ARRIVAL OF THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH AT SYDNEY.

Otago Witness, Issue 904, 27 March 1869, Page 5

ARRIVAL OF THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH AT SYDNEY.

{Sydney Evening N'eivs, 11th March. )

By telegrams yesterday, we learned that the Galatea passed Twotold Biy that morniDg, and it was thus anticipated that she would be off Sydney Heads at an early hour this mornmg. Accordingly the Florence Irving, which had been chartered for the purpose, left the Circular Quay at sunrise, having on board about 120 persons, -he was followed af 'er a short interval, by the Vesta and other smaller boats, with a considerable number of citizens of all classes. The Florence Irving passed through the Heads at about a quarter to 7 o'clock, all eyes on board anxiously directed towards the southward, but not a, sign appeared of the Galatea. The head of the steamer wis therefore turned south, and she proceeded thus at half-speed for some time, when in the distant horizon smoke was seen, and cries of %< There Bhe is," resounded throuj. b. the boat. Soon the tall spars of the splendid frigate became visible, and next her noble hull loomed out large and massive. She came up rapidly. Off Botany Bay a pilot boat approached her, but she had already received a pilot, and so passed on without; checking her speed, t-he now came up to the Florence Irving, so close that one could have thrown a biscuit upon her decks. The Prince, surrounded by officers, was on the quarter deck, and acknowledged the vehement cheers •with which he was greeted, by repeatedly raising his hat. At this moment the Hunter, on her way to Merimbula, also approached, her passengers and crew contributing towards the loud cheerine, which was sustained for many minutes. All this time, the Galate> was forging ahead, and looming gigantic to the spectators on shore through the thick smoky haze that prevailed as she approached j the Heads, to s ich an extent as to obscure objects at a distance. The Prince, who remained on deck, looked brown and hearty, and was dressed in undress naval uniform. At a <}ÜBfter past 8 o'clock tfco Galatea en, i

tered the Feads, and passed rapidly up the harbour The yachts at Watson's Bay were unable to c>rry nut the design of escort, for not a breath of wind ruffled the waters But their crews cheered lustily as the frigate parsed by the fleet. Here the little Vesta was waiti g, crowded with peop'e, and again cheering aud waving of hats an' han<ik rchiefs TTPvail' d for some time. The Prince, now on the brids"' of the frigate, ag 'in bowed his acknowledgements. Meanwhile, the "lorence Irving followed in the wake of the Galatea until off KVirt Deni on wh^n she lav to to watch the frigate anchor. This *-he did at a quart' r to 9 o'clock, anuVUt. loud chee s from a largo concourse of 3 people assem led at Fort Macquane, the banks of. the Cove, and Mrs Macqn trie's Chair A fleet *«£ small boats sum uncled the Gdatea w>en she came to an anchor, and the boys on board the Vtrnon, who had maimed yirda as she passed <>ar>ien Wand, -were still heard to give their shrill tribute in honour of the occasion. Altogether, while there was an unequivocal display of hearty welcome from those who witnessed the return of the Galatea to Port Jackson, there was none of that demonstrativenesa which marked the first visit of the Prince. Not a gun was fired in salute ; and beyond the dipping of the ensign at Fort Denison there was no evidence other tban the appearance the vessel herself presented that a man-of-war had entered the h irbour.

At about 10 o'clock, the St. George's Cro 5 s having been hoisted at Government Honsa to denote that the Earl of Belmnre had nrrived. his Royal Highness, accompanied by his eqnerr e3, landed at the Bt'ir3 at the back of Government House, under a royal salute of twenty-one guns. A large concourse of persona had there assembled, wh> greeted the Duke with hearty cheers. His Koyal Highness, who was in undress naval uniform, looked uncommonly well, and mora sunburnt, although fomewhat thinner, than when in Sydney this time last year. His face being bronzed, and bis whiskers much thickpr, his appearance is certainly more manly and commanding. On landing, followed by his suite, he walked rapidly to the little gate at the bottom of the Government Gardens, and repeatedly raised his cap id recognition of the enthusiastic reception he mtt with. Therp Hib R yal Htghnesa was received *y his Excellency the Governor, with whom he hea tily shook hands, and appeared delight d to see again. * The party then proceeded to the ViceRegal abode, where the high officia's were assembled, and where, upon the Duke's arrival, the most cordial feeling was disp'ayed.

H?s Royal Highness anticipates remaining four or five weeks in Sylney ; but as his visit here is mor? of a priv.te than an oHicial character, he will sojourn the most of bis time on board the Gantei m°re!y partaking of the hospitalities of Government House, and of those private gentlemen be may honour by visiting ; and avoiding as much as possible all public and ceremonial occasions.