THE ROYAL VISIT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11692, 29 June 1901, Page 5

THE ROYAL VISIT.

THE SQUADRON AT SEA. "GOD SPEED" AND "KIA ORA." FINAL MESSAGE FROM THE DUKE. [PROM OUR SPECIAL correspondent ON THE • . ■ HINEMOA.] Wellington 7, day. As soon as His Excellency the Governor, and the Countess of Ranfurly had taken leave of the Duke and Duchess on the Tutanekai, and the last cordial farewells were said, they boarded the Hinemoa, which, without any delay, steamed away for Wellington. A ■belated cablegram for the Duke was sent to the Royal yacht in a rowing boat. Lord Ranfurly looked very pleased, and not without reason, for the tour had been a success from start to finish, and the Duko and Duchess, as well as the members of their stuff, had -expressed themselves as being delighted with 'the colony and their experience in it.

We passed the Ophir some time after she got under way, but by four a.m. she was fust overhauling us, and our ship's people could see her lights astern, >' Shortly after" seven o'clock I received a hurried call from Captain Alexander, who, with his usual tireless energy, was already up and about. Throwing on some clothes in a hurry, I rushed on dcck, and was rewarded by a magnificent sight. Just''inside us, and a little astern, the Royal squadron was steaming merrily along before a fresh southerly in a moderate swell that caused the cruisers to roil considerably. The Opl)ir was in front, closely followed by the Juno, and the St. George brought up the rear. In the foreground the southerly swell broke here and there feather-white in the middle distance. The Royal squadron in line headed steadily along, their spars and rigging clear-cut against the hazy coastline above which towered the massive snowcapped Ivaikouras. As the splendid yacht crept up abreast of us Lord Ranfurly signalled "God-speed, Ida ora.". The answering pennant on the Royal yacht showed that the first two words wore read at a glance, for the British signalman, who is the eyes and the ears of his ship, never sleeps, and lie can read the flags of the signal code as an ordinary man can read a book. Then wo gave them " Kia Ora," in two' hoists. There was just a moment's hesitation. It was probably the first time in the history of the British navy that such a signal had been made, but the signalman, or probably some lieutenant who had read the Duke's speeches, " dropped" to it, and the answering pennant dipped again. Then there was a pause, and while we were wondering if there would be any answer the sua rose, and turned the cold summit snows of Taepaenuka to gold and saffron. The scene, beautiful beyond description at any time on a bright winter's morning, Was now made still more picturesque by the presence of the Royal yacht with- the King's son on board, and escorted by the stately cruisers. Gradually the sun. stole down the mountain side till even the scarlet cliffs above the water-line were tinted with rose and the Ophir gleamed in the morning light. We were abreast of Cape Campbell. Then the flags on the Ophir began to talk to us. It was the last message from the King's son that they spelled out across the ever-widening breach of waters between us. "We thank you fo.r all your kindness. Kia ora,"

It was delivered amid strangely beautiful surroundings, and, because of its simplicity and naturalness, and the circumstances under which it was signalled, it is worthy to live in history. The Ophir now headed north-west, and we kept on our course north-north-east. There were six points different in the angle, and we were soon wide apart, the last words of the Duke's message was read at a distance of three and a-half miles. An hour later the Ophir was hull down,' and the King's r>! i.ywnger, his mission in these, parts fulfilled, was speeding on hi? way to other lands within an Empire in.on which the sun never sets. [BY telegraph.—press association.] Wellington, Friday. The Ophir, St. George, and Juno, passed through the straits at half-past eight this morning, bound for Hob-art.

PRAISE FOR THE VOLUNTEERS. [Br TELEGRAPH.PRESS ASSOCIATION.] CrrRiSTCUURCH, Friday. Colonel Penton is issuing a general order to the following effect: —"His Royal Highness the Duke" has commanded me to express to all the officers, non-commissioned officers, and men of the forces, who took part in the rccsnfc celebrations throughout the colony his appreciation of then- efforts, and his pleasure at the efficient manner in which all (heir duties were carried out."

DUN EDI N LDP-EN'S DEMONSTRATION. [BY - TELEGRAPH.— PRESS ASSOCIATION.] D vnic din, Friday. Between £600 and £700 were taken at tha children's demonstration in connection with the Royal reception.

A FIRE. [BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.] ' CrniiSTCTrrrscH, Friday. It has just transpired that there was. an alarm of five at "Te Ka.raha"during the time the Duke and Duchess were staying there. A slight blaze of inflammable material occurred near the fireplace during dinner, and was easily suppressed, many of the guest* not even being aware of the occurrence at all.

WIRELESS TELEGRAPHY.

[BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Wellington, Friday. _ At the request of the Deputy-Postmaster- • General of Tasmania, made through the Secretary of the Post and Telegraph Department here, the captains of the St. George and Juno have consented to lookout for and to despatch messages by wireless telegraphy when approaching the River Hunter.

OB ART PREPARATIONS.

(Received June 2D, 0.47 a.m.) Hon art, June 28. Lord Hopetoun and suite arrived in the Warrimoo in readiness to receive the Royal visitors. The Governor-General was warmly welcomed by thousands, and the streets were decorated. He was escorted by mounted troops to Government House.