THE KOYAL TOUR.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7088, 2 May 1901, Page 3

THE KOYAL TOUR.

AN INVITATION TO NEW ZEALAND.

THE VOYAGE OF THE OPHIR.

CROSSING THE LINE

AN OLD CEREMONY REVIVED,

United Press Association— By .Electrio Telegraph — Copyright. (Received May 2, 10.6 a.m.)

MELBOURNE, May 2.

Mr Seddon has cabled to the State Premier inviting him and his colleagues and their wives, to visit New Zealand on the occasion, of the Royal visit.

(Received May 2, 10.33 a.m.)

ALBANY, May 2,

The Ophir resumed her voyage at six o'clock yesterday morning. The o^uisers sailed laten, after coaling. /

The Administrator of the Government, oh behalf of the Government and people of West Australia, sent a telegram id the Duke and-'Duchess of York congratulating them v on their safe arrival in Australian waters. The Duke of York replied, thanking the senders for their kind message of greeting.

Details Of the Ophin's voyage show that the Royal Party found the heafc of the Red Sea and Singapore rather, trying, but thoroughly enjoyed the tiip. T^sy were delighted at the- enthusiastic receptions everywhere. The squadron called at Aden, where an address was presented by a number of Parsee gentlemen, who subsequently dined with the Duke and Duchess on the Ophir. The visit to. Ceylon was especially enjoyable. Among, the festivities at Kandy were a display of fireworks' and a procession of elephaaits. Colombo was lavishly decorated.

Singapore was beautifully illuminated and numerous addresses with valuable a<nd novel caskets were presented, including one each from Hindoos, Arabs, Malays, and Chinese. The Royal Party's stay at Singapore was- marred by the death of one of the Ophir's stokers, and the body was buried at sea shortly after leaving with full' naval honours, the Duke and Duchess attending ' the funeral. The squadron crossed the line on Apral 25. By the Duke's command the old ceremony of Neptune coming aboard was carried out on each vessel. The ceremony caused much amusement. A special correspondent, and all others who had not previously gone through the proceedings, were ordered to be made sons of Neptune in the orthodox manner.