THE ROYAL VISIT

New Zealand Mail, 21 February 1901, Page 20

THE ROYAL VISIT

VOYAGE OF THE DUKE OF CORNWALL. THE NAVAL ARRANGEMENTS. LONDON, February 13. r ‘The Times’* states that the R.M.S. Ophir will be commissioned during th© present month, and that the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall will leave in March. The cruise will occupy six months. Their Royal Highnesses will visit Gibraltar, Malta, Colombo, Singapore, all the Australian colonies, two ports in New Zealand—one in each island— Mauritius, Cape Colony, possibly one of the West Indian Islands and Canada. It is now reported that the extensive naval demonstrations published yesterday are unfounded, as it is alleged that the squadrons will be unable to maintain a sufficient rate of speed. _ Nevertheless, sufficient war vessels will be. assembled in each of the ports to give a suitable welcome. Two Channel cruisers will accompany the Ophir to Gibraltar, two of the Mediterranean squadron will go with her from Gibraltar to Suez, and the St. George and Juno will escort her for the rest of the journey. MELBOURNE, February 14. The cable message stating that the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall .intend to go direct to Sydney has caused much surprise and disapoointment. The Premier has instructed the Agent-General in London to see Mr Chamberlain and strongly urge as his Royal High new. s coming specially to Melbourne t-c discharge an important commk-skm it is only right that he should come direct, and 1 make his official landing there, otherwise the plans would be* upset at; l people would be greatly dif, appointed. SYDNEY, February U. Lord Hopetoun lias been informed

that the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York will arrive in Melbourne on May 6th. They will open the Federal Parliament, and then proceed to Brisbane, calling at Sydney. They will afterwards return to Melbourne, and' proceed to New Zealand. MELBOURNE, February 14. The Agent-General lias cabled to the Premier that Mr Chamberlain has authorised him to state that Melbourne will be the first port of call of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York. LONDON, February 14. It is officially announced that Melbourne will be the first port of call in Australia of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York. LONDON, February 16. According, to present arrangements, the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York embark for Australia on March 16th. Canon Dalton, of St. George’s Chapel, Windsor, will accompany them as chaplain.