THE ROYAL SQUADRON.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11680, 15 June 1901, Page 6

THE ROYAL SQUADRON.

A PLEASANT OUTING. Yesterday Mr. Alex. Alison, manager of Ihe Devonpoit Steam Ferry Company, took a party from the Royal yacht Ophiv out tor a drive in the country, including -Mr. Critch3ow, a brother of the chid engineer of the ffyser liner Indradevi: Mr. E. Ford, manager of the Ngunguru Coal Company, and a aefresenuitive of the Herald, were also amongst the pari v. After leaving the Ophir the party drove to the top of Mount Eden, and the weather being perfectly clear, a splendid view of Auckland, the surrounding country, and the Manukau was obtained. the visitors being very enthusiastic in their expressions as to the splendid scenery. 'After seeing the sights from the top of the mountain the party drove round the Three jKings to Onehunga, and paid a visit to Mr. (Daniel Neilson, who gave them a cordial ■welcome. After a short and pleasant stay at Mr. Neilson's residence, during which the .usual hospitality of " the engineers friend" was extended to the visitors, the journey to town was resumed, the Ophir's people taking a keen interest in the different views, the prominent landmarks being pointed out And explained to them by Mr. Alison. Shortly" before six o'clock the party reached town, and were driven down to the Ophir, and a very pleasant outing ended too soon ior those who took part- in it, the guests from the Ophir remarking that it. was the most pleasant outing which they had spent during their tour. , ! THE OPHIR. The Royal yacht Ophir was still the centre of attraction yesterday, Luge crowds of sightseers assembling on the wharf daring the day to view the yacht, which, although not open for inspection by the general public, was visited by a large number of the friends of the officers and. crew. To-day no visitors will be allowed on board the Ophir. THE ST. GEORGE. The cruiser St. George, (.tie of the warchips escorting the Royal yacht Opiiit, was thrown open for public inspection yesterday afternoon, and was vL-ited by a large number, close upon 2000 people going oil' to the vessel by the steamers of the Devouport Ferry Company. The visitors were cordially received, and every courtesy was shown to them by the officers and crew. THE OPHIR'S RAND.

The Musical Programme Committee appointed in connection with the Royal reception celebrations have been endeavouring to secure to the public of Auckland un opportunity of hearing the hand of f-T.M.s. Ophir. Jbut up to the present time have not met with success. No reply having bc-?-:i received to ci mmunicatious iorv. aided askmg the necessity pel mission, Mr. T. 11. F.ice, chairmao of "the committee, vi.-.ite! the Opm yesterday afternoon end interviewed the (bandmaster, Mr. Wright. On explaining his mission Mi. Il'ce v.:;.; Informed by She bandmaster thai no verbal or written a-,-.;.j:-cation had reached him. no". as tar as tie was aware, anyone else in aui-hui'ty on board. Mr. Rite then ashed thee the public of Auckland should he afforded an opportunity of hearing the band to-day (Saturday), but found that this wis impossible, ©wing to other engagements th,.i had been made. Mi. Wright slated thai he would have been pleased to have granted Ihe request had earlier notice been given.