The Royal Tour.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 11725, 27 July 1901, Page 3

The Royal Tour.

FAREWELL TO AUSTRALIA. THE DUKE'S LAST MESSAGE. Untt-e<l Press Association — By Electric Telegraph. - Oopyrieht. ■ Received July 27, 0.54 a.m. Pe^th, July 26.— The Royal visitors bade farewell to Australia to-day, the Ophir and her escorts leaving on the long voyage to South Africa in the afternoon. A large aud enthusiastic gathering witnessed the departure. Received July 27, 9.42 a.m. Perth, July 27. — Prior to their departure the Duke anoVDuchesa were presented with -a farewell address by the residents of Freemantle. A thousand school children sang the National Anthem as the party boarded the Ophir. -The Duke called for three cheers for Australia, and the Royal yacht started on her voyage. .« The local and visiting; detectives were each presented with an autograph photo of the pair and a cheque. Lord Hopetoun, on behalf of the Commonwealth, forwarded a farewell message to the Duke and Duchess trusting that their stay was interesting and happy, adding, " I shall cherish proud recollections of the inaugural year of the Commonwealth so signally honoured by the heir of our well-beloved King." The Duke replied:—" I beg you to express to the Ministers and people of the Commonwealth our heartfelt thanks for ; their very touching message of farewell. It will ba an abiding source of satisfaction that I have been permitted to carry out the great mission entrusted to me by the King to open the first Federal Parliament. These are our last words before quitting your shores. We wish to renew the assurance of our warmest gratitude for the loyalty aud affection extended to us during the happy eventful months spent in the various States of Australia. May every possible blessing be bestowed upon their people." Received July 27, 9.17 a.m. London, July 28.— The "King and Queen will go down the Channel on November 2nd to meet the Ophir. An imposing welcome home of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall is being prepared.