AT THE RAILWAY STATION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7132, 22 June 1901, Page 5

AT THE RAILWAY STATION.

THE OFFICIAL RECEPTION. The railway -st&tion was meet artistically decorated in "readiness for the arrival of the Royal train. ; Mr H. MacandTew, the District Railway Engineer, •id whose hands the whole of thie amrigeraents were, plaoed the supervision of the decorati'Ofliß in the hands of Mr H. Daai'sey, his assistant, and that gentleman is to be congratulated wpom the success of his efforts from an artistio point of view. The whole of the platform was laid in Royal red baize, and th& waMs were* draped isn lilac and y-etllow and pink, native shrubs and tree ferns being in--troduced'-to brighten the effect. Outside the main entrance a light portico Was constructed, on which floated thei Royal standard. This was tastefully draped in lilac and yellow. Over the buildings generally, float* the National flags of England, Irer land and Scotland, amd the colony's emblem- The whole front of the station was liberally treated with ehrubs from the Railway Department's pknitatitons, while there were also- introduced with artistic effect native evergreens obtained from Southland, including Ti (cabbage trees), Kahahoe (toi toi),* Punga -(tree ferns), birch, flax, raupo, etc. Outside the station a vast orow-d had gathered, amd tine large square dn front of the staion w-as kept clear by the mounted troops. Upon the platform, awaiting the arrival of the Royal party, were- the Mayor of Christchurch, Mrs Rhodes and Miss Ttfpirehan Rhodes, and . the Executive Commissioners. As the Royal train steamed- in punctually to the appointed time, the two bamds stationed outside played the National Anthem, and enthusiastio cheers were raised by the public. The Right Hon the Premier was the first to step on to the platform, followed by Sir J. G. Ward and the Royal party. The Mayor and Mrs Rhodes, and Mairehau Rhodes presented the Duchess with a haaid)Some shower bouquet in violefts. Messrs Gf G. Stead, H. F. Wigram and R. 'Allan-, the Royal Commissioners, were then presented, and the Mayor handed his Royal Highness the address from. the citizens of Christohurch.