THE ROYAL VISIT.

Colonist, Volume XLIV, Issue 10121, 11 June 1901, Page 1 (Supplement)

THE ROYAL VISIT.

(Per United Press Association.) Sydney, May 27. Rain fell during the night, but not sufficient to damage the . decorations. This morning there is a leaden sky, with a slight drizzle. The Boyal yacht Ophir enters the harbor about 10 a.m., and the official landing takes place at two o'clock at the pavilion, on the shore of Farm Cove, used at the time of Lord Hopetoun's arrival. The route of the procession will be about three miles. Decorative efforts have been practically confined to the streets through which the Boyal party pass. Mr Barton and Sir William Lyne have arrived to represent the Federal Government at the celebrations in connection with the Boyal visit. As the Boyal yacht Ophir entered the Heads at 10.30 the clouds lifted, and the sun shone out, and gave the Boyal visitors a view of the harbor in all its beauty. The fates, too, were kind throughout the day, for although the pageant through^ the city was under an overcast sky, no rain fell to mar the spectacle. The Ophir was accompanied by H.M.S. Juno »and the vessels of the Australian squadron. Dense crowds occupied every coign of vantage along the foreshore. The landing took place at two o'clock at Farm Cove, and as the Boyal party stepped ashore the forts and warships commenced to fire a salute, the echoes of which had not died away when the great assemblage gathered on the slopes of the domain took up the shouts of welcome. The Boyal pair proceeded to a magnificently decorated pavilion, where they were welcomed by Lord Hopetoun, the Lieutenant Governor, the Mayor, Mr Barton, Sir W. Lyne, and other leading officials and citizens. They then entered a carriage, and with the New South Wales Lancers aE a guard of honor, commenced a drive through the city. The feature of the decorations was the wealth of greenery and bunting between long avenues of Venetian masts. The streets were densely packed. The narrow streets of Sydney were ir some respects an advantage, for they gav< the throng a closer view of the Boyal guests and the concentration of the crowds gave ai appearance of greater enthusiasm. Afte: thej Eoyal visitors the greatest demonstra tion was made as the New South Walei Scottish regiment passed. Iu Melbourne the procession, owing to the lengthy route was confined to mounted troops, but hen the infantry had their opportunity, an( greatly added to the impressiveness of thi function." Colonel Penton, representing New Zea land, rode with Major-General French an< preceded the Boyal carriage. At the 3-eorge street entrance to Martin Place the proces sion passed under a grand marble archwa; magnificently decorated, bearing the words "An Empire's Greeting." Pitt-street pre sentei a brilliant ■spectacle with its blaze o color and setting of foliage. Entering King street one met with the citizens' tribute ti the dead Queen. From every mast wa suspended a beautiful wreath from eyer; municipality in the State, while a hugi wreath across the roadway bore the inserip tion, " Victoria the Good." Turning int< Maequarie-street the Boyal pageant passec the whole length of the street under a beau tiful floral arcade, and entered Governmem House. Illumination of Sydney. A Brilliant Spectacle. The Sydney authorities concentrated their energies in the direction of the illumin ation of the central portion of the city, witl the result that to-night Sydney affords on( of the most brilliant spectacles ever wit nessed in the two hemispheres. The citizens did not leave everything to tht Government, but liberally responded to th< call forjmoney to bear a share of the magni ficent result. The centre attraction is thf street in front of the Post Office. Th< Government have converted that thorough fare, 380 feet long, into an avenue, linec with gleaming white fluted columns. Ther< are twenty-four pillars, each symbolic oi the British possessions. As the avenue it entered from George street, one passes undo the Eoyal arch, which extends greetings from United Australia to the King and Empire. The avenue is left by the Common wealth arch, with an inscription wishing long life and happiness to Lord and Ladj Hopetoun. Each arch is supported by twelve beautiful columns, and Venetian masts, swarming with electric lamps festooned in a bewildering fashion, converl the whole avenue into a place of delight bj night. Entering Pitt street, the spectatoi witnesses a scene of marvellous beauty. Far as the eye can reach there is a sparkling canopy of emeralds of varying shades, with heavy festoons of rubies. Along each pathway a vibration of suspended lamps gives to them the realism ef sparkling gems, The Queen's Square is lighted by arc lamps, representing forty-eight thousand candle power, round the statue, and the flowerbeds are planted with the initials " George and May." The avenue of nations, represents the welcome of nineteen nations. Nearly five thousand electric lamps throw a radiance over that avenue. The streets are thronged, and owing to the absence of moonlight the illuminations are seen at their best.