THE ROYAL VISIT.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12006, 1 April 1901, Page 5

THE ROYAL VISIT.

THE OPHIR AT POUT SAID.

Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, March 29. (Received March 30, at 9.18 a.m.) Wireless telegraphic.-.messages were sent by the Ophir to Caneirf the chief seaport in the island of Crete, and a similar message was sent to Malta when the Ophir was 110 miles distant. March 30, (Received March 31, at 5.11 p.m.) The Ophir arrived at Port Said at 3 o'clock to-day. The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York landed. The Duke exchanged visits with Prince Mohamed Ali, the Khedive's brother. He afterwards visited Lady Strongford's hospital. He entertains to-night Prince Mohamed, Lord Cromer, and several others at dinner, and resumes his journey early to-morrow.

Hie Worship tho Mayor has received tho following telegram from the Premier:—"lt is tho wish of tho Government that you should accompany tho resident engineer and tho Executivo Commissioner to fix a site for the arch to bo erected by tho Rovcrnmcnt in your city. Necessarily it should have the consent of tho council. Little time is to be lost, and I feel assured you will render every assistance in this matter." Mr Chisholm has arranged a conference with Mr Ussher for this morning. Mr Holmes, the Executive Commissioner, left for Christchurch on Saturday morning, but ho wa3 consulted by the engineer beforo leaving. Mr Holmes has addressed the following letter to the mayor:—"l desire to tilace on record my appreciation of the kindly manner in which yo i introduced me to the citizens at last night's publio meeting. Tho heartiness of that reception and tho enthusiasm displayed by the gathering are indications that everything connected with tho proposed reception wilt bo efficiently carried out. I have pleasure in herewith handing you copy of tho programme proposed for tho reception of their Royal Highnesses during their visit to Melbourne. I should be glad to learn as soon as poEsible what definite programmo you can submit, fo that I may advise his Excellency tho Governor without delay. You will, I am sure, pardon my anxiety if I again oxprera to you the necessity for making early provision for the influx of the large number of visitors your city will enjoy during tho week commencing Monday. ?.lth June. A rcgipter of names of those willing to provide accommodation for visitors might with advantage bo open for inspection at the town clerk's office, and thus increase tho comfort of those coming from a distance." Of the Government's cbntiibution, of £1000 to Duncdin, £500 is to be spent on the arch. Tho meeting of tho ladie? of Dunedin and suburbs willing to assist in the movement for tho erection of the Queen's statue memorial has been postponed from to-morrow afternoon till Wednesday afternoon at 4- o'clock.

In connection with the rceontion of the Duke and Dtichcseof Cornwall and York, the members of the Execulivo, Finance. Royal Route, Illumination and Arch, Entertainment, Catering, and Children's Demonstration Committees are requested to meet at tho Town Hall at i o'clock this afternoon.