THE ROYAL VISIT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11690, 27 June 1901, Page 3

THE ROYAL VISIT.

RECEPTION AT DUNEDIN. AN ENTHUSIASTIC WELCOME. ADDRESSES PRESENTED. THE DUKE'S REPLY. LUNCHEON TO THE VETERANS. [lIY. TELEGRAPH.— CORRESPONDENT.] Dr.vr:i)i.v, Wednesday. Dcvedin- once more has proved itself one of the most demonstrative of New Zealand cities, and (heir welcome to their Royal Highnesses has been most hearty. Crowds thronged the streets to-day, and gave the Royal visitors a fight loyal welcome. The Duke and Duchess were gracious as ever, and the .speech delivered by His Royal Highness struck a note that vibrated in the hearts of the people, and made ample amends for the brevity of his sojourn in the land of the Scottish pioneers. The weather as the Duke and Duchess left the Fernhill Club, from which the Royal standard was bravely flying, for the drive through the city was perfect winter weather. Their Royal Highnesses were cheered ail along the line- of route, and when they arrived in the Octagon and entered the Royal pavilion, the cheering was still more enthusiastic. His Royal Highness wore the uniform of a British Admiral, and the Duchess wore a tailor-made costume of line light black cloth, a jet coat, a black fur boa, and toque with jet trimming. The Countess of Ranlurly was dressed in black, with a fine saddlo cape and black hat. The Hon. Mrs. Derrek-Keppel and Lady Ma,rv Lygon also wore black. Lady Katkeriiie Coke, who caught cold in Christchurch, did not come on to Dunedin.

The members of the staff and household of their Royal Highnesses occupied the carriages which preceded the Rova! visitors in the procession. The first carriage was occupied by Lieut.-Co!. Bvron (Queensland). Australian Artillery, extra. A.D.C. ; Commander B. Godfrey Faussett, R.N.. A.D.C. ; Hon. Derrek-Keppel, and Major J. 11. Bor. The occupants of the second carriage were His Serene Highness Prince Alexander of Teck, the Hon. Mrs. Derrek-Keppel, Lieu-tenant-Colonel Sir Arthur Rigge, and Commander Sir Charles Cttst. In the State carriage were His Royal Highness the Duke of Cornwall and York. Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall and York," and Loid Wenloek. The main feature of the eeremonv in the Octagon was the excellent speech delivered by His Royal Highness, in a clear voice, that could be distinctly heard for a considerable distance. His Royal Highness' remarks were loudly cheered. Afterwards there was the usual presentation of medals to returned troopers, and to each nurse. Following this came the inspection of veterans, the Duke and Duchess speaking to each one. They seemed very pleased to chat with some of the old veterans, and His Excellency the Governor and Lady Ranfurly were also deeply interested in this part of the proceedings.

One very unique sight was the 3000 boys and girls, having their lunch immediately after the Royal procession bad passed into Princes-street, dressed in their white and red, white and blue, and dark blue costumes. The vast gathering were laughing and chattering in a delightful manner. Large baskets were handed round by the teachers, and bottles of lemonade and gingerale were consumed as quickly as opened. Altogether it was a very pretty scene. The veterans' luncheon was another delightful function, and there was a " go" about it that sent the blood pulsing faster through the veins. The Premier, who was received with cheers, in proposing the health of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall, remarked that after their Royal Highnesses had inspected the veterans that morning, two old men, one of 34 and the other 74, had remarked to him, if the occasion arises we are ready to have another go in. Such incidents as that showed the mettle that the old veteran was made of. This was the last lunch at which the returned contingents and veterans would be given an opportunity of meeting their Royal Highnesses, but the gathering that day was as hearty as was the first similar luncheon given in the city of Auckland. He was commanded by His Royal Highness to express his regret, and that of the Duchess, at their inability to attend the present-fathering. If they were not present in person they were present in spirit. They were with the company in sympathy, and they were with them in heart, and that being the case, he was sure all would drink! tfceir health heartily. (Cheers.) Everything had its ludicrous side, and lie had been amused to read in the newspapers that those in high places had been accused of want of punctuality. His great trouble had been to keep up with the pace. (Laughter.) Their Royal Highnesses wore not present that day because they wished to be with the children, and he (the Premier) also must hurry on, because he wanted to be with them at the children's gathering. (Cheers.) A more unfounded statement had never been made than that to which he had referred, the punctuality observed throughout the whole tour had been a great revelation to himself, for lie had never been known to be punctual himself. (Laughter.) The criticism had softened the blow, because those at whom it had been aimed did not deserve it, while he always did. (Laughter.) He referred in gracious terms to the late Queen Victoria's forethought in holding that a visit by her grandson to the colonies would strengthen the ties with the Mother Country.

THE PROCESSION". [BY TELEGRAPH.— ASSOCIATION.] Dunedin, Wednesday. At half-past eleven the Royal party left Fernbiil Club, and proceeded along Manor Place, where the children shrilly cheered. Turning" into Princes-street, south, a magnificent vista appeared. The street was canopied, garlanded, and banneretcd, with foliage. The gaudy structure of the Chinese arch'was the first "passed. At High-street the scheme of decoration adopted was tall masts, from which festoons of greenery gracefully radiated. On the crest of Princesstreet stood the magnificent, marine arch, most artistically constructed huge model pictures of the Union steamers being a feature. It was lit at night, by 500 electric lights. The Octagon, where the ceremony of presenting the address occurred, was the scene of two magnificent arches, the Government arch, representing Balmoral Castle, and the .municipal arch, an entire 'mass of greenery. The whole central space all down Princes Avenue formed a double line of tree ferns. The Dunedin Engineers formed the guard of honour at the dais, and the whole space was thronged with the public. The Governor, Ljidy Ranfurly. the Premier, Mrs., mid .Misses Seddon, the Mayor (Mr. G. L. Denniston), Mrs. Denniston, and Miss Fabric Dennistou. Sir J. Ward, the lions. J. Carroll and T. Duncan, were on the dais. PRESENTATION OF ADDRESSES. At a-quarter to tv.elve the Duke and Duchess arrived, escorted by the Otago Hussars. He was received with cheers, Miss Fairrie Denniston presenting a bouquet to the Duchess. The following addresses were- presented to the Duke:—The Mayoi and Corporation of Dunedin, the Presbyterian Church of Olago and Southland, the Roman Catholic bishop, clergy, and laity of Dunedin, the Mayor and Corporation of Port, Chalmers, [lie* county councils, the Otago Scottish societies, and the Dunedin friendly societies. The casket for fie addresses was a large handsome gold, silver, and bronze representation oi a Maori whate. THE DUKE'S SPEECH. The Duke made the following reply: — The loyal sentiments and kindly words of greeting contained in the addresses which have been presented to us have already found expression in the very hearty and enthusiastic welcome which we received both last evening and to-day m passing through the gaily-illuminated dej corated streets of the city. .We thank I von most sincerely for these tokens of jour loyalty and goodwill. I shall have "much pleasure in communicating to the [ King your a.sftuj'un.tcs of atUchjseut and

devotion to his throne and person. Were , proofs needed of this they have been given ; a Hundredfold in the pliant services ren- ; dered to the Empire by your sons and brothers, and in the glorious and unfading memory of loved ones who, alius, sleep . on the African veldt. Your affectionate reference to our truly loved and ever la- : mented Queen reecho those universal • sounds of grief and mourning which j welled up from the remotest corners of the ! world, but we take comfort in the know- I ledge that in her great and noble life will j surely be found one of the most certain, | sources of that spirit of loyalty, of unity, j and of solemn determination to share the ( common burden, which has now declared itself wic'i such t-n irresistible force throughout the free nations which form | the British Empire. We have eagerly I looked forward ro visiting this favoured I district of New Zealand, knowing that Ms should find here a. community of pure Scotch origin, who. some half-century ago, left their native shores for this distant land. True to national inborn capacity for colonisation, they came in whole"families, undci the guidance of trusted leaders. They transplanted to their new home in southern seas their national institutions, their characteristic zeal, and readiness to make every sacrifice for education ; but they did more—they infused into their new life that courage, perseverance, and tenacity of purpose, which, together with the spirit of enterprise, are the inherent characteristics of their race. What must then have been but a mere hamlet, hut in which they saw with prophetic eve its present greatness, they honoured 'with the Celtic name of that fairest of cities, the proud historic capital which is the pride of all Scotsmen. Is it to bo 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? Hut 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 strongly for the Mother Country. The Fourth Contingent is, I find, renowned in this colony, manned as it was by your sons, equipped I and mounted by the generosity of the j people of the province, while Dunedin j stands unique in having sent from among its brave self-sacrificing daughters l nurses to tend and care for the sick and ! wounded in South Africa. Most heartily I do I reciprocate the hop' expressed that i our visit may enhance the spirit of goodwill which should bind in one great solid union of hearts the scattered portions of the Empire. ft is with deep regret that, owing to numerous important engagements which remain yet to be fulfilled during our long and momentous voyage, we have not been able to remain longer amongst you to visit other portions of j your island. We shall quit your shores ! with findings of profound gratitude for the ; generous and unfeigned kindness which i has been extended to us throughout the j length and breadth of the'colony, and it i is our earnest prayer that Divine Provi- j dence may continue to guide and watch over the destinies of its people. !

At the beginning of the speech the distant, crowd, ignorant of the fact that the Duke was speaking, created a disturbance, which caused the Duke to pause, but quiet was soon restored, and the Duke proceeded. Mrs. Seddon then presented the Duchess with an address from the women of New Zealand, .signed by all the Ministers" wives. ' Nurse Ross received the Otago medal, and the returned troopers their war medals ouch name being called out.. Then the Duke descended the dais and inspected the veterans. At a-quarlcr-past twelve the Royal party drove off 1 , and half-an-liotir later, at a trot, returned to Fernhill for lunch.

THE VETERANS. The Government entertained the veterans and returned troopers at luncheon in the Choral Hall, with was happily decorated with shields bearing the names of British generals and the engagements in the. Transvaal war. The Premier presided over an enthusiastic gathering. The Duke and Governor sent apologies for their unavoidable absence. The Premier received a letter from General Hutton, in which he congratulated Colonel Robin upon his C.8., and said no one deserved recognition for gallant service better than Colonel Robin. He referred to his contingent as the most gallant of all the gallant mounted troops, his old comrades, the New Zealand Mounted. Rifle?. Colonel Robin's battalion was oi>e to be proud of. Genera! Hutton would always recall their discipline, steadiness, dash, and gallantry upon all occasions when he had the good fortune to have them with his force. He would always associate Colonel Robin, Captain Cradock. and the New Zealanders as being connected with all the best which was done by the First Mounted Infantry Brigade. CHILDREN'S DEMONSTRATION'. At. half-past two a. great children's demonstration wis held in the Caledonian Grounds. Twenty-three public schools of Otago were represented by 3000 children. The Duke and Duchess and suite were seated on a grandstand. Physical drill was performed by 350 cadets, under Captain Murray; physical drill and marcliing evolutions by 500 girls ; pretty wand exercise by 600 girls ; dumb-bell exercise by 800 boys; songs by the united voices; concluding with a marchpast of all the children. The whole affair was directed by Mr. John Hanna, the musical director being Mr. G. M. Braik. 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 the Duchess' hand and kissed it. The Duchess smiled, and gave the old lady a flower from the bouquet. The Royal party then paid brief visits to the Agricultural and Horticultural Shows.

THE FIREWORKS. This evening the city was illuminated, and there was a fireworks display. • A RECEPTION. A Royal reception was held at the Agricultural Mali. There was a brilliant attendance. The ball was decorated with exquisite taste. Their Royal Highnesses graciously decided that everyone present should be presented to them. The presentations, which took quite a long time, were made after a concert programme had been concluded. THURSDAY'S PROGRAMME. To-morrow the Royal party leave by train for Chrischurch at eleven a.m., alter laying the foundation"stone of the Queen's Statue at the Triangle. COURT- OF INVESTITURE. [j)Y TELEGRAPH. —SPECIAL C'OKRF.SI'UXDENT.] DtTNEJiiN, Wednesday. Sir Henry Miller. Speaker of the Legislative Council, received his order of Knighthood from the Duke at the Royal residence to-night, a court of investiture being held for that purpose. A PLEASING INCIDENT. [BY TELEUB.M'H. — SPECIAL KSI'ONDENT.] D ni)(\, Wednesday. Two children who tramped from Invercargill to Dunedin to see the Duke and Duchess, were received by their Royal Highnesses this evening, and received at their hands autograph photographs and other present*. The elder of the two boys, who had evidently not quite sure that he had done right in leaving home, had tears in his eyes when presented, but the other little fellow looked the Duke and Duchess straight in the face with a charming frankness.

rations in the various cities, and more than gratified with the great amount of loyal enthusiasm shown throughout the colony. He said he would be glad if Mr. Holmes would convey his thanks to the other Commissioners throughout New Zealand. He said it would be invidious to make comparisons between one city and another, especially .seeing that aU had done so well. The Duke then presented Mr. Holmes with a handsome cigarette ease, on which were medallion portraits of their Royal Highnesses, with their coat of arms.

AUTOGRAPH PHOTOGRAPHS. [l!Y TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Wellington . Wednesday. The Mayor of Wellington has received from the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall, as a memento of their visit, autograph photographs of their Royal Highnesses. WELLINGTON TRAMWAYS. IBY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Wellington, Wednesday. During Royal visit week th« Wellington municipal trams carried 97,943 passengers, and ran 7000 car miles. The receipts totalled £820, or £400 above the average winter week. HE VISIT TO THE CARE. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Copyright. (Received June 27, 0.14 a.m.) London, June 26. Reuters correspondent at Capetown states that the Cape Squadron proceeds to Natal to escort the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall to Simoustown.