ROYALTY IN AUSTRALIA

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 4366, 25 May 1901, Page 5

ROYALTY IN AUSTRALIA

TOUB op the duke of CORNWALL. DEPARTURE FROM QUEENSLAND. (Received Alav 21, 10.12 p.m.) BRISBANE, May 24. The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall loft for Sydney this morning. They were given a brilliant farewell. The Acting-Premier presented their Royal •Highnesses with several magnificent Queensland opals. GOVERNMENT INVITATIONS. Tho Government invitations for the reception of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall on their arrival in "Wellington'will be issued in the course of two or three days. ARRIVAL AT AUCKLAND. The latest official news is to the effect that it is quite possible that H.M.S. Ophir, with tho Duk 0 and Duchess of Cornwall aboard, will arrive at Auckland early on the morning of tho 11th June. In these circumstances the Premier thinks that any aquatic display will be out of the question. Mr Scddon says thcr 0 is no change in tho position in regard to “King" Mahuta. The recognised Maori reception will be that which is to take place at Rotorua.

MILITARY DISPLAY AT CHRISTCHURCH. A BIG "PARADE. The Premier states that tho raiitary display which is to take place on HagIcy Park, during tho visit of tho Duke and Duchess of Cornwall to Christchurch, will be on a larger scale than anything of tho kind ever arranged in the colony. Tho parade will comprise troops from tho Wellington, Marlborough, Nelson, Westland, Canterbury, Otago and Southland provincial uistricts. In addition to members of volunteer corps, there will bo present members of contingents who have returned from South Africa, and all cadets who can possibly attend (including college and school cadets) from the provincial districts named.

The fund for the decoration of Cuba street for the Royal visit now amounts to ever £IOO. It is expected that this street will make a very creditable display. All the arrangements are described as well forward. Mr Reid, of Motutapu, near Auckland, wishes the Duke of Cornwall to have a day's deer shooting there. The Premier docs not tnink it will bo possible tor his Royal Highness to make the excursion. The City Engineer has received instructions to provide seating accommodation for 1200 people to witness the ceremony of laying tlio foundation stone at the Town Hall. The "Westport Times” states that the Westport Harbour Board, in accordance with a suggestion from the Government, has decided to erect a coal arch at Wellington. The site secured for the arch is in Lambton quay, at the corner of Stout street, opposite the old St. George’s Hall. Alongside the arch a stand will probably be erected to provide accommodation for about two hundred guests of the Westport Harbour Board.

The Chinese of Wellington are busy preparing for their arch to be erected in Manners street. They have bfought up from Greymouth one of their countrymen, who is said to have had some experience in the work of public decoration in China, and he is to assist in the construction of this arch. Mr Chow Fong sent a cable message on Monday last to Melbourne asking for certain particulars concerning the Chinese arch there, but has, so far, not received a reply-

The Premier has received the following cablegram from Mr George H. Jenkins, clerk of the House of Representatives, Parliament-House, Melbourne : most grateful thanks for the honour you have done my wife and myself in inviting us to b e your guests on the occasion of their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York’s visiting your colony. Whilst highly esteeming the honour, I greatly regret we cannot accept your proffered hospitality', owing to tli e Commonwealth Parliament being in session.” Special preparations are being made by' Messrs Orr and Dodder for the illumination of the City Buffet Hotel, which will be carried out on a very complete and effective scale. Transparencies eight feet sejuare, painted by Mr Nairn, will be exhibited in the centre of each of the three stories. The cornices will be utilised for a display of bunting, greenery, etc. Two arches are to be erected over tlie main entrances to the hotel. Electrical illuminations will be made to complete the effect. Mr Dodder is also erecting and decorating a grandstand for the use of his friends and private guests in Upper Willis street.

PIIESS ASSOCIATION. CHRIST u i(CH, May 24. A number of local bodies of Westland propose to erect a stand illustrative of West hind in Christchurch, for the Roy'al visit. One bay would contain trophies of gold, coal and timber, with a back setting of ferns, etc., illustrative of A Vest Coast scenery'.