THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH IN MELBOURNE.

West Coast Times, Issue 693, 13 December 1867, Page 4

THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH IN MELBOURNE.

(PBOM THE AEGHJS.) THE GOYEBNOR'S BALL. The reception of the Prince over, the entertainments in his honor were begun on Wednesday night by the Governor with a ball. The promise of the event raised expectation to a very high pitch. Governors of Victoria and mayors of Melbourne have aforetime given magnificent birthday and fancy balls, but with a live Prince of the Blood to be there it was was generally believed that the glories of this one would eclipse all that had gone before, and the prophetic expectation has not been falsified. Our meaning must of course be taken within bounds, for our short colonial life forbids much that would enhance the celebration of the evening ; but what could be done in a colony like Victoria, where people are wrought to a .high pitch of enthusiasm because of the Royal visit, has been done, and" previous efforts of the kind now stand transcended and sur- { massed. The ball was a spectacle matchess, as far as we are concerned, and to be remembered through a lifetime. Nothing was wanting in the Governor and his guests that could add to its success. Tn his preparations the host had been lavish ; and if much display in costume is forbidden to his male guests, the licence granted to the fair sex was availed of to the utmost. Over the dresses of the ladies present last night money had. been spent like water ; and the general effect was as magnificent as an Eastern tale of diamonds, houris, and gardens. The scene of the fete was the new Exhibition-building, which, handsome before, has undergone a surprising transformation, and greatly increased in beauty and convenience. As our readers know, Mr J. G. Knight, the agent for the Reception Commissioners, has been hard at work many weeks in its ornamentation, and the result is a splendid success. The great hall was last night a glorious sight. We need not tell of its vast area, and stupendous proportions, any more than of the smooth level floor, waxed into slipperiness, over which sped the " many twinkling feet" of the dancers. But we may linger awhile over the story of the superb decorations. At the northern end stood the canopied dais, on which His Excellency and Lady Manners Sutton stood, with the most illustrious of their guests, to receive the others. It was not unfit for the Royal presence. Supported by slender twisted pillars was a mass oi filagree work in -white and gold, surmounted by the Royal arms, gorgeously emblazoned, and hung with crimson, and ceiled with white and blue satin. The walls on each side were adorned with warlike trophies, composed of a thousand or so of swords and bayonets disposed in patterns on the walls. Below and on the huge square pillars separating the nave and aisles were large mirrors all along the room, and between were festoons of; fragrant green shoots of tea-tree and loses. Huge green plants in pots also served to occupy the vacant spaces aud break the monotony of the vista. The painted walls and roof of blue, buff, and etruscan red needed no freshening up, and indeed the effulgence of the lustrous gas-burners would have covered a world of shabbiness. It was not the gas-sun-lights only that illuminated the room, but there was a sort of lesser glory of' stars. Depending from the ceiling were some hundreds of small gas-stars, which in the distance twinkled like Catherine wheels and their scintillations produced an indescribably pretty effect. Opposite the dais rose the gallery, hung with green wreaths and crimson cloth, and that point commanded the best view of the dazzling scene below. Along the aisles were also rows of seats, draped in crimson. The octagon, whose elegant adornments and convenient shape always made it a favorite resort of visitors when the Exhibition was open, was now another suprise — its pillars wreathed with green and flowers, its sides and roof flashing with lustres and reflectorstars. There was dancing here as well as in the hall, the orchestra being raised conveniently opposite. But perhaps the most perfect thing of all was in the fountain court, now turned into a vast pavilion. It was a fairy scene of splashing waters, colored lights, greenery and flowers. In the centre, beneath a quaint pagoda, was an illuminated fountain, from which gushed water in jets, and inverted convolvulus shapes, resplendently glittering in variouslytinged lights, which, managed by hidden machinery, shifted continually. Here were provided magenta cloth covered seats, winding round spaces filled with turf, flowers, and shrubs, which were likewise set round the sides, interspersed with arches and tufts of huge fern leaves, and vases full of roses and feraniums. The whole was a charming ower. Dancers are human and have appetites, so our readers must accompany us to the supper-room. Supper was laid in the old carriage annexe, but few traces were visible of its former use. The passage thither was hung with pink and white, set with rosettes in white metal. Anchors, shaped with roses, were suspended from the roof, and the place was lit with gas stars. In the room beyond were five rows of tables, groaning with good things. The caterer was Mr Miller (late Cockburn), of Collins street, under the superintendence of Mr Bartlett, His Excellency's butler, and things were managed to accommodate 700 puests at a time. The wa Is and wooden pillars were hung with pink and white. In lines along the ceiling were innumerable flags of all nations, the British in the centre, and Chinese lanterns, on which naval devices were painted. Cocoa-nut matting striped with crimson drugget covered the floor, and at the upper end was a dais, richly ornamented with hangings of crimson and gold. The arrangement and contents of the room were undeniably triumphs in their way. Before we leave this part of our subject we must mention that His Excellency sent his own wines, which, like all the refreshments, were of no doubtful quality. Our description would be incomplete without some mention of the promenade in the National Art gallery, so successfully appropriated to this purpose at the last birthday ball. It afforded a delightful retreat from the noisy gaieties of the ballroom, and made an unequalled lounge. * The music was provided by Mr Zejilin, whose admirable band comprised thirty performer s>, and the programme included the Duke of Edinburgh Galop— a spirited and effective composition by Mr Zeplin himself. The ball began at nine o'clock, by which time the train of carriages reached from Latrobe street to Collins street — over half a mile- a state of things which continued some time. 2800 guests had been icrited, J2500 had accepted their invita-

tions, and it was no wonder there was a crush. The Prince, . dressed in naval uniform, and wearing the ribbon of the Garter, and 01 her orders, was among the first arrivals, and opened the ball. It was a quadrille, and the first set was thus composed : — His Royal Highness and Miss Manners Sutton, His Excellency and Mrs J. G. Francis, General Sir Trevor Chute and Miss Mabel Manners Sutton. Mr Brierly and Mrs Hogg, Lord Newry and Miss Cole, Mr Haig and Miss Wilkinson, Mr Yorke and Miss Pitt and Colonel Page with a ladywhose name we did not ascertain. Jmiring the earlier hours, perhaps, the crowding was too great for comfortable dancing, but gradually, as people found their way into the other rooms, the hall and octagon were greatly relieved. This must have been to the high gratification of the ladies, most of whom had adopted the modern fashion of trains — graceful but so incommodious that, as the small hours advanced, the triumphs of millinery seen in floating I masses of gauzy or silken drapery were less and less, while the floor showed frequent signs of wrecked skirts. Such penalties — that is to say, the inconvenience to men, and the destruction to dress — were, however, not too much to pay for the night's delight. We will not imagine what the dancers thought of their pleasure, but to mere observers the coup d'oeil alone was a source of vast delight. There was no common company before them. Almost all that the colony had of worth and station were there to meet the royal visitor — our high officials, chiefest politicians, foremost .merchants, in fact, our ablest and besi. There were present nearly every member of the Ministrj', many Exective councillors and members of both Houses of Legislature; officers, military and naval and volunteer, a large party from the Galatea, town and country mayors, presidents of shire councils, foreign consuls, and— which is unusual — a few clergymen, the Archdeacon of Castlemaine, the Rev. H. H. P. Handfield, and others. But these are only the outlines of an assemblage which was essentially comprehensive. It was not to be expected that the ladies were undistinguished either. They reached the highest colonial standard in female matters. Their toilettes were of the latest modes, the most exquisite elaboration. To look from the gallery at the thousands of figures gliding through the dances was a great treat, and one we shall probably never see surpassed in the lifetime of the present generation. Ihose who met each other in the promenade had only one remark to make — " Did you ever know anything so superb ?" At one o'clock the Prince and Lady Manners Sutton, with the Governor following, led the way to the supper-room, where it was soon shown how dancing and excitement sharpen the appetite. The first batch of dancers being refreshed, his Excellency proposed a few loyal toasts, viz.. "The Queen!'' and '"The Prince of Wales !" They were received with tremendous applause. His Excellency then said, — Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the Health of His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh. (Here the company cheered till the room rang again, the applause siibsiding, and swelling again for some moments). In proposing this toast, which at all times and under all circumstances would be received with enthusiasm by you, we have the peculiar advantage, and we have the deep gratification, of having His Royal Highness among us (renewed cheers), and I am sure his presence may be regarded by us as a proof of the interest which Hex 1 Majesty takes in her subjects in this part of her empire, and, as a proof of His Royal Highncss's desire to obtain a knowledge of the condition of some of his Royal mother's subjects in Australia, as well as a desire to promote their prosperity and union with the mother country. (Enthusiastic and repeated cheers). I need say no more, unless I take upon myself, as I shall with confidence, to express to His Royal Highness the deep and warm — I can hardly find words, indeed, to express the gratification we all feel. I call upon you to drink ' the health of His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, and the rest of the Royal Family. 1 ' (Cheers). The toast having been drunk with more cheer .ng.

The Prince (rising amid great cheering and waving of handkerchiefs, and bowing to his Excellency) said— Ladies and gentlemen, I thank you sincerely, in my own name as well as those of the other members of the Royal Family, for the manner in which, you have received this toast. If it is a source of gratification to you that I have paid this visit to Australia, I can only tell you that it has caused me the greatest possible pleasure to have been enabled to make this voyage, and visit this distant portion of Her Majesty's empire. I know from oil that i have seen that I need not look far to find the most universal loyalty to Her Majesty's throne and person in every portion of these colonies. (Renewed cheering for some moments.) Ladies and gentlemen, I thank you sincerely for the kind way in which you have received this toast." (Cheers.)

His Royal Highness then left the table with Lady Manners- Sutton on his arm. In a few minutes the Duke's own piper was introduced, and a Scotch reel was danced, the Prince taking his part. His partner was Mrs Panton.

THE ILLUMINATIONS

The city and its suburbs were illuminated on Tuesday night with a brilliancy beyond Australian example. Melbourne is no longer the metropolis we have known so raany years — the city struggling by sheer hard work, energy, and enterprise info greatness — rising from the condition of a collection of hovels into architectural grandeur ; it is the sci-ne of a carnival, a modern Saturnalia, omitting the drunkenness and rowdyism. It is given over to rejoicings in transparencies, loyalty in firewoiks, triumph in gaslight, and a vast and overwhelming mass of people in the streets.

Scarcely recovered from the gaiety of the Prince's entry on Monday, our city was only half given to business on Tuesday, and as night closed in with every promise of fine calm weather — the night in which the city was to be lit up in honor of the royal visit — every one seemed prepared to give themselves over to the influence of the moment. We hesitate to say how many country visitors must have come into town, but by the signs all townsmen know in people as they walk along they must have Been very numerous. The roads and avenues to the city were full of comers in every sort of conveyance, and the expressions of surprise at what was seen, as well as evidences of ignorance as to localities, stamped them strangers. As twilight deepened into darkness, so did the thoroughfares fill with this sort of passengers ; the lines of vehicles permitted by the police began to form, and at the

lighting up of each illumination did the crowds burst out with "Ah's" and " Oh's," at one effect surpassing the other, till in the mind of the spectator the only wonder was to what limits the gorgeous scene would be carried. But the country folks, anxious to catch time by the forelock, to feast their eyes and saturate their recollections with the glories round and about them by an early hour, were not left to themselves long. Before nine tho denizens of our vast metropolis commenced to issue forth, and then the streets began to assume the aspect they wore till the small hours arrived. In the centre proceeded the line of vehicles — cabs, carriages, cars, carts, furniture-vans, drays, lorries, haywaggons, coaches, broughams, gigs, buggies, and every conceivable variety of conveyance — crammed. to the utmost with men, women, and children, each adding to the prevailing noise by their exclamations. In this respect the police did nobly. It was not only that constables were stationed at every few yards and at all the street corners, but they behaved as though endowed with double their usual iptelligence; and, so far as our limited-experi-ence goes, the success of the affair is not a little attributable to their exertions. That the vehicles went as steadily as they did was surprising, because of the tremendous number of foot passengers. Oneseventh, at least of the entire population of the colony were in Melbourne streets to see what was going on. Not one class, but all — artisan and merchant, laborer and civil servant, tradesman and agriculturist — either conveying women and children, or, glorying in independence from such responsibilities, joined in the throng. Still there seemed to be no accidents. It • was hard work in places to get along ; but people did move, even in the thickest throngs, and in sinuous course managed to see the show. Excellent order was preserved, and as a rule there was ample room foreverybody. It is difficult tosuppose that such a hight was ever seen in Australia before, but certainly never was such a spectacle witnessedinMelbourne. Whenflashes from the electric light over Parliament Houses wereattheirbrightest,andpeople l in Bourke street could be seen, it was shown that there could not be, from end to end, less than forty thousand people surging through it. Collins street was not so full, but the difference was smad, and the chief cross streets were also densely packed, It is no exaggeration to set down the number of people in the streets on Tuesday night at not less than 100,000 souls.

Early in the evening some of the transparencies would not light up ; patterns in gas burnt patchy and scrappy, and innumerable casualties injured the general effect ; but as the wind calmed down, so did the lights burn better, and everything went syendidly. From a height the effect was indescribably grand, and the light was reflected in the sky to a great distance. Bouvkc street east seemed almost as bright as day, the dark background of the night giving the broad glare an effect like that of one of Martin's pictures of the nether regions, the lurid glow and smoke of the fire-pots on the roofs of some of the larger buildings increasing the similarity. With all this to be seen gratis, it was no miracle to find the theatres empty — the Princess's a mockery, and the Royal and Haymarket a delusion. No stage effects ever equalled what the great streets had to show, and jbr many long years Tuesday night will be the subject of countless dreams and a neverfading epoch in the memory. It is gratifying to know that the Prince, for whom was all this celebration, witnessed the splendid result. At about ten o'clock the Prince, accompanied by tho Governor, Lady Manners Sutton and family following in another carriage, drove through the principal streets. They were cheered to the echo whereever they went, and it is to bo hoped this magnificent instance of our loyalty will not be without its effect. At eleven o'clock his Royal Higness was entertained at the Melbourne Club, and while he stayed there it was impossible without danger to edge within 500 yards of the place.