A MOST ENTHUSIASTIC WELCOME.

Otago Witness, Issue 2467, 26 June 1901, Page 27

A MOST ENTHUSIASTIC WELCOME.

REMARKABLE DISPLAY OF LOYALTY. THE HONOURS FOR NEW ZEALAND.

WELLINGTON, June 18. The reception accorded to the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall in this capital city of the colony to-day exceeded all expectations. The decorations and the illuminations are on a much larger and finer scale than they were in Auckland, and the demonstrations of loyalty by the people are even more enthusiastic. There are no fewer than 11 arches along the line of route. Two of these, viz., the splendid Coal Arch erected in Lambton quay by the Westport Coal Company and the Government Arch in the same street opposite the Government buildings, and two of the other arches, viz., the Chinese Arch in Manners street and the Maori Arch in Charlotte street, are of unique design and quite a feature in the decorations. BERTHING THE ROYAL YACHT. The morning broke with rain, but the weather quickly cleared. By 9 o'clock the Queen's wharf was in readiness for the reception of the royal yacht. The Venetian masts, gay with their red, white, and blue stripes, the flame-topped crests and strings of various coloured bunting fluttering in the morning breeze, made up a most picturesque effect. In the centre of the outer tee the newly-constructed royal gangway, painted white and carpeted with some soft crimson material, was placed in readiness; while on the wharf itself was a square of the same material. A guard of 12 foot and four mounted Permanent Artillery men waited near the berth to form the luggage guard. About 9.30 the St. George slipped her moorings and steamed slowly round to the sovith flank of the anchored squadron. A moment later and the Ophir could be seen moving slowly astern. This uas the signal, and from each warship guns boomed out a royal salute. The royal yacht, as she swung round in the fairway and steamed slowly round Oriental Bay, looked stately and majestic with her clean white sides and rakish masts. At the fore floated the flag of the royal yacht squadron, and at the main the Royal Standard. On reaching the wharf the officer of the bridge declined to bring the Ophir to the central position prepared for her, under the mistaken idea that there was no provision for twin-screw vessels. '" We take no risks," he said. The Ophir was accordingly taken to the south end of the outer tee, her stern projecting beyond the wharf. This necessitated som« hurried alterations in the Harbour Board's arrangements, such as the cutting of the gangway in half to fit into its new jioaJj,pjj,

But all was in readiness in ample time. As the Oplur came alongside a detachment of bluejackets springing ashore boon had her made fast to the tee of the wharf, and in a moment there was order and quiet, wailing for the appointed time ot THE LANDING. His Excellency the Go\ernor, attended by Captain Alexander, was received by the Ministers on the Queen's wharf, and all took up their positions ready to receive their Royal Highnesses. They were joined by other members of the Ministry and members and officials of the Harbour Board. Just befoie 11 a.m. Admiral Beaumont, accompanied by other naval officers, canie up the wharf from the gangway. Picturesque groups were beginning to assemble there. One very striking one was formed by the Duke of Roxburghe, Viscount Crichton, and Captain Osboine on horseback, the splendid trappings of the uniforms of the Horse Guards being in excellent contrast to the green and black of the Australian Horse, which Captain Osborne wore. At the first stroke of 11 o'clock a bell rang out, and their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York, attended by members of their suite, walked down the gangway, the band of the Royal Marines playing the opening bai« of the National Anthem. At the same time th r> guns on shore fired a royal salute. The Duke and Duchess were received by his Excellency the Governor and Ministers of the Crown, and the Duchefs was presented with a very beautiful shower bouquet of arum lilies, narcissi, and maidenhair fern by Miss Jeannie Beauchamp, daughter of MiHarold Beauchamp, chairman of the Harbour Board. It re-,ted in a holder of silver and bore an inscription stating that it was presented to her Roj'al Highness by Mi=s Beauehamp on behalf of the Wellington Harbour Board. This ceremony over, the Duke and Duchess were conducted to their carriage, and. having entered it, they drovo off, attended by their equerries, tKV? Dukp of Roxburghe and Viscount Crichton. and preceded by members of then- suite, amongst whom his Serene Highness the Duke of Teck, Sir Arthur Bigge, Colonel Byron, Lady Mary Lygon, Lady KVtberine Coke, and the Hon. Mrs Derek-Keppel were prominent. The Duchess was dressed simply in black, as were also the ladies-in-waiting. A little farther on a hundred men from the Wellington Naval Brigade, as smart a lot of naval men as have attended any of the functions in the colonies ?o far, were drawn up as a guard of honour, and saluted as the Duke and Duchess passed. At the same time the Garrison Band played the National Anthem. On the main wharf some three hundred vetprcia, in mufti, but wearing their medals reminiscent of bvenno wars, stood respectfully at the saHite, which the Duke acknowledged as he drove along. Farther on still were the returned troopers who have been fighting the Empire's battles in South Africa, and the Duke al*o acknowledged their palute. Here the scene was most animated, and the large crowds in the various stands cheered Us the Duke and Duchess parsed through the gates and entered the city. At the wharf grates there was a great crowd on stands and in the streets, and the cheering was of great volume. There was a brief pause for the municipal welcome, and the royal procession started. All along the line of route the Duke and Duchess were greeted with deafening cheers, which could be heard a mile away. The Duke and Duchess graciously acknowledged the spontaneous plaudits of thousands of their future New Zealand subjects. On arrival at Government House, H R.H. reviewed the guard of honour. Then the consular levee was held, and following that the investiture.