lively as it could be made under the unfavourable state of the weather. Amidst thoiisands of spectators on every hand, the procession proceeded to the docks, where addresses were presented on behalf of the corporation of the Trustees of the Docks, and of the Chamber of Commerce. Her Majesty then took a trip in the Fairy yacht along the whole line of the docks, twenty-four in number, and extending nearly four miles ' between the Mersey and the town. Returning from the river excursion, the royal party proceeded to the Town-hall, where a loyal address was presented by the mayor and burgesses, to which the Queen made a suitable reply; and then ordering the chief civic dignitary to kneel before her, she performed the customary ceremonials of conferring knighthood, and commanded him to rise " Sir John Brent." In front of the hall is an immense quadrangle, which was filled with people. Her Majesty and the Prince presented themselves on a balcony to this immense mass, and the Queen heard, for the first time, the sort of cheer which a Liverpool multitude can emit. Having lunched at the Townhall the party visited St. George's hall, and then proceeded— amidst demonstrations only less boisterous than those exhibited in the forenoon, by reason of the weather having become more boisterous than before— to the Lime-street railway station. Starting thence at half-past three, the royal party proceeded towards Worsley-hall, the seat of the Earl of Ellesmei'e and alighted at the Patricroftstation at four o'clock, amidst the enthusiastic cheers of those assembled. They were received by the Earl and Countess of Ellesmere, the Duke of Wellington, the Earl and Countess of Wilton, and others. The royal party embarked in Lord Ellesmere's state-barge, amid a copious fall of rain and passed safely along the canal to Worsley, arriving there at five o'clock.